| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US10069545B2 |
Pre-coding system and method based on interference alignment
Provided is a method for interference alignment applied to a multi-cell and multi-user Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system. The method includes that: a BS divides multiple users in a cell into a plurality of user groups, and notifies the multiple users of grouping information; and when one of the plurality of user groups is interfered by a neighbor cell, users in the one of the plurality of user groups cooperate with each other to perform interference alignment. The disclosure also provides a pre-coding method and system based on interference alignment. The disclosure, by means of grouping and cooperation of the users and designing of a receiving matrix of each user, achieves the effect of interference alignment in a signal transmission space of the BS. |
| US10069544B2 |
Wireless communication system for high-speed moving object that moves along fixed route
A method and apparatus for transmitting a signal from a base station to a first user equipment (UE) in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system. Information on a movement speed of a second UE is acquired from the second UE. Channel information is determined based on the information on the movement speed. The channel information is previously measured by the first UE. A transmission and reception scheme is determined based on the determined channel information. At least one of the determined channel information or the determined transmission and reception scheme is transmitted to the second UE. |
| US10069539B2 |
Communication device, communication system, and communication method
There may be included: a demodulation section configured to perform, based on a modulated signal transmitted from an associated communication device, amplitude change demodulation and phase change demodulation, and configured to select a demodulated signal demodulated with either one of the amplitude change demodulation and the phase change demodulation; and a modulation section configured to modulate magnetic field generated by the associated communication device. |
| US10069538B2 |
Fault tolerant physical layer solution for FOUNDATION FIELDBUS H1 networks or other networks in industrial process control and automation systems
An apparatus includes at least one processing device configured to detect a cable fault that divides a network segment into first and second portions and that communicatively disconnects the second portion from the first portion. The apparatus also includes repeater configured to communicatively connect the second portion of the network segment to the first portion of the network segment such that one or more devices associated with the first portion maintain communication with one or more devices associated with the second portion. The at least one processing device could identify whether one or more of multiple linking devices coupled to the network segment are operating as active link masters using at least some of the decoded messages and detect the cable fault when more than one of the linking devices is operating as an active link master. |
| US10069530B2 |
Transmit-and-receive module and communication device
A transmit-and-receive module includes a duplexer, a power amplifier, and a low-noise amplifier. The duplexer includes a transmit filter and a receive filter. The power amplifier and the low-noise amplifier are integrated with each other. In a Smith chart, impedance in a receive band of the receive filter seen from a receive terminal intersects a line connecting a center point of noise figure circles and a center point of gain circles. The center point of the noise figure circles represents the impedance at which the noise figure of the low-noise amplifier is minimized. The center point of the gain circles represents the impedance at which the gain of the low-noise amplifier is maximized. |
| US10069527B2 |
Aggregate signal amplification device and method
A surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter that receives an aggregate circuit and outputs two or more sub-signals on outputs each of a different frequency band. The sub-signals are amplified by low noise amplifiers and, in one implementation, the amplified sub-signals can be summed. The outputs are connected via a switched passive network so that portions of the sub-signals on the outputs that are not in the selected frequency band are at least partially terminated. |
| US10069526B2 |
Processing a noisy analogue signal
A device is provided for correlating at least one noisy analog signal which is one of a plurality of signals obtained by a plurality of receivers. The device comprises a 1-bit quantization element to which is supplied, in use, the noisy signal; a comparator configured to compare the quantized signal with a reference signal which is a consensus signal obtained by averaging data from the plurality of receivers; and an up/down counter that is configured to be incremented by a subset of the comparison signal. |
| US10069525B2 |
Flexible multi-channel wireless audio receiver system
A flexible multi-channel diversity wireless audio receiver system for routing, processing, and combining multiple radio frequency (RF) signals containing audio signals received on respective antennas is provided. The wireless audio receiver system provides flexible routing of multiple RF signals in different selectable modes, and low latency uninterrupted reception of signals in harsh RF environments by combining multiple RF signals to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. The audio output may be generated in an uninterrupted fashion and mitigate multipath fading, interference, and asymmetrical noise issues. Received RF signals may also be cascaded by the wireless audio receiver system to allow daisy chaining. |
| US10069524B2 |
Wireless communication method, eNodeB, and user equipment
The wireless communication method used for transmitting interfering resource allocation information (IRAI) comprises a step of transmitting the IRAI through L1 signaling from the serving eNB to the victim UE, wherein the IRAI indicates only interfering resource block (RB) allocation within the bandwidth of RBs allocated to the victim UE at least in the case that the resource allocation type of the interfering UE is type 0, type 1, or type 2-L. The resource allocation type of the interfering UE can be signaled from the serving eNB to the victim UE within the downlink control information (DCI) of the victim UE for allocating resource. The indication mode of the IRAI for at least one interfering UE among the multiple interfering UEs that belong to a same interfering cell can be dependent on those interfering UEs whose IRAI has been indicated among the multiple interfering UEs. |
| US10069522B2 |
Method and apparatus for range and coverage extension in a heterogeneous digital chaos cooperative network
The present invention teaches a system and method for improved signal recovery for range and coverage extension in a heterogeneous cooperative network of digital chaos transmissions with OFDM component signal transmission. The invention improves upon the state of art in side channel information from the transmit side containing information on the clipped amplitude. In-band transmission of the side information is achieved by exploiting the sparsity of the resulting clip amplitude position with improved levels of compression over the prior art using Gabor Transform Multiple Symbol Encoding transmitter. The information rate of the clipped amplitude is sub-Nyquist relative to the original OFDM component signal transmission, which allows very low power spreading by a cooperative digital chaos sequences at a transmit side and recovery of the clipped amplitude at a receive side. Further, an improved noise resistance side channel performance is achieved by decoding Gabor Transform symbols for symbol recovery. |
| US10069520B2 |
Multimode terminal
A multimode terminal includes a first modem chip, a second modem chip, a switch connected to both the modem chips, and at least two antennas connected to the switch. The first modem chip includes an antenna selection apparatus configured to select an optimum antenna for the first modem chip, control the switch to connect the first modem chip to the optimum antenna of the first modem chip, determine an optimum antenna of the second modem chip according to a related parameter value of a signal received or transmitted by the second modem chip, and control the switch to connect the second modem chip to the optimum antenna of the second modem chip. The second modem chip includes a measurement apparatus configured to measure the related parameter value of the signal received or transmitted by the second modem chip. |
| US10069514B2 |
Low-power low density parity check decoding
Methods and systems are provided for low-power decoding. An example system may include one or more storage circuits and a decoder circuit. The decoder circuit may implement a plurality of nodes for use during decoding, including at least one data generating node and at least one data checking node, and the storage circuits may store status information associated with the nodes, the status information indicating when each corresponding node is locked or unlocked. During decoding operations, the decoder circuit may set the status information to lock one or more of the nodes based on one or more locking conditions, and may cease decoding based on one or more ceasing conditions. The decoder circuit may locks a data generating node when a corresponding calculated value meets a particular condition, and may lock a data checking node when all data generating nodes associated with it are locked. |
| US10069509B2 |
Sigma delta modulator and signal conversion method thereof
A sigma delta modulator includes a sigma delta modulating loop and a plurality of adjusting loops. The sigma delta modulating loop processes an input signal and an adjustment signal based on a first clock signal, so as to generate a quantized output signal. The first clock signal has a clock cycle. The sigma delta modulating loop has a first delay time that is the same as M times of the clock cycle. M is an integral multiple of 0.5 and is larger than 1. The adjusting loops delay the quantized output signal for second delay times, respectively, so as to generate the adjustment signal. |
| US10069507B1 |
Mismatch and reference common-mode offset insensitive single-ended switched capacitor gain stage
A switched-capacitor gain stage circuit and method include an amplifier connected to an input sampling circuit with sampling switched capacitors for coupling an input voltage and a first or second reference voltage to one or more central nodes during a sampling phase and for coupling the one or more central nodes to an amplifier input during a gain phase, wherein a common-mode reference voltage generation circuit uses one or more additional sampling switched capacitors to selectively couple the first and second reference voltages to the amplifier input during the gain phase when the input voltage is between the high and low threshold voltages using a switching configuration of switches that are controllable to connect the sampling switched capacitors to the one or more central nodes in the sampling phase, and to connect the amplifier output in feedback to the input sampling circuit in the gain phase while simultaneously connecting the one or more central nodes to the first amplifier input. |
| US10069501B2 |
Set point adjuster for oscillator driver
A circuit includes an oscillator having a driver and a resonator. The driver receives a supply voltage at a supply input and provides a drive output to drive the resonator to generate an oscillator output signal. A power converter receives an input voltage and generates the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver. The power converter varies the supply voltage based on an adjust command supplied to a command input of the power converter. A detector monitors a voltage level of the oscillator output signal. A controller sets the adjust command to the power converter to control the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver such that the voltage level of the oscillator output signal is set at or above a predetermined threshold voltage. |
| US10069498B2 |
Simultaneous multi-effect oscillator compensation using piecewise interdependent polynomials
A packaged VCTCXO may include a crystal oscillator configured to output a signal of a particular frequency and a temperature sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the crystal oscillator. In addition, the packaged VCTCXO may include a microcontroller configured to generate an internal control voltage signal based at least in part on the temperature and an external control voltage received by the packaged VCTCXO. Moreover, the packaged VCTCXO may include a combiner configured to combine an internal control voltage and the external control voltage to generate a control voltage. Further, the control voltage may be supplied to the crystal oscillator to cause the crystal oscillator to generate the signal of the particular frequency. |
| US10069496B1 |
Circuit for compensating for both on and off-chip variations
A system-on-chip (SOC) includes a compensation circuit that compensates for PVT variations of the SoC and an external memory connected to the SOC. The compensation circuit includes first through third delay calculators, first through third delay circuits, first through third latches, first and second comparators, and a delay control circuit. The delay calculators generate first through third delay count data. The delay circuits use three delay counts to generate first through third clock signals. The latches receive data stored in the external memory, and output start-point, mid-point, and end-point data, respectively. The first and second comparators generate increment or decrement signals based on the start-point, mid-point and end-point data comparisons. The delay control circuit generates modified first delay count data, which along with the first through third delay count data, compensate for the PVT variations of the SoC and the external memory. |
| US10069494B2 |
Proximity sensor
A proximity sensor for detecting non-contact detection of a target using a fiber optic strain sensor and a system for operating multiple such proximity sensors is disclosed. The proximity sensor includes an optic fiber that has an optic fiber strain sensor that is coupled to a mass that moves in response to the target. The mass can be a magnet that moves when a ferrous target is within the magnetic field of the magnet causing the magnet to move and apply strain to the optic fiber strain sensor. The optic strain sensor can include periodic variation in the refractive index of the optic fiber, such as a fiber Bragg grating. The proximity sensor can include a second fiber optic sensor that is sensitive to temperature or a second fiber optic strain sensor coupled to a second magnet that operates in opposition to the first magnet. A system coupling multiple proximity sensors can include an interrogator that has an optical power source and a detector, each coupled to a processor. The processor compares frequency information from the proximity sensor to a threshold to determine whether a target is in proximity to its corresponding proximity sensor. |
| US10069493B2 |
Circuitry and method for operating an electronic switch
A circuit includes an electronic switch with an isolated gate, a measuring device for determining a charge at the isolated gate, and an energy supply for providing charge to the isolated gate based on the charge determined by the measuring device. |
| US10069492B2 |
Forward isolation in radio-frequency switches using internal regulator
A radio-frequency switch includes a series field-effect transistor, a shunt field-effect transistor having a gate node, and shunt arm control circuitry configured to receive an internal regulator voltage and provide the internal regulator voltage to the gate node of the shunt field-effect transistor when the radio-frequency switch is in a stand-by mode of operation. |
| US10069488B2 |
Ramp generation module
A digitally controlled ramp generator has a constant current source, a first controllable switch coupled between the constant current source and an output node, a capacitor coupled with the output node, a second controllable switch coupled with the output node, a constant current sink coupled with the second controllable switch, and a control unit. The control unit is configured in a first operating mode to select control signals for the first and second controllable switch to generate a rising waveform by charging said capacitor through the first controllable switch and a falling waveform by discharging the capacitor through the second controllable switch wherein the control signals can be selected from the group of a time based control signal and a voltage based control signal. A variety of other control modes may be provided. |
| US10069485B2 |
High-speed MOSFET and IGBT gate driver
A gate driver integrated circuit drives an output signal onto its output terminal and onto the gate of a power transistor. In a turn-on episode, a digital input signal transitions to a digital logic high level. In response, the gate driver integrated circuit couples the output terminal to a positive supply voltage terminal, thereby driving a positive voltage onto the gate of the power transistor. In response to a high-to-low transition of the digital input signal, the driver drives a negative voltage onto the output terminal and power transistor gate for a short self-timed period of time, and then couples the output terminal to a ground terminal, thereby driving the output terminal and power transistor gate up to ground potential. The output terminal and power transistor gate are then held at ground potential in anticipation of the next turn-on episode of the power transistor. |
| US10069482B2 |
Delay line
A delay line is constructed by combining a phase generator and a fabric. The phase generator splits a digital input signal in multiple incrementally delayed versions, which are input to the fabric. The fabric has an array of node filters. Inputs of filters in the first array column are inputs of the fabric. A node filter has a delay element and a cross-coupling element, whose output signals are added or subtracted to form a filter output signal. A node filter in a row is concatenated to the previous filter in the row through its delay element. Inputs of cross-coupling elements are connected to other array rows. Outputs of node filters form the outputs of the fabric. Delay times of delay elements and cross-coupling elements are nominally equal. Drive strengths of cross-coupling elements may be lower than drive strengths of delay elements. |
| US10069480B2 |
Active filter device and circuit arrangement comprising an active filter device
An active filter device and a circuit arrangement comprising an active filter device are disclosed. In an embodiment the active filter device includes sensor terminals for applying a sensor signal depending on a sensed noise signal, an output terminal for providing a correction signal that is suitable for reducing the noise signal, a signal source adapted for generating a correction signal and a high-pass filter coupled between the sensor terminals and the signal source, wherein the correction signal is generated with a dependence on a high-pass filtered sensor signal. |
| US10069476B2 |
Multiplexer and module
A multiplexer includes: one or more transmit filters that are connected between an antenna terminal and one or more transmit terminals; one or more receive filters that are connected between the antenna terminal and one or more receive terminals; and a circuit that includes a longitudinally coupled acoustic wave filter and is connected in parallel to one or more series resonators of a first filter that is one of the one or more transmit filters and the one or more receive filters and includes the one or more series resonators and one or more parallel resonators each formed of a piezoelectric thin film resonator, wherein the longitudinally coupled acoustic wave filter is formed of IDTs formed on a chip of a second filter that is another one of the one or more transmit filters and the one or more receive filters and formed of a surface acoustic wave resonator. |
| US10069473B2 |
Piezoelectric resonator and method for manufacturing the same
A piezoelectric resonator that includes a single crystal Si layer, a piezoelectric thin film formed from aluminum nitride and provided on the single crystal Si layer, and first and second electrodes provided so as to sandwich the piezoelectric thin film. An element excluding nitrogen and aluminum is doped into the piezoelectric thin film formed from aluminum nitride, and a synthetic acoustic velocity of portions of the piezoelectric resonator other than the single crystal Si layer substantially coincide with the acoustic velocity of the single crystal Si layer. |
| US10069470B2 |
Multi-mode envelope tracking amplifier circuit
A multi-mode envelope tracking (ET) amplifier circuit is provided. The multi-mode ET amplifier circuit can operate in low-resource block (RB) mode and high-RB mode. The multi-mode ET amplifier circuit includes an ET amplifier(s) to amplify a radio frequency (RF) signal(s) to an amplified voltage, low-RB switcher circuitry to generate a direct current (DC) current, and high-RB switcher circuitry to generate an alternating current (AC) current. The amplified voltage, the DC current, and the AC current collectively cause the RF signal to be transmitted at a determined power. A control circuit(s) activates the high-RB switcher circuitry in the high-RB mode to provide the AC current, thus minimizing AC current sourced from the ET amplifier(s). As a result, it is possible to improve efficiency of the ET amplifier(s) and the multi-mode ET amplifier circuit in the high-RB mode and the low-RB mode. |
| US10069469B2 |
Adaptive bias circuit for a radio frequency (RF) amplifier
A circuit includes a first transistor comprising a gate, a source, and a drain, and an inductor coupled between the gate and the source of the first transistor, wherein the source is further coupled to a current source and the gate is further coupled to an amplifier. |
| US10069467B1 |
Apparatus for quantized linear amplification with nonlinear amplifiers
An apparatus for quantized linear amplification with nonlinear amplifiers that performs a linear amplification of variable-envelope single carrier (SC) or multi-carrier (MC) bandpass signals, based on sampled and quantized versions of its complex envelope, where the quantizer generates Nb bits that are mapped into Nm≤Nb polar components, in which the quantized symbol can be decomposed, that are modulated as Nm constant or quasi constant envelope signals and where each one is amplified by a nonlinear amplifier. |
| US10069466B2 |
Direct substrate to solder bump connection for thermal management in flip chip amplifiers
Solder bumps are placed in direct contact with the silicon substrate of an amplifier integrated circuit having a flip chip configuration. A plurality of amplifier transistor arrays generate waste heat that promotes thermal run away of the amplifier if not directed out of the integrated circuit. The waste heat flows through the thermally conductive silicon substrate and out the solder bump to a heat-sinking plane of an interposer connected to the amplifier integrated circuit via the solder bumps. |
| US10069464B1 |
3D low flux, high-powered MMIC amplifiers
The present disclosure relates systems and methods for providing a three-dimensional device architecture for transistor elements in a power amplifier circuit. Namely, an example system may include a plurality of high electron mobility transistors disposed on a first substrate. A first portion of the plurality of high electron mobility transistors are electrically coupled via respective first level interconnects disposed on the first substrate. The system also includes a plurality of second level interconnects disposed on a second substrate. A second portion of the plurality of high electron mobility transistors are electrically coupled via respective second level interconnects. The first substrate and the second substrate are coupled such that the plurality of high electron mobility transistors provides an amplified output signal via at least one of the first level interconnects or the second level interconnects. |
| US10069463B2 |
Phase shift and attenuation circuits for use with multiple-path amplifiers
Embodiments of circuits for use with an amplifier that includes multiple amplifier paths include a first circuit and a second circuit in parallel with the first circuit. The first circuit includes a first input coupled to a first power divider output, a first output coupled to a first amplifier path of the multiple amplifier paths, and a first adjustable phase shifter and a first attenuator series coupled between the first input and the first output. The second circuit includes a second input coupled to a second power divider output, a second output coupled to a second amplifier path of the multiple amplifier paths, and a second adjustable phase shifter coupled between the second input and the second output. |
| US10069462B1 |
Multiple-stage RF amplifier devices
A multiple-stage RF amplifier and a packaged amplifier device include driver and final-stage transistors, each having a control terminal, a first current-carrying terminal, and a second current-carrying terminal. The control terminal of the final-stage transistor is electrically coupled to the first current-carrying terminal of the driver transistor. The amplifier further includes an inter-stage circuit coupled between the first current carrying terminal of the driver transistor and a voltage reference node. The inter-stage circuit includes a first inductance, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The first inductance and the first capacitor are coupled in series between the first current carrying terminal and the voltage reference node, with an intermediate node between the first inductance and the first capacitor. The second capacitor has a first terminal electrically coupled to the intermediate node and a second terminal electrically coupled to the voltage reference node. |
| US10069460B2 |
Determining the power density distribution of a photovoltaic generator from temporal profiles of its electrical power
The power density distribution of a photovoltaic generator of planar extent is determined by measuring an electrical power generated by the photovoltaic generator. Temporal profiles of the measured power with respect to shadow edges migrating across the photovoltaic generator are evaluated taking account of edge direction and edge transverse speed of the respective shadow edge. The power density distribution is reconstructed from the evaluated temporal profiles for different edge directions. |
| US10069457B2 |
System for mounting a microinverter to a photovoltaic panel and method of making same
A system and method for a microinverter mounting assembly including a microinverter assembly and a panel direct current (DC) connector. The microinverter assembly having a housing, a microinverter disposed within the housing, and a microinverter DC connector disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the microinverter, the microinverter DC connector with a bottom panel having a locking recess formed therein and at least one electrical contact disposed within an opening formed in the bottom panel. The panel DC connector having a mounting substrate, a locking tab extending from the mounting substrate, and at least one electrical contact positioned on the mounting substrate. Further, the locking tab of the panel DC connector interfits within the locking recess of the microinverter DC connector to form a locking mechanism that prevents rotation of the microinverter DC connector when in a locked position. |
| US10069456B2 |
Methods for loading battery storage compartments into a solar canopy support structure
The present application provides methods for loading and unloading high capacity storage equipment to a solar power canopy. The methods and structures may include horizontal support members have mechanisms to engage corresponding mechanisms on a compartment housing the high capacity storage equipment. The mechanisms may include plates, flanged surfaces, rails, tracks, hook assemblies, and ridges. The methods and structures may include a superstructure that is coupled to an moves with respect to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructure may pivot and/or rotate to allow loading and unloading. The methods and structures also may include cabinets or cubicles sized to receive one or more compartments housing the high capacity storage equipment. |
| US10069455B2 |
Mounting bracket assemblies and methods
A mounting bracket assembly is provided in which a mounting bracket includes a first attachable bracket piece and a second attachable bracket piece, a first fastener, a second fastener, and a third fastener. Each attachable bracket piece has a top member and a bottom member connected to the top member at an angle. The first clamp is attached to the top member of the first attachable bracket piece by the first fastener. The second clamp is attached to the top member of the second attachable bracket piece by a second fastener. The third fastener secures the bottom member of the first attachable bracket piece to the bottom member of the second attachable bracket piece. The mounting bracket defines a beam insertion aperture between the top members and the bottom members. The mounting bracket assembly may include a first integral grounding device located adjacent the top member of the first attachable bracket piece or adjacent the top member of the second attachable bracket piece. The first integral grounding device is configured to electrically bond a frame of an electricity generating device to the mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly may further include a second integral grounding device configured to electrically bond a torque tube to the mounting bracket assembly. |
| US10069454B2 |
System and method for managing distributed renewable energy systems and service providers
A method for managing distributed renewable energy systems comprising receiving first meter data for a plurality of first meters, each of the plurality of first meters associated with a renewable energy power generation component at an institution and measuring an amount of power generated by each associated renewable energy power generation component over a first period of time. Receiving second meter data for a plurality of second meters, each of the plurality of second meters associated with an institution having a renewable energy power generation component and measuring an amount of power consumed by each associated institution over a period of second time. Determining a difference between the amount of power measured by each of the first meters and the amount of power measured by a corresponding one of each of the second meters at each institution. |
| US10069452B2 |
Motor driving system
In a motor driving system, a motor driving system is provided which simplifies the system by ceasing ON/OFF control of a commercial driving command, and by performing commercial synchronous transfer and capture control based on a drive speed reference. A system controller performs synchronization control so as to make a drive output coincident with a phase/amplitude of a commercial AC power source when a rotation speed of a motor exceeds a drive speed reference n2, and when a prescribed requirement is satisfied, the commercial AC power source is synchronously transferred, and the motor is driven by the commercial AC power source. In addition, when the drive speed reference is set to n1, and a drive output side switch is closed, the drive output is connected to the commercial AC power source, and when a prescribed requirement is satisfied, the motor is started to be driven at a variable speed (t7), and thereby the synchronous capture is performed. |
| US10069445B2 |
Motor controller and method for controlling motor
A motor controller to control a motor includes a position controller, a speed controller, a first integrator, and a second integrator. The position controller is configured to generate a speed command based on a position error between a position command and a motor position. The speed controller is configured to generate a torque command to be input to the motor based on a speed error between the speed command and a motor speed. The first integrator is configured to calculate an integral value of the position error to be added to the position error. The second integrator is configured to calculate an integral value of the speed error to be added to the speed error. |
| US10069444B2 |
Motor control apparatus having function of discharging energy remaining in DC link
A motor control apparatus includes a PWM rectifier which converts AC power on a three-phase AC input power supply side into DC power or which converts DC power on a DC output side into AC power, a smoothing capacitor which is connected to a DC link on the DC output side of the PWM rectifier, a DC voltage detection unit which detects a DC voltage of the smoothing capacitor, an LCL filter which is connected to the AC input power supply side of the PWM rectifier, a power disconnection unit which is connected to an AC power supply side of the LCL filter, and a control unit which applies, when power is disconnected by the power disconnection unit, electric current to the LCL filter by controlling the PWM rectifier, and lowers the DC voltage to a desired value by discharging energy stored in the smoothing capacitor. |
| US10069442B2 |
Heat dissipation device and electronic system
A heat dissipation device applied to a heat source includes a heat conduction unit and a power generation unit. A fluid chamber and a rotor chamber are configured inside the heat conduction unit. The fluid chamber and the rotor chamber are communicated with each other. A working fluid is configured in the fluid chamber. The power generation unit has a rotor and a power generation module. The rotor is connected to the power generation module and is configured in the rotor chamber. The rotor is driven by the working fluid so as to enable the power generation unit to output electrical energy. An electronic system with the heat dissipation device is also disclosed. |
| US10069441B2 |
Electric energy scavenger device
An electric energy scavenger device has a housing forming an internal chamber with an internal wall, and a movable element contained within the internal chamber. The movable element is freely movable and unconnected to any other movable element within the internal chamber. Within the internal chamber, the device also has a plurality of piezoelectric charge conversion elements positioned along the internal wall. The plurality of piezoelectric charge conversion elements are positioned side-by-side to contact the movable element when the movable element moves within the internal chamber. In addition, the movable element is configured to simultaneously contact at least two of the plurality of side-by-side piezoelectric charge conversion elements. During use, the movable element is freely movable within the internal chamber in response to movement of the entire housing. |
| US10069437B2 |
Oil type phase shift transformer for medium voltage inverter system
Disclosed is a phase shift transformer for supplying voltage to a plurality of unit power cells in a medium voltage inverter system. The phase shift transformer according to the present invention comprises a first bushing arranged by the side of a tank and connected to a first winding to apply high voltage and a plurality of second bushings arranged on the top of a cover and connected to each of a plurality of second windings to output low voltage, wherein three outputs of the plurality of second bushings can be applied to unit power cells. |
| US10069432B2 |
Method for manufacturing rectifier and rectifier
A heat dissipation heat sink having a press-fit hole whose inner peripheral surface is a cast skin surface is included; the heat dissipation heat sink is sandwiched by the press-fit head and the insertion guide by aligning the axis of a rectifying element in an insertion guide with the axis of the press-fit hole and making the press-fit head face the heat dissipation heat sink; a protrusion portion of a load receiving jig is made to face the rectifying element in the insertion guide; and the rectifying element is press-fitted into the press-fit hole of the heat dissipation heat sink by pressing the periphery of the press-fit hole of the heat dissipation heat sink (22,23) by the press-fit head and receiving a load applied to the rectifying element by the protrusion portion of the load receiving jig. |
| US10069430B2 |
Modular converter with multilevel submodules
One aspect of the disclosure includes a submodule topology for a modular multilevel converter. The submodule topology includes two electronic switches connected together with a first series connection terminal connecting the electronic switches in series, the series connected switches being connected in parallel with two capacitors connected together with a second series connection terminal connecting the capacitors in series. A bidirectional electronic switch connects the first series connection terminal with the second series connected terminal. An output voltage is obtained across the first series connected terminal and a common terminal formed by the parallel connection of the series connected switches with the series connected capacitors. |
| US10069428B2 |
Power supply systems and feedback through a transformer
A power converter circuit includes a transformer. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. A primary circuit is coupled to the primary winding. A secondary circuit is coupled to the secondary winding. The primary circuit and the secondary circuit are referenced to different ground voltage potentials that may vary with respect to each other. During operation, the primary circuit controls input of energy to the primary winding of the transformer. The secondary circuit receives the energy through the secondary winding and uses it to produce an output voltage to power a load. The secondary circuit receives and/or generates state information at one of multiple different levels. The secondary circuit controls a flow of current through the secondary winding to convey the state information as feedback to the primary circuit. The primary circuit analyzes a voltage at a node of the primary winding to receive the feedback. |
| US10069422B2 |
Synchronous switching converter and associated integrated semiconductor device
A synchronous switching converter has an integrated semiconductor device. The integrated semiconductor device has a first semiconductor component and a second semiconductor component coupled in parallel. The first semiconductor component has MOSFET cells with body diodes, and the second semiconductor component has diode cells or MOSFET cells with a low forward voltage. Cells of the second semiconductor component distribute among the first semiconductor component unevenly according to a distribution of a current flowing through the integrated semiconductor device. |
| US10069419B2 |
Fast mode transitions in a power converter
Disclosed embodiments of a power converter include a power output stage for generating a first voltage output and an auxiliary power output stage for generating a second voltage output. The power converter further includes a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) controller for controlling the power output stage in response to the first voltage output generated by the power output stage during a first period of time in which the power output stage operates in a PFM mode, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller for controlling the auxiliary power output stage in response to the second voltage output generated by the auxiliary power output stage during a second period of time. At least a portion of the first period of time is concurrent with the second period of time. |
| US10069415B2 |
Trench MOSFET having an independent coupled element in a trench
A trench MOSFET is disclosed that includes a semiconductor substrate having a vertically oriented trench containing a gate. The trench MOSFET further includes a source, a drain, and a conductive element. The conductive element, like the gate is contained in the trench, and extends between the gate and a bottom of the trench. The conductive element is electrically isolated from the source, the gate, and the drain. When employed in a device such as a DC-DC converter, the trench MOSFET may reduce power losses and electrical and electromagnetic noise. |
| US10069414B2 |
Switching voltage regulator input voltage and current sensing
A voltage regulator includes a power stage configured to produce an output voltage from an input voltage at an input voltage terminal, a shunt resistor connected in series between the input voltage terminal and the power stage, a first level shifting resistor connected in series between a first terminal of the shunt resistor and a first sense pin of the controller, and a second level shifting resistor connected in series between a second terminal of the shunt resistor and a second sense pin of the controller. The input current of the regulator is sensed as a function of the voltage across the shunt resistor, as shifted down by the level shifting resistors and measured across the sense pins. The input voltage of the regulator is sensed as a function of the current flowing through either one of the level shifting resistors, as measured at one of the sense pins. |
| US10069412B2 |
Voltage converter for power management
A voltage converter includes a converting circuit and a switching control circuit, where the converting circuit includes an inductor connected to a switching node, a first switching device connected between the switching node and a common voltage and a second switching device connected to the switching node, where the first switching device charges the inductor and discharges the inductor in response to a control signal, and the switching control circuit generates the control signal by performing a PWM and a PFM based on a first sensing signal, a second sensing signal and a feedback signal, and adjusts a charging time of the inductor on a time basis, based on at least the input power supply voltage when the switching control circuit performs the PFM. |
| US10069406B2 |
EMI filter and switching power supply with the same
An EMI filter configured for an AC-DC switching power supply, and that is coupled between a DC-DC converter and a rectifier circuit that receives an AC power supply, can include: an input capacitor coupled in parallel to input terminals of the DC-DC converter; a transistor having a first terminal coupled to a first terminal of the input capacitor, and a second terminal coupled to ground; and a control circuit configured to generate a control signal that controls the transistor according to a feedback voltage that represents ripple information of an input voltage to the DC-DC converter, and at least one of a current that flows through the transistor, and a voltage at the first terminal of the transistor, where the control signal is used to regulate the voltage at the first terminal of the transistor to substantially eliminate switching frequency ripples from an input current of the DC-DC converter. |
| US10069404B2 |
PFC signal generation circuit, PFC control system using the same, and PFC control method
A PFC signal generation circuit which generates a PFC signal to control a PFC circuit including a first inductor connected to a first switch and a second inductor connected to a second switch includes: a first control signal output circuit that outputs a first PFC signal to turn on the first switch at a zero current detection timing of the first inductor; a timing adjustment circuit that generates a control signal to turn on the second switch after waiting until a target timing, when a zero current detection timing of the second inductor is earlier than the target timing, and to turn on the second switch at a target timing in a subsequent cycle, when it is later than an allowable period from the target timing; and a second control signal output circuit that generates a second PFC signal to turn on the second switch according to a control signal. |
| US10069401B2 |
Protection circuit
A protection circuit applied to a convertor including M pieces of driving switch modules each coupled to a power source, a load and one of M sets of driving signals. The ith driving switch module is controlled by the ith set of driving signals to selectively enable current paths between the power source and the load. A first sub protection circuit in the protection circuit includes a first protection switch module and a first detection module coupled to the first protection switch module. When the ith set of driving signals indicates an error event, the first protection switch module selectively couples the ith set of driving signals to a reference voltage according to a first detection signal. M and i are positive integers, and i is not larger than M. |
| US10069400B1 |
Common-mode current cancellation with switching waveforms from isolated applications using a variable capacitor network
A residual current (e.g. common-mode current) may be present in an isolated subsystem. The isolated subsystem may include the secondary winding of a transformer while a first subsystem may include the primary winding of the transformer. The first subsystem may also include a compensation circuit. A driver circuit may generate drive signals provided to the primary winding of the transformer and also to the compensation circuit. The compensation circuit may include a variable capacitor network (e.g. a variable capacitor diode network) that receives the drive signals and also receives a bias voltage, and generates a cancellation signal according to the drive signals and the bias voltage. The compensation circuit may provide the cancellation signal to the ground plane of the isolated subsystem through a capacitor that couples the variable capacitor diode network to the ground plane, in order to reduce or cancel the residual current present in the isolation subsystem. |
| US10069397B2 |
Digitally controlled zero voltage switching
Generally, this disclosure describes an apparatus. The apparatus includes switch controller circuitry. The switch controller circuitry includes dead time logic circuitry to determine an estimated dead time interval between a turn off of a first switch and a turn on of a second switch. The first switch and the second switch are coupled at a switched node. The estimated dead time interval is determined based, at least in part, on a difference between an input voltage, Vin, and a switched voltage, Vsw, detected at the switched node just prior to turning off the first switch, a parasitic capacitance, Cpar, associated with the switched node and a maximum inductor current, IL,max. The difference between Vin and Vsw represents the maximum inductor current. |
| US10069396B2 |
Electrical power system
A power system has a first control apparatus configured to generating a first command signal and a second command signal, to control the first converter on the basis of the first command signal, and to transmit the second command signal to a second control apparatus and the second control apparatus configured to control the second converter on the basis of the received second command signal. When it is requested that a state of each of the first and second converters is changed from a first state to a second state, the first control apparatus generates the first and second command signals so that the state of the second converter is changed to a third state in which both of the upper arm and the lower arm keep being in the OFF state, then the state of the first converter is changed from the first state to the second state, and then the state of the second converter is changed from the third state to the second state. |
| US10069395B2 |
Vibration motor
A vibration motor, includes a fixed part having a housing with an accommodation space, and a coil fixed in the housing, the housing having an elongated direction; a vibration part comprising an elastic connector for suspending the vibration part in the accommodation space, a magnet assembly including a magnet and a weight for accommodating the magnet, the magnet having a magnetized surface. An extending direction of the magnetized surface is parallel to the elongated direction of the housing, and a vibration direction of the magnet assembly is vertical to the elongated direction of the housing. |
| US10069390B2 |
Synchronous reluctance rotating electric machine
A synchronous reluctance rotating electric machine of an embodiment has a rotor iron core provided with a plurality of air gap layers, and a stator. The rotor iron core has a plurality of band-shaped magnetic path layers, and at least one or more bridges that bridge across each of the air gaps adjacent to each other among the plurality of air gap layers. The bridges of the air gaps adjacent to each other are disposed on different straight lines. |
| US10069385B2 |
Pole-piece bonding
We describe a method of manufacturing a housing for the stator of an axial flux permanent magnet machine, in particular a Yokeless and Segmented Armature motor, the machine having a stator comprising a set of coils wound on respective stator bars and disposed circumferentially at intervals about an axis of the machine, and a rotor bearing a set of permanent magnets and mounted for rotation about said axis, and wherein said rotor and stator are spaced apart along said axis to define a gap therebetween in which magnetic flux in the machine is generally in an axial direction. The method comprises: fabricating a radial wall for said stator housing to be located in said gap between said rotor and said stator by: providing a membrane of fibre-reinforced polymer material; pressing a set of said stator bars into said membrane of fibre-reinforced polymer whilst said polymer is mouldable, wherein said reinforcement inhibits said stator bars from pushing through said membrane; solidifying said polymer to hold said set of stator bars in their respective positions; and manufacturing said housing using said radial wall. |
| US10069383B2 |
Electronically commuted electric motor with direct sampling of the magnetic field of the rotor
An electronically commuted electric motor with a stator and a rotor is disclosed that has permanent magnets distributed a circumferential direction to determine the magnetic field of the rotor, whereby at least one sensor makes the position or speed of the rotor recordable through direct sampling of the magnetic field of the rotor. The sensor is spaced from the stator in a way that the stator field is recorded by the sensor only to a low extent or not at all, and whereby magnetic flux-guiding elements are disposed on a front side of the rotor, which move along with the rotor and guide at least a part of the magnetic field of the rotor to the sensor. The flux-guiding elements viewed in the circumferential direction of the rotor are positioned respectively between two permanent magnets of the rotor. |
| US10069382B2 |
Earthing device
The invention relates to an earthing device for preventing rotor-induced bearing currents in an electric motor, comprising an electrically conductive annular element having retaining means arranged thereon, to which means fiber bundles are fastened, via which bundles electrical discharge of a static charge to at least one discharge element can be carried out, wherein the fiber bundles are fastened so as to be oriented in an oblique angular position with respect to a radial plane which is perpendicular to an axial center line of the annular element and/or with respect to an axial plane and have a length protruding from the retaining means of the annular element which is greater than that required to bridge a radial spacing between the annular element and the discharge element. |
| US10069378B2 |
ORC turbine and generator, and method of making a turbine
A turbine-generator device for use in electricity generation using heat from industrial processes, renewable energy sources and other sources. The generator may be cooled by introducing into the gap between the rotor and stator liquid that is vaporized or atomized prior to introduction, which liquid is condensed from gases exhausted from the turbine. The turbine has a universal design and so may be relatively easily modified for use in connection with generators having a rated power output in the range of 50 KW to 5 MW. Such modifications are achieved, in part, through use of a modular turbine cartridge built up of discrete rotor and stator plates sized for the desired application with turbine brush seals chosen to accommodate radial rotor movements from the supported generator. The cartridge may be installed and removed from the turbine relatively easily for maintenance or rebuilding. The rotor housing is designed to be relatively easily machined to dimensions that meet desired operating parameters. |
| US10069375B2 |
Electric machine module cooling system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module. The module can include a housing that can define a machine cavity. The housing can include a sleeve member that can include a first axial sleeve member comprising a first flange, a second flange, and first recess at least partially defined between the first flange and the second flange. The sleeve member can also include a second axial sleeve member comprising a third flange, a fourth flange, and a second recess at least partially defined between the first flange and the second flange. The first axial sleeve member can be coupled to the second axial sleeve member to form the sleeve member and so that the first recess and the second recess form a coolant jacket. An electric machine can be positioned within the machine cavity so that it is substantially circumscribed by a portion of the coolant jacket. |
| US10069373B2 |
Linear bearing for an electromagnetic solenoid and solenoid having said linear bearing
A rolling-element bearing for an electromagnetic solenoid includes a hollow cylindrical cage with a plurality of spherical pockets formed around a first circumference and a second circumference of the cage. The pockets around the first circumference are offset from the pockets around the second circumference. Spherical rolling elements are provided in the spherical pockets and are captured for free rotation in the first pockets and second pockets. |
| US10069372B2 |
Motor
The motor comprises a rotary unit, a stationary unit disposed around the rotary unit, and a bearing mechanism. The rotary unit comprises a plurality of magnets, a rotor core, a resin portion which covers the plurality of magnets and the rotor core. The rotor core comprises a ring-shaped inner core portion disposed at a radially inner side of the plurality of magnets, an outer core portion, and a plurality of connecting portions which radially connects the plurality of core elements, which are disposed between the plurality of magnets, and the inner core portion. The resin portion comprises an upper resin portion and a lower resin portion. The upper resin portion includes a plurality of gate holes. The lower resin portion is disposed at a more radially inner side than the plurality of outer core elements, and further comprises a first core support mark which exposes a part of the bottom surface of the rotor core, and a second core support mark disposed in the outer core part, and exposes a part of the bottom surface of the rotor core. |
| US10069369B2 |
Vibrating motor
A vibrating motor is provided in the present disclosure. The vibrating motor includes a shell, a magnetic assembly received in the shell, a pair of elastic members suspending the vibrating unit, and a coil assembly for driving the magnetic assembly to vibrate. The shell includes a main plate and a cover covering the main plate; the cover includes a bottom plate opposite to the main plate; the bottom plate includes a pair of first opening portions, and the main plate comprises a pair of second opening portions, the first opening portions and the second opening portions are arranged corresponding to each other for assembling the magnetic assembly; the magnetic assembly includes a pair of positioning grooves, the positioning grooves are aligned with the first opening portions and the second opening portions. |
| US10069367B2 |
Modified attachment system for springs in a generator rotor
An assembly for use in a rotor of a turbine generator is provided that includes at least one creepage disposed on an upper load surface of copper windings. At least one slot spring is disposed on the creepage, and at least one amortisseur is disposed on the slot spring. A plurality of hollow locking members are disposed within apertures of the creepage, the slot spring, and the amortisseur. At least one slot wedge is disposed on the slot spring and the plurality of hollow locking members. At least one field retaining ring is disposed against one of the end portions of the rotor body and against the slot wedge. |
| US10069364B2 |
Electric machine and related assembly method
An electric machine comprising a stator including at least one stator winding elements that extends from a first to a second end, separate from each other; at least one electrical bridge suitable to electrically connect the separate ends of said stator winding element; at least a support and attachment plate made of electrically insulating material which defines at least one seat suitable to house at least partially, and retain in position, the electrical bridge. The seat is provided with attachment mechanisms which form at least partially a shaped coupling with the at least one electrical bridge, so as to mechanically lock it in position on the support and attachment plate. The seat allows the passage of the ends of the stator winding element and the electrical connection between the latter and the electrical bridge. The seat electrically insulates the electrical bridge from other components of the stator. |
| US10069361B2 |
Rotor securing arrangement and rotating electric machine having the same
A rotor securing arrangement for directly or indirectly securing a rotor to a shaft. The rotor has at least one through hole along a axial direction of the rotor. A second hole diameter of the at least one through hole at either or both of axial ends of the rotor is greater than a first hole diameter of the at least one through hole at a portion other than the axial ends of the rotor. The rotor securing arrangement includes a first securing member corresponding to the first hole diameter of the at least one through hole, and a second securing member corresponding to the second hole diameter of the at least one through hole. The first securing member is configured to directly or indirectly secure the rotor to the shaft with at least a portion of the second securing member between the first securing member and the rotor. |
| US10069355B2 |
Rotor for rotary electrical machine
A rotor for a rotary electrical machine, fitted such as to rotate around an axis (X), and comprising a pair of magnet wheels (17) which each have a flange (18) and a plurality of magnetic poles (19). Each magnetic pole (19) extends axially from the flange (18) towards a free end (26), and has an outer surface (27). The outer surface (27) of at least one magnetic pole (19) of at least one magnet wheel (17) has at least one decreasing segment (29). The decreasing segment (29) is configured such that a radius between the said outer surface (27) and the axis (X) of the rotor (4) decreases, when going along the said decreasing segment (29), towards the free end (26) of the said magnetic pole (19). |
| US10069352B2 |
Stator seat of motor, and connector waterproof structure thereof
A stator seat of a motor includes a pillow, a connector, a waterproof element and cables. A sleeve is extended from the pillow. A cap covers the pillow and sleeve. A control chamber is formed and enclosed by the cap and pillow. The pillow has a through hole communicated with the control chamber. The connector corresponsive to the through hole is installed in the control chamber and includes a first connecting structure. The waterproof element covers the through hole and includes an annular groove and an O-ring clamped between the waterproof element and pillow, and a second connecting structure. The first and second connecting structures are passed through the through hole. An insertion hole is penetrated through the waterproof element. Each of the cables has an end connected to the connector and the other end passed out from the pillow through the insertion hole and through hole. |
| US10069350B2 |
Controlling inductive power transfer system
An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably. |
| US10069345B2 |
Method of managing power using wireless charging system, and apparatus and system therefor
Disclosed are a method of managing power using a wireless charging system, and an apparatus and system therefor. The wireless power management method in a wireless power transmitter for supplying power to at least one user device including a wireless power receiver installed therein includes receiving first to nth state information items corresponding to the at least one user device, respectively, calculating first statistical information based on the first to nth state information items, and transmitting the first statistical information to a server connected via a network. Accordingly, an effective wireless power management method in a wireless charging system is provided. |
| US10069336B2 |
Inductive charging device, electric vehicle, charging station, and method for inductive charging
The invention relates to an inductive charging device having at least one inductive charging coil wound about a coil axis, and an electric or dielectric antenna, which is arranged at a location that is shifted parallel to the coil axis in relation to a location of a region of the charging coil, a location within the at least one charging coil, or a location between the charging coils. The electric vehicle and the charging station each have such an inductive charging device. With the method, one or two such inductive charging devices are used, wherein by means of the inductive charging coils, energy is transmitted, and by means of the antennas, communications data are transmitted. |
| US10069335B2 |
Power transfer system with capacitive coupling
A power transfer system that transfers electric power from a power transmission device to a power reception device through electrical coupling. The power transmission device and the power reception device structurally designed such that the power transfer system is able to stabilize reference potentials of the power transmission device and the power reception device when the power reception device is placed on the power transmission device. |
| US10069334B2 |
Field neutralization during inductive charging
A device and a corresponding method are provided for reducing an electromagnetic field in a vehicle. A control unit for a vehicle is designed to determine one or more properties of an electromagnetic interference field. The control unit is further designed to incite an emission unit in the vehicle to emit an opposing field which reduces a strength of the interference field in a first zone around and/or in the vehicle. |
| US10069333B2 |
Ridgeline cable drive electric energy storage system
A highly efficient, utility scale energy storage system employs large masses transported uphill to store energy and downhill to release energy. An electric powered cable winch or chain drive shuttles the masses between two storage yards of different elevations separated by a steep incline on rail vehicles supported by track and operated by an automated control system. |
| US10069330B2 |
Unit having a switching function for Ethernet
An arrangement for a switching function unit for Ethernet having a number of active components of the Ethernet which are combined by a switching function unit to form a functional unit; and at least three mutually independent power supplies for supplying power to the active components, wherein a first of the at least three power supplies is a local power supply for the switching function unit, a second of the at least three power supplies is a first extraneous power supply via Ethernet for the switching function unit, and a third of the at least three power supplies is a second extraneous power supply via Ethernet for the switching function unit. |
| US10069326B2 |
Golf system with wireless charging function
A golf system with a wireless charging function includes a golf bag, an in-bag wireless rechargeable battery apparatus, an in-bag charging apparatus and an out-of-bag wireless charging apparatus. The in-bag charging apparatus includes an in-bag charging control circuit and an in-bag wireless charging module. The out-of-bag wireless charging apparatus converts an original voltage into an out-of-bag wireless charging signal. The out-of-bag wireless charging apparatus utilizes the out-of-bag wireless charging signal to wirelessly charge the in-bag wireless rechargeable battery apparatus. The in-bag wireless rechargeable battery apparatus sends a battery voltage to the in-bag charging control circuit. The in-bag charging control circuit sends the battery voltage to the in-bag wireless charging module. The in-bag wireless charging module converts the battery voltage into an in-bag wireless charging signal. |
| US10069325B2 |
Receiver wireless charging and support device
A wireless charging device for a vehicle includes an external cover rotatably coupled to an interior member of the vehicle and including a wireless charging circuit formed therein, an internal cover coupled to a surface of the external cover and including an accommodation space configured to position a power receiving device with respect to the wireless charging circuit to receive power transmitted by the wireless charging circuit, and at least one auxiliary cover inserted into the accommodation space and configured to reduce the size of the accommodation space to inhibit movement of the power receiving device. |
| US10069323B2 |
Charge-discharge device with equalization function using both convertor and multi-stage voltage doubler rectifier circuit
The disclosure describes a charge device capable of charging electricity storage cells while eliminating a voltage variation among the electricity storage cells without a need for at least a circuit section playing a role in voltage equalization among the electricity storage cells to be designed to have a large current capacity, and describes a charge-discharge device constructed by additionally equipping a discharging function with the charge device. Provided are a charge device and a charge-discharge device each of which comprises a convertor, an input circuit, and a multi-stage voltage doubler rectifier circuit. An element in the convertor configured to be applied with a rectangular waveform voltage is connected to the multi-stage voltage doubler rectifier circuit via the input circuit to thereby realize a voltage equalization function, and an output section of the convertor is connected to the multi-stage voltage doubler rectifier circuit to thereby realize a charging-discharging function. |
| US10069322B2 |
Methods and systems of managing power in a portable electronic device
A portable electronic device including a battery coupled to an accessory circuit, a battery monitoring circuit coupled to the battery, and a processor connected to the battery monitoring circuit and the accessory circuit. The battery monitoring circuit determines an output current of the battery, and the processor receives an indication of the output current. The processor determines, based on the indication of the output current of the battery, a power characteristic of the accessory circuit, and control a power that is to be provided to the accessory circuit based on the power characteristic of the accessory circuit. |
| US10069314B2 |
String control unit auto-configuration and fault communication systems and methods
One embodiment of present disclosure describes a battery control system including a first string control unit that controls operation of a first battery string and outputs a first serial communication signal, wherein the first serial communication signal comprises a first frequency to indicate that the first string control unit is a master string control unit when a fault is not detected; and a second string control unit that controls operation of a second battery string, receives the first serial communication signal, determines that the second string control unit is a subordinate string control unit when the first serial communication signal comprises the first frequency, and outputs a second serial communication signal, wherein the second serial communication signal comprises a second frequency to indicate that the second string control unit is the subordinate string control unit when a fault is not detected. |
| US10069312B2 |
Charging discharging apparatus for super capacitor modules
A charging discharging apparatus is applied to two super capacitor modules. The charging discharging apparatus includes a control unit, a first switch unit, a second switch unit, a third switch unit, a fourth switch unit, a first charging switch unit, a second charging switch unit and a charging unit. When an input power apparatus sends an input power to the charging discharging apparatus, the charging discharging apparatus enters a charging mode, so that the super capacitor module having the lower voltage is charged until the voltages of the two super capacitor modules are equal, and then the two super capacitor modules are charged simultaneously in parallel. When the input power apparatus stops sending the input power to the charging discharging apparatus, the two super capacitor modules discharge in series. |
| US10069311B2 |
Power storage device and method of controlling power storage device
A power storage device includes: power storage units each including at least one battery, the power storage units being connected in series; cell balance units connected in parallel to the respective power storage units via switches; and a control unit that performs control to charge the power storage units with a first constant current value, and, when the power storage unit having the highest voltage among the power storage units reaches a first potential, connect the corresponding one of the cell balance units to the power storage unit having the highest voltage, and switch the charging current to a second constant current value that is smaller than the first constant current value. |
| US10069308B2 |
Localized power point optimizer for solar cell installations
In one embodiment, a solar cell installation includes several groups of solar cells. Each group of solar cells has a local power point optimizer configured to control power generation of the group. The local power point optimizer may be configured to determine an optimum operating condition for a corresponding group of solar cells. The local power point optimizer may adjust the operating condition of the group to the optimum operating condition by modulating a transistor, such as by pulse width modulation, to electrically connect and disconnect the group from the installation. The local power point optimizer may be used in conjunction with a global maximum power point tracking module. |
| US10069299B2 |
Controlling operation of power consuming devices in an electrical grid
The present invention generally relates to load control in an electrical grid (110). Operation of a power consuming device (125) in the electrical grid (110) is controlled. An ideal shiftable load of the electrical grid (110) is received or accessed. A probability distribution of starting time of the power consuming device (125) is determined based on the ideal shiftable load of the electrical grid (110). Then a starting time for the operation of the power consuming device (125) is determined in accordance with the probability distribution of starting time. An instruction is then sent to cause the power consuming device (125) to be started at the starting time. |
| US10069298B2 |
Inverter and control method thereof
An inverter and a control method are disclosed herein. The inverter includes a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, and a DC-AC converting circuit. The first switching circuit is configured to selectively switch between connecting a first input terminal receiving an AC source and an output terminal of the inverter, and connecting a second input terminal receiving a DC source and the output terminal of the inverter. The second switching circuit is configured such that the first input terminal and the output terminal are connected during the switching process of the first switching circuit. The DC-AC converting circuit is electrically coupled between the second input terminal and the first switching circuit and configured to be operated in a current control mode to convert the DC source to AC power when the first switching circuit is switched to connect the second input terminal and the output terminal. |
| US10069297B2 |
Electrostatic protection circuit
An electrostatic protection circuit includes a first power line and a second power line. The electrostatic protection circuit includes a trigger circuit connected between the first and second power lines and outputs a trigger signal in response to a fluctuation of a voltage difference between the first and second power lines. The electrostatic protection circuit further includes a shunt element that is controlled by the trigger signal, and includes a main current pathway connected between the first and second power lines. The electrostatic protection circuit further includes a control circuit that is connected between the first and second power lines and supplies a control signal for increasing the conductivity of the shunt element when the voltage difference between the first power line and the second power line exceeds a predetermined voltage. |
| US10069295B2 |
Controlling gaming machine power-up
A gaming system includes circuitry and associated methodology for detection of continuity along one or more sensing paths for determination of the presence and proper seating of one or more component boards to each other and a backplane, having an arbitrary number of couplings. The invention controls voltage to one or more components of the gaming system, enabling selective activation of various components, on one or more of the connected boards, based on the proper seating of component boards to each other and a backplane. The invention implements dynamic configuration of sensing paths (defined by signal paths and signal traversal) and subsequent continuity detection through interfacing connector/port pairs, in combination with specifically placed electronic components and local ground connections along the sensing paths, to control powering selective system components based upon a detection of the presence and proper seating of multiple component boards to each other and a backplane. |
| US10069294B2 |
AC-current induced quench protection system
An apparatus (100) for quenching at least part (110) of a superconductor in a superconducting state in reply to a quench signal to initiate a transition from the superconducting state into a normal-conducting state comprises: means (120) for providing an alternating (AC) current of a predetermined strength and/or predetermined frequency to the at least part (110) of the superconductor, wherein the means (120) for providing the AC current comprises a control terminal (130) configured to receive the quench signal. The means (120) for providing the AC current is configured to be activated in response of receiving the quench signal at the control terminal (130) so that the AC current flows through the at least part (110) of the superconductor, wherein the predetermined strength and/or the predetermined frequency is selected such that the transition from the superconducting state into a normal-conducting state is triggered. |
| US10069290B2 |
Surface mounted multiple cable or wire organizer
A method for attaching a cable or wire to a support surface comprising the following steps: selecting a connector body with a bottom surface, a coaxially aligned center void, at least two pairs of transversely aligned holes formed on the side walls of the cylindrical body configured to receive a twist tie extended transversely through the connector body, and a center bore formed on the center void; selecting a desired location on a support surface for attaching the connector body; inserting a connector into the center bore or attaching adhesive tape to the bottom surface of the connector body to attach the connector body to the support surface; selecting at least one twist tie and inserting it into two holes formed the opposite sides of the connector body and across the center void; extending a cable or wire transversely over the connector body, and; twisting the opposite ends of the twist tie together to hold the cable or wire over the connector body. |
| US10069287B2 |
System for connecting a flat cable to a printed circuit mounted in a connection box with flexible pressing legs
A connection system for electrical, signal and/or data installations, which includes: multilayer flat cables with parallel conductive tracks disposed between a first layer made of a semi-rigid, flat insulating material and having a series of transverse recesses to remove a portion of the first layer and define an end connecting portion at the ends of the flat cable; and a second layer of insulating material formed by a polymer. The disclosure further includes mechanisms that includes a printed circuit provided with conductive tracks and housed in a connection box made of insulating material, the box having lateral windows for inserting the flat cables and containing flexible feet that act, by an oblique jagged surface, on the insulating layer of the flat cable. |
| US10069285B2 |
Gas-insulated switchgear
A gas-insulated switchgear includes a grounded tank filled with insulation gas, a center conductor which is disposed in the grounded tank and to which a voltage is applied, an insulating support member which insulates and supports the center conductor, and a nonlinear resistive part disposed at least on a vertically lower side inner surface of the grounded tank and formed by an insulation material containing a nonlinear resistive material. If an electric field applied to the nonlinear resistive part is higher than an electric field value in a vicinity of a contact point between the nonlinear resistive part and a metallic foreign substance mixed in the grounded tank during an operation, a resistivity of the nonlinear resistive part at the center conductor side is lower than a resistivity at which a discharge delay time is equal to an electric field relaxation time constant. |
| US10069281B2 |
Laser diode and method of manufacturing laser diode
A laser diode includes a ridge portion, channel portions located adjacent to the ridge portion such that the ridge portion is sandwiched, the channel portions being shorter in height than the ridge portion, terrace portions adjacent to opposite sides of the respective channel portions from the ridge portion and longer in height than the channel portions, supporting portions provided over the respective channel portions, separated from side surfaces of the ridge portion or side surfaces of terrace portions or both, and made of resin, a ceiling portion including first portions provided over the supporting portions and second portions continuous with the first portions and located over the respective channel portions with hollow portions interposed therebetween, the ceiling portion being made of resin, and a metal layer provided over the ceiling portion and connected to an upper surface of the ridge portion. |
| US10069274B2 |
Tunable optical device
One example includes an optical device system. The system includes a waveguide that includes a fixed waveguide portion to propagate an optical signal, a semiconductor membrane layer, and a tunable air gap that separates the fixed waveguide portion and the semiconductor membrane layer. The system also includes an optical tuning system to move the semiconductor membrane layer with respect to the fixed waveguide portion in response to a control signal to control a separation distance of the tunable air gap to tune a characteristic of the optical signal. |
| US10069272B2 |
Laser systems and related mehtods
A MOPA laser system that includes a seed laser configured to output pulsed laser light, an amplifier configured to receive and amplify the pulsed laser light emitted by the seed laser; and a pump laser configured to deliver a pump laser beam to both the seed laser and the amplifier. |
| US10069267B2 |
Method for installing a conduit in a liquid-tight fitting
A method for installing a conduit in a liquid-tight fitting includes inserting a coated gland nut configured for insertion onto a conduit, wherein the gland nut includes an outer surface and internal threads. A grounding ring is placed onto external threads of a tubular fitting body having a coated intermediate portion, such that an inner surface of the grounding ring is conductively coupled to the external threads of the fitting body. The outer surface of the grounding ring includes a ground wire engaging portion projecting therefrom. The internal threads of the gland nut are loosely coupled to the external threads of the fitting body. The grounding ring is rotated to a desired position relative to the fitting body. The gland nut is tightened to the fitting body, such that the coated outer surface of the gland nut and the coated intermediate portion of the fitting body compressingly engage the grounding ring therebetween. |
| US10069266B2 |
Electrical connector having an electrically insulating housing with a groove that receives a projection
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing. The insulating housing has an inner wall, a first end, and a second end. The inner wall of the insulating housing defines a cavity and a groove, the groove including a groove wall, the groove wall extending from the cavity radially into the insulating housing to a groove depth. The electrical connector also includes an electrical component in the cavity; an electrically conductive shell at an outer surface of the insulating housing; and a plug in the housing, the plug including a body and projection that radially extends from the body, the projection being received in the groove, where the groove wall applies more than 35 pounds (lbs) of force on the plug in a direction that is toward the electrical component. |
| US10069262B2 |
Receptacle connector having insert molded lead-frame wafers each with upper contacts transversely offset from lower contacts
A receptacle connector for two types of plug includes an insulative housing defining a front mating port and a rear connecting port along the front-to-back direction, the front mating port defining a plurality of upper passageways and a plurality of lower passageways with a receiving slot therebetween in the vertical direction, the upper passageways being respectively offset from the corresponding lower passageways in a transverse direction. An IMLA (Insert Molded Lead-Frame Assembly) assembled within a space of the rear connecting port and including a plurality of wafers stacked with one another along the transverse direction, each of said wafers including an insulator equipped with a front upper contact disposed in the corresponding upper passageway, a rear upper contact located behind the corresponding upper passageway, a front lower contact disposed in the corresponding lower passageway, and a rear lower contact located behind the corresponding lower passageway. |
| US10069258B2 |
Crosstail-shaped conductive spacer extending rearwardly from a printed circuit board
Patch cords include a communications cable that has a first conductor and a second conductor that form a first differential pair, and a third conductor and a fourth conductor that form a second differential pair and a plug that is attached to the communications cable. The plug includes a housing that receives the communications cable, first through fourth plug contacts that are within the housing, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes first through fourth conductive paths that connect the respective first through fourth conductors to respective ones of the first through fourth plug contacts. The plug further includes a first conductive shield that extends above a top surface of the printed circuit board that is disposed between the first differential pair and the second differential pair. |
| US10069255B1 |
Coaxial connector having accidental mating prevention
The invention is directed to a coaxial connector jack for the interconnection to a corresponding connector plug. The connector jack comprises an inner conductor extending in an axial direction and an outer conductor in the form of a slotted contact sleeve arranged coaxial with respect to the inner conductor. Furthermore the coaxial connector comprises an insulator positioning the inner conductor with respect to the outer conductor and a spacer arranged inside the insulator extending along an inner side wall of the slotted contact sleeve. The spacer extends in the axial direction at least to the same axial position as the slotted contact sleeve or exceeds it. |
| US10069251B2 |
Switch cap suppressing power consumption of secondary battery
Certain embodiments provide a connector cover attached to a communication connector of a power supply device which includes a secondary battery and a manager. The connector cover includes a plurality of cover side terminals which are each connected to a plurality of connector side terminals, the connector side terminals are connection terminals included in the communication connector and provided on a supply circuit supplying power of the secondary battery to the manager and a cover base portion which has a first side on which the plurality of cover side terminals electrically connected by a conductive portion are positioned and a second side, and electrically connects between the plurality of connector side terminals on the supply circuit when the plurality of cover side terminals are connected to the connector side terminals and a protector which is positioned on the second side of the cover based portion. |
| US10069248B2 |
Connector housing with heat dissipation structure
A connector housing with heat dissipation structure includes a housing, a heat dissipation unit and a holding member. A first end part of the holding member is fixed to a top plate of the housing by using a first tongue piece engaged with a fastening piece, so an area of an opening of top plate is decreased and the EMI shielding effect is better. Two side arms of the holding member pass through the trenches inside the heat dissipation unit, such that the width of the heat dissipation unit is not limited and a heat dissipation area can be increased. The second end part of the holding member includes a second tongue piece plugged into a convex hull at a back cover, and an arrival end of the second end part withstands a stop part, so the holding member is not released easily and can endure an external force. |
| US10069242B1 |
Falling-off prevention structure of a network cable plug
A network cable plug with a falling-off prevention structure includes a plug body (1), a connecting sleeve (2), and a stopper plate (3). The plug body (1) is inserted into a network socket (6). The connecting sleeve (2) is connected to the plug body (1). The stopper plate (3) can be inserted into the connecting sleeve (2) to a locking position. In the locking position, a stopper portion (31) of the stopper plate (3) is located below and abuts an elastic clip (13) to prevent the elastic clip (13) from being pressed downward, and a bottom protrusive portion (33) of the stopper plate (3) is engaged in a fixing hole (25) of the connecting sleeve (2). The stopper plate (3) is bendable upward to disengage the bottom protrusive portion (33) from the fixing hole (25), permitting the stopper plate (3) to move rearward to disengage from the elastic clip (13). |
| US10069240B2 |
Electronic cigarette
The invention is related to an electronic cigarette comprises an atomizer and a battery rod connected with each other, a first connector and a second connector connect the atomizer and the battery rod, a fastener is arranged on the first connector, a butting groove is arranged on the second connector, a guide groove extending axially of the battery rod and a clamping groove extending circumferentially of the battery rod and communicated with the guide groove are arranged on the sidewall of the butting groove, the fastener is clamped into the clamping groove, a first magnetic member is arranged on the second connector, and a second magnetic member for attracting the first magnetic member to prevent the fastener-from being rotated back into the guiding groove is arranged on the first magnetic member. The electronic cigarette is firm in connection and simple in operation. |
| US10069238B2 |
Electric cable for use in a welding device
An electric cable includes at least one current line having first and second ends, including several wires, a first plug connector and at least one second plug connector arranged on the first and second ends, respectively. At least one plug connector includes a material having A) 98.0% to 99.8% by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyurethane (PU), styrene-butadiene block copolymers (SBS), perfluorocarbons and mixtures thereof, and B) 0.2% to 2.0% by weight additives. The total of components A and B results in 100% by weight. A first connection nut and at least one second connection nut are arranged on the first and second plug connectors, respectively. At least one light source is arranged in a first plug connector and/or in a second plug connector and is configured in order to be supplied with electrical energy by at least one wire of the current line. |
| US10069231B2 |
Connector terminal pair
An electric contact pair includes a first electric contact, and a second electric contact to be brought into electrical contact with the first electric contact. The first electric contact includes a first plating film made of Ag or a Ag alloy on its outermost surface, and the second electric contact includes a second plating film made of Rh or a Rh alloy on its outermost surface. The first plating film maybe layered on a first conductive base material, the second plating film maybe layered on a second conductive base material, and the first conductive base material and the second conductive base material are made of copper or a copper alloy, or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A connector terminal pair includes a first terminal including the first electric contact, and a second terminal including the second electric contact. |
| US10069224B2 |
Electrical plug connector and electrical receptacle connector
An electrical plug connector includes a plug insulated housing which is integrally formed and plug terminals. A transition segment connected between first and second contact portions of each plug terminal allows the first contact portion to be in contact with and arranged substantially parallel to the second contact portion, so that connectors with reduced width can be manufactured. In addition, the shaping space between a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion of each plug terminal receive materials for forming the plug insulated housing, thus improving the structural strength of the connector. Moreover, embedded ends allow the plug terminals to be secured with the plug bottom wall, so that the plug terminals would not detach from the plug insulated housing easily during manufacturing or operation. The structural strength of the electrical plug connector can be improved, and the plug terminals can be properly assembled with the plug insulated housing. |
| US10069222B2 |
Terminal structure and female terminal
A male terminal (10) includes a tab (11) extending in a front-rear direction. A female terminal (60) includes a base (64) in the form of a flat plate extending in the front-rear direction, a contact piece (67) rising from one side of the base (64) and further curved so that a tip faces the base (64), and an opening (69) opens between the tip of the contact piece (67) and the base (64) on a side facing a rising part of the contact piece (67). The tab (11) includes a part configured to be sandwiched resiliently between the base (64) and the contact piece (67) and contacts a leading end edge of the contact piece (67) along the front-rear direction when the male and female terminals (10, 60) are connected and a part projecting laterally outwardly through the opening (69). |
| US10069220B2 |
Heat-shrinkable tube attachment jig, method for manufacturing heat-shrinkable tube-equipped wire, and heat-shrinkable tube-equipped wire
A heat-shrinkable tube attachment jig includes a terminal holding portion that holds a plate-shaped counterpart connecting portion of a terminal, a placement portion on which a distal end portion of a heat-shrinkable tube that is located on the counterpart connecting portion side is placed, and a wire holding portion that holds a wire. The placement portion clamps the distal end portion of the heat-shrinkable tube between the placement portion and a bottom portion of the terminal on which the wire held by the terminal holding portion is arranged. A placement surface of the placement portion on which the distal end portion of the heat-shrinkable tube is placed is disposed at a higher position than a lower surface of the counterpart connecting portion of the terminal held by the terminal holding portion. |
| US10069219B2 |
Plug-type connection having a conical clamping ring clamping a conical collet
The present invention relates to a plug-type connection (1) for an electrical connection between a first line (2) and a second line (3), comprising a contact bolt (4) which can be connected to the first line (2), a collet (5) which can be connected to the second line (3) and has a cutout (6) for inserting the contact bolt (4), has a conical collet outer face (7) and has at least n slots (8) for forming n clamping jaws, where n≥1, and a clamping ring (9) with a conical clamping ring inner face (10) against which the conical collet outer face (7) bears, wherein the at least one clamping jaw can be clamped against the contact bolt (4) as a result of a relative movement between the collet (5) and the clamping ring (9). |
| US10069218B2 |
Push wire connectors
Configurations for push wire connectors and for electrical wiring devices that mate with or connect to the push wire connectors are disclosed. The push wire connectors have a housing and one or more contact assembly positioned within the housing. Each contact assembly has one or more contact openings to allow wires to pass through, and the housing has one or more wire entry openings that are angled so that wires that pass through the wire openings and the contact openings before engaging the contact assembly are angled. |
| US10069215B2 |
Multi-beam antenna system and phase adjustment method for multi-beam antenna system, and dual-polarized antenna system
The present invention discloses a multi-beam antenna system, comprising: a one-dimensional multi-beam forming module connected to a radio frequency port, configured to convert a radio frequency signal transmitted by the radio frequency port into M radio frequency signals having different phases; a two-dimensional multi-beam forming module, which includes M first power division units, and a phase shifter is disposed on P output tributaries of each first power division unit; and M×N radiating elements, where the M×N radiating elements form a matrix having N rows and M columns, M columns of radiating elements are respectively connected to the M first power division units, N radiating elements in each column of radiating elements are respectively connected to N output tributaries of one first power division unit, and M×P radiating elements connected to output tributaries disposed with a phase shifter form a matrix having P rows and M columns. |
| US10069214B1 |
Constrained diameter phased array antenna system and methods
A constrained diameter phased array antenna system involving at least one dielectric superstrate, a generally cylindrical arrangement of antennas in a generally circular array, the arrangement proximate to the at least one dielectric superstrate, and at least one phase shifter coupled with the arrangement in an orientation corresponding to at least one scanning plane, whereby a communication range is increasable. |
| US10069213B2 |
Antenna system with beamwidth control
In one example, the present disclosure provides a dual-polarized antenna array that includes at least one unit cell. The at least one unit cell includes at least one radiating element of a first polarization state and at least two radiating elements of a second polarization state. The second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. The at least two radiating elements of the second polarization state are displaced on a first side and a second side of the at least one radiating element of the first polarization state. |
| US10069212B2 |
Antenna array having a variable directivity characteristic
An antenna array includes a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna which are oriented mutually in parallel. Each patch antenna includes a linear array of radiation elements. Adjacent radiation elements within each patch antenna are equidistantly spaced apart and are interconnected. In addition, a connecting line between adjacent first ends of the two patch antennas is provided, and the two second ends of the patch antennas are each adapted for transfer of an electrical oscillation. The spacings between the adjacent radiation elements of the first patch antenna are greater than the spacings between the adjacent radiation elements of the second patch antenna. |
| US10069211B2 |
Broadband circularly polarized patch antenna and method
An antenna for connection to a feed includes a substrate with a conductive ground plane. An emitter is positioned on the top face of the substrate, and the feed is connected to the emitter and ground plane. A spacer is positioned on the substrate above the emitter and one layer of high dielectric constant rods is positioned above the spacer. The rods are positioned in a single plane, coplanar with the emitter, and parallel to the dominant current distribution when the emitter is active. Further layers of spacers and rods can be positioned at a predetermined angle to the rods beneath. A kit is further provided for application of spacers and rods to preexisting antennas. |
| US10069207B2 |
Antenna for wave communication
Disclosed herein is an antenna for WAVE communication, and more particularly, is an antenna for WAVE communication to which an electromagnetic bandgap is applied to a patch antenna. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate provided with conduction patterns formed on opposite surfaces thereof, first patches disposed on a first surface of the dielectric substrate at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and conducted to each other, second patches disposed on a second surface of the dielectric substrate at positions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and conducted to each other; a third patch provided in a bottom of the second surface of the dielectric substrate and conducted to the plurality of second patches, and a plurality of electromagnetic bandgap structures positioned on the first surface of the dielectric substrate and conducted to the second patches or the third patch by a through hole. |
| US10069206B2 |
Variable capacitance device and antenna device
A variable capacitance device includes: capacitors coupled in series between first and second signal terminal electrodes, each of the capacitors having a dielectric layer, a lower electrode and an upper electrode, a permittivity of the dielectric layer changing according to a voltage applied to the dielectric layer, the lower and upper electrodes sandwiching the dielectric layer; resistance films coupled between the capacitors and a bias terminal electrode; a first insulating film that contacts the resistance films; and a second insulating film that covers the capacitors, the resistance films and the first insulating film, wherein: a thermal conductivity of the first insulating film is larger than that of the second insulating film; and at least one of the resistance films has a pair of connection patterns provided on both ends thereof and resistance patterns that are coupled in parallel between the connection patterns. |
| US10069205B2 |
Radio frequency identification (RFID) moisture tag(s) and sensors with extended sensing via capillaries
A wireless sensor includes environment sensing structure, a radio frequency (RF) front-end, and a processing module. When the wireless sensor is positioned proximal to an object, a portion of the environment sensing structure senses an environmental condition in a remote area of the object that effects a characteristic of the RF front-end. The processing module generates a reference value representative of a known environmental condition in the remote area based on the effect on the characteristic of the RF front-end. The processing module generates a sensed value representative of an unknown environmental condition in the remote area based on the effect on the characteristic of the RF front-end when the environment sensing structure is sensing the unknown environmental condition. The processing module transmits, via the RF front-end, at least one of the reference value, the sensed value, or a difference between the reference value and the sensed value. |
| US10069200B2 |
Mechanically steered and horizontally polarized antenna for aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods
A mechanically steered, horizontally polarized, directional antennae for aerial vehicles, such as UAVs. The antenna system can include a planar substrate with a horizontally polarized antenna embedded therein. A rotation member, on one end, can be attached to the planar substrate, and can extend from an external surface of the aerial vehicle. An actuator can be coupled to the rotation member to rotate the rotation member. A communication controller of the aerial vehicle can control the actuator to beam horizontally polarized radiofrequency (RF) waves to a target receiver or receive a wave front from a target transmitter. |
| US10069196B1 |
Mobile device
A mobile device includes a first nonconductive supporting element, a second nonconductive supporting element, and an antenna structure. The first nonconductive supporting element and the second nonconductive supporting element are adjacent to each other. The first nonconductive supporting element and the second nonconductive supporting element have different heights. The antenna structure is formed on the first nonconductive supporting element and the second nonconductive supporting element. The antenna element includes a feeding connection element, a first radiation element, and a second radiation element. The feeding connection element is coupled to a feeding point. The first radiation element and the second radiation element are coupled to the feeding connection element. The feeding connection element is disposed between the first radiation element and the second radiation element. |
| US10069192B2 |
Portable communication device
A portable communication device includes an appearance, a substrate and a switchable resonant antenna. The substrate is disposed in the appearance, and the substrate has a ground plane. The switchable resonant antenna comprises a first connection portion, a switching unit, a first metal element and a second metal element, where the first connection portion is electrically coupled between the ground plane and the switching unit, the switching unit is configured to electrically couple the first connection portion to the first metal element or the second metal element according to a control signal generated corresponding to a detecting result, in order to generate a first resonant mode. |
| US10069190B2 |
Antenna, wireless communication device, and electronic device
An antenna includes: a substrate on or in which an antenna element part having an open end, a signal line connected to the antenna element part, and a first ground conductor connected to the antenna element part are formed; and a printed wiring board in which a second ground conductor electrically connected to the first ground conductor is formed in a different layer from the first ground conductor, wherein the second ground conductor has a shield part that partially overlaps with the antenna element part including a connection part between the antenna element part and the signal line and a connection part between the antenna element part and the first ground conductor and does not overlap with the open end of the antenna element part when viewed from a normal direction of the printed wiring board. |
| US10069185B2 |
Methods and apparatus for inducing a non-fundamental wave mode on a transmission medium
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for generating first electromagnetic waves and directing instances of the first electromagnetic waves to an interface of a transmission medium to induce propagation of second electromagnetic waves having at least a dominant non-fundamental wave mode. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US10069183B2 |
Dielectric coupling systems for EHF communications
Dielectric coupler devices and dielectric coupling systems for communicating EHF electromagnetic signals, and their methods of use. The coupler devices include an electrically conductive body having a major surface, the electrically conductive body defining an elongate recess, and the elongate recess having a floor, where a dielectric body is disposed in the elongate recess and configured to conduct an EHF electromagnetic signal. |
| US10069181B2 |
Metal-air battery having air purification module and method of operating the metal-air battery
A metal-air battery including: a battery cell module for generating electricity by oxidizing a metal and reducing oxygen; and an air purification module in fluid communication with the battery cell module for purifying air, wherein a first portion of the air purification module is configured to supply purified air to the battery cell module, and a second portion of the air purification module is configured to receive air discharged from the battery cell module. |
| US10069178B2 |
Battery cell having connecting protrusion for voltage sensing and battery module comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a battery cell including a battery cell body having an electrode assembly mounted in a cell case, an electrode terminal protruding from at least one end of the battery cell body, and a connection protrusion for voltage sensing formed integrally with the electrode terminal. |
| US10069174B2 |
Battery pack including unit cells, temperature detection device, and protection circuit module connected to substrate
A battery pack includes a plurality of unit cells, a substrate electrically connected to the unit cells, a temperature protection device on the substrate, and a protection circuit module electrically connected to the substrate. The temperature protection device includes at least one metal contact electrically connected to the substrate. The substrate includes at least one hole at a location corresponding to the at least one metal contact. A width of the substrate is substantially equal to or less than widths of surfaces of the unit cells overlapping the substrate. |
| US10069167B2 |
Electrolyte for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery
An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a non-aqueous organic solvent; a lithium salt; a first compound represented by Chemical Formula 1; and a second compound represented by Chemical Formula 2, wherein an amount of the first compound is about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt % and an amount of the second compound is about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt %. In Chemical Formulae 1 and 2, the substituents are the same as defined in the detailed description. |
| US10069163B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell having an air electrode provided on one surface of a solid oxide electrolyte layer; a fuel electrode on the other surface thereof; and a separator 11 on the air electrode. A middle layer is further provided between the separator and the air electrode in order to suppress the diffusion of constitutional elements of the air electrode to the separator. |
| US10069162B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell according to one mode includes a plate-like interconnector having a front surface and a back surface; a single cell having a power generation function; a gas chamber provided between the interconnector and the single cell; and one or more gas inlet ports for causing a fuel gas to flow into the gas chamber, the fuel cell further including a buffer chamber provided between the gas inlet ports and the gas chamber; a flow direction changing portion provided between the buffer chamber and the gas chamber so as to be located corresponding to the gas inlet ports, the flow direction changing portion having at least one of a front surface and a back surface, and a side surface; and a fuel gas path provided on at least one of the front surface side and the back surface side of the flow direction changing portion. |
| US10069161B2 |
In-situ gravitational separation of electrolyte solutions in flow redox battery systems
A flow redox battery system including an electrochemical cell, an anolyte tank, a catholyte tank, a first anolyte carrier slurry, a second anolyte carrier slurry, a first catholyte carrier slurry, a second catholyte carrier slurry, and a power generation circuit. An ion-exchange membrane is electrochemically engaged with an anode and a cathode. The power generation circuit is electrically coupled to the anode and the cathode. The anolyte tank is fluidly coupled to the anode and the catholyte tank is fluidly coupled to the cathode. The first anolyte carrier slurry includes a density less than a density of the second anolyte carrier slurry and an electronegativity different than an electronegativity of the second anolyte carrier slurry. Further, the first catholyte carrier slurry includes a density less than a density of the second catholyte carrier slurry and an electronegativity different than an electronegativity of the second catholyte carrier slurry. |
| US10069156B2 |
Separation plate and fuel cell including the same
A fuel cell that includes a membrane-electrode assembly and separation plates disposed on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly is provided. The fuel cell includes barrier ribs formed in reaction surfaces of the separation plates corresponding to the membrane-electrode assembly and configured to partition the reaction surfaces into a plurality of reaction regions. A micropore body is installed between the separation plate and the membrane-electrode assembly. The micropore body includes porous units disposed in the reaction region, and a connection unit integrally coupled to the porous units and flatly contacts the barrier ribs. |
| US10069155B2 |
Process control for integrated hydrogen storage in fuel cell energy storage system
A process control system includes a storage chamber, a fuel cell in fluid communication with the storage chamber via a feed line, a suction dampening drum in fluid communication with the fuel cell via a product line, a compressor in fluid communication with the suction dampening drum and the storage chamber, a recycle line disposed between the feed line and the product line, and a pressure controller disposed in the recycle line. When the fuel cell is in an electrolysis mode, the pressure controller may be operated to maintain a minimum pressure level inside the drum. |
| US10069152B2 |
Fuel cell
In a fuel cell, an electrolyte electrode assembly is sandwiched by a pair of separators, which include a sandwiching section having a fuel gas channel for supplying a fuel gas to an anode and a fuel gas inlet for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas channel, a bridge having a fuel gas supply channel for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas channel, and a fuel gas supply section having a fuel gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply channel. During operation of the fuel cell, a pressure loss P1 by the fuel gas in the fuel gas inlet, a pressure loss P2 by the fuel gas in the fuel gas supply channel, and a pressure loss P3 by the fuel gas in the fuel gas supply passage have the relationships of P1>P2 and P1>P3. |
| US10069151B2 |
De-mineralizer for fuel cell and manufacturing method of same
A de-mineralizer for a fuel cell includes a cartridge assembly including an external outer cartridge and an internal inner cartridge installed inside a housing filled with ion resin, wherein at least one of the inner cartridge and the outer cartridge includes an etching network formed with a plurality of fine holes, in which at least one of a size and distribution of the fine holes are formed differently depending on the respective positions based on a vertical flow direction of the cooling water, and a frame formed on an outer circumferential surface of the etching network to support the etching network. |
| US10069150B2 |
Alternative path cooling of a high temperature fuel cell
Systems and methods provide for the thermal management of a high temperature fuel cell. According to embodiments described herein, a non-reactant coolant is routed into a fuel cell from a compressor or a ram air source. The non-reactant coolant absorbs waste heat from the electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell. The heated coolant is discharged from the fuel cell and is vented to the surrounding environment or directed through a turbine. The energy recouped from the heated coolant by the turbine may be used to drive the compressor or a generator to create additional electricity and increase the efficiency of the fuel cell system. A portion of the heated coolant may be recycled into the non-reactant coolant entering the fuel cell to prevent thermal shock of the fuel cell. |
| US10069149B2 |
Fuel cell assembly
An assembly includes (a) an anode-side sub-assembly including: a plate member having first and second opposing surfaces compatible with fuel and oxidant gases, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments, and third and fourth opposing end segments; an anode current collector abutting the first surface of the plate member; and first and second anode wet seal members releasably secured to the plate member so as to form first and second pockets on the first surface of the plate member and (b) a cathode-side subassembly comprising: first and second cathode wet seal members configured to form third and fourth pockets on the second surface of the plate member and to be releasably positioned adjacent said third and fourth opposing end segments; and a cathode current collector cooperating with the first and second cathode wet seal members. |
| US10069146B2 |
Lithium anodes for electrochemical cells
Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur. |
| US10069144B2 |
Spherical particles, production and use thereof
Spherical particles of transition metal carbonates, transition metal hydroxides or transition metal carbonate hydroxides comprising cations of at least two transition metals selected from nickel, cobalt, manganese, titanium, vanadium, chromium and iron, wherein the concentration of at least one of the transition metal cations, plotted against the radius of the particle in question, has at least one relative extreme value which is neither in the center nor at the edge of the particle in question. |
| US10069142B2 |
Rotary tubular furnace, method of producing negative electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, negative electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
The invention provides a rotary tubular furnace including a rotatable furnace tube having an inlet end through which silicon compound particles (SiOx where 0.5≤x<1.6) are put therein and an outlet end through which the particles coated with carbon are taken out therefrom; and a heating chamber having a heater to heat the furnace tube, wherein the furnace tube is composed of a heat portion inside the heating chamber and a non-heat portion outside the heating chamber, a length B of the heat portion and an overall length A of the furnace tube satisfy 0.4≤B/A<1, and a distance C between the heat portion and the outlet end and the overall length A satisfy 0.04≤C/A≤0.35. This furnace can inhibit clogging of the furnace tube and mass-produce a negative electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high capacity with inhibited variations in the amount of carbon coating and crystallinity. |
| US10069140B2 |
Bimodal lithium transition metal based oxide powder for use in a rechargeable battery
A bimodal lithium transition metal oxide based powder for a rechargeable battery, comprising: a first lithium transition metal oxide based powder, either comprising a material having a layered crystal structure consisting of the elements Li, a metal M and oxygen, wherein the Li content is stoichiometrically controlled, wherein the metal M has the formula M=Co1−aM′a, with 0≤a≤0.05, and wherein M′ is either one or more metals of the group consisting of Al, Ga and B; or comprising a core material and a surface layer, the core having a layered crystal structure consisting of the elements Li, a metal M and oxygen, wherein the Li content is stoichiometrically controlled, wherein the metal M has the formula M=Co1−aM′a, with 0≤a≤0.05, wherein M′ is either one or more metals of the group consisting of Al, Ga and B; and the surface layer consisting of a mixture of the elements of the core material and inorganic N-based oxides, wherein N is either one or more metals of the group consisting of Mg, Ti, Fe, Cu, Ca, Ba, Y, Sn, Sb, Na, Zn, Zr, Si, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sc, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy, and Er; the first powder having an average particle size (D50) of at least 15 μm; and a second lithium transition metal oxide based powder having the formula Li1+bN′1−bO2, wherein 0.10≤b≤0.25, and N′═NixMnyCozAd, wherein 0.10≤x≤0.60, 0.30≤y≤0.80, 0.05≤z≤0.20 and 0≤d≤0.10, A being a dopant, the second powder having an average particle size (D50) of less than 5 μm, and preferably less than 2 μm. |
| US10069138B2 |
Vanadium oxysulfide based cathode materials for rechargeable battery
A cathode active composite containing an amorphous composite of vanadium oxide and an inorganic sulfide is provided. In one embodiment the composite contains vanadium pentoxide and phosphorous pentasulfide. In a further special embodiment, a cathode active material comprising a nanoparticle composite of an amorphous matrix containing vanadium, oxygen and sulfur and crystalline regions of vanadium and oxygen embedded in the matrix is provided. Electrochemical cells and a reversible battery having a cathode containing one of the cathode active composites are also provided. In specific embodiments the battery is a magnesium battery. |
| US10069136B2 |
Mixture of basic lead sulfates
A microporous lead-containing solid material is produced, which can serve as a carrier for desired materials into a reaction for various desired purposes. For example, if the microporous solid is impregnated with borax it tends to inhibit the growth of unduly large crystals of tetrabasic lead, which is useful in producing batteries having improved functional qualities. |
| US10069129B2 |
Battery module comprising connecting member composed of dissimilar metals
Disclosed herein is a battery module including battery cells, electrode terminals of which are electrically connected to each other via a connecting member, wherein each of the battery cells is configured to have a structure in which an electrode assembly is mounted in a battery case made of a laminate sheet including a metal layer and a resin layer, and plate-shaped electrode terminals protrude from the battery case, the electrode terminals include a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal made of dissimilar metals, the connecting member includes a main connecting part, to which the first electrode terminal is welded, the main connecting part including the metal of the first electrode terminal, and a buried connecting part, to which the second electrode terminal is welded, the buried connecting part including the metal of the second electrode terminal, the buried connecting part is buried in the main connecting part in a state in which the buried connecting part is exposed at one surface of the main connecting part such that the buried connecting part has the same height as the main connecting part to form an even surface, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are welded respectively to the main connecting part and the buried connecting part at one surface of the main connecting part at which the buried connecting part is exposed. |
| US10069126B2 |
Surface modified polymeric materials, modified functionalized polymers, functional polymers, and methods
The present invention relates to new, improved or modified polymer materials, membranes, substrates, and the like and to new, improved or modified methods for permanently modifying the physical and/or chemical nature of surfaces of the polymer materials, membranes, or substrates for a variety of end uses or applications. For example, one improved method uses a carbene and/or nitrene modifier to chemically modify a functionalized polymer to form a chemical species which can chemically react with the surface of a polymer substrate and alter its chemical reactivity. Furthermore, this invention can be used to produce chemically modified membranes, fibers, hollow fibers, textiles, and the like. |
| US10069125B2 |
Core, separator roll, and method for producing separator roll
A core prevents a battery separator wound therearound from moving and becoming misaligned on an outer circumferential surface of the core in a widthwise direction of the core. The core allows a separator to be wound around the outer circumferential surface thereof and is made of resin. The core includes a groove formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof, the groove extending in a direction substantially equivalent to a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface. |
| US10069124B2 |
Rechargeable battery having heat-resistant insulating layer
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case for accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate combined to the case, a vent plate disposed under the cap plate and formed with a notch, a middle plate disposed under the vent plate, and a heat-resistant insulating layer disposed between the vent plate and the middle plate. |
| US10069122B2 |
Power storage module
A power storage module in which rectangular power storage devices each having an electrode assembly and an electrolyte accommodated in a case are configured to be connected, wherein the power storage devices are arrayed in a predetermined array direction (a direction in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are stacked) and bonded in an arrayed state, and thicknesses of surfaces (in particular, at least parts in contact with an adjacent member in the surfaces of the bonded sides) on bonded sides of the cases are less than thicknesses of surfaces of non-bonded sides. |
| US10069121B2 |
Electric battery module
Electrical battery module comprising: —a casing (2) comprising a longitudinal body (3) suitable for longitudinally receiving a plurality of electrical batteries (4), one next to the other, and an end cover (5) coupled to one of the ends of said longitudinal body; —an internal, radial electrical connection plate (7) and an external, radial electrical connection plate (8), axially arranged on both sides of said end cover (5); —and at least one axial, electrical connection pad (17, 21) of said internal and external plates (7, 8), axially crossing said cover (5); the interior radial plate (7) comprising a plurality of electrical contact means (13) suitable for being respectively in contact with one end of said electrical batteries (4); and the external radial plate (8) comprising a plurality of electrical distribution means (19) intended for external electrical connection of this external radial plate (8). |
| US10069118B2 |
Cylindrical secondary battery and method for manufacturing same
A sealing body of a battery includes a positive electrode cap, a safety valve electrically connected to the positive electrode cap, a plurality of protrusions that are disposed annularly and intermittently on the outer peripheral side of a conductive contact part of the safety valve and that are each formed so as to be inclined toward the center of the sealing body, and an insulating member that covers at least top parts of the plurality of protrusions, side surfaces thereof on the center side, and a surface of the safety valve on the center side, that is fitted to the center side of the plurality of protrusions, whose vertical sectional shape is bent in a Z-shape. A terminal plate is fitted and fixed to the center side of the insulating member and is connected by welding to the conductive contact portion through a central opening of the insulating member. |
| US10069114B2 |
Light-emitting device having an insulating layer of projections and depressions
In a light-emitting device where reflective electrodes are regularly arranged, occurrence of interference fringes due to reflection of light reflected by the reflective electrode is inhibited. A surface of the reflective electrode of a light-emitting element is provided with a plurality of depressions. The shapes of the plurality of depressions are different from each other and do not have rotational symmetry. Irregularity of the surface shape of the reflective electrode is increased, which inhibits interference of light reflected by the reflective electrode. To form the plurality of depressions in the surface of the reflective electrode, for example, a surface of an insulating layer that is a base of the reflective electrode is made uneven. Reflecting the surface shape of the insulating layer, the reflective electrode has an uneven surface. |
| US10069110B2 |
Organic EL display device
A the organic EL display 1 includes: a first substrate 10; an organic EL element 4 provided above the first substrate 10; and a multilayer sealing film 2 provided above the first substrate 10 to cover the organic EL element 4, and including a barrier layer and a buffer layer lower in hardness than the barrier layer. The organic EL element covered with the multilayer sealing film includes a protrusion, and a relationship (d/h)<2 holds where h is a height of the protrusion directly below the buffer layer and d is a thickness of the buffer layer. |
| US10069108B2 |
Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus and a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the apparatus including a substrate; a display on the substrate; and an encapsulation layer that seals the display, wherein the encapsulation layer includes a matrix including an organic material, and an inorganic material bonded to the organic material through functional groups of the organic material of the matrix, wherein the matrix includes an internal space adjacent to the organic material, the inorganic material being positioned in the internal space. |
| US10069102B2 |
Organic electroluminescence display device
Provided is an organic electroluminescence display device including a base member, a display member disposed on the base member and including an organic electroluminescent element; and an encapsulating member disposed on the display member and encapsulating the display member. The encapsulating member includes a first inorganic layer disposed on the display member; a first organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer disposed on the first organic layer. The first inorganic layer has a multilayer structure in which first layers having a first refractive index and second layers having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index are alternately disposed. Each of the first organic layer and the second inorganic layer has a single layer structure. |
| US10069101B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device is discussed. The organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment includes an organic light emitting diode layer provided at an active area of a base substrate; an encapsulation layer encapsulating the organic light emitting diode layer to protect the organic light emitting diode layer; an adhesive layer in the encapsulation layer and provided on the organic light emitting diode layer to cover upper and side surfaces of the organic light emitting diode layer; and an encapsulation substrate in the encapsulation layer and provided on the adhesive layer. The encapsulation substrate is provided to have different thicknesses at the active area and outside the active area. |
| US10069098B2 |
Organic light emitting display device, method of manufacturing the same, and head mounted display including the same
In one embodiment, a display device comprises: a substrate including an emissive area that emits light and a non-emissive area that does not emit light; a transistor over the substrate; a light emitting device over the transistor, the light emitting device including a first electrode, a light emitting layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the light emitting layer; a contact hole in the emissive area of the substrate, the contact hole positioned between the transistor and the light emitting device; and an auxiliary electrode in the contact hole, the auxiliary electrode electrically connecting together the first electrode of the light emitting device and the transistor. |
| US10069097B2 |
Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, lighting device, and electronic appliance
An inverted-structure light-emitting element is provided. One embodiment of the invention disclosed in this specification is a light-emitting element including a cathode, a layer serving as a buffer over the cathode, an electron-injection layer over the layer serving as a buffer, a light-emitting layer over the electron-injection layer, and an anode over the light-emitting layer. The electron-injection layer includes an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. The layer serving as a buffer includes an electron-transport material. In the inverted-structure light-emitting element, contact of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal included in a material of the electron-injection layer with the already formed cathode increases the driving voltage of an EL element and reduces emission efficiency. This problem becomes prominent particularly when the cathode includes an oxide conductive film. To prevent this, the layer serving as a buffer is provided between the cathode and the electron-injection layer. |
| US10069095B2 |
Organic photosensitive devices with exciton-blocking charge carrier filters
Disclosed herein are organic photosensitive devices including at least one exciton-blocking charge carrier filter. The filters comprise a mixture of at least one wide energy gap material and at least one electron or hole conducting material. As described herein, the novel filters simultaneously block excitons and conduct the desired charge carrier (electrons or holes). |
| US10069093B2 |
Self-assembled monolayer overlying a carbon nanotube substrate
One example includes a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device include a carbon nanotube substrate, a self-assembled monolayer, and a gate oxide. The self-assembled monolayer overlies the carbon nanotube substrate and is comprised of molecules each including a tail group, a carbon backbone, and a head group. The gate oxide overlies the self-assembled monolayer, wherein the self-assembled monolayer forms an interface between the carbon nanotube substrate and the gate oxide. |
| US10069091B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device including at least one organic layer between a pair of electrodes, wherein the at least one organic layer includes a luminescent layer, at least one layer of the at least one organic layer includes at least one metal complex containing a tri- or higher-dentate ligand, and a compound represented by formula (I) is contained in an organic layer containing the metal complex and/or in other organic layer(s). In formula (I), R11 to R14 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent group, and at least one of R11 to R14 represents an aryl or heteroaryl group. |
| US10069089B2 |
Organic metal complex, and organic light emitting device and display apparatus using the same
Provided is an organic metal complex having a structure represented by the following general formula (1): MLmL′n (1) where: M represents a metal atom selected from Ir, Pt, Rh, Os, and Zn; L and L′, which are different from each other, each represent a bidentate ligand; m represents an integer of 1 to 3 and n represents an integer of 0 to 2, provided that m+n is 3; a partial structure MLm represents a structure represented by the following general formula (2): and a partial structure ML′n represents a structure including a monovalent bidentate ligand. |
| US10069080B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device is discussed. The organic light emitting display device may include at least one light emitting part between an anode and a cathode, the light emitting part including at least one organic layer and a light emitting layer, wherein the organic layer includes an organic compound, and the organic compound includes a triazine compound having a substituent with a steric effect. |
| US10069074B2 |
Light-emitting material for organic electroluminescent device, organic electroluminescent device using same, and material for organic electroluminescent device
Disclosed is a light-emitting material for organic electroluminescent (EL) devices which is composed of an asymmetric anthracene derivative of a specific structure. Also disclosed are a material for organic EL devices and an organic EL device wherein an organic thin film layer composed of one or more layers including at least a light-emitting layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode. At least one layer composed of the organic thin film layer contains the material for organic EL devices by itself or as a component of a mixture. Consequently, the organic EL device has a high efficiency and a long life. Also disclosed are a light-emitting material for organic EL devices and material for organic devices which enable to realize such an organic EL device. |
| US10069072B2 |
Nanotube solutions with high concentration and low contamination and methods for purifiying nanotube solutions
Solutions of carbon nanotubes and methods for purifying the solutions are provided. The methods include mixing, for example, at least one complexing agents, at least one ionic species, and/or at least one buffer oxide etch (BOE) with a liquid medium containing carbon nanotubes and different types of contaminants, such as metal impurities, amorphous carbon, and/or silica particles, and performing a filtration process to the liquid medium so as to remove or reduce the contaminants in the liquid medium. As a result, carbon nanotube solutions of low contaminants are produced. In some embodiments, the solutions of this disclosure include a high concentration of carbon nanotubes and are substantially free from metal, amorphous carbon, and/or silica impurities. |
| US10069067B2 |
Memory arrays and methods of forming memory cells
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. A series of rails is formed to include bottom electrode contact material. Sacrificial material is patterned into a series of lines that cross the series of rails. A pattern of the series of lines is transferred into the bottom electrode contact material. At least a portion of the sacrificial material is subsequently replaced with top electrode material. Some embodiments include memory arrays that contain a second series of electrically conductive lines crossing a first series of electrically conductive lines. Memory cells are at locations where the electrically conductive lines of the second series overlap the electrically conductive lines of the first series. First and second memory cell materials are within the memory cell locations. The first memory cell material is configured as planar sheets and the second memory cell material is configured as upwardly-opening containers. |
| US10069063B2 |
Integrated circuit having first and second magnetic field sensing elements
An integrated circuit can have a first substrate supporting a magnetic field sensing element and a second substrate supporting another magnetic field sensing element. The first and second substrates can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Another integrated circuit can have a first magnetic field sensing element and second different magnetic field sensing element disposed on surfaces thereof. |
| US10069062B2 |
Magnetoresistive element
A magnetoresistive element includes a laminated structure including a plurality of fixed layers, an intermediate layer formed of a non-magnetic material, and a recording layer, the plurality of fixed layers being laminated via a non-magnetic layer, the plurality of fixed layers having at least a first fixed layer and a second fixed layer, the following formula being satisfied: S1>S2 (wherein S1 is an area of a portion of the first fixed layer adjacent to the intermediate layer, which faces the intermediate layer, and S2 is an area of the fixed layer having the smallest area out of the fixed layers other than the first fixed layer). |
| US10069058B2 |
Actuator device, liquid ejection apparatus, and connection structure
An actuator device includes: an actuator including a first contact; and a wire member including a second contact connected to the first contact with a conductive adhesive including a conductive particle. One of the first contact and the second contact is a particular contact. The other of the first contact and the second contact is a specific contact. At least two protrusions and at least one recess are formed on and in the particular contact. The at least two protrusions are arranged in a first direction. The at least one recess is interposed between the at least two protrusions. The particular contact is joined to the specific contact with the conductive adhesive provided in the at least one recess, in a state in which each of the at least two protrusions is in contact with the specific contact. |
| US10069049B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing the same
The semiconductor light emitting element is a semiconductor light emitting element comprising a semiconductor layer including a light emitting layer, wherein a surface of the semiconductor light emitting element includes a light extraction surface. At least one of the light extraction surface and an interface between two layers having different refractive indexes in the semiconductor light emitting element is provided with a periodic recessed and projecting structure having a period that exceeds 0.5 times as great as a wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting layer, and a minute recessed and projecting structure located on a surface of the periodic recessed and projecting structure and having an average diameter that is not more than 0.5 times as great as the wavelength of the light. |
| US10069042B2 |
Light-emitting components containing body, manufacturing method of light-emitting components containing body, components mounting apparatus, components mounting method, and components mounting system
A light-emitting components containing body includes plural light-emitting components, a containing body which contains the plural light-emitting components. The containing body contains the plural light-emitting components of the same rank among light-emitting components that are classified into plural ranks according to positional deviations of their light emission portions from their light emission portion reference position. |
| US10069035B2 |
Light-emitting device and lighting system
One embodiment relates to a light-emitting device, a method for manufacturing the light-emitting device, a light-emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light-emitting device, according to the one embodiment, can comprise: a first conductive semiconductor layer; an active layer on the first conductive semiconductive layer; a gallium nitride based superlattice layer on the active layer; and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the gallium nitride based superlattice layer. The gallium nitride based superlattice layer can comprise: a first gallium nitride based superlattice layer on the active layer; and a second gallium nitride based superlattice layer on the first gallium nitride based superlattice layer. |
| US10069033B2 |
Integration of epitaxial lift-off solar cells with mini-parabolic concentrator arrays via printing method
There is disclosed a method of preparing a photovoltaic device. In particular, the method comprises integrating epitaxial lift-off solar cells with mini-parabolic concentrator arrays via a printing method. Thus, there is disclosed a method comprising providing a growth substrate; depositing at least one protection layer on the growth substrate; depositing at least one sacrificial layer on the protection layer; depositing at least one photoactive cell on the sacrificial layer; etching a pattern of at least two parallel trenches that extend from the at least one photoactive cell to the sacrificial layer; depositing a metal on the at least one photoactive cell; bonding said metal to a host substrate; and removing the sacrificial layer with one or more etch steps. The host substrate can be a siloxane, which when rolled, can form a stamp used to integrate solar cells into concentrator arrays. There are also disclosed a method of making a growth substrate and the growth substrate made therefrom. |
| US10069032B2 |
Method of forming an infrared photodetector
A low noise infrared photodetector has an epitaxial heterostructure that includes a photodiode and a transistor. The photodiode includes a high sensitivity narrow bandgap photodetector layer of first conductivity type, and a collection well of second conductivity type in contact with the photodetector layer. The transistor includes the collection well, a transfer well of second conductivity type that is spaced from the collection well and the photodetector layer, and a region of first conductivity type between the collection and transfer wells. The collection well and the transfer well are of different depths, and are formed by a single diffusion. |
| US10069031B2 |
Method for manufacturing polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cells by means method for crystallizing large-area amorphous silicon thin film using linear electron beam
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cell by a method of crystallizing a large-area amorphous silicon thin film using a linear electron beam, and the technical problem to be solved is to crystallize an amorphous silicon thin film, which is formed on a low-priced substrate, by means of an electron beam so as for same to easily be of high quality by having high crystallization yield and to be processed at a low temperature. To this end, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cell by means of a method for crystallizing a large-area amorphous silicon thin film using a linear electron beam, the method comprising: a substrate preparation step for preparing a substrate; a type 1+ amorphous silicon layer deposition step for forming a type 1+ amorphous silicon layer on the substrate; a type 1 amorphous silicon layer deposition step for forming a type 1 amorphous silicon layer on the type 1+ amorphous silicon layer; an absorption layer formation step for forming an absorption layer by radiating a linear electron beam to the type 1 amorphous silicon layer and thus crystallizing the type 1 amorphous layer and the type 1+ amorphous silicon layer; a type 2 amorphous silicon layer deposition step for forming a type 2 amorphous silicon layer on the absorption layer; and an emitter layer formation step for forming an emitter layer by radiating a linear electron beam to the type 2 amorphous silicon layer and thus crystallizing the type 2 amorphous silicon layer, wherein the linear electron beam is radiated from above type 1 and type 2 amorphous silicon layers in a linear scanning manner in which to reciprocate in a predetermined area. |
| US10069030B2 |
Load lock solar cell transfer system
Systems and methods for transferring solar cells while maintaining a controlled micro-environment are provided. In particular, such systems provide automated loading and unloading of solar cells by use of a conveyor and elevator within a tank receptacle sealingly connected with a solar cell carrying pods and a flow tube of solar cell components in a solar cell fabrication process. The tank receptacle can include one or more ports for sealingly and operably coupling with a cover of a solar cell carrying pod, each port having an elevator for withdrawing a removable base of the pod along with a solar cell carrying cassette into the tank and a conveyor to facilitate loading and/or unloading of solar cells with the cassette by coordinated movement of the elevator and conveyor. Such systems can further include a robotic arm having a gripper and nozzle to maintain a micro-environment within the pod during transport. |
| US10069028B2 |
Multi-wavelength detector array incorporating two dimensional and one dimensional materials
A method of forming a wavelength detector that includes forming a first transparent material layer having a uniform thickness on a first mirror structure, and forming an active element layer including a plurality of nanomaterial sections and electrodes in an alternating sequence atop the first transparent material layer. A second transparent material layer is formed having a plurality of different thickness portions atop the active element layer, wherein each thickness portion correlates to at least one of the plurality of nanomaterials. A second mirror structure is formed on the second transparent material layer. |
| US10069025B2 |
Optoelectronic device
The invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising a photoactive region, which photoactive region comprises: an n-type region comprising at least one n-type layer; a p-type region comprising at least one p-type layer; and, disposed between the n-type region and the p-type region: a layer of a perovskite semiconductor without open porosity. The perovskite semiconductor is generally light-absorbing. In some embodiments, disposed between the n-type region and the p-type region is: (i) a first layer which comprises a scaffold material, which is typically porous, and a perovskite semiconductor, which is typically disposed in pores of the scaffold material; and (ii) a capping layer disposed on said first layer, which capping layer is said layer of a perovskite semiconductor without open porosity, wherein the perovskite semiconductor in the capping layer is in contact with the perovskite semiconductor in the first layer. The layer of the perovskite semiconductor without open porosity (which may be said capping layer) typically forms a planar heterojunction with the n-type region or the p-type region. The invention also provides processes for producing such optoelectronic devices which typically involve solution deposition or vapour deposition of the perovskite. In one embodiment, the process is a low temperature process; for instance, the entire process may be performed at a temperature or temperatures not exceeding 150° C. |
| US10069021B2 |
Electro-conductive pastes with salts with an anion consisting of halogen and oxygen in solar cell applications
In general, the present invention relates to electro-conductive pastes with salt additives with anions consisting of halogen and oxygen, and solar cells with high Ohmic sheet resistance, preferably photovoltaic solar cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to electro-conductive pastes, solar cell precursors, processes for preparation of solar cells, solar cells and solar modules. The present invention relates to an electro-conductive paste at least comprising as paste constituents: a) metallic particles; b) a glass frit; c) an organic vehicle; and d) a salt with an anion comprising an oxygen atom and a halogen atom. |
| US10069019B2 |
Solar cell unit, solar cell array, solar cell module and manufacturing method thereof
A solar cell unit comprises a cell. The cell includes a cell substrate and a plurality of secondary grid lines disposed on a front surface of the cell substrate. The secondary grid lines comprises an edge secondary grid line adjacent to an edge of the cell substrate and a middle secondary grid line disposed inside of the edge secondary grid line. The at least one edge secondary grid line has a width greater than the middle secondary grid line. The solar cell unit also comprises a plurality of conductive wires spaced apart from each other. The plurality of conductive wires intersects and is connected with the secondary grid lines. |
| US10069016B2 |
Semiconductor diode with trench structures and including doped layers and doped zones of opposite conductivity types providing high surge energy capacity
A semiconductor diode includes a semiconductor body and trench structures extending from a surface of the semiconductor body into the semiconductor body. The semiconductor body includes a doped layer of a first conductivity type and a doped zone of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. The doped zone is formed between the doped layer and a first surface of the semiconductor body. The trench structures are arranged between electrically connected portions of the semiconductor body. The trench structures do not include conductive structures that are both electrically insulated from the semiconductor body and electrically connected with another structure outside the trench structures. |
| US10069014B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A base insulating film is formed over a substrate. A first oxide semiconductor film is formed over the base insulating film, and then first heat treatment is performed to form a second oxide semiconductor film. Then, selective etching is performed to form a third oxide semiconductor film. An insulating film is formed over the first insulating film and the third oxide semiconductor film. A surface of the insulating film is polished to expose a surface of the third oxide semiconductor film, so that a sidewall insulating film is formed in contact with at least a side surface of the third oxide semiconductor film. Then, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed over the sidewall insulating film and the third oxide semiconductor film. A gate insulating film and a gate electrode are formed. |
| US10069013B2 |
Amplifiers including tunable tunnel field effect transistor pseudo resistors and related devices
Neural signal amplifiers include an operational amplifier and a feedback network coupled between an output and an input thereof. The feedback network includes a tunnel field effect transistor (“TFET”) pseudo resistor that exhibits bi-directional conductivity. A drain region of the TFET may be electrically connected to the gate electrode thereof to provide a bi-directional resistor having good symmetry in terms of resistance as a function of voltage polarity. |
| US10069011B2 |
Method for fabricating a FinFET metallization architecture using a self-aligned contact etch
A method of fabricating a FinFET device includes a self-aligned contact etch where a source/drain contact module is performed prior to a replacement metal gate (RMG) module. In particular, the method involves forming a sacrificial gate over the channel region of a fin, and an interlayer dielectric over adjacent source/drain regions of the fin. An etch mask is then used to protect source/drain contact regions and enable the removal of the interlayer dielectric from outside of the protected area, e.g., between adjacent fins. |
| US10069010B2 |
Semiconductor device having compressively strained channel region and method of making same
A semiconductor device and method making it utilize a three-dimensional channel region comprising a core of a first semiconductor material and an epitaxial covering of a second semiconductor material. The first and second semiconductor materials have respectively different lattice constants, thereby to create a strain in the epitaxial covering. The devices are formed by a gate-last process, so that the second semiconductor material is deposited only after the high temperature processes have been performed. Consequently, the lattice strain is not substantially relaxed, and the improved performance benefits of the lattice strained channel region are not compromised. |
| US10069007B2 |
Vertical FETs with high density capacitor
A technique relates to semiconductors. A bottom terminal of a transistor and bottom plate of a capacitor are positioned on the substrate. A spacer is arranged on the bottom terminal of the transistor. A transistor channel region extends vertically from the bottom terminal through the spacer to contact a top terminal of the transistor. A capacitor channel region extends vertically from the bottom plate to contact a top plate of the capacitor. A first gate stack is arranged along sidewalls of the transistor channel region and is in contact with the spacer. A second gate stack is arranged along sidewalls of the capacitor channel region and is disposed on the bottom plate. A distance from a bottom of the first gate stack to a top of the bottom terminal is greater than a distance from a bottom of the second gate stack to a top of the bottom plate. |
| US10069006B2 |
Semiconductor device with vertical field floating rings and methods of fabrication thereof
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type. A gate structure is supported by a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a current carrying region (e.g., a drain region of an LDMOS transistor) is disposed in the semiconductor substrate at the surface. The device further includes a drift region of a second, opposite conductivity type disposed in the semiconductor substrate at the surface. The drift region extends laterally from the current carrying region to the gate structure. The device further includes a buried region of the second conductivity type disposed in the semiconductor substrate below the current carrying region. The buried region is vertically aligned with the current carrying region, and a portion of the semiconductor substrate with the first conductivity type is present between the buried region and the current carrying region. |
| US10069004B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device of an embodiment includes a p+-type region selectively disposed in a surface of an n-type silicon carbide epitaxial layer disposed on an n+-type silicon carbide substrate, an element structure that includes a source electrode and a p+-type region that form a metal-semiconductor junction on the n-type silicon carbide epitaxial layer, a p−-type region and another p−-type region that surround the periphery of the element structure, and an n+-type channel stopper region that surrounds the periphery of the p−-type regions so that the n-type silicon carbide epitaxial layer is therebetween. The n+-type channel stopper region has a second n+-type channel stopper region whose impurity concentration is high, and a first n+-type channel stopper region that encompasses the second n+-type channel stopper region and whose impurity concentration is lower than that of the second n+-type channel stopper region. |
| US10069002B2 |
Bond-over-active circuity gallium nitride devices
Implementations of semiconductor devices may include: a first layer with a plurality of cells, each cell having a drain finger, a source finger and a gate ring; a second layer having a drain pad and a source pad, the drain pad having a width and a source pad having a width substantially the same as the drain pad; wherein a width of each drain finger of the first layer is wider than a width of each source finger of the first layer; and wherein each drain pad is coupled to each drain finger through a first contact and the source pad is coupled to each source finger through a second contact, where a width of the first contact is wider than a width of the second contact. |
| US10068998B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of producing the same
A semiconductor device is provided in which a semiconductor substrate can be prevented from being broken while elements can be prevented from being destroyed by a snap-back phenomenon. After an MOS gate structure is formed in a front surface of an FZ wafer, a rear surface of the FZ wafer is ground. Then, the ground surface is irradiated with protons and irradiated with two kinds of laser beams different in wavelength simultaneously to thereby form an N+ first buffer layer and an N second buffer layer. Then, a P+ collector layer and a collector electrode are formed on the proton-irradiated surface. The distance from a position where the net doping concentration of the N+ first buffer layer is locally maximized to the interface between the P+ collector layer and the N second buffer layer is set to be in a range of 5 μm to 30 μm, both inclusively. |
| US10068992B2 |
Semiconductor device including fin FET and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a fin structure for a fin field effect transistor (FET). The fin structure includes a base layer protruding from a substrate, an intermediate layer disposed over the base layer and an upper layer disposed over the intermediate layer. The fin structure further includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer made of a different material than the first protective layer. The intermediate layer includes a first semiconductor layer disposed over the base layer, the first protective layer covers at least side walls of the first semiconductor layer and the second protective layer covers at least side walls of the first protective layer. |
| US10068991B1 |
Patterned sidewall smoothing using a pre-smoothed inverted tone pattern
Embodiments are directed to a method and resulting structures for smoothing the sidewall roughness of a post-etched film. A sacrificial layer is formed on a substrate. A patterned mask is formed by removing portions of the sacrificial layer to expose a surface of the substrate. The sidewalls of the patterned mask are smoothed and a target layer is formed over the patterned mask and the substrate. Portions of the target layer are removed to expose a surface of the patterned mask and the patterned mask is removed. |
| US10068989B2 |
Substrate for display device, display device including the substrate, and method of manufacturing the display device
A substrate for a display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the substrate includes an active layer that is formed on substantially the entire portion of the bottom substrate and comprises a first area and a second area with a higher carrier concentration than the first area. The substrate also includes a line overlapping with the first area and a contact electrode that electrically connects the line to the second area of the active layer. |
| US10068988B2 |
Doped poly-silicon for PolyCMP planarity improvement
A method includes forming a polysilicon layer with an uneven upper surface over a first region and a second region of a substrate, doping a top portion of the polysilicon layer to change its removal rate, thereby forming a doped layer, and removing the doped layer in the first region to expose the polysilicon layer in the first region and leaving at least a portion of the doped layer in the second region. The method also includes removing the exposed polysilicon layer in the first region at a first removal rate and the doped layer in the second region at a second removal rate, the polysilicon layer in the second region being exposed after the doped layer in the second region is removed, and removing the polysilicon layer in the first region and the second region at a third removal rate and a fourth removal rate, respectively. |
| US10068970B2 |
Nanowire isolation scheme to reduce parasitic capacitance
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a doped silicon layer on a bulk substrate, forming an undoped silicon cap layer on the doped silicon layer, forming a stacked configuration of silicon germanium (SiGe) and silicon layers on the undoped silicon cap layer, wherein the stacked configuration comprises a repeating arrangement of a silicon layer stacked on an SiGe layer, forming a plurality of dummy gates spaced apart from each other on the stacked configuration, the doped silicon layer and the undoped silicon cap layer, forming a spacer layer on each of the plurality of dummy gates, and on the doped silicon layer and the undoped silicon cap layer, selectively etching the doped silicon layer with respect to the undoped silicon layer, and filling the area from where the doped s silicon layer was selectively removed with a dielectric layer. |
| US10068969B2 |
Nanowire transistor and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a nanowire transistor is disclosed. First, a substrate is provided, and a stack structure is formed on the substrate, in which the stack structure includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer and the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are made of different material. Next, a hard mask is formed on the stack structure and a first spacer adjacent to the hard mask, part of the stack structure is removed; a second spacer is formed adjacent to the first spacer and the stack structure; and a source/drain structure is formed adjacent to two sides of the second spacer. |
| US10068968B2 |
BxCyNz nanotube formation via the pressurized vapor/condenser method
Nanotube filaments comprising carbon, boron and nitrogen of the general formula BxCyNz, having high-aspect ratio and high-crystallinity produced by a pressurized vapor/condenser method and a process of production. The process comprises thermally exciting a boron-containing target in a chamber containing a carbon source and nitrogen at a pressure which is elevated above atmospheric pressure. |
| US10068958B2 |
Organic light-emitting component and method for producing an organic light-emitting component
In various embodiments, an organic light-emitting organic is provided. The organic light-emitting component may include a first electrode layer, an organic functional layer structure over the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer over the organic functional layer structure. The second electrode layer and the organic functional layer structure are divided into subregions which are arranged laterally next to one another, which are respectively at least partially separated from one another. A plurality of the subregions are electrically connected to at least two neighboring subregions by at least two corresponding connecting elements with are formed by the second electrode layer and the organic functional layer structure. |
| US10068955B2 |
Array substrate of OLED display device and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of an array substrate of an OLED display device is provided. Active areas of a first thin film transistor T1 and a second thin film transistor T2 are formed by a first mask; channel doping areas, source electrode doping areas and drain electrode doping areas of T1 and T2 are formed by a second mask; gate electrodes of T1 and T2 are formed by a third mask; vias are formed by a fourth mask; source electrodes and drain electrodes of T1 and T2, a data line and a pixel electrode are formed by a fifth mask. The manufacturing method can simplify the process steps. |
| US10068947B2 |
Arrays of memory cells and methods of forming an array of memory cells
An array of memory cells includes buried access lines having conductively doped semiconductor material. Pillars extend elevationally outward of and are spaced along the buried access lines. The pillars individually include a memory cell. Outer access lines are elevationally outward of the pillars and the buried access lines. The outer access lines are of higher electrical conductivity than the buried access lines. A plurality of conductive vias is spaced along and electrically couple pairs of individual of the buried and outer access lines. A plurality of the pillars is between immediately adjacent of the vias along the pairs. Electrically conductive metal material is directly against tops of the buried access lines and extends between the pillars along the individual buried access lines. Other embodiments, including method, are disclosed. |
| US10068943B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system
Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: a plurality of pixels configured to output image signals corresponding to radiation; an image signal line configured to output the image signals; and a detection signal line configured to output a detection signal for detection of irradiation of the radiation, in which at least one of the plurality of pixels includes: a conversion element configured to convert the radiation into charge; a first switch configured to output the image signal corresponding to the charge via the image signal line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first electrode is electrically connected to the conversion element to store the charge; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the second electrode and the detection signal line. |
| US10068940B2 |
Imaging apparatus with focus-ranging precision in one direction due to saturated photoelectric conversion elements located adjacent to each other
An imaging apparatus includes a micro lens, a second photoelectric conversion element that is located adjacent to a first photoelectric conversion element in a first direction, and a third photoelectric conversion element that is located adjacent to the first photoelectric conversion in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, wherein the height of a potential barrier produced at a region between the first and third photoelectric conversion elements against a signal charge is less than the height of a potential barrier produced at a region between the first and second photoelectric conversion elements against a signal charge. |
| US10068937B2 |
Image sensor and method for fabricating the same
This technology relates to an image sensor. The image sensor may include a substrate including a photoelectric conversion element; a pillar formed over the photoelectric conversion element and having a concave-convex sidewall; a channel film formed along a surface of the pillar and for having at least one end coupled to the photoelectric conversion element; and a transfer gate formed over the channel film. |
| US10068934B2 |
Electromagnetic wave detector and electromagnetic wave detector array
An electromagnetic wave detector includes: a substrate; an insulating layer provided on the substrate; a graphene layer provided on the insulating layer; a pair of electrodes provided on the insulating layer, with the graphene layer being interposed therebetween; and buffer layers interposed between the graphene layer and the electrodes to separate the graphene layer and the electrodes from each other. The electromagnetic wave detector array includes arrayed electromagnetic wave detectors that are the same as or different from each other. |
| US10068933B2 |
Array substrate manufacturing method and array substrate
The present invention provides an array substrate manufacturing method and an array substrate. The array substrate manufacturing method of the present invention uses an organic photoresist material to form a passivation protection layer (90) for substituting the conventional passivation protection layer that is made of a silicon nitride material and applies one mask to subject the passivation protection layer (90) and a planarization layer (70) to exposure and development so as to obtain a third via (91) that is located above the first drain electrode (62) and a fourth via (92) that is located above the second drain electrode (64) and, thus, compared the prior art techniques, saves one mask and reduces one etching process so as to achieve the purposes of simplifying the manufacturing process and saving manufacturing cost. The array substrate of the present invention has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost and possesses excellent electrical performance. |
| US10068928B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a scan line extending in a first direction; first, second and third signal lines extending in a second direction; a first sub-pixel connected to the scan line and the first signal line; a second sub-pixel connected to the scan line and the second signal line; and a third sub-pixel connected to the scan line and the third signal line. The second signal line disposed between the first sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel is formed by a different layer so as to overlap with the third signal line as viewed in a plan view. |
| US10068927B2 |
Semiconductor device, display module, and electronic device
A semiconductor device includes a MEMS device, a first transistor that supplies a first voltage to a first electrode of the MEMS device, a second transistor that supplies a second voltage to the first electrode of the MEMS device, a third transistor that supplies a first video signal to a gate of the first transistor, a fourth transistor that supplies the first voltage to a second electrode of the MEMS device, a fifth transistor that supplies the second voltage to the second electrode of the MEMS device, and a sixth transistor that supplies a second video signal to a gate of the fourth transistor. A gate of the second transistor is connected to the gate of the fourth transistor. A gate of the fifth transistor is connected to the gate of the first transistor. |
| US10068926B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a pixel electrode and a transistor which includes a first gate electrode, a first insulating layer over the first gate electrode, a semiconductor layer over the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer over the semiconductor layer, and a second gate electrode. The pixel electrode and the second gate electrode are provided over the second insulating layer. The first gate electrode has a region overlapping with the semiconductor layer with the first insulating layer provided therebetween. The second gate electrode has a region overlapping with the semiconductor layer with the second insulating layer provided therebetween. A first region is at least part of a region where the second gate electrode overlaps with the semiconductor layer. A second region is at least part of a region where the pixel electrode is provided. The second insulating layer is thinner in the first region than in the second region. |
| US10068925B2 |
Thin film transistor, thin film transistor panel, and method for manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The semiconductor layer overlaps the gate electrode and includes a channel layer comprising an oxide semiconductor and an auxiliary layer comprising amorphous silicon. The source electrode and the drain electrode are separated from each other and connected to the semiconductor layer. A thin film transistor array panel and method of manufacturing same also is disclosed. |
| US10068924B2 |
Display panel and display apparatus
An embodiment of the present invention provides a display panel including a first substrate; a device layer disposed on the first substrate, wherein the device layer includes a plurality of thin-film transistors and the thin-film transistor includes a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer disposed on the first substrate and covering the gate electrode; a source electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer; a transparent conductive layer disposed on the gate insulating layer and overlapping and electrically connecting the source electrode; a pixel electrode; an active layer electrically connecting the transparent conductive layer and the pixel electrode; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; and a display medium between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US10068923B2 |
Transparent display device and method of manufacturing the same
A transparent display device includes a base substrate having a pixel area and a transmission area, a barrier layer disposed on the base substrate, a pixel circuit disposed in the pixel area, a display structure disposed on the pixel circuit, a transmitting structure disposed in the transmission area, an adhesive layer disposed between the base substrate and the barrier layer, and between the base substrate and the transmitting structure, and a transmitting window defined in the transmission area where the transmitting structure may include a composition including silicon oxynitride, the adhesive layer may include aluminum oxide, and the transmitting window may expose a surface of the transmitting structure. |
| US10068919B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same, the semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor is disposed on a substrate and comprises a gate electrode, a gate dielectric layer and a first source/drain. The second transistor includes the gate electrode and a channel layer disposed on the gate electrode. |
| US10068918B2 |
Contacting SOI subsrates
An integrated circuit is provided including a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried oxide layer formed on the semiconductor bulk substrate, a plurality of cells, each cell having a transistor device, formed over the buried oxide layer, a plurality of gate electrode lines running through the cells and providing gate electrodes for the transistor devices of the cells, and a plurality of tap cells configured for electrically contacting the semiconductor bulk substrate and arranged at positions different from positions below or above the plurality of cells having the transistor devices. |
| US10068917B2 |
Vertical memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same
A vertical memory device includes insulating interlayer patterns, of gate electrodes, a channel, and a charge storage pattern structure. The insulating interlayer patterns are spaced in a first direction. The gate electrodes between are neighboring insulating interlayer patterns, respectively. The channel extends through the insulating interlayer patterns and the gate electrodes in the first direction. The charge storage pattern structure includes a tunnel insulation pattern, a charge trapping pattern structure, and a blocking pattern sequentially stacked between the channel and each of the gate electrodes in a second direction. The charge trapping pattern structure includes charge trapping patterns spaced in the first direction. The charge trapping patterns are adjacent to sidewalls of first gate electrodes, respectively. A first charge trapping pattern extends in the first direction along a sidewall of a first insulating interlayer pattern. |
| US10068915B2 |
Manufacturing method for a semiconductor device including resist films different in thickness
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a stacked body of N (N is an integer of 2 or more) layers stacked on a semiconductor substrate and openings different in depth surrounded by the stacked body and separated from each other. |
| US10068912B1 |
Method of reducing charge loss in non-volatile memories
A memory apparatus that has at least two non-volatile memory (NVM) cells disposed side by side overlying a substrate and an isolation structure disposed between the first and second NVM cells in the substrate. The first and second NVM cells share a common charge trapping layer that includes a continuous structure, and the portion of the common charge trapping layer that is disposed directly above the isolation structure includes a higher oxygen and/or nitrogen concentration than the portions of the common charge trapping layer that are disposed within the first and second NVM cells. |
| US10068911B2 |
Semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a stacked body, a columnar portion, a first charge storage portion, and a second charge storage portion. The stacked body includes a plurality of electrode layers stacked in a first direction. The plurality of electrode layers includes a first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer. The columnar portion extends in the first direction in the stacked body. The first charge storage portion provides between the first electrode layer and the columnar portion. The second charge storage portion provides between the second electrode layer and the columnar portion. A first thickness in a second direction intersecting the first direction of the first charge storage portion between the first electrode layer and the columnar portion is thicker than a second thickness in the second direction of the second charge storage portion between the second electrode layer and the columnar portion. |
| US10068910B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
Provided is a small-area one-time programmable semiconductor memory device that uses a PNPN structure, which is parasitically generated in a CMOS process. An N-type region provided in a location other than both ends or a P-type region provided in a location other than both the ends is put into a floating state so that PNPN current flows, and a thermal breakdown of a resistor caused by this current is used as a memory element. |
| US10068908B2 |
Method to form localized relaxed substrate by using condensation
Methods and structures for forming a localized, strained region of a substrate are described. Trenches may be formed at boundaries of a localized region of a substrate. An upper portion of sidewalls at the localized region may be covered with a covering layer, and a lower portion of the sidewalls at the localized region may not be covered. A converting material may be formed in contact with the lower portion of the localized region, and the substrate heated. The heating may introduce a chemical species from the converting material into the lower portion, which creates stress in the localized region. The methods may be used to form strained-channel finFETs. |
| US10068907B1 |
Dynamic random access memory
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) includes a substrate, two buried word lines and a bit line contact. The substrate includes a first active area, wherein the first active area extends along a first direction. The buried word lines are disposed in the substrate and across the first active area, wherein the buried word lines extend along a second direction. The bit line contact is disposed on the substrate and overlaps the first active area between the two buried word lines, wherein the bit line contact is enclosed by a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, and the first side is parallel to the third side along a third direction while the second side is parallel to the fourth side along a fourth direction, wherein the third direction is parallel to the first direction and the fourth direction is parallel to the second direction. |
| US10068903B2 |
Methods and apparatus for artificial exciton in CMOS processes
Methods and apparatus for artificial exciton devices. An artificial exciton device includes a semiconductor substrate; at least one well region doped to a first conductivity type in a portion of the semiconductor substrate; a channel region in a central portion of the well region; a cathode region in the well region doped to a second conductivity type; an anode region in the well region doped to the first conductivity type; a first lightly doped drain region disposed between the cathode region and the channel region doped to the first conductivity type; a second lightly doped drain region disposed between the anode region and the channel region doped to the second conductivity type; and a gate structure overlying the channel region, the gate structure comprising a gate dielectric layer lying over the channel region and a gate conductor material overlying the gate dielectric. Methods are disclosed. |
| US10068901B2 |
Semiconductor device including transistors with different threshold voltages
A semiconductor device including a substrate includes a first region and a second region and first and second transistors in the first and second regions, respectively. The first transistor includes a first gate insulating layer on the substrate, a first lower TiN layer on and in contact with the first gate insulating layer, a first etch-stop layer on the first lower TiN layer and a first upper gate electrode on the first etch-stop layer. The second transistor includes a second gate insulating layer on the substrate, a second lower TiN layer on and in contact with the second gate insulating layer, a second etch-stop layer on the second lower TiN layer and a second upper gate electrode on the second etch-stop layer. A thickness of the first lower TiN layer is less than a thickness of the second lower TiN layer. |
| US10068899B2 |
IC structure on two sides of substrate and method of forming
An integrated circuit (IC) structure uses a single semiconductor substrate having a first side and an opposing, second side. A first plurality of active devices are positioned on the first side of the single semiconductor substrate, and a second plurality of active devices are positioned on the opposing, second side of the single semiconductor substrate. A TSV may electrically couple active devices on either side. Use of a single semiconductor substrate with active devices on both sides reduces the number of semiconductor layers used and allows annealing without damaging BEOL interconnects during fabrication. |
| US10068898B2 |
On-chip MIM capacitor
A method for forming an on-chip capacitor with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices includes forming a first capacitor electrode between gate structures in a capacitor region while forming contacts to source and drain (S/D) regions in a CMOS region. Gate structures are cut in the CMOS region and the capacitor region by etching a trench across the gate structures and filling the trench with a dielectric material. The gate structures and the dielectric material in the trench in the capacitor region are removed to form a position for an insulator and a second electrode. The insulator is deposited in the position. Gate metal is deposited to form gate conductors in the CMOS region and the second electrode in the capacitor region. |
| US10068891B2 |
Semiconductor device
An area of a semiconductor device having a FINFET can be reduced. The drain regions of an n-channel FINFET and a p-channel FINFET are extracted by two second local interconnects from a second Y gird between a gate electrode and a dummy gate adjacent thereto, to a third Y grid adjacent to the second Y gird. These second local interconnects are connected by a first local interconnect extending in the X direction in the third Y grid. According to such a cell layout, although the number of grids is increased by one because of the arrangement of the first local interconnect, the length in the X direction can be reduced. As a result, the cell area of the unit cell can be reduced while a space between the first and second local interconnects is secured. |
| US10068890B2 |
Semiconductor device, electronic component, and electronic device
To provide a semiconductor device including element layers that are stacked. A first wiring layer and a second wiring layer are stacked between a first element layer and a second element layer. A third wiring layer and a fourth wiring layer are stacked over the second element layer. Transistors of logic cells are provided in the first element layer. Wirings of the logic cells are provided in the first wiring layer or the second wiring layer. Input ports and output ports of the logic cells are provided in the third wiring layer. The input port of one of the logic cells is connected to the output port of another logic cell through the wiring of the third wiring layer or the fourth wiring layer. Connecting the logic cells through the wiring layers over the second element layer improves the efficiency of steps of arranging and connecting the logic cells. |
| US10068888B2 |
Making semiconductor devices with alignment bonding and substrate removal
Embodiments include a manufacturing method of making a semiconductor device via multiple stages of alignment bonding and substrate removal. One example is an integrated full-color LED display panel, in which multiple wafers with different arrays of LEDs are integrated onto a host wafer with driver circuitry. The driver circuitry typically is an array of pixel drivers that drive individual LEDs on the display panel. |
| US10068884B2 |
Display apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A display apparatus including a first substrate including a plurality of light emitting diodes regularly disposed thereon, a second substrate including a thin-film transistor (TFT) panel part including a plurality of TFTs configured to drive the light emitting diodes, and a third substrate including a light converter configured to convert light emitted from the first substrate, in which the first substrate and the second substrate are coupled to face each other, the light emitting diodes are electrically connected to the TFTs, respectively, the first substrate and the third substrate are coupled to face each other, and light emitted from the light emitting diodes is converted into at least one of blue light, green light, and red light through the light converter. |
| US10068883B2 |
Optical coupling device
An optical coupling device includes a first receiving chip having a first region on one end and a second region on another end side. A first emitting chip is disposed on the first region. A second receiving chip has a third region on one end and a fourth region on another end. A second emitting chip is disposed on the fourth region. The first and third regions are adjacent, and the second and fourth regions are adjacent. A first connection portion is disposed on the second region and is electrically connected to the second light emitting chip through a bonding wire. A second connection portion is disposed in the third region and is electrically connected to the first light emitting chip through a bonding wire. |
| US10068881B2 |
Package-on-package type semiconductor package and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a package-on-package type semiconductor package and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor package includes upper package stacked on a lower package and a via provided between the lower and upper packages to electrically connect the lower and upper packages to each other. The lower package includes a lower package substrate, a lower semiconductor chip mounted on the lower package substrate, and a lower mold layer encapsulating the lower semiconductor chip and including an alignment mark. The lower mold layer includes a marking region, which is provided between the via and the lower semiconductor chip, and on which the alignment mark is provided. |
| US10068878B2 |
Printed circuit board (PCB), method of manufacturing the PCB, and method of manufacturing semiconductor package using the PCB
Provided are a printed circuit board (PCB) capable of blocking introduction of impurities during a molding process so as to reduce damage on a semiconductor package, a method of manufacturing the PCB, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package by using the PCB. An embodiment includes an apparatus comprising: a substrate body comprising an active area and a dummy area on an outer portion of the active area, the substrate body extending lengthwise in a first direction; a plurality of semiconductor units mounted on the active area; and a barrier formed on the dummy area, wherein the barrier extends in the first direction. |
| US10068877B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming WLCSP with semiconductor die embedded within interconnect structure
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die. An insulating layer is formed over the encapsulant and a first surface of the semiconductor die. A semiconductor component is disposed over the insulating layer and first surface of the semiconductor die. A first interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and first surface of the semiconductor die to embed the semiconductor component. A conductive via is formed in the semiconductor die. A heat sink is formed over the semiconductor die. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the semiconductor die opposite the first surface. A conductive layer is formed over the semiconductor component. An opening is formed in the insulating layer. |
| US10068876B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
A semiconductor devise includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are bonded each other. A first substrate includes an insulating first surface film as an uppermost layer, a first electrode and an insulating second surface film respectively formed inside a plurality of openings in the first surface film, and a first seal ring. A second substrate includes an insulating third surface film as an uppermost layer, and a second electrode, an insulating fourth surface film respectively formed inside a plurality of openings in the third surface film, and a second seal ring. The first electrode and the second electrode are directly bonded together. The first surface film and the third surface film are directly bonded together. The second surface film and the fourth surface film are directly bonded together. A seal ring formed of the first seal ring, the second surface film, the fourth surface film, and the second seal ring is continuous between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US10068875B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for heat transfer from packaged semiconductor die
Apparatuses and methods for heat transfer from packaged semiconductor die are described. For example, an apparatus may include a plurality of die in a stack, and a barrier in close proximity to at least an edge of each of the plurality of die. The apparatus may further include fill material in spaces between adjacent die of the plurality of die and in between the plurality of die and the barrier. |
| US10068874B2 |
Method for direct integration of memory die to logic die without use of thru silicon vias (TSV)
A method including forming a first substrate including an integrated circuit device layer disposed between a plurality of first interconnects and a plurality of second interconnects; coupling a second substrate including a memory device layer to the first substrate so that the memory device layer is juxtaposed to one of the plurality of first interconnects and the plurality of second interconnects; and removing a portion of the first substrate. An apparatus including a device layer including a plurality of circuit devices disposed between a plurality of first interconnects and a plurality of second interconnects on a substrate; a memory device layer including a plurality of memory devices juxtaposed and coupled to one of the plurality of first interconnects and the plurality of second interconnects; and contacts points coupled to one of ones of the first plurality of interconnects and ones of the second plurality of interconnects. |
| US10068870B2 |
Semiconductor device including a connection unit and semiconductor device fabrication method of the same
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor units each including a laminated substrate formed by laminating an insulating board and a circuit board and a semiconductor element joined to the circuit board using a joining material which irreversibly makes a phase transition into a solid-phase state. In addition, the semiconductor device may include a base plate to which each of the plurality of semiconductor units is joined using solder and a connection unit which electrically connects the plurality of semiconductor units in parallel. |
| US10068866B2 |
Integrated circuit package having rectangular aspect ratio
An integrated circuit (IC) packaging arrangement for surface mounting of the IC includes a package body that encapsulates one or more IC dies. The package body according to some embodiments has rectangular aspect ratio with a length dimension and a width dimension of different size. The IC packaging according to some embodiments includes leadless surface-mount electrical contacts. According to some embodiments, the leadless surface-mount contacts are situated in clusters at opposite ends of the length dimension of the IC body. |
| US10068864B2 |
Nanowires for pillar interconnects
An embodiment of the invention may include a semiconductor structure, and method of forming the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure may include a first set of pillars located on a first substrate. The semiconductor structure may include a second set of pillars located on a second substrate. The semiconductor structure may include a joining layer connecting the first pillar to the second pillar. The semiconductor structure may include an underfill layer located between the first and second substrate. |
| US10068863B2 |
Formation of solder and copper interconnect structures and associated techniques and configurations
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward formation of solder and copper interconnect structures and associated techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, a method includes providing an integrated circuit (IC) substrate and depositing a solderable material on the IC substrate using an ink deposition process, a binder printing system, or a powder laser sintering system. In another embodiment, a method includes providing an integrated circuit (IC) substrate and depositing a copper powder on the IC substrate using an additive process to form a copper interconnect structure. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US10068862B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming a package in-fan out package
A semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor package including a first interconnect structure extending over a surface of the first semiconductor package. The first semiconductor package includes an interposer and a second semiconductor die disposed over the interposer. A second encapsulant is deposited over the interposer and second semiconductor die. A first semiconductor die is disposed over the surface of the first semiconductor package. A second interconnect structure extends from the first semiconductor die opposite the first semiconductor package. A first encapsulant is deposited over the first semiconductor package and first semiconductor die. A portion of the first encapsulant over the first interconnect structure and second interconnect structure is removed. A discrete component is disposed on the surface of the first semiconductor package. A build-up interconnect structure is formed over the first semiconductor package and first semiconductor die. The first semiconductor package includes a molded laser package. |
| US10068861B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device including a substrate, a pad, a protective layer, a plurality of convex patterns, a redistribution layer (RDL), and a bump. The pad is disposed on the substrate. The protective layer is disposed on the substrate. The protective layer has a first opening exposing a portion of a surface of the pad. The convex patterns are disposed on the protective layer. The RDL is disposed on the convex patterns. The RDL extends from the pad to the convex patterns. The bump is disposed on the convex patterns. |
| US10068853B2 |
Integrated fan-out package and method of fabricating the same
An integrated fan-out package including an integrated circuit, an insulating encapsulation, and a redistribution circuit structure is provided. The integrated circuit includes an active surface, a plurality of sidewalls connected to the active surface, and a plurality of pads distributed on the active surface. The insulating encapsulation encapsulates the active surface and the sidewalls of the integrated circuit. The insulating encapsulation includes a plurality of first contact openings and a plurality of through holes, and the pads are exposed by the first contact openings. The redistribution circuit structure includes a redistribution conductive layer, wherein the redistribution conductive layer is disposed on the insulating encapsulation and is distributed in the first contact openings and the through holes. The redistribution conductive layer is electrically connected to the pads through the first contact openings. A method of fabricating the integrated fan-out package is also provided. |
| US10068850B2 |
Trench silicide with self-aligned contact vias
A modified trench metal-semiconductor alloy formation method involves depositing a layer of a printable dielectric or a sacrificial carbon material within a trench structure and over contact regions of a semiconductor device, and then selectively removing the printable dielectric or sacrificial carbon material to segment the trench and form plural contact vias. A metallization layer is formed within the contact vias and over the contact regions. |
| US10068848B2 |
Semiconductor chip with integrated series resistances
A semiconductor chip has a semiconductor body with a bottom side and a top side arranged distant from the bottom side in a vertical direction, an active and a non-active transistor region, a drift region formed in the semiconductor body, a contact terminal for externally contacting the semiconductor chip, and a plurality of transistor cells formed in the semiconductor body. Each of the transistor cells has a first electrode. Each of a plurality of connection lines electrically connects another one of the first electrodes to the contact terminal pad at a connecting location of the respective connection line. Each of the connection lines includes a resistance section formed of a locally increased specific resistance relative to a specific resistance of adjacent semiconductor material or metal of the respective connection line. Each of the connecting locations and each of the resistance sections is arranged in the non-active transistor region. |
| US10068846B2 |
Surface nitridation in metal interconnects
Conductive contacts include a first conductor disposed within a first dielectric layer, the first conductor having a recessed area in least one surface. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer, comprising a trench positioned over the first conductor. A second conductor is formed in the trench and the recessed area to form a conductive contact with the first conductor. |
| US10068845B2 |
Seam healing of metal interconnects
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe removing seams and voids in metal interconnects and associated techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, a method includes conformally depositing a metal into a recess disposed in a dielectric material to form an interconnect, wherein conformally depositing the metal creates a seam or void in the deposited metal within or directly adjacent to the recess and heating the metal in the presence of a reactive gas to remove the seam or void, wherein the metal has a melting point that is greater than a melting point of copper. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US10068843B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming cavity in build-up interconnect structure for short signal path between die
In a semiconductor device, a first semiconductor die is mounted with its active surface oriented to a temporary carrier. An encapsulant is deposited over the first semiconductor die and temporary carrier. The temporary carrier is removed to expose a first side of the encapsulant and active surface of the first semiconductor die. A masking layer is formed over the active surface of the first semiconductor die. A first interconnect structure is formed over the first side of the encapsulant. The masking layer blocks formation of the first interconnect structure over the active surface of the first semiconductor die. The masking layer is removed to form a cavity over the active surface of the first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is mounted in the cavity. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the active surface of the first semiconductor die with a short signal path. |
| US10068842B2 |
Single-layer wiring package substrate, single-layer wiring package structure having the package substrate, and method of fabricating the same
A single-layer wiring package substrate and a method of fabricating the same are provided, the method including: forming on a carrier a wiring layer having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface and being in contact with the carrier; forming on the carrier and on the wiring layer a dielectric body that has a first side having a first opening, from which a portion of the wiring layer is exposed, and a second side opposing the first side and disposed at the same side as the second surface of the wiring layer; and removing the carrier, with the second side of the dielectric body and the second surface of the wiring layer exposed. Therefore, a coreless package substrate is fabricated, and the overall thickness and cost of the substrate are reduced. |
| US10068834B2 |
Floating bond pad for power semiconductor devices
Embodiments of a semiconductor device including a floating bond pad are disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the semiconductor device is a power semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a substrate that includes an active area and a control contact area, a first bond pad on the active area, a floating control bond pad on the control contact area and laterally extending over a portion of the first bond pad, and a dielectric between the portion of the first bond pad and the floating control bond pad. The floating control bond pad enables the active area to extend below the floating control bond pad, which in turn decreases a size of the power semiconductor device for a particular rated current or, conversely, increases a size of the active area and thus a rated current for a particular semiconductor die size. |
| US10068833B2 |
Heat module
A heat module includes a fan, a heat sink, a heat transfer member, and a plurality of connection portions. The heat transfer member includes a lower surface capable of being in thermal contact with a heat source, and an upper surface thermally connected to the heat sink, and is arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the fan in a plan view. The plurality of connection portions are arranged between the heat transfer member and the housing to define an axial gap between an upper surface of the heat transfer member and a lower surface of the lower plate portion. The heat transfer member includes a heat source contact portion arranged on a side, closer to the fan, of an end portion of the fan at which the air outlet is defined. |
| US10068831B2 |
Thermally enhanced semiconductor package 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 module substrate, a mold compound component, a thermally conductive film, and a thermally enhanced mold compound component. The 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 conductive film resides over at least the upper surface of the thinned flip chip at the bottom of the cavity. The thermally enhanced mold compound component resides over at least a portion of the thermally conductive film to fill the cavity. |
| US10068830B2 |
Compressible thermal interface materials
Provided is a compressible thermal interface material including a polymer, a thermally conductive filler, and a phase change material. A formulation for forming a compressible thermal interface material and an electronic component including a compressible thermal interface material are also provided. |
| US10068826B2 |
Package device
Provided is a package device, relating to the technical field of lamp beads. The package device comprises an SMD holder, wherein the SMD holder is a hollow housing with one end opened; and the material of sidewalls of the SMD holder is transparent plastic. In the package device provided by the present invention, a transparent material is provided as the material of the sidewalls of the SMD holder, and light generated after a chip is powered on can be partially transmitted out through the sidewalls of the SMD holder, avoiding blocking of the light generated after the chip is powered on by the sidewalls of the SMD holder, thereby increasing transmittance of light from the chip. |
| US10068825B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element which includes semiconductor substrate, an insulating film formed on a front surface of the semiconductor substrate and having an opening, and an electrode formed in the opening on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a first protective film disposed to cover the semiconductor element. The insulating film has a thickness of not less than 1/500 of a thickness of the semiconductor substrate and not more than 4 μm. The insulating film has a compressive stress per film thickness of not less than 100 MPa/μm. |
| US10068822B2 |
Semiconductor package and method for forming the same
A method for forming semiconductor packages includes disposing at least one flow hindering supporter onto a substrate, in which the substrate has at least one active region and at least one gap region surrounded the active region, the flow hindering supporter is located on the gap region; subsequently, disposing at least one die structure onto the active region of the substrate respectively; and then injecting a molding compound flowed into the gap region, to mold the flow hindering supporter and the die structure with the molding compound. |
| US10068820B2 |
Electronic element package and method for manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates to an electronic element package and a method of manufacturing the same. The electronic element package includes a substrate, an element disposed on the substrate, and a cap enclosing the element. One of the substrate and the cap includes a groove, the other of the substrate and the cap includes a protrusion engaging with the groove. A first metal layer and a second metal layer form a metallic bond with each other in a space between the groove and the protrusion. |
| US10068819B2 |
Semiconductor device
A relay substrate in which a circuit pattern and an external electrode are integrated on a insulating plate is used in the semiconductor device. Such configuration makes it possible to reduce a resistance in a current path while preventing the problems occurring when the external electrode is soldered on the semiconductor chip. |
| US10068818B2 |
Semiconductor element package, semiconductor device, and mounting structure
A semiconductor element package includes a base body, a frame member, and a terminal member. The frame member is provided on a main surface of the base body. A notch is formed on the base body side of this frame member. The notch is a gap between the one main surface of the base body and the frame member. The terminal member is provided so as to cover the notch as the gap. The terminal member includes a first dielectric layer, a plurality of signal wiring conductors and a plurality of coplanar ground conductor layers that are provided on one surface of the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer has a hole provided open in a region of the one surface between a first wiring conductor and a second wiring conductor. |
| US10068817B2 |
Semiconductor package
A semiconductor package and die assembly with a package having an exterior surface and an interior space, the interior space defined by a first side wall, and a second side wall that opposes the first side wall. Also part of the assembly is a package floor and a package ceiling. The package floor includes package floor conductors. The package ceiling opposes the package floor and includes package ceiling conductors in the package ceiling. One or more semiconductor dies are on the floor of the package floor. Electrical conductors electrically connect the one or more floor dies to the package floor conductors. One or more semiconductor dies are located on the package ceiling. Electrical conductors are configured to electrically connect the one or more ceiling dies to the package ceiling conductors. An air space is located between the package floor and the package ceiling. |
| US10068815B2 |
Test structure for testing via resistance and method
Aspects of the present disclosure include a semiconductor test device and method. The test device includes a first Kelvin testable structure and a second Kelvin testable structure. The first Kelvin testable structure includes an upper metal plate, a plurality of dummy vias and one measurement via under and electrically connected to the upper plate and a lower metal island electrically connected to the one measurement via. The second Kelvin testable structure includes an upper reference metal plate, a reference via under and electrically connected to the upper reference metal plate, and a lower metal reference island electrically connected to the reference via. |
| US10068813B2 |
Array substrate, liquid crystal display panel and broken-line repairing method thereof
According to the present disclosure, there is disclosed an array substrate, a liquid crystal display panel and a broken-line repairing method thereof. The array substrate comprises: signal lines, which includes a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines intersecting with each other; and a plurality of pixel units defined by the gate lines and the data lines, wherein a thin film transistor, a common electrode and a pixel electrode, which is connected to a drain of the thin film transistor, are formed in each of the pixel units, for each of the pixel units, at the positions of two corners which are adjacent to one of the data lines, a first repair area and a second repair area are formed, respectively; within the first repair area and the second repair area, patterns of the pixel electrode and the data line overlap, and there is no pattern of the common electrode. |
| US10068812B2 |
Method and structure for flip-chip package reliability monitoring using capacitive sensors groups
Flip-chip package reliability monitoring and systems of monitoring using capacitive sensors are disclosed. The monitoring is conducted in situ and in real-time without the need for destructive testing of the packages. The capacitive sensors can be used for flip-chip package reliability monitoring. |
| US10068810B1 |
Multiple Fin heights with dielectric isolation
A method of forming semiconductor fins having different fin heights and which are dielectrically isolated from an underlying semiconductor substrate. The fins may be formed by etching an active epitaxial layer that is disposed over the substrate. An intervening sacrificial epitaxial layer may be used to template growth of the active epitaxial layer, and is then removed and backfilled with an isolation dielectric layer. The isolation dielectric layer may be disposed between bottom surfaces of the fins and the substrate, and may be deposited, for example, following the etching process used to define the fins. Within different regions of the substrate, dielectrically isolated fins of different heights may have substantially co-planar top surfaces. |
| US10068809B2 |
TFT backplane manufacturing method and TFT backplane
The invention provides a manufacturing method for TFT backplane, through forming an oxygen-containing a-Si layer on the buffer layer and an oxygen-free a-Si layer on the oxygen-containing a-Si layer so that when using a boron induced SPC to crystallize the a-Si thin film, the contact interface between the a-Si thin film and the buffer layer is the oxygen-containing a-Si layer; because the nucleation is not easy to occur in oxygen-containing a-Si layer during high temperature crystallization, the nucleation only occurs top-down in the boron doped layer on the upper surface of the a-Si thin film for good die quality and thin film uniformity to achieve improve crystalline quality and uniformity. The TFT backplane provided by the invention is made with simple process, wherein the crystalline quality and uniformity of the polysilicon layer is preferable, and can enhance the TFT performance and the driving effect. |
| US10068806B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for using a cover mask for enabling metal line jumping over MOL features in a standard cell
At least one method, apparatus and system disclosed involves providing an integrated circuit having metal feature flyover over an middle-of-line (MOL) feature. A first location for a non-contact intersection region between a first middle of line (MOL) interconnect feature and a metal feature in a functional cell is determined. A dielectric feature is formed over the first MOL interconnect feature at the first location. The metal feature is formed over the dielectric layer, the dielectric layer providing a predetermined amount of voltage isolation between the first MOL interconnect feature and the metal feature. |
| US10068804B2 |
Methods, apparatus and system for providing adjustable fin height for a FinFET device
A method and system are disclosed herein for an adjustable effective fin height in a gate region of a finFET device. Fin structures, each having a first height, a fin, an oxide liner, and a nitride liner, are formed. A first portion of the nitride liner is removed. A first portion of the oxide liner is removed. A second portion of the nitride liner in a gate portion of the finFET. Source/drain(s) are formed, and a nitride spacer between the source/drain and the gate portion is formed. A second portion of the oxide liner is exposed by removing the second portion of the nitride liner, exposing a second portion of the fin, wherein the first and second exposed portions of the fin being an effective fin height in the gate portion. |
| US10068802B2 |
Threshold mismatch and IDDQ reduction using split carbon co-implantation
An integrated circuit containing MOS transistors may be formed using a split carbon co-implantation. The split carbon co-implant includes an angled carbon implant and a zero-degree carbon implant that is substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the integrated circuit. The split carbon co-implant is done at the LDD and halo implant steps. |
| US10068798B2 |
Method and processing apparatus for performing pre-treatment to form copper wiring in recess formed in substrate
There is provided a method for performing a pre-treatment to form a copper wiring in a recess formed in a substrate, which includes forming a barrier layer on a surface of the substrate that defines the recess, and forming a seed layer on the barrier layer. The method further includes at least one of etching the barrier layer and etching the seed layer. In the at least one of etching the barrier layer and etching the seed layer, the substrate is inclined with respect to an irradiation direction of ions while rotating the substrate. |
| US10068796B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming a first hole in a first processed layer. A first sacrificial film is formed in the first hole. A hole portion is formed in the first sacrificial film. A second sacrificial film is formed in the hole portion. A second processed layer is formed above the first sacrificial film and the second sacrificial film, and a second hole is formed in the second processed layer to expose the second sacrificial film. A third sacrificial film is formed on an inner side surface of the second hole, and a fourth sacrificial film is formed on the third sacrificial film. The second sacrificial film is etched using the fourth sacrificial film as a mask. The third sacrificial film exposed by etching the second sacrificial film is etched. The second processed layer is etched using the third sacrificial film as a mask. |
| US10068795B2 |
Methods for preparing layered semiconductor structures
Methods for preparing layered semiconductor structures are disclosed. The methods may involve pretreating an ion-implanted donor wafer by annealing the ion-implanted donor wafer to cause a portion of the ions to out-diffuse prior to wafer bonding. The donor structure may be bonded to a handle structure and cleaved without re-implanting ions into the donor structure. |
| US10068794B2 |
Gate all around device architecture with hybrid wafer bond technique
A system and method for fabricating non-planar devices while managing semiconductor processing yield and cost are described. A semiconductor device fabrication process forms a stack of alternating semiconductor layers. A trench is etched and filled with at least an oxide layer with a length at least that of a device channel length while being bounded by sites for a source region and a drain region. The process places a second silicon substrate on top of both the oxide layer in the trench and the top-most semiconducting layer of the stack. The two surfaces making contact by wafer bonding use the same type of semiconducting layer. The device is flipped such that the first substrate and the stack are on top of the second substrate. The process forms nanowires of a gate region from the stack in the top first substrate. |
| US10068793B1 |
Semiconductor structure for preventing generation of void and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor structure including a substrate, an isolation structure, a first gate structure, a second gate structure and a protection layer is provided. The isolation structure is disposed on the substrate. The first gate structure and the second gate structure are adjacent to each other and disposed on the isolation structure. Each of the first gate structure and the second gate structure includes a conductive layer. The protection layer is disposed between the first gate structure and the second gate structure and covers the isolation structure between the first gate structure and the second gate structure. |
| US10068792B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquid treatment of wafer shaped articles
An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck adapted to hold a wafer shaped article thereon. The rotary chuck comprises a peripheral series of pins configured to contact an edge region of a wafer-shaped article. Each of the pins projects from the rotary chuck, and each of the pins comprises a projecting portion having a gripping element at a distal end thereof, and a proximal portion comprising a drive mechanism at a proximal end thereof by which the pin can be rotated. The projecting portion and the proximal portion comprise interengageable connectors configured to allow the projecting and proximal portions to be interconnected by pressing the projecting portion against the proximal portion and to be disconnected by pulling the projecting portion away from the proximal portion. |
| US10068789B2 |
Method of using a wafer cassette to charge an electrostatic carrier
A method comprising placing a wafer assembly in a wafer cassette, wherein the wafer assembly includes a wafer and an electrostatic carrier attached to the wafer. In addition, the electrostatic carrier is charged through the wafer cassette, the wafer cassette is transported to a next process stage, and the wafer assembly is removed from the wafer cassette. |
| US10068788B2 |
Communication device and method for controlling communication device
A communication device includes a communicator that performs communication via a network, IO ports that connect with a manufacturing apparatus, a packet monitor that monitors, via the communicator, packet data communicated to and from the manufacturing apparatus via the network, an IO monitor that monitors states of the IO ports, and a controller configured or programmed to transmit monitoring information to a transportation apparatus via the communicator, the transportation apparatus transporting a processing target, and the monitoring information being obtained through the monitoring performed by the packet monitor and the IO monitor. |
| US10068787B2 |
Bowing semiconductor wafers
Methods for processing semiconductor wafers, methods for loading semiconductor wafers into wafer carriers, and semiconductor wafer carriers. The methods and wafer carriers can be used for increasing the rigidity of wafers, e.g., large and thin wafers, by intentionally bowing the wafers to an extent that does not break the wafers. In some examples, a method for processing semiconductor wafers includes loading each semiconductor wafer into a respective semiconductor wafer slot of a semiconductor wafer carrier, horizontally bowing each semiconductor wafer, and moving the semiconductor wafer carrier into a processing station and processing the semiconductor wafers at the processing station while the semiconductor wafers are loaded into the semiconductor wafer carrier and horizontally bowed. |
| US10068786B1 |
Data structures for semiconductor die packaging
At least some embodiments are directed to a system that comprises storage comprising a data structure that cross-references an identifier of a semiconductor wafer, a location of a die in the wafer, an identifier of a lead frame strip, a location of a lead frame in the lead frame strip, and results of a first test on the die. The system also comprises mechanical equipment configured to test packaged die. The system further comprises a processor, coupled to the storage and to the mechanical equipment, configured to perform a second test on a package containing the die and the lead frame using the mechanical equipment and the results of the first test. |
| US10068784B2 |
Indicator used in electronic device manufacturing apparatus and method for designing and/or managing the apparatus
Provided is an indicator that can easily detect whether treatment with at least one member of plasma, ozone, ultraviolet rays, and radical-containing gas is uniformly performed on an entire substrate in an electronic device manufacturing apparatus; also provided is a method for designing and/or managing an electronic device manufacturing apparatus using the indicator. The indicator is used in an electronic device manufacturing apparatus, wherein (1) the indicator detects at least one member selected from the group consisting of plasma, ozone, ultraviolet rays, and radical-containing gas, (2) the indicator has a shape that is the same as that of a substrate used in the electronic device manufacturing apparatus, (3) the indicator contains a color-changing layer, and (4) the color-changing layer is formed by an ink composition whose color changes or disappears by reaction with at least one member selected from the group consisting of plasma, ozone, ultraviolet rays, and radical-containing gas. |
| US10068783B2 |
Sample holder
A sample holder of the present invention includes a base body formed of ceramic substrates laminated to each other and having an upper surface functioning as a sample holding surface. In this sample holder, the base body includes a first ceramic substrate including a flow path for a heating medium and a second ceramic substrate which is laminated at an upper side than the first ceramic substrate, which has an upper surface functioning as the sample holding surface, and which is formed of the same material as that of the first ceramic substrate, and the average grain diameter of ceramic grains forming the second ceramic substrate is smaller than that of ceramic grains forming the first ceramic substrate. |
| US10068782B2 |
Device and method for scribing a bottom-side of a substrate while viewing the top side
A device includes a table surface defining a horizontal plane having an x-axis and a y-axis orthogonal to the x-axis and the x-axis and y-axis lie in the horizontal plane; a scribe mounted below the horizontal plane, the scribe further disposed to present at least a portion of the tip above the horizontal plane; a rail arranges parallel to the y-axis and movable in a direction parallel to the x-axis; a sample guide configured in relation to the horizontal plane so that the sample guide arranges parallel to the x-axis and movable in a direction parallel to the y-axis; a scribe stop guide configured in relation to the horizontal plane so that the scribe guide arranges parallel to the x-axis and movable in a direction parallel to the y-axis, whereby the sample guide moves independent of the scribe stop, the scribe stop further comprising a locking mechanism. |
| US10068780B2 |
Lead frame connected with heterojunction semiconductor body
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor chip including a first semiconductor body comprising silicon and a second semiconductor body attached to an upper side of the first semiconductor body and comprising a III-nitride, and a lead-frame connected with the first semiconductor body. A thickness ratio between a thickness of the semiconductor chip and a thickness of the lead-frame is smaller than 1.3 or larger than 1.9. |
| US10068779B2 |
Systems and methods for fabricating a polycrystaline semiconductor resistor on a semiconductor substrate
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an integrated circuit may include at least one region of shallow-trench isolation field oxide, at least one region of dummy diffusion, and a polycrystalline semiconductor resistor. The at least one region of shallow-trench isolation field oxide may be formed on a semiconductor substrate. The at least one region of dummy diffusion may be formed adjacent to the at least one region of shallow-trench isolation field oxide on the semiconductor substrate. The polycrystalline semiconductor resistor may comprise at least one resistor arm formed with a polycrystalline semiconductor material, wherein the at least one resistor arm is formed over each of the at least one region of shallow-trench isolation field oxide and the at least one region of dummy diffusion. |
| US10068772B2 |
Recess channel semiconductor non-volatile memory device and fabricating the same
A recess channel semiconductor non-volatile memory (NVM) device is disclosed. The recess channel MOSFET devices by etching into the silicon substrate for the device channel have been applied to advanced DRAM process nodes. The same etching process of the recess channel MOSFET device is applied to form the recess channel semiconductor NVM device. The tunneling oxides are grown on silicon surface after the recess channel hole etching process. The storing material is deposited into the recess channel holes with coupling dielectrics on top of the storing material. The gate material is then deposited and etched to form the control gate. Owing to the recess channel embedded below the silicon substrate, the scaling challenges such as gate channel length, floating gate interference, high aspect ratio for gate stack etching, and the mechanical stability of gate formation for the semiconductor NVM device can be significantly reduced. |
| US10068764B2 |
Selective metal oxide deposition using a self-assembled monolayer surface pretreatment
Embodiments of the invention provide methods for selective film deposition using a surface pretreatment. According to one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate containing a dielectric layer and a metal layer, exposing the substrate to a reactant gas containing a molecule that forms self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on the substrate, and thereafter, selectively depositing a metal oxide film on a surface of the dielectric layer relative to a surface of the metal layer by exposing the substrate to a deposition gas. |
| US10068763B2 |
Coating film forming method, coating film forming apparatus, and storage medium
A method of forming a coating film includes horizontally supporting a substrate, supplying a coating solution to a central portion of the substrate and spreading the coating solution by a centrifugal force by rotating the substrate at a first rotational speed, decreasing a speed of the substrate from the first rotational speed toward a second rotational speed and rotating the substrate at the second rotational speed to make a surface of a liquid film of the coating solution even, supplying a gas to a surface of the substrate when the substrate is rotated at the second rotational speed to reduce fluidity of the coating solution, and drying the surface of the substrate by rotating the substrate at a third rotational speed faster than the second rotational speed. |
| US10068759B2 |
Mass spectrometry systems with convective flow of buffer gas for enhanced signals and related methods
Mass spectrometry systems include an ionizer, mass analyzer and the detector, with a high pressure chamber holding the mass analyzer and a separate chamber holding the detector to allow for differential background pressures where P2 |
| US10068758B2 |
Ion mass separation using RF extraction
An apparatus which has the capability of filtering unwanted species from an extracted ion beam without the use of a mass analyzer magnet is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ion source having chamber walls that are biased by an RF voltage. The use of RF extraction causes ions to exit the ion source at different energies, where the energy of each ion species is related to its mass. The extracted ion beam can then be filtered using only electrostatic energy filters to eliminate the unwanted species. The electrostatic energy filter may act as a high pass filter, allowing ions having an energy above a certain threshold to reach the workpiece. Alternatively, the electrostatic energy filter may act as a low pass filter, allowing ions having an energy below a certain threshold to reach the workpiece. In another embodiment, the electrostatic energy filter operates as a bandpass filter. |
| US10068757B2 |
Strong field photoionization ion source for a mass spectrometer
An ion source for a mass spectrometer comprises: an evacuated chamber having an interior receiving a gaseous sample effluent stream; a source of light pulses of pulse width 150 femtoseconds or less; a window of the evacuated chamber through which the light pulses pass into the evacuated chamber interior; one or more mirrors within the evacuated chamber disposed such that the light pulses are reflected from each of the one or mirrors such that the reflected pulses are caused to focus at one or more focal regions within the effluent stream within the evacuated chamber interior; and a pair of electrodes disposed at opposite sides of the one or more focal regions. |
| US10068756B2 |
Mass spectrometer
The objective of the presently disclosed subject matter is to provide a mass spectrometer that improves the ionic permeability ratio at the entrance to an ion transport part or the entrance to a mass spectrometry part, and to acquire a high-sensitivity mass spectrum. To reduce the electric-field distortion that is caused by ion loss, electrodes are arranged so that the radius of a circle inscribed within the electrodes of the ion transport part is larger than the radius of a circle inscribed within the electrodes of the mass spectrometry part. The entrance to the electrodes of the mass spectrometry part also can have a tapered, inclined, folded-over, or rounded configuration. Together, these reduce the sharply fluctuating (peak-shaped) distribution of electric potential generated near the entrance to the ion transport part and the entrance to the mass spectrometry part. |
| US10068755B2 |
Photo-dissociation of proteins and peptides in a mass spectrometer
A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising directing first photons from a laser onto ions located within a 2D or linear ion guide or ion trap. The frequency of the first photons is scanned and first photons and/or second photons emitted by the ions are detected. The ions are then mass analysed using a Time of Flight mass analyser. |
| US10068753B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying precursor ions from product ions using arbitrary transmission windowing
A transmission window that has a constant rate of precursor ion transmission for each precursor ion is stepped across a mass range, producing a series of overlapping transmission windows across the mass range. The precursor ions produced at each step are fragmented. Resulting product ions are analyzed, producing a product ion spectrum for each step of the transmission window and a plurality of product ion spectra for the mass range. For at least one product ion of the plurality of product ion spectra, a function that describes how an intensity of the at least one product ion from the plurality of product ion spectra varies with precursor ion mass as the transmission window is stepped across the mass range is calculated. A precursor ion of the at least one product ion is identified from the function. An elution profile can also be determined from the function. |
| US10068752B2 |
Multiplexed precursor isolation for mass spectrometry
Systems and methods for multiplexed precursor ion selection are provided. A mass isolator includes a selection region of rods, a transmission region of rods, and a barrier electrode lens separating the selection and transmission regions. Two or more different precursor ions are selected by applying two or more different AC voltage frequencies to rods of a selection region in order to resonate the two or more different precursor ions from a continuous beam of ions. The two or more different precursor ions are transmitted by applying a DC voltage to the barrier electrode lens, creating an electric field potential barrier over which only the resonating ions are transmitted. Precursor ions of product ions from combined product ion spectra produced by multiplexed precursor ion selection are identified by grouping the target precursor ions. |
| US10068750B2 |
Blanking aperture array apparatus, charged particle beam lithography apparatus, and electrode testing method
In one embodiment, a BAA apparatus 204 includes apertures 3, each of which being provided to blank charged particle beams 20. The apparatus 204 further includes first electrodes 6a, second electrodes 6b, first via plugs 5a, second via plugs 5c, drivers 2 and comparison circuitries 7 that are provided for each aperture 3, wherein a first electrode 6a and a second electrode 6b are opposite to each other, first and second via plug 5a and 5c are electrically connected to the first electrode 6a, a driver 2 supplies a driving signal to the first electrode 6a via the first via plug 5a, and a comparison circuitry 7 is provided to correspond to the first electrode 6a and compares the driving signal and a signal obtained from the second via 5c plug to output a comparison result signal indicating a result of the comparison. |
| US10068749B2 |
Preparation of lamellae for TEM viewing
A method and apparatus for producing thin lamella for TEM observation. The steps of the method are robust and can be used to produce lamella in an automated process. In some embodiments, a protective coating have a sputtering rate matched to the sputtering rate of the work piece is deposited before forming the lamella. In some embodiments, the bottom of the lamella slopes away from the feature of interest, which keeps the lamella stable and reduces movement during thinning. In some embodiments, a fiducial is used to position the beam for the final thinning, instead of using an edge of the lamella. In some embodiments, the tabs are completed after high ion energy final thinning to keep the lamella more stable. In some embodiments, a defocused low ion energy and pattern refresh delay is used for the final cut to reduce deformation of the lamella. |
| US10068748B2 |
Scanning an object using multiple mechanical stages
A method for scanning an object, the method may include moving an object by a first mechanical stage that follows a first scan pattern; introducing multiple movements, by a second mechanical stage, between the object and the first mechanical stage while the first mechanical stage follows the first scan pattern; and obtaining, by optics, images of multiple suspected defects while the first mechanical stage follows the first scan pattern; wherein a weight of the first mechanical stage exceeds a weight of the second mechanical stage. |
| US10068747B2 |
Methods and devices for examining an electrically charged specimen surface
A method for examining a specimen surface with a probe of a scanning probe microscope, the specimen surface having an electrical potential distribution. The method includes (a) determining the electrical potential distribution of at least one first partial region of the specimen surface; and (b) modifying the electrical potential distribution in the at least one first partial region of the specimen surface and/or modifying an electrical potential of the probe of the scanning probe microscope before scanning at least one second partial region of the specimen surface. |
| US10068745B2 |
Charged particle beam device and sample holder for charged particle beam device
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a charged particle beam device and a sample holder for the charged particle beam device by which it is possible to form various environments, and perform in-situ observation and analysis without removing a sample from the charged particle beam device. In the present invention, inserting a detachable reverse side entry portion from a side facing a sample holding means, said portion being provided with a function for changing the state of a sample attached to the sample holding means, makes it possible to observe/analyze changes in the sample by a different process without removing the sample from the charged particle beam device by combining a reverse side entry portion having a different function with the sample holding means. The reverse side entry portion comprises two parts, and a tip thereof, which is one of the parts, is removable. After mounting the reverse side entry portion onto the sample holding means, the sample can be transported while maintaining the same atmosphere, and the sample can be transported between different devices without exposing the sample to air. |
| US10068744B2 |
Charged particle optical apparatus for through-the lens detection of particles
Disclosed is a charged particle optical apparatus. The charged particle optical apparatus has a liner electrode in a first vacuum zone. The liner electrode is used to generate an electrostatic objective lens field. The apparatus has a second electrode which surrounds at least a section of the primary particle beam path. The section extends in the first vacuum zone and downstream of the liner electrode. A third electrode is provided having a differential pressure aperture through which the particle beam path exits from the first vacuum zone. A particle detector is configured for detecting emitted particles, which are emitted from the object and which pass through the differential pressure aperture of the third electrode. The liner electrode, the second and third electrodes are operable at different potentials relative to each other. |
| US10068743B2 |
Ion source devices and methods
An ion source includes a chamber defining an interior cavity for ionization, an electron beam source at a first end of the interior cavity, an inlet for introducing ionizable gas into the chamber, and an arc slit for extracting ions from the chamber. The chamber includes an electrically conductive ceramic. |
| US10068742B2 |
Radiation generating tube, radiation generating apparatus, radiography system and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a radiation generating tube. The radiation generating tube includes an envelope including an insulating tubular member having at least two openings, a cathode connected to one of the openings of the insulating tubular member, and an anode connected to the other of the openings of the insulating tubular member. At least one of the cathode and the anode and the insulating tubular member are bonded at a bonded portion with an electrically conductive bonding member; and the bonded portion bonded with the electrically conductive bonding member is coated with a dielectric layer. |
| US10068737B2 |
Fuse holder and carrier
A fuse holder for holding a fuse is provided. The fuse holder includes a body, a line side connector supported by the body, and a load side connector supported by the body. The fuse holder also includes a fuse carrier supported by the body. The fuse carrier is adapted for holding the fuse and the fuse carrier is adapted to be removed from the fuse holder. The fuse carrier defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The fuse carrier is separable from the body in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the fuse carrier. |
| US10068733B2 |
Micro-electromechanical system relay circuit
A switching system includes a MEMS switching circuit having a MEMS switch and a driver circuit, and an auxiliary circuit coupled in parallel with the MEMS switching circuit that comprises solid state switching circuitry. A control circuit in communication with the MEMS switching circuit and the auxiliary circuit performs selective switching of a load current towards the MEMS switching circuitry and the auxiliary circuit, with the control circuit programmed to transmit a control signal to the driver circuit to cause the MEMS switch to actuate to an open or closed position across a switching interval, activate the auxiliary circuit during the switching interval when the MEMS switch is switching between the open and closed positions, and deactivate the auxiliary circuit upon reaching the open or closed position after completion of the switching interval, such that the load current selectively flows through the MEMS switch and the solid state switching circuitry. |
| US10068732B2 |
Pyrotechnic circuit breaker
A circuit breaker includes at least one electrical conductor for connection to an electrical circuit, a housing, a die, a punch movable relative to the housing to pass from a first position to a second position, and a pyrotechnical actuator to make the punch pass from the first position to the second position when ignited. The punch passes from the first position to the second position to cut the at least one electrical conductor into at least two distinct parts, and establish between the punch and the die, at least one electrical arc between the at least two distinct parts when the circuit breaker is connected to a live electrical circuit. When the punch is in the second position, at least one passage is between the at least two distinct part guides the at least one electrical arc between the distinct parts. A punch die unit includes at least one material designed to be withdrawn by ablation by the at least one electrical arc for generating gas suitable for increasing a voltage of the at least one electrical arc. |
| US10068731B2 |
Framework of relay and relay
A framework part of a relay and a relay. An inner hollow portion and peripheral windows are formed by the framework. The windows are communicated with the exterior of the framework and the hollow portion. At least one group of contactors that can correspondingly contact are accommodated in the hollow portion. An arc gap is formed between the contactors that can correspondingly contact. The windows are aligned with the arc gap from an outer side. A main body of the framework is a hollowed injection molding framework, and has multiple windows that are aligned with the arc gap from the outer side, so that, under the precondition of ensuring the structural strength, materials can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. The windows can be used for installing functional components such as magnetic steel, a resistant act clip or an arcing and are extinguishing piece. The framework is made be applicable to relays and breakers having more functions and requirements, so as to improve a scope of application of products to a great extent and facilitate reduction of molds and other manufacturing costs. |
| US10068730B2 |
Hybrid relay
A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113). |
| US10068728B2 |
Touchpad with capacitive force sensing
Described herein are techniques related to a touchpad with capacitive force sensing. The described techniques may determine the point or region of a user-engagement surface contacted by a user. In addition, the described techniques may also determine a force of the user's finger press on the user-engagement surface using one or more capacitance force-sensors. Furthermore, the described techniques may offer active tactile feedback (i.e., haptics) to the user's finger touching the user-engagement surface. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US10068720B2 |
Electrical system, and electrical switching apparatus and guard member therefor
A guard member is for an electrical switching apparatus of an electrical system. The electrical system includes at least one electrical conductor. The electrical switching apparatus is structured to move from a CLOSED position to an OPEN position in response to a trip condition. The electrical switching apparatus has a terminal end coupled to the electrical conductor. The guard member includes a body having a receiving portion structured to receive the electrical conductor, and a coupling portion extending from the receiving portion and being structured to be coupled to the terminal end. The coupling portion has a number of thru holes in order to dissipate heat generated by the electrical switching apparatus moving from the CLOSED position to the OPEN position. |
| US10068719B2 |
Safety mat for safeguarding a technical installation
Safety mat for safeguarding an electrically driven installation, comprising a sensor, a rigid supporting body and an evaluation unit. The supporting body has a top side, a rear side and first and second side faces, adjoining the top and rear sides. The sensor has an active surface covering the top side of the supporting body. The rear side has an opening for contacting an evaluation unit arranged in the interior of the supporting body that is configured to provide an output signal depending on the actuation of the sensor. The first side face has a first cavity and the second side face has a second cavity. The rear side has a first and a second cable guide. The first cable guide connects the opening to the first cavity and the second cable guide connects the opening to the second cavity. |
| US10068715B2 |
Activated carbon and electric double layer capacitor thereof
An activated carbon composition having a relatively high transition metal content and a low covalent oxygen as defined herein. Also disclosed is a method of making and using the disclosed activated carbon composition, and an EDLC article incorporating the activated carbon composition. |
| US10068714B2 |
Energy storage module comprising a plurality of energy storage assemblies
An energy storage module (10) including a plurality of energy storage assemblies (12) electrically connected to one another, the module including an external casing (40) in which are arranged the storage assemblies (12) and at least one heat exchanger (24). The energy storage assemblies (12) are arranged side by side on at least two distinct levels (N1, N2). The heat exchangers (24) are positioned between two adjacent levels. The exchangers (24) are fixed to the casing (40) of the module at least at a securing wall (28) that is distinct from the contact faces (26A, 26B). The securing walls and the casing are configured so that the module has a space between the corresponding securing walls (28; 44) of the exchanger and of the casing. |
| US10068710B2 |
Laminated ceramic electronic component and method for manufacturing same
A laminated ceramic electronic component that includes a laminate having a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of internal electrode layers laminated together. External electrodes having underlying electrode layers and plating layers are formed on both end surfaces of the laminate. When a cross-section including the underlying electrode layers is observed, the underlying electrode layers contain a plurality of Cu crystals and glass, and an average value of lengths of demarcation lines of the Cu crystals having different crystal orientations is 3 μm or less. |
| US10068706B2 |
Multilayer polymer dielectric film
A multilayer polymer dielectric film includes a stack of coextruded, alternating first dielectric layers and second dielectric layers that receive electrical charge. The first dielectric layers include a first polymer material and the second dielectric layers include a second polymer material different from the first polymer material. The first polymer material has a permittivity greater than the second polymer material. The second polymer material has a breakdown strength greater than the first polymer material. Adjoining first dielectric layers and second dielectric layers define an interface between the layers that delocalizes electrical charge build-up in the layers. The stack has substantially the crystallographic symmetry before and during receiving electrical charge. |
| US10068698B2 |
Device and method for reducing a magnetic unidirectional flux component of a transformer core
A device for reducing a magnetic unidirectional flux component in the core of a transformer includes at least one compensation winding, which is magnetically coupled to the core of the transformer, at least one switching unit in series with the compensation winding to feed a current into the compensation winding, and at least one current-limiting reactor in series with the compensation winding, wherein two switching units are connected in parallel with each other per current-limiting reactor and the current-limiting reactor comprises two windings, which can be connected either in series or in parallel with each other, in order to reduce the number of current-limiting reactors in comparison with conventional cascaded circuits. |
| US10068694B2 |
Integrated circuits and coupled inductors with isotropic magnetic cores, and methods for fabricating the same
Integrated circuits and coupled inductors with isotropic magnetic cores, and methods for fabricating integrated circuits and coupled inductors with isotropic magnetic cores are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming an isotropic magnetic core bottom yoke over the semiconductor substrate. Further, the method includes forming an inductor coil over the isotropic magnetic core bottom yoke. Also, the method includes forming isotropic magnetic core sidewalls over the isotropic magnetic core bottom yoke and around the inductor coil. The method includes forming an isotropic magnetic core top yoke over the isotropic magnetic core sidewalls and over the inductor coil. |
| US10068692B2 |
Magnetic block locking of an electronic device
An electronic device comprising a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other is disclosed. The electronic device is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The device comprises a magnetically attractable arrangement within or on the second portion and a magnetic arrangement comprising a magnet having a magnetic field and a magnetic shielding element disposed within or on the first portion. At least one of the magnet or the magnetic shielding element is configured to move translationally with respect to the other between a shielded position and an engaging position when the first portion is pivoted with respect to the second portion. In the shielded position, the magnetic shielding element at least partially reduces a portion of the magnetic field extending outside of the first portion. In the engaging position, the magnet engages the magnetically attractable arrangement. |
| US10068688B2 |
Superconducting article with compliant layers
A composition for a plurality of configurations of a high-temperature superconductor tape including a superconducting film disposed on a compliant film or sandwiched or captured between at least one pair of compliant film layers. |
| US10068686B2 |
Coaxial cable
A coaxial cable includes an internal conductor, an insulator that is provided at an outer circumference of the internal conductor, a film that is provided at an outer circumference of the insulator, an external conductor that is provided at an outer circumference of the film, a sheath that is provided at an outer circumference of the external conductor, and an adhesive layer that is provided between the insulator and the film and that bonds the insulator and the film with each other. |
| US10068683B1 |
Rare earth materials as coating compositions for conductors
A conductor includes a core with at least one conductive filament, and a coating deposited on a surface of the core. The coating is made of a rare earth material that includes at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Yt). |
| US10068681B2 |
Method for producing an electrode lead or a catheter, and associated semifinished product
A method for producing a medical electrode lead or a catheter, and also to an associated semifinished product. The semifinished product for this purpose includes a cable having at least one electrical conductor, which is embedded in a sheath made of an electrically insulating, thermoplastic material. It is characterized in that the cable, at least at one cable end, forms a connection point, via which the conductor can be attached permanently and non-detachably to further components, wherein part of the surface of the conductor is exposed in the region of the connection point and forms a contact face, and the sheath has, in the region of the connection point, a recess that is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the cable. |
| US10068680B2 |
Cable harness and method for producing the cable harness
A method for producing a cable harness, in particular for the motor vehicle industry, includes combining a plurality of individual lines into a line bundle. The line bundle is provided with a bundling element. The bundling element is constructed as a textile-like fiber interlacement or weave which is produced by applying a suspension including fibers and a binder to the line bundle. A cable harness produced by the method is also provided. |
| US10068679B2 |
Scintillator panel and production method thereof
Provided is a scintillator panel realizing reduced image unevenness and the like by virtue of having a cushioning layer between a support and a phosphor. The cushioning layer absorbs irregularities on the phosphor layer when the scintillator panel is compression bonded to a planar light-receiving element and thereby allows the phosphor layer to be in contact with the planar light-receiving element without any gaps in the interface. The scintillator panel includes, in the order named, a support, a cushioning layer disposed on a surface of the support, and a phosphor layer deposited on the surface of the cushioning layer, the cushioning layer having a specific thickness, the phosphor layer being configured to be placed into uniform contact with a surface of a planar light-receiving element when the phosphor layer is pressed against the planar light-receiving element by the application of a pressure from the support side. |
| US10068673B2 |
Method for modeling behavior and health changes
One method for supporting a patient through a treatment regimen includes: accessing a log of use of a native communication application executing on a mobile computing device by a patient; selecting a subgroup of a patient population based on the log of use of the native communication application and a communication behavior common to the subgroup; retrieving a regimen adherence model associated with the subgroup, the regimen adherence model defining a correlation between treatment regimen adherence and communication behavior for patients within the subgroup; predicting patient adherence to the treatment regimen based on the log of use of the native communication application and the regimen adherence model; and presenting a treatment-related notification based on the patient adherence through the mobile computing device. |
| US10068664B1 |
Column repair in memory
Apparatuses and methods related to column repair in memory are described. An apparatus can include sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry can include a first sensing component, a second sensing component, and a third sensing component. The second sensing component can include a defective sense amplifier that is column repaired. The apparatus can include a controller configured to use the sensing circuitry to shift data from the first sensing component to the third sensing component by transferring the data through the second sensing component. The second sensing component can be physically located between the first sensing component and the third sensing component. |
| US10068663B1 |
Data storage device with rewriteable in-place memory
A non-volatile memory may be resident in a data storage device. The non-volatile memory can consist of a rewritable in-place memory cell having a read-write asymmetry. The non-volatile memory may be divided into a first group of tiers with a selection module of the data storage device prior to adapting to an event by altering the non-volatile memory into a second group of tiers. The first and second groups of tiers being different. |
| US10068656B2 |
Non-volatile memory with multi-pass programming
A non-volatile memory system implements a multi-pass programming process that includes separately programming groups of memory cells in a common block by performing programming for memory cells that are connected to two adjacent word lines and are part of a first group of memory cells followed by performing programming for other memory cells that are also connected to the two adjacent word lines and are part of a second group of memory cells. |
| US10068653B2 |
Methods of operating memory
Methods of operating memory include generating a data value indicative of a level of a property sensed from a data line while applying potentials to control gates of memory cells of more than one string of series-connected memory cells connected to that data line. Methods of operating memory further include generating data values indicative of levels of a property sensed from data lines while applying potentials to control gates of memory cells of strings of series-connected memory cells connected to those data lines, performing a logical operation on a set of data values comprising those data values, and determining a potential to be applied to control gates of different memory cells of those strings of series-connected memory cells in response to an output of the logical operation on the set of data values. |
| US10068650B1 |
Characterizing and operating a non-volatile memory device
A sequence of contiguous pages in an erase block in a non-volatile memory device is programmed and erased. Next, all of the pages in the erase block are programmed with data. Then, the data is read back and verified to determine whether there is an error in the data. When there is an error in the data, then the last page in the sequence is identified as being unstable. If there is no error in the data, then the last page in that sequence is identified as being stable. Thus, the recorded information identifies a point of instability in the erase block. Instabilities can be stabilized by performing additional writes to fill the partially filled word line. |
| US10068645B2 |
Multiple cycle search content addressable memory
In an aspect of the disclosure, a method and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a content addressable memory. The content addressable memory includes a plurality of memory sections each configured to store data. Additionally, the content addressable memory includes a comparator configured to compare the stored data in each of the plurality of memory sections with search input data. The comparison may be in a time division multiplexed fashion. The comparator may be configured to compare the stored data in each of the plurality of memory sections with search input data in a corresponding one of a plurality of memory access cycles. The content addressable memory may include a state machine configured to control when the comparator compares the stored data in each of the plurality of memory sections with search input data based on a state of the state machine. |
| US10068643B2 |
Sense amplifier for non-volatile memory devices and related methods
A memory device includes an array of phase-change memory (PCM) cells and complementary PCM cells. A column decoder is coupled to the array of PCM cells and complementary PCM cells, and a sense amplifier is coupled to the column decoder. The sense amplifier includes a current integrator configured to receive first and second currents of a given PCM cell and complementary PCM cell, respectively. A current-to-voltage converter is coupled to the current integrator and is configured to receive the first and second currents, and to provide first and second voltages of the given PCM cell and complementary PCM cell to first and second nodes, respectively. A logic circuit is coupled to the first and second nodes and is configured to disable the column decoder and to discharge the bitline and complementary bitline voltages in response to the first and second voltages. |
| US10068640B2 |
Semiconductor device, electronic component, and electronic device
A memory in which a write cycle time is longer than time for one clock cycle can be mounted on a processor. The processor includes a processor core, a bus, and a memory section. The memory section includes a first memory. A cell array of the first memory is composed of gain cells. The processor core is configured to generate a write enable signal. The first memory is configured to generate a wait signal on the basis of the write enable signal. The processor core is configured to delay access to the memory section by time for n clock cycles, on the basis of the wait signal. (n+1) clock cycles can be assigned to a write cycle of the first memory. |
| US10068639B2 |
Out-of-place presetting based on indirection table
An aspect of this invention is a method for providing a PreSET region in a memory device wherein the PreSET region includes one or more lines of the memory device which have been PreSET; performing a write operation on one or more out of place lines of the memory device by writing to the PreSET region instead of writing to an in place line of the memory device; and storing in an indirection table a mapping of each of a respective plurality of logical pages of the memory device to a corresponding physical page of a plurality of physical pages of the memory device, wherein the indirection table keeps track of the one or more out of place lines. |
| US10068638B2 |
Apparatus with low power SRAM retention mode
A memory array and an integrated circuit are disclosed. The memory array includes first and second banks of memory elements and five switches. Each memory element of the first bank of memory elements is coupled to an upper rail and to a first node, while each memory element of the second bank of memory elements is coupled to a second node and to a lower rail. The first switch is coupled between the first node and the second node; the second switch is coupled between the first node and the lower rail; and the third switch is coupled between the second node and the upper rail. A fourth switch is coupled between the first node and a voltage that is one diode drop above the lower rail, and a fifth switch is coupled between the second node and a voltage that is one diode drop below the upper rail. |
| US10068630B2 |
Non-volatile ferroelectric memory cells with multilevel operation
Ferroelectric components, such as the ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs), ferroelectric capacitors and ferroelectric diodes described above may be operated as multi-level memory cells as described by the present invention. Storing multiple bits of information in each multi-level memory cell may be performed by a controller coupled to an array of the ferroelectric components configured as ferroelectric memory cells. The controller may execute the steps of receiving a bit pattern for writing to a multi-level memory cell comprising a ferroelectric layer; selecting a pulse duration for applying a write pulse to the memory cell based, at least in part, on the received bit pattern; and applying at least one write pulse to the memory cell having the selected pulse duration, in which the at least one write pulse creates a remnant polarization within the ferroelectric layer that is representative of the received bit pattern. |
| US10068625B2 |
Buffer memory device and display drive device
A buffer memory and display drive device are described herein. In one example, a buffer memory is arranged so that write and read address counters are controlled according to a wraparound method, and subjected to no reset in count value, which enables the avoidance of data destruction in a boundary portion of a block. In the buffer memory, block head addresses of the write and read address counters are managed centrally. So, even in the event of undesired change in count value, the influence thereof can be intercepted halfway. While reducing the memory capacity of the buffer memory which is supplied with data in blocks, the following are made possible: to prevent the deviation in read data owing to an undesired change in the address counter from lasting; and to prevent data, handled in blocks, from disappearing near a block boundary. |
| US10068624B2 |
Electronic device and operating method thereof
According to an embodiment, a storage device may be provided. The storage device may include a semiconductor memory device, and a memory controller configured for controlling the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device may include a memory unit including a plurality of memory chips. The semiconductor memory device may include an interface chip realigning serial data received from the memory controller into parallel data and transferring the parallel data to each of the plurality of memory chips. |
| US10068621B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a plurality of parts, a frame having an outer periphery surrounding the plurality of parts and formed from resin, a circuit board disposed at one side in a first direction with respect to the plurality of parts, a chassis disposed at the one side in the first direction with respect to the plurality of parts, and formed from metal, and a metal plate disposed at the other side in the first direction with respect to at least one of the plurality of parts and attached to the frame. |
| US10068620B1 |
Affective sound augmentation for automotive applications
In order to affect the mood of a vehicle operator (for example, to increase attentiveness), embodiments of the invention automatically sequence appropriate audio cues into the sound playback from a vehicle's sound system. These cues represent events related to the vehicle or taking place in the vicinity of the vehicle, and can be modulated or effected so as to better convey the vehicle event. These cues may also be part of a coherent soundscape representing a fantasy scenario, such as motocross, sailing, or stand-up paddle boarding. Both the soundscape and the mapping of vehicle events to sound cues are configurable by the user. |
| US10068619B1 |
Hand held storage device
A hand held data storage apparatus includes a disk-based storage device, an interface configured for data transfer with the storage device, and an enclosure that encapsulates the storage device and the interface, wherein the enclosure is configured with a rectangular mobile phone form factor. |
| US10068617B2 |
Adding content to a media timeline
Techniques are provided for associating comments with certain positions within a video (or audio) timeline. Multiple users compose comments, such as questions, and cause those comments to be stored in association with the video. Each comment is stored in association with a specific point or section in the video timeline. Later, another user can view the comments and select a particular comment, which causes the video to be played at the position in the timeline associated with the particular comment. Additionally or alternatively, playing a particular portion of a video may cause one or more comments that are associated with the particular portion to be displayed. |
| US10068610B2 |
Motion detection for A/V recording and communication devices
Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices according to the present embodiments comprise a processor, a motion sensor, and a camera. In various embodiments, the A/V recording and communication devices are configured to reduce latency and/or to reduce false positive indications of motion. |
| US10068609B1 |
Variable frequency write pattern generation
In some implementations, a system includes a magnetic media disk and a read/write unit. The read/write unit includes a plurality of phase-locked loops (PLLs), an interpolator unit, a delay-locked loop, and a precompensation unit. The PLLs are configured to generate, using a reference clock signal, a first plurality of clock signals having different frequencies phases. The interpolator unit is configured to interpolate the first plurality of clock signals in accordance with a frequency offset signal to generate a single-phase clock signal. The delay-locked loop is configured to delay the single-phase clock signal in accordance with a PLL data clock signal to generate a second plurality of clock signals having different phases. The precompensation unit is configured to apply precompensation to the second plurality of clock signals to generate a timing signal for writing data to the magnetic media disk. |
| US10068604B2 |
Information recording device and data erasing method
Upon receiving an erase command for data recorded in a write-once optical disc, an information recording device corrupts data in an information area (synchronization signal in Run-in, frame synchronization signal, address information and the like), in an erased area on the optical disc, in which information necessary for synchronization of reproducing data by overwriting the data in the information area with an erasing pattern. The erased area is specified by an erase starting position and a size of data to be erased. In this way, the information recording device erases the data in the erased area. |
| US10068603B2 |
Magnetic recording medium
A magnetic recording medium includes a nonmagnetic substrate and at least a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a lubricating layer provided on the nonmagnetic substrate. The magnetic recording medium is characterized in that the lubricating layer is formed of a lubricating agent represented by general formulas (1), (2) or (3), in which substituents R1, R2, R3, and R4 in the lubricating agent represent organic groups, at least one of the substituents R1 and R2 at the end part of the lubricating agent and the substituents R3 and R4 contain a plurality of functional groups, and the shortest distance between the functional groups is a distance of three or more atoms, preferably five atoms. The magnetic recording medium may be used for a heat assisted recording method in which the temperature of the magnetic layer reaches 150° C. to 200° C. The magnetic recording medium is characterized in that the amount of the lubricating agent volatilized in the lubricating layer is less than 10% of the initial layer thickness. |
| US10068593B1 |
Bolometer with low scattering for a heat-assisted magnetic recording slider
A slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording has an upper surface, an opposing air bearing surface (ABS), and a body defined between the upper surface and the ABS. The slider comprises a write pole and a near-field transducer (NFT) at or near the ABS. An optical waveguide is configured to receive light from a laser source and comprises a first cladding layer, a second cladding layer, and a core between the first and second cladding layers. The core has a width, a length, and a longitudinal axis oriented along the length of the core. A bolometer is situated within the body of the slider at a location that receives at least some of the light communicated along the waveguide used during a writing operation. The bolometer is spaced apart from the core and comprises a longitudinal axis that is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. |
| US10068591B2 |
Head having wrap-controlled flexible media interface
An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a tape bearing surface, a magnetic transducer in a thin film region, and an edge closest to the transducers. A guide is positioned relative to the edge for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above a tape tenting region of the tape bearing surface. The magnetic transducer is positioned along the tape tenting region. |
| US10068588B2 |
Real-time emotion recognition from audio signals
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for recognizing emotion in audio signals in real-time. An audio signal is detected and a rapid audio fingerprint is computed on a user's computing device. One or more features is extracted from the audio fingerprint and compared with features associated with defined emotions to determine relative degrees of similarity. Confidence scores are computed for the defined emotions based on the relative degrees of similarity and it is determined whether a confidence score for one or more particular emotions exceeds a threshold confidence score. If it is determined that a threshold confidence score for one or more particular emotions is exceeded, the particular emotion or emotions are associated with the audio signal. As desired, various action then may be initiated based upon the emotion/emotions associated with the audio signal. |
| US10068586B2 |
Binaurally integrated cross-correlation auto-correlation mechanism
A sound processing system, method and program product for estimating parameters from binaural audio data. A system is provided having: a system for inputting binaural audio; and a binaural signal analyzer (BICAM) that: performs autocorrelation on both the first channel and second channel to generate a pair of autocorrelation functions; performs a first layer cross-correlation between the first channel and second channel to generate a first layer cross-correlation function; removes the center peak from the first layer cross-correlation function and a selected autocorrelation function to create a modified pair; performs a second layer cross-correlation between the modified pair to determine a temporal mismatch; generates a resulting function by replacing the first layer cross correlation function with the selected autocorrelation function using the temporal mismatch; and utilizes the resulting function to determine ITD parameters and interaural level difference ILD parameters of the direct sound components and reflected sound components. |
| US10068580B2 |
Band expander, reception device, band expanding method for expanding signal band
An oversampling LPF unit receives a sound signal. A differentiator differentiates the sound signal. An overtone computation unit generates an overtone signal by multiplying a signal differentiated by the differentiator by the sound signal from the oversampling LPF unit. A HPF unit filters the overtone signal generated by the overtone computation unit. A combiner combines the overtone signal filtered by the HPF unit and the sound signal from the oversampling LPF unit. |
| US10068579B2 |
Encoding/decoding apparatus for processing channel signal and method therefor
An encoding/decoding apparatus and method for controlling a channel signal is disclosed, wherein the encoding apparatus may include an encoder to encode an object signal, a channel signal, and rendering information for the channel signal, and a bit stream generator to generate, as a bit stream, the encoded object signal, the encoded channel signal, and the encoded rendering information for the channel signal. |
| US10068574B2 |
Voice control method, device and terminal
Disclosed are a voice control method, device and terminal, and the method includes: after a terminal has been triggered into voice control mode, receiving input voice data and obtaining corresponding speech text according to the voice data; matching the speech text with an interface word list corresponding to a current operating interface, wherein the interface word list includes text information of the current operating interface; in response to determining that the speech text matches an interface word list successfully, obtaining in the current operating interface an operation link which corresponds to the speech text; and performing an operation corresponding to the operation link. |
| US10068567B1 |
System, method, and computer program for automatic management of intent classification
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for automatic management of intent classification. In operation, an intent classification system identifies a conversation including a plurality of utterances for which to identify intent of a user associated with the plurality of utterances. The intent classification system identifies one or more actions performed in association with the plurality of utterances. Further, the intent classification system correlates at least one of the one or more actions to at least one of the plurality of utterances based on which of the one or more actions were performed as a result of the plurality of utterances. The intent classification system automatically determines an intent of the user based on the correlation of the at least one of the one or more actions to the at least one of the plurality of utterances. Additionally, the intent classification system stores an indication of the intent based on the at least one of the plurality of utterances. Moreover, the intent classification system associates one or more specific actions with the indication of intent such that subsequent utterances are capable of being used by the intent classification system to automatically identify an intent of one or more users and to automatically identify specific actions that should be performed based on the automatically identified intent of the one or more users. |
| US10068558B2 |
Method and installation for processing a sequence of signals for polyphonic note recognition
This is a method and installation in which a time-domain digital audio signal is split into a plurality of narrow-band time-domain digital audio signals confined to specific frequency bands, short-term segments of which are temporarily stored in memory. The method comprises the use of signal processing algorithms for extracting multiple signal features from said short-term segments in a fixed sequence or upon request from a decision-making algorithm. Said decision-making algorithm makes tentative or final decisions about the type of occupancy of frequency bands resulting from the extracted features. Said decision-making algorithm may request from said signal processing algorithms further specific feature extractions from specific short-term segments and make further tentative or final decisions about the type of occupancy of frequency bands resulting from the requested features. Next, said decision-making algorithm stores its tentative decisions and makes final decisions about band occupancy for processing together with results from later short-term segments. Eventually, said decision-making algorithm outputs final decisions derived from current and past short-segments in the form of a set of notes having been played over some recent time interval, together with information as to the timing of each note from the set. |
| US10068557B1 |
Generating music with deep neural networks
The present disclosure provides systems and methods that include or otherwise leverage a machine-learned neural synthesizer model. Unlike a traditional synthesizer which generates audio from hand-designed components like oscillators and wavetables, the neural synthesizer model can use deep neural networks to generate sounds at the level of individual samples. Learning directly from data, the neural synthesizer model can provide intuitive control over timbre and dynamics and enable exploration of new sounds that would be difficult or impossible to produce with a hand-tuned synthesizer. As one example, the neural synthesizer model can be a neural synthesis autoencoder that includes an encoder model that learns embeddings descriptive of musical characteristics and an autoregressive decoder model that is conditioned on the embedding to autoregressively generate musical waveforms that have the musical characteristics one audio sample at a time. |
| US10068555B2 |
Display driving circuit and display device including the same
An display driving circuit including a buffer write controller transmitting a different image frame to a first buffer or a second buffer, a buffer scan controller scanning an image frame stored in the first buffer or the second buffer on the basis of a predetermined cycle, a write signal detector controlling the buffer write controller such that a second image frame is transmitted to the second buffer after a first image frame is transmitted to the first buffer, and a scan buffer switching controller receiving an EOF (End of Frame) command indicating the completion of transmission of the first image frame to the first buffer and controlling the buffer scan controller such that the first image frame stored in the first buffer is scanned after the image frame previously stored in the second buffer is scanned. |
| US10068553B2 |
Enhanced rendering by a wearable display attached to a tethered computer
A wearable display enhances rendering when attached to a tethered computer. In one example a process includes determining a position and an orientation of a wearable computing device, sending the determined position and orientation to a tethered computer, receiving a frame at the wearable computing device from the tethered computer, the frame being one of a sequence of frames of a video sequence corresponding to a view of a scene in response to the determined position and orientation, displaying the received frame on a display of the wearable computing device, generating a frame at the wearable computing device using the received frame, displaying the generated frame after the received frame, receiving a second frame at the wearable computing device from the tethered computer, the frame being a second one of a sequence of frames of a video sequence corresponding to a view of the scene, and displaying the second received frame. |
| US10068552B2 |
Display driving method, upper machine, lower machine and display driving system
Disclosed is a display driving method, an upper machine, a lower machine and a display driving system. The method includes: acquiring, by a lower machine, an address for any of subpixels transmitted from an upper machine; looking up, by the lower machine, a gray scale data corresponding to the pointer address in a display Look-UP Table (LUT), wherein the LUT stores mapping relationships between respective pointer addresses and their corresponding gray scale data; performing, by the lower machine, a digital-analog conversion on the gray scale data to acquire a converted analog voltage; and outputting the analog voltage to the subpixel so as to drive the subpixel for displaying. The method can increase the transmission rate between the GPU and the display to a certain degree and reduce the power consumption thereof. |
| US10068548B1 |
Sub-pixel layout resampler systems and methods
Systems and methods for improving perceived image quality of an electronic display, which includes a co-located sub-pixel that controls luminance of a first color component and an offset sub-pixel that controls luminance of a second color component. A display pipeline communicatively coupled to the electronic display determines image data, which indicates target luminance of the first, the second, and a third color component at an image pixel; determines edge parameters, which indicate whether an edge is expected to be present at the offset sub-pixel, based on a difference metric between a first image pixel block around the offset sub-pixel and a second image pixel block offset from the first image pixel block; and determines offset sub-pixel image data by filtering an image pixel group around the offset sub-pixel based at least in part on the edge parameters, wherein the offset sub-pixel image data indicates target luminance of the offset sub-pixel. |
| US10068547B2 |
Augmented reality surface painting
Techniques for simulating interactions using an augmented reality device are described. Embodiments receive a request to paint over portions of a visual scene. Here, the visual scene is captured using one or more camera devices of the augmented reality device and is presented on a display of the augmented reality device. A first object in the visual scene corresponding to the first location is identified. Additionally, embodiments paint at least a portion of the first object as specified by the received request, and render a series of frames depicting the first object, such that the painted at least a portion of the first object is shown as painted when viewed from different perspectives using the augmented reality device. |
| US10068545B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a driver chip. The first substrate includes a plurality of gate lines disposed in the display area and extended in a first direction, a plurality of data lines disposed on a gate insulating layer insulating the gate lines and extended in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a gate driving circuit section disposed in the first peripheral area adjacent to first ends of the gate lines. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. A liquid crystal is interposed between the first and second substrates. The driver chip is disposed in the second peripheral area adjacent to second ends of the gate lines opposite to the first ends so that the width of the upper and lower portions of the display area may be decreased. |
| US10068538B2 |
Display device specifying temperature distribution of display surface
According to an aspect, a display device comprising: a display unit; a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a first direction along a display surface of the display unit; a detecting unit that detects one of an electric resistance of the electrodes, a voltage, and a current; and a specifying unit that specifies temperature distribution of the display surface based on the one of the electric resistance of the electrodes, the voltage, and the current. The electrodes are tapered in a second direction along the display surface and orthogonal to the first direction, and the electrodes include a first electrode tapered toward one side in the second direction and a second electrode tapered toward the other side opposite to the one side. The first and second electrodes are alternately arranged side by side in the first direction. |
| US10068537B2 |
Image processor, display device including the same and method for driving display panel using the same
An image processor, a display device including the same, and a method for driving display panel using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes an image shifter configured to shift a data signal by at least one pixel based at least in part on a shift start signal and output the shifted data signal and a shift direction signal. The display device also includes an image buffer configured to output current data and previous data based at least in part on the shifted data signal and the shift direction signal. The display device also includes an image mixer configured to mix the current data and the previous data over M frames starting at a start frame when the shift start signal is received and output image data, M being a natural number. |
| US10068524B2 |
Pixel driving circuit, display substrate and driving method thereof, and display device
The present disclosure provides a pixel driving circuit, a display substrate and a driving method thereof, and a display device. The pixel driving circuit includes a driving unit, a data voltage write unit, an energy storage unit, a threshold compensation unit, and a touch driving compensation unit. The energy storage unit comprises a first energy storage end and a second energy storage end. The touch driving compensation unit is connected to the second energy storage end of the energy storage unit to compensate the voltage of the second energy storage end in a touch phase, so as to maintain that driving current generated by the driving unit does not vary with time. The pixel driving circuit provided by the present disclosure can allow luminance of a driven electroluminescent element does not vary with time in a touch phase, thereby avoiding affecting light emission display of the driven electroluminescent element. |
| US10068515B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a signal receiver, a signal generator, and a signal corrector. The signal receiver receives an image signal. The signal generator generates a data signal for each of a first color pixel and a second color pixel based on the image signal. The signal corrector generates corrected data for the first color pixel based on the data signal for the second color pixel in a single driving mode. The first color pixel and the second color pixel emit light of different grayscale values of a same color. The first color pixel is driven and the second color pixel is not driven in the single driving mode. |
| US10068514B2 |
Electronic paper display apparatus and a detection method thereof
An electronic paper display apparatus including a display driving unit, an electronic paper display panel and a detection circuit unit is provided. The display driving unit generates at least one driving signal. The electronic paper display panel is coupled to the display driving unit. The display driving unit drives the electronic paper display panel to display an image by the at least one driving signal, and the electronic paper display panel outputs the at least one driving signal. The detection circuit unit is coupled to the electronic paper display panel to receive the at least one driving signal outputted by the electronic paper display panel, and detect a display status of the electronic paper display panel according to the at least one driving signal. Besides, a detection method of an electronic paper display apparatus is also provided. |
| US10068511B2 |
LED driving device, illuminator, and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a light emitting diode (LED) driving device as a semiconductor device, which comprises: a direct current/direct current (DC/DC) controller, for controlling an output segment that is used to generate an output voltage from an input voltage and supply the output voltage to an LED; an output current driver, for generating an output current of the LED; and an LED short-circuit detection circuit, for monitoring a cathode voltage of the LED to perform an LED short-circuit detection, wherein the LED short-circuit detection circuit controls whether an action is performed or not according to a short-circuit detection enable signal input from outside the LED driving device. |
| US10068505B2 |
Identification tag with mechanical actuator
An identification tag comprising a display and a mechanical actuator is disclosed. A visual indication associated with a manufacturer is displayed by a display. The mechanical actuator comprises a reservoir to contain a fluid component. The mechanical actuator is connected to the display via a conduit. |
| US10068502B1 |
Photoluminescent container
A container includes a substrate including a brightening agent on its upper surface and a photoluminescent layer on, or impregnated into, the upper surface. The photoluminescent layer on said upper surface absorbs radiant energy and emits radiant energy in the form of light. The substrate is optionally formed from a moisture absorbent material, a moisture resistant material, or a combination thereof. Optionally, an overlay that is substantially light transmissive, that includes an overlay image that is at least partially light transmissive, overlies the substrate. Optionally, a case may be provided to receive and at least partially encase the substrate and, optionally, at least one overlay. |
| US10068489B2 |
Managing energy during flight of unmanned aerial vehicles for safe return to ground
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing energy of a UAV during flight. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods assist in safely returning a UAV to ground while reducing diversionary time for providing energy to the UAV. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods calculate a measure of remaining energy with regard to a UAV flying a mission plan and a measure of landing energy needed to travel to a landing station. The disclosed systems and methods can select a transition point from a mission plan and route leading from the mission plan to the landing station by comparing the calculated measure of remaining energy and the calculated measure of landing energy. Moreover, the disclosed system and methods can modify a mission plan to include the selected transition point and route. |
| US10068488B2 |
Systems and methods of providing a data update to an aircraft
Systems and methods of providing a data update to an aircraft including requesting a data update related to a route to be flown by the aircraft, receiving flight procedure data in a data update into a component of the aircraft from a ground station in response to the request and updating the route to be flown utilizing the flight procedure data in the data update. |
| US10068487B2 |
Comprehensive flight planning tool for a mobile device
a mobile application is disclosed for providing a flight planning tool on a client device. The mobile application may include a data input module configured to receive, via interface hardware on the client device, a selection of one of a plurality of selectable tools. The mobile application may further include a graphics module configured to display, via the interface hardware, a user interface associated with the selection. The mobile application may further include a flight planning communication module configured transmit a request for information associated with the selection, via an API, to a flight planning system, and receive, from the flight planning system via the API, responsive information that fulfills the request, wherein the responsive information was generated by the flight planning system based on information from a third-party device. |
| US10068484B2 |
Parking assisting device
Systems, methods, and devices of parking assisting devices. Two variations are disclosed: one that is floor-based and one that is suspended from a support structure. Devices of the inventive subject matter are configured to detect a tilt condition, a contact condition, or both, indicating that a vehicle has contacted the device and is positioned be parked safely. Upon detecting a tilt condition, a contact condition, or both, the device generates an alert to inform the driver that the vehicle should be stopped and parked. These devices can be wirelessly enabled, for example, to be accessed to determine whether a car is in a garage. |
| US10068483B2 |
Parking assistance device
A parking assistance device includes: a ground object detection unit configured to, in a predetermined detection region set in advance in at least a portion of the vehicle periphery, perform detection of a ground object defining a parking stall in which garage parking is to be performed; an end portion specification unit configured to specify an end portion of the ground object detected by the ground object detection unit, the end portion being located on an entrance side of the parking stall; and a target parking stall setting unit configured to set, based on the end portion on the entrance side specified by the end portion specification unit, a corner portion of a rectangular parking frame that defines a target parking stall in which the vehicle is to be parked, and set the parking frame to extend from the corner portion in the depth direction of the parking stall. |
| US10068480B2 |
Driving support apparatus
When an own vehicle is highly likely to collide with an obstacle, a notification of prompting a driver to carry out a collision avoidance operation is appropriately given. When an output request for collision avoidance support information exists, a notification ECU notifies of the collision avoidance support information irrespective of absence/presence of an output request for vehicle-infrastructure cooperation support information. When the output request for the collision avoidance support information does not exist and the output request for the vehicle-infrastructure cooperation support information exists, the notification ECU notifies of the vehicle-infrastructure cooperation support information. Thus, when the conditions for the notification of the vehicle-infrastructure cooperation support information and the collision avoidance support information are simultaneously satisfied, the vehicle-infrastructure cooperation support information is inhibited from being notified and the collision avoidance support information is notified. |
| US10068478B2 |
Communication terminal periodically providing position information of the communication terminal
A communication terminal operating with electric power stored in a battery to execute information communication with an external communication device is provided. The communication terminal repetitively acquires specific information including a present position of the communication terminal and transmits the specific information in a transmission period. The communication terminal includes a detection section for detecting a total number of external communication devices present within an area of a pre-specified distance and a setting section for setting the transmission period in accordance with the total number of external communication devices detected by the detection section. |
| US10068476B2 |
Vehicle location discrepancy detection and mitigation
A mechanism is provided for detecting and mitigating vehicle location discrepancies. A set of dynamic boundaries are generated around a prescribed pickup location agreed upon with a next renter of a vehicle for a prescribed pickup time. A location of the vehicle is also determined. Based on the location of the vehicle, a determination is made of a boundary in the set of dynamic boundaries with which the vehicle is associated. One state from a set of states is identified based on the location of the vehicle and the identified boundary with which the vehicle is located. Based on the identified state, an associated action is performed. |
| US10068472B2 |
Automotive lane discipline system, method, and apparatus
A method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a first vehicle determines whether the first vehicle is traveling in a first lane of a multi-lane highway. The method further determines that another vehicle is approaching the first vehicle from behind in a second lane of the multi-lane highway. The method determines that the first vehicle is being passed by the second vehicle, and outputs a warning to the driver, instructing the driver to merge into the second lane where the second vehicle had been traveling. |
| US10068471B2 |
Collision avoidance and traffic signal preemption system
A method of avoiding collisions and preempting traffic signals, including the steps of predicting a first likely travel route of a first vehicle along established roadways; predicting a second likely travel route of a second vehicle along the established roadways; preempting a normal operation of at least one traffic signal at an intersection of roadways along at least one of the first likely travel route and the second likely travel route allowing at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle to traverse the intersection; and determining whether both the first vehicle and the second vehicle will be at the intersection within a predefined time interval of each other. |
| US10068470B2 |
Determination of an average traffic speed
Navigation devices, services, and methods are provided for determining an average traffic speed for a path segment using probe data from a plurality of navigation devices. The method for determining an average traffic speed may include retrieving probe data from a plurality of navigation devices, each navigation device traveling over at least a portion of a defined path segment for at least a portion of a defined time interval, wherein the probe data for each navigation device comprises an instantaneous velocity of the navigation device. The method may further include calculating a total distance traveled and a total time traveled by the plurality of navigation devices over the path segment and within the time interval using the instantaneous velocities from the retrieved probe data. The average traffic speed may then be determined based on the calculated total distance traveled and total time traveled. |
| US10068465B2 |
Battery-less data transmission module accessory for portable and handheld metrology devices
A data transmission module is provided as a battery-less accessory for attachment to portable metrology devices (e.g., handheld digital calipers, micrometers, indicators, etc.). Rather than utilizing battery resources from the metrology devices, the data transmission module utilizes energy harvested wirelessly from a remote data node (e.g., a computer system, display, etc.) to power transmission of measurement data signals to the remote data node. The data transmission module may receive sufficient power when relatively close to the remote data node, such as when a user is near the remote data node when operating the metrology device to obtain dimensional measurements of a workpiece. A wireless data generator of the data transmission module may be configured to wirelessly communicate measurement data signals using: the harvested energy; or a modulated reflection of, or coupling to, a received energy supply field from the remote data node; or a combination thereof. |
| US10068461B2 |
Real-time patient experience monitoring system
A system is provided that monitors information from locating equipment and nurse call equipment and that provides notifications to caregivers so that patient care processes are maintained or modified to ensure high levels of patient satisfaction or patient safety. |
| US10068460B2 |
Interactive media device
An interactive media device comprises a remote control interface that receives a wireless signal from a corresponding remote control with an emergency button. A controller decodes the wireless signal to determine if the user has pressed a button of the remote control to operate an associated television or if the user has pressed the emergency button on the remote control. If the user has pressed a button of the remote control to operate the associated television, then a television interface that issues an instruction based on the wireless signal to the associated television. However, if the user has pressed the emergency button, a medical emergency interface that issues an alert to a local or remote response unit. |
| US10068459B2 |
Universal reminder device
A universal reminder device in the form of a series circuit including a power source, a warning indicator, a pressure-sensitive normally closed momentary switch, and a pressure-sensitive normally open momentary switch. |
| US10068456B2 |
Locating a lost device
An embodiment of the invention may include a method, computer program product and computer system for detecting a device. The embodiment may include a computing device that determines a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) of a beacon of a second device. The computing device may determine a first location of the first device. The computing device may determine whether the UUID of the beacon of the second device matches a UUID in a list of UUIDs, where each UUID in the list of UUIDs corresponds to a beacon associated with a device. The computing device may transmitting the UUID of the beacon of the second device and the first location to a third device, based on determining the UUID of the beacon of the second device matches an entry in the list. |
| US10068453B2 |
Analog output diagnosis tool
A system, method, and an apparatus related to a diagnostic tool to recognize abnormalities in the readings from the transmitter device. The diagnostic tool may diagnose the health of the transmitter device through review of an analog output and comparing it to a digital value. This comparison may be done periodically. The system includes a device for detecting field device operational anomalies of a field device in an industrial process. The system includes a storage medium operable to store program code and a processor operable to read the program code and operate as instructed by the program code. The program code includes acquiring an analog process variable (PV) value from the field device, acquiring a digital process variable (PV) value from the field device, calculating a difference value between the analog PV value and the digital PV value, comparing the difference value to a first threshold alert value, and issuing an alert to a user if the difference value exceeds the first threshold alert value. |
| US10068452B1 |
Vehicle alert system
A vehicle alert system inhibiting a child from being left unattended in a vehicle includes a car seat that is selectively positioned in a vehicle and child is selectively seated in the car seat. A base unit is positioned upon the seat to be sat upon thereby facilitating the base unit to detect weight. The base unit is turned on when the base unit detects weight. A remote unit is carried by the driver of the vehicle. The remote unit is in electrical communication with the base unit. Moreover, the remote unit emits an audible alarm when the remote unit moves beyond a trigger distance from the base unit and the base unit is turned on. In this way the remote unit inhibits the child from being left unattended in the vehicle. |
| US10068447B1 |
Lighting module with integrated sensing
Light emitting modules are provided in which light emission and sensing functions are integrated into a single module. Example embodiments utilize a non-planar light guide to create a cavity within which sensing components are configured. Some embodiments provide for collection of directional information regarding light incident to the lighting module. |
| US10068445B2 |
Systems and methods of home-specific sound event detection
Systems and methods of a security system are provided, including detecting, by a sensor, a sound event, and selecting, by a processor coupled to the sensor, at least a portion of sound data captured by the sensor that corresponds to at least one sound feature of the detected sound event. The systems and methods include classifying the at least one sound feature into one or more sound categories, and determining, by a processor, based upon a database of home-specific sound data, whether the at least one sound feature is a human-generated sound. A notification can be transmitted to a computing device according to the sound event. |
| US10068442B2 |
Light fixture
A light fixture includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The light fixture further includes a first light emitting element supported within the first portion of the housing, and a second light emitting element supported within the second portion of the housing. The second light emitting element is controlled such that the second light emitting element provides a different color than the first light emitting element. |
| US10068441B2 |
Security system providing a localized humanly-perceivable alert for identifying a facility to emergency personnel
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for guiding emergency personnel to a location in a facility proximate to an alarm that has been generated. In one aspect, a method may include detecting an alarm condition at a facility protected by a security system and determining a location at the facility of the alarm condition. The method may further include causing at least one indicator at the facility, which is proximate to the determined location of the alarm condition, to generate an identifying alert that is humanly perceivable from an exterior of the facility such that emergency personnel can identify the facility based at least in part on the identifying alert. In some aspects, the method may also include notifying a security representative of the alarm condition, and receiving a notification from the security representative indicating that emergency personnel are dispatched to the facility. |
| US10068439B2 |
Determining personal outdoor comfort with individual and environmental parameters
Devices and systems for determining personal outdoor comfort are described herein. One device includes instructions executable to receive inputs corresponding to characteristics of a user associated with a mobile device, determine a location of the mobile device, communicate an indication of the characteristics and the determined location to a computing device, and receive an outdoor comfort determination from the computing device, wherein the outdoor comfort determination is particular to the user based on the characteristics of the user and particular to the location of the mobile device based on a plurality of environmental parameters associated with the location of the mobile device. |
| US10068438B2 |
L-style marking clamp
A clamp assembly is provided. The clamp assembly is configured to be able to clamp to a buried or buryable element. A marker extends away from the clamp to allow visual indication that there is a buried element below the burying material. |
| US10068435B2 |
Gaming machine including win chains
A gaming machine having a standard game play mode and a bonus feature play mode that include winning and non-winning reel set spins. The gaming machine includes a housing having a user interface and a display attached to the housing to enable games having standard and bonus game play modes. Standard game play mode displays a matrix of symbols including scatter symbols. The gaming machine evaluates scatter symbols in the matrix, whereby appearance of a predetermined number of scatter symbols in the matrix triggers bonus feature play mode and initializes a win chain counter. During bonus game play mode a winning reel set spin enables a new reel set spin while leaving the value of the win chain counter unchanged and a non-winning reel set spin decrements the win chain counter. When the win chain counter reaches a threshold value then bonus game play mode terminates. |
| US10068427B2 |
Recommendation module interleaved wagering system
A recommendation module interleaved wagering system is disclosed, including an interactive processing device constructed to: receive recommendation data; display one or more recommendations; communicate selection data and application telemetry data; receive wagering telemetry and application resource data; configure a wagering user interface; and incorporate the application resource data; wager controller constructed to: communicate user wager data; receive wager request data; determine and communicate wager outcome; recommendation module constructed to: receive recommendation request data; receive user wager data; determine recommendations; and communicate recommendation data; process controller operatively connecting interactive processing device and wager controller, constructed to: communicate recommendation request data; receive recommendation data; communicate recommendation data; receive selection data; receive application telemetry data; determine whether to trigger wager request; generate wager request data; communicate wager request data; receive wager outcome data; communicate wagering telemetry data and application resource data. |
| US10068426B1 |
Online game with adjusted results
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a casual wagering game which is not for real money that can adjust its results based on past events. Based on detected patterns of past events, the mathematical model of a wagering game such as a slot game can change. For example, if a player has had a continuous streak of bad luck, the mathematical model of the game the player is playing can change so that the player would generally receive more favorable results. |
| US10068424B2 |
Attendant device and gaming machine
The present invention provides a reception device, which comprises an operation device which is used to perform a variety of operations, a camera device which is used to take dynamic images for the operation area of the operation device, and a control device determining whether there is an abnormal state in the operation area according to the dynamic images taken by the camera device, and if it is determined that there is an abnormal state, performing a control to cause the operation device to perform an operation corresponding to the abnormal state. |
| US10068416B2 |
Controlling wagering game system audio
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a classification of a first sound provided by a first wagering game application for presentation via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. Further, a second wagering game application provides a second sound for concurrent presentation via the one or more output devices. The first wagering game application is independent from the second wagering game application. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a prioritized relationship between the first sound and the second sound based on the classification, and controlling presentation of the first sound and the second sound via the one or more output devices according to the prioritized relationship. |
| US10068414B2 |
Gaming system and method of gaming
A gaming device arranged to display a game outcome is provided. The gaming device includes a credit input mechanism configured to receive a credit input for establishing a credit balance. A display includes a plurality of designated spaces arranged to display a plurality of symbols and an initiator associated with an initial location within a reel column positioned outside of the plurality of designated spaces. A processor is configured to cause the display to move each of the plurality of symbols from the initial location within the reel column positioned outside of the plurality of designated spaces to a respective final location within the plurality of designated spaces based on the initiator until all designated spaces of the plurality of designated spaces are populated. A game outcome is partly dependent on at least one of an arrangement and a location of the plurality of symbols populating the designated spaces. |
| US10068413B2 |
Electronic gaming machine and gaming method
An electronic gaming machine comprises a display for displaying a game and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of game symbols on the display. The electronic game controller enables the player to select a bet option from a plurality of bet options. A first bet option has a first number of predetermined combinations of symbol positions and a second bet option has a second number of predetermined combinations of symbol positions. The first and second bet options and the first and second numbers are different to each other. In response to an in-game trigger event, the number of symbol positions in the array changes based on the selected bet option. A gaming method is also provided. |
| US10068411B2 |
Gen II meter system
Apparatus for controlling and monitoring vehicle parking meter systems, including programmable single space parking meters each having a hardened shell, a vehicle detection sensor for detecting presence of a vehicle, multiple low power microprocessors associated with each parking meter capable of waking up to perform a specialized task, an application processor connected to each of the microprocessors for monitoring and controlling changes in logic for setting the operational parameters and awakening the microprocessors, wherein the microprocessors, the application processor and the vehicle detection sensor are located within the hardened shell, a centralized operational controller accessible to parking personnel capable of monitoring and controlling the parking meters from a remote location, a pass-through radio frequency communication device capable of passing messages from the controller to and from each of the parking meters by way of the internet, and a power supply powering the application processor, microprocessors and vehicle detection sensor. |
| US10068410B2 |
Item dispensing apparatus
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position. |
| US10068404B2 |
Coin conveying device
A coin conveying device for a coin processing apparatus configured to store an input coin according to denomination, and dispense a coin stored therein in accordance with a payout instruction is provided. The coin conveying device includes: a rail portion configured to form a conveyance path to convey a coin; a conveying portion including holders connected endlessly, each holder being configured to hold one coin, the conveying portion being configured to convey the input coin from below to above by displacing the conveying portion in one direction along the rail portion; and a controller configured to, when the input coin is put in the conveying portion, displace the conveying portion in a reverse direction that is opposite to the one direction for a predetermined time, and displace the conveying portion in the one direction after the predetermined time has elapsed. |
| US10068401B1 |
Transponder key replication
A method and apparatus for replicating a transponder key is disclosed. The transponder replication device includes an antenna that reads a transponder code from a transponder key; a camera, wherein the camera captures a bitting characteristic of the transponder key blade; a stabilizer that secures the transponder key in place while the camera captures the bitting characteristic; a memory device for storing the transponder data; means for transmitting the transponder code and the bitting characteristic of the transponder key blade to a remote location; and, a remote communication device that is compatible with the internet communications device that receives the transponder data and transmits it to a transponder duplication device at the remote location. |
| US10068400B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program for controlling functions of a vehicle
Apparatuses, methods and computer programs for controlling functions of a vehicle. The apparatus for an information system of a vehicle includes a communication module for communication with a mobile device and a control module for controlling the communication module. The control module obtains a key signal and information about a user profile from the mobile device via the communication module. The user profile includes user settings for functions of the vehicle. The information about the user profile includes data about at least one subset of the user settings. The control module controls a locked state of the vehicle based on the key signal and controls at least one subset of the functions of the vehicle based on the information about the user profile. |
| US10068394B2 |
Dynamic industrial vehicle measure
A task to be performed using an industrial vehicle is defined and segmented into segments including a start segment and an end segment. The performance of the industrial vehicle while the industrial vehicle performs the segments is measured, and a target score for the task based on an extrinsic factor that is in effect at least one time during performance of the task is defined. The measured performance of the industrial vehicle during the segments is aggregated to create a task performance score, which is evaluated to the target score to create a task evaluation. |
| US10068393B2 |
Intelligent towing plug
An intelligent towing plug apparatus and software system that performs trailer electrical system testing, diagnostic and monitoring routines as well as towing vehicle plug testing utilizing wireless technology housed completely inside a towing adapter plug or attached towing plug compartment housing that interfaces with any smart phone or towing vehicle on-board computer system that has downloaded or preinstalled the intelligent towing plug mobile application or software compatible with the on-board computer's operating system. |
| US10068389B1 |
Method and apparatus for evaluating an axle condition on a moving vehicle
A vehicle measurement station utilizing one or more displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of an inspection region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data along associated measurement axes. At least a portion of the displacement measurement data is associated with the outermost wheel assemblies on an axle of a moving vehicle passing through the inspection region, and utilized to determine one or more vehicle characteristics, such as an axle total toe condition. |
| US10068388B2 |
Automated system for suggesting wiper replacement
A system for determining a need for a vehicle windshield wiper blade replacement includes a detector for detecting a wiper blade operating noise and a processor configured to determine a wear condition requiring wiper blade replacement from the detected wiper blade operating noise. On determining the wear condition, the processor provides a display including at least a windshield wiper blade wear condition warning and a listing of one or more suggested replacement wiper blades. The visible display may further include a listing of one or more suggestions of locations for acquiring the replacement wiper blades. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US10068387B2 |
System and method for processing distribution items in a distribution network
Systems and methods for processing distribution items having unique identifiers affixed thereon. The unique identifiers can include computer readable codes and written alphanumeric strings generated by a user. A system receives the unique identifier and requests payment information from a user, and stores an association between the unique identifier and the payment information, and processes the item according to the payment information. |
| US10068383B2 |
Dynamically displaying multiple virtual and augmented reality views on a single display
One variation of a method for dynamically displaying multiple virtual and augmented reality scenes on a single display includes determining a set of global transform parameters from a combination of user-defined inputs, user-measured inputs, and device orientation and position derived from sensor inputs; calculating a projection from a configurable function of the global transform parameters, context provided by the user and context specific to a virtual and augmented reality scene; rendering a virtual and augmented reality scene with the calculated projection on a subframe of the display; and repeating the previous two steps to render additional virtual and augmented reality scenes. |
| US10068378B2 |
Digital content interaction and navigation in virtual and augmented reality
Digital content interaction and navigation techniques and systems in virtual and augmented reality are described. In one example, techniques are employed to aid user interaction within a physical environment in which the user is disposed while viewing a virtual or augmented reality environment. In another example, techniques are described to support a world relative field of view and a fixed relative field of view. The world relative field of view is configured to follow motion of the user (e.g., movement of the user's head or mobile phone) within the environment to support navigation to different locations within the environment. The fixed relative field of view is configured to remain fixed during this navigation such that digital content disposed in this field of view remains at that relative location to a user's field of view. |
| US10068376B2 |
Updating mixed reality thumbnails
Examples are disclosed herein that relate to the display of mixed reality imagery. One example provides a mixed reality computing device comprising an image sensor, a display device, a storage device comprising instructions, and a processor. The instructions are executable to receive an image of a physical environment, store the image, render a three-dimensional virtual model, form a mixed reality thumbnail image by compositing a view of the three-dimensional virtual model and the image, and display the mixed reality thumbnail image. The instructions are further executable to receive a user input updating the three-dimensional virtual model, render the updated three-dimensional virtual model, update the mixed reality thumbnail image by compositing a view of the updated three-dimensional virtual model and the image of the physical environment, and display the mixed reality thumbnail image including the updated three-dimensional virtual model composited with the image of the physical environment. |
| US10068375B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
To notify a user of an area where marker-based position and orientation measurement becomes unstable, an information processing apparatus according to the present specification includes, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire arrangement information and size information of a marker arranged in a real space, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire information about an imaging apparatus for capturing the real space, an unstable area derivation unit configured to derive an unstable area where the imaging apparatus is unable to stably detect the marker arranged in the real space, based on the arrangement information and the size information of the marker and the information about the imaging apparatus, and an output unit configured to output the area derived by the derivation unit. |
| US10068374B2 |
Systems and methods for a plurality of users to interact with an augmented or virtual reality systems
One embodiment is directed to a system for enabling two or more users to interact within a virtual world comprising virtual world data, comprising a computer network comprising one or more computing devices, the one or more computing devices comprising memory, processing circuitry, and software stored at least in part in the memory and executable by the processing circuitry to process at least a portion of the virtual world data; wherein at least a first portion of the virtual world data originates from a first user virtual world local to a first user, and wherein the computer network is operable to transmit the first portion to a user device for presentation to a second user, such that the second user may experience the first portion from the location of the second user, such that aspects of the first user virtual world are effectively passed to the second user. |
| US10068373B2 |
Electronic device for providing map information
An electronic device for providing map information associated with a space of interest is provided. The electronic device includes a display and a processor configured to display, on the display, at least a portion of a map including at least one node associated with at least one image photographed at a corresponding position of the space of interest and additional information on the at least one image, change, in response to an input or an event, a first image associated with a first node among the at least one node or first additional information on the first image, and display, on the map through the display, at least a portion of the changed first image or at least a portion of the changed first additional information. |
| US10068369B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively integrating sensory content
To integrate a sensory property such as occlusion, shadowing, reflection, etc. among physical and notional (e.g. virtual/augment) visual or other sensory content, providing an appearance of similar occlusion, shadowing, etc. in both models. A reference position, a physical data model representing physical entities, and a notional data model are created or accessed. A first sensory property from either data model is selected. A second sensory property is determined corresponding with the first sensory property, and notional sensory content is generated from the notional data model with the second sensory property applied thereto. The notional sensory content is outputted to the reference position with a see-through display. Consequently, notional entities may appear occluded by physical entities, physical entities may appear to cast shadows from notional light sources, etc. |
| US10068367B2 |
Asynchronous and concurrent ray tracing and rasterization rendering processes
Rendering systems that can use combinations of rasterization rendering processes and ray tracing rendering processes are disclosed. In some implementations, these systems perform a rasterization pass to identify visible surfaces of pixels in an image. Some implementations may begin shading processes for visible surfaces, before the geometry is entirely processed, in which rays are emitted. Rays can be culled at various points during processing, based on determining whether the surface from which the ray was emitted is still visible. Rendering systems may implement rendering effects as disclosed. |
| US10068359B2 |
Information processing device
The present invention makes it possible to see an original text string which (i) is contained in a captured image and (ii) has been translated, even after a translation of the original text string is displayed. The text string decoration display control section (12) decorates a part indicating a text string contained in a captured image and causes the decorated part to be displayed. The translation image generating section (13) generates a translation image showing a result of translating the text string into another language. The translation display control section (16) switches between display and non-display of the translation image in accordance with an input carried out by a user. |
| US10068351B2 |
Automatic detection and identification of brain sulci in MRI
Disclosed is a method for determining a position of a brain sulcus in the brain of a patient, the method comprising executing, on at least one processor of at least one computer, steps of: acquiring, at the at least one processor, patient image data describing a digital medical image of at least part of the brain; acquiring, at the at least one processor, atlas data describing an image-based model of the at least part of the brain; determining, by the at least one processor and based on the patient image data and the atlas data, mapping data describing a transformation between the patient image data and the atlas data; and determining, by the at least one processor and based on the patient image data and the atlas data and the mapping data, sulcus position data describing the position of the brain sulcus in the digital medical image. |
| US10068344B2 |
Method and system for 3D capture based on structure from motion with simplified pose detection
Aspects disclosed herein provide methods, systems, and devices for 3D image capture based on a Structure from Motion (SFM) imaging technique with simplified pose detection. The present disclosure provides a straightforward method to directly track a camera's motion (pose detection) thereby removing a substantial portion of the computing load needed to build a dimensionally accurate 3D model from a sequence of images taken by the camera. |
| US10068341B2 |
Border detection
A method for assessing the presence of a border in an image, the method comprising: for each of two pixel positions estimating the strength of the second-order rate of change of a convolution of said image at the pixel position with respect to a plurality of directions and determining a binary condition of the pixel position in dependence on whether the strength exceeds a predetermined threshold; and assessing the presence of a border by comparing the two binary conditions. |
| US10068338B2 |
Active sensing spatial resolution improvement through multiple receivers and code reuse
Structured light active sensing systems transmit and receive spatial codes to generate depth maps. Spatial codes can't be repeated within a disparity range if they are to be uniquely identified. This results in large numbers of codes for single transmitter/single receiver systems, because reflected ray traces from two object locations may be focused onto the same location of the receiver sensor, making it impossible to determine which object location reflected the code. However, the original code location may be uniquely identified because ray traces from the two object locations that focus onto the same location of the first receiver sensor may focus onto different locations on the second receiver sensor. Described herein are active sensing systems and methods that use two receivers to uniquely identify original code positions and allow for greater code reuse. |
| US10068337B2 |
Device and method for diagnosing thermal images
This invention provides a device and method for diagnosing thermal images, which relates to a thermal imaging device and an applied field of infrared detection. The conventional thermal imaging device is excessively dependent on subjective experience of users to set an analysis area and mode of a thermal image during photographing, causing complicated operation and affecting assessments of thermal images. In the invention, a reference image reflecting morphological characters of a photographed body is superimposed and displayed in an infrared thermal image, and is as a visual reference of the photographed thermal image. The thermal image is diagnosed according to a corresponding analysis area and a specified diagnosis mode, to acquire a diagnosis result. Thereby, the common users can achieve the better photographing level. |
| US10068335B2 |
Moving-object counter apparatus, moving-object counting method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A moving-object counter apparatus includes a first captured-image acquisition unit, a moving-object moving-path specifying unit, a virtual-line setting unit, and a first moving-object counter unit. The first captured-image acquisition unit acquires multiple images captured at respective times different from each other by a first imaging apparatus capturing images of a predetermined region. The moving-object moving-path specifying unit specifies, on the basis of the acquired images, one or more moving paths along which one or more respective moving objects have moved in the predetermined region. The virtual-line setting unit sets a virtual line on the basis of the specified one or more moving paths. The first moving-object counter unit counts, by counting one or more moving paths that cross the set virtual line among the specified one or more moving paths, one or more moving objects that have passed through the predetermined position. |
| US10068334B2 |
Reconstruction of images from an in vivo multi-camera capsule
Method and apparatus of reconstruction of images from an in vivo multi-camera capsule are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule comprises two cameras with overlapped fields of view (FOVs). Intra-image based pose estimation is applied to the sub-images associated with the overlapped area to improve the pose estimation for the capsule device. In another embodiment, two images corresponding to the two FOVs are fused by using disparity-adjusted, linear weighted sum of the overlapped sub-images. In yet another embodiment, the images from the multi-camera capsule are stitched for time-space representation. |
| US10068332B2 |
Processing a computed tomography image to reduce windmill artifacts
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for processing a CT (Computed Tomography) image are provided. An example method includes accessing an original CT image that is reconstructed from a first set of raw data and includes windmill artifacts, generating a high-frequency image by processing the original CT image, generating a low-frequency image by processing a plurality of thick images reconstructed from a second set of raw data and combining the plurality of processed thick images, the second set of raw data including the first set of raw data and each of the plurality of thick images including substantially no windmill artifacts, generating an intermediate image by synthesizing the high-frequency image and the low-frequency image, and obtaining a target CT image based on the generated intermediate image. |
| US10068327B2 |
Method and system for statistical modeling of data using a quadratic likelihood functional
A method and system are provided for constructing a model of a target object in a computer processor by receiving an input signal from a source, the input signal containing data describing the target object and a plurality of parameters, the input signal having a noise portion; selecting a group of initial parameters, estimating a nonparametric probability distribution function (pdf) comprising a linear combination of a set of square-integrable basis functions, computing a quadratic likelihood functional (QLF), evaluating a fit of the initial parameters to the data based on the QLF, iteratively optimizing the QLF by selecting a new group of parameters and evaluating the fit of the new group of parameters into a predetermined condition is achieved. Once an acceptable fit is achieved, an output of a model of the target object constructed using optimized parameters can be displayed. |
| US10068325B2 |
Method for three-dimensionally measuring a 3D aerial image of a lithography mask
In a method for three-dimensionally measuring a 3D aerial image in the region around an image plane during the imaging of a lithography mask, which is arranged in an object plane, a selectable imaging scale ratio in mutually perpendicular directions (x, y) is taken into account. For this purpose, an electromagnetic wavefront of imaging light is reconstructed after interaction thereof with the lithography mask. An influencing variable that corresponds to the imaging scale ratio is included. Finally, the 3D aerial image measured with the inclusion of the influencing variable is output. This results in a measuring method with which lithography masks that are optimized for being used with an anamorphic projection optical unit during projection exposure can also be measured. |
| US10068317B2 |
Metadata-driven method and apparatus for constraining solution space in image processing techniques
Methods and apparatus for constraining solution space in image processing techniques may use the metadata for a set of images to constrain an image processing solution to a smaller solution space. In one embodiment, a process may require N parameters for processing an image. A determination may be made from metadata that multiple images were captured with the same camera/lens and with the same settings. A set of values may be estimated for the N parameters from data in one or more of the images. The process may then be applied to each of images using the set of values. In one embodiment, a value for a parameter of a process may be estimated for an image. If the estimated value deviates substantially from a value for the parameter in the metadata, the metadata value is used in the process instead of the estimated value. |
| US10068315B2 |
Electronic device and method for operating display
A display operating electronic device is provided. The display operating electronic device includes a display configured to include a first output area and a second output area, a sensor module configured to detect whether the display rotates, and a processor configured to output an execution screen in the first output area and output at least one item in the second output area, and configured to replace the at least one item with at least one new item in the second output area if a pre-defined amount of rotation is detected. |
| US10068304B1 |
Vendor matching engine and method of use
A vendor matching engine and method of use, which may be used by a prospective bidder on a government contract or another prospective selectee in order to determine which bids or applications are most worthwhile to pursue. The engine may perform steps of retrieving transactional or vendor registry information, such as Federal Procurement Data System data or System for Award Management data, and may then use this data to generate matchability scores characterizing the compatibility between the selector and selectee. To generate these scores, the distances between selector and selectee coordinates in n-dimensional space may be used in order to determine how similar the prospective selectee is to the selector's desired selectee, allowing a vendor to prioritize government contracts for which they may be best suited. The system may also be used for other pairings of applicants and awarding parties, such as universities and research granting organizations. |
| US10068301B2 |
Predictive approach to contract management
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for a predictive approach to contract management. In one embodiment, acceptable contract parameters are predicted based, at least in part on historic data and specified thresholds of identified contract parameters. Predicting acceptable contract parameters can help reduce negotiation cycles. |
| US10068300B2 |
Intellectual asset family creation
An example embodiment includes a method for creating a family of related intellectual asset (IA) records. The method may include obtaining IA data for a current filing. The method may include creating an IA record for the current filing. The method may include obtaining IA data for one or more related filings. The current filing and the one or more related filings belong to a family of intellectual assets. The method may also include preparing for creation of a plurality of IA records for the one or more related filings based on the IA data for the current filing and the IA data for the one or more related filings. The method may further include creating a plurality of new IA records for the one or more related filings. |
| US10068293B2 |
Repositioning a value axis
Various embodiments of a trading screen allow a market value indicator to go out of view without necessarily triggering a command to reposition a value axis. The value axis may be repositioned to bring the market value indicator back in view when the market value indicator satisfies a threshold condition. The threshold condition is defined such that it is possible for the market value indicator to go out of view and not trigger a command to reposition the value axis. Various embodiments automatically reposition the value axis in a way that can provide the user with more overall control of the trading screen than previous trading screens. Further, the user may gain increased confidence in using the trading display, particularly with respect to single action order entry, because there is less risk of the value changing on the display during order entry. These advantages and others will be evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art of the embodiments described herein. |
| US10068290B2 |
System and method for determining a stable quoting quantity for use in a trading strategy
Identification of a stable quoting quantity is disclosed. An example method includes setting a quoting quantity for a trading strategy based on a distribution associated with a tradable object of the trading strategy; defining a range having first and second boundaries based on the distribution; updating a first tracked value according to changes in the distribution; and changing the quoting quantity in response to the first tracked value falling outside the range. |
| US10068289B2 |
Method and system for offering a credit product by a credit issuer to a consumer at a point-of-sale
A method for offering at least one credit product by at least one credit issuer to a consumer at a point-of-sale between a merchant and the consumer. The method includes the steps of: providing a credit issuer data set including a plurality of data fields to a central database; initiating a transaction between the consumer and the merchant at the point-of-sale; offering, to the consumer at the point-of-sale, the at least one credit product; and presenting, to the consumer at the point-of-sale, at least one data field in the credit issuer data set. The at least one data field presented to the consumer is populated with data directed to the credit product, the credit issuer, or any combination thereof. An apparatus and system are also disclosed. |
| US10068288B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a user interface for facilitating personal payment transactions
Systems and processes are disclosed for providing customized user interfaces for facilitating personal payment transactions. In certain embodiments, disclosed embodiments may generate a dynamic and customized interface for effecting the personal payment transaction by, for example, providing one or more options for the payer to fund the payment. The disclosed embodiments may provide an interface that includes one or more suggested recipients for identifying the payee associated with the payment transaction. The disclosed embodiments may also provide an interface that includes one or more routing options to route the payment. The disclosed embodiments may also provide an interface that provides one or more communication channel options for parties associated with the personal payment transaction to communicate. |
| US10068286B2 |
Probability modeling
In various example embodiments, a system and method for providing dynamic bidding notifications and price guidance for buyers are presented. The system receives a selection of a present item listing and accesses historical auction data for a set of historical item listings. The system generates a dynamic bidding model for bidding on the present item and generates one or more bidding notifications based on the dynamic bidding model. The system then causes presentation of the one or more bidding notifications on a client device. |
| US10068280B2 |
Gift transaction system architecture
A system architecture of a gift transaction system is disclosed. The gift transaction system can include a buyer interface module, a recipient interface module, a merchant backend interface module, a store front interface module, a curation module, a reminder module, an analytics module, or a media plug-in interface module. A method of operating the gift transaction system under the system architecture includes: providing an embedded widget on a website to determine gift intent to initiate a gift transaction by a buyer account for a recipient account; generating a gift buyer interface for a first client device to personalize a gift package including a gift item; generating a gift recipient interface for a second client device to customize the gift package; and communicating with a merchant backend system to complete the gift transaction to ship the gift package. |
| US10068279B2 |
Process for ordering a selection in advance, digital system and jukebox for embodiment of the process
This invention relates to a process for ordering a selection in advance, characterized in that it includes a step in which a menu is displayed followed by a selection in this menu, to make specific requests and particularly: a step displaying the event for which the advance order of a selection is made, and then selection of the event; a step displaying the identity of destination equipment on which the selection is to be played, and then selection of this equipment; a step displaying the date and time at which the selection is to be made on the destination equipment; a step in which particular requests are recorded and downloaded onto a file only after payment has been verified. |
| US10068276B2 |
System and method for coupling a mobile device and point of sale device to transmit mobile shopping cart and provide shopping recommendations
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing shopping recommendations. Amounts and timing of user purchases are recorded and analyzed to determine consumption rates for various products. A list of recommended products is generated for a user including previous purchases. Expected runout dates for products may be determined based on previous purchases and consumption rates. The list of recommended products may be prioritized based on expected runout dates. A listing of products may be presented with one or both of validation and alternative indicators associated with items of the list. A validation indicator indicates that the product satisfies a criteria and an alternative indicator indicates that an alternative product satisfies the criteria better than the product. |
| US10068274B2 |
Method and system to display and search in a language independent manner
A method to facilitate a language independent search includes displaying a search attribute, including an attribute name and a selection of attribute values, to a user and receiving from the user a search attribute value selection corresponding to the attribute name. Then, the attribute name and attribute value selection are translated into language independent symbols, such as numbers. The numbers are used in a search of a sellers item listings table to select item listings with attribute values that match the search attribute values selected by the user. |
| US10068273B2 |
Method for delivering a custom sandwich to a patron
One variation of a method for personalizing food orders includes: from a patron, receiving a taste feedback for a first food item in a first food order submitted previously by the patron; predicting an absolute food preference of the patron from the first food order; predicting a relative taste preference of the patron based on the taste feedback and a recipe of the first food item; generating a taste profile of the patron based on the absolute food preference and the relative taste preference; from the patron, receiving a selection for a second food item in a new food order, the second food item different than the first food item; applying the taste profile of the patron to a recipe for the second food item to generate a personalized recipe; and submitting the personalized recipe with the new food order to a robotic food assembly apparatus. |
| US10068272B1 |
Pickup order
Methods, computer program products, and systems for pickup orders. A customer device receives an input from a customer selecting one or more items to purchase from a merchant. A list of the selected items can be routed, directly or through a server, to a merchant device of the merchant. The server can provide an identity verification record of the customer to the merchant device. The customer can arrive at the merchant device and request to pick up the selected items. The merchant device, upon receiving an input from the merchant indicating that the customer is authenticated using the identity verification record, approves the purchase and submits price of the selected items to the server for processing. |
| US10068267B1 |
Programmatic selection of service provider
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for determining a recommendation for a service provider to perform a service on a creative work based on metadata associated with the creative work and attribute information associated with the service provider. Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed for determining a recommendation for a creative work requiring a service to be performed based on metadata associated with the creative work and attribute information associated with the service provider. |
| US10068264B1 |
Electronic processing of invoices using assigned users and supplier groups
An electronic invoicing system performs a method of processing electronic invoices. A portal is provided by the system. The portal has respective views for a supplier submitting electronic invoices and an administrator of an enterprise submitting and/or reviewing electronic invoices. An administrator of the enterprise can create and maintain supplier groups in the portal, assign security permissions to the supplier groups in the portal; and assign users to the supplier groups in said portal. The users thereby receive security permission assigned to the supplier group to which they are assigned. The processing of electronic invoices by users is controlled in accordance with the assignments of security permissions to the supplier groups. |
| US10068260B1 |
Generating a proposed bid
A computer-implemented method for generating a proposed bid includes receiving an input generated by a first content provider as part of a bidding process where content providers bid for opportunities to provide content for publication. The input indicates (i) a resource for publishing first content from the first content provider and (ii) a campaign characteristic associated with the first content. The method includes determining a proposed bid for the first content provider based on the input and on historical data from the bidding process associated with the resource. The method includes presenting the proposed bid to the first content provider. |
| US10068254B2 |
Customer relationship management system
Systems and methods for customer relationship management are disclosed. In one example, a customer relationship management system can receive, from a customer device, a customer location and a request for a sales representative. In response, the customer relationship management system can send, for display to a sales representative device, the customer location and then receive, from the sales representative device, a request for customer profile information. In response to this request, the customer relationship management system can send, for display to the sales representative device, at least some of the customer profile information. |
| US10068252B2 |
Targeted and neutral advertising
The present disclosure includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for measuring the effectiveness of an advertisement. In various embodiments, the system may compare exposed data indicating that a first customer was exposed to a targeted advertisement to a first spending activity associated with the first customer. The system may further compare unexposed data indicating that a second customer was exposed to a neutral advertisement to a second spending activity associated with the second customer. Further still, the system may, in various embodiments, generate a spend report based on the comparing the exposed data to the first spending activity and the comparing the unexposed data to the second spending activity. |
| US10068250B2 |
System and method for measuring mobile advertising and content by simulating mobile-device usage
A system and methods for simulating human usage of mobile devices by simulating human behavior patterns operating mobile devices and using the simulation of human usage to obtain advertising or other online content specific to certain entities that is displayed on the mobile devices. The advertising or other online content specific to the certain entities is transmitted to an analytics server, where the advertising or other online content is interpreted and deciphered to obtain particular elements that relate to the advertising and online content including, but not limited to, an identification of the specific entity, the size of the advertising or other online content, the locations where the advertising or other online content appears, and the path by which the advertising or other online content travels to the mobile devices for display. |
| US10068248B2 |
Analysis of controlled and automatic attention for introduction of stimulus material
A system analyzes neuro-response measurements including regional electroencephalography (EEG) measurements from subjects exposed to stimulus materials to determine locations in stimulus materials eliciting controlled attention and automatic attention. Additional stimulus materials are inserted into locations having salient attention attributes. In some examples, a challenging task is used to direct controlled attention onto a location and additional stimulus material is subtly presented in the location to benefit from automatic attention and salient attention measurements. |
| US10068243B2 |
Method and system for processing a discount
A computer-implemented method for processing a discount is described. The method is implemented using a payment processor computing device associated with a payment network. The method includes receiving, at the payment processor computing device, from a discount module computing device, a notification of an adjusted authorization amount for a transaction, wherein the notification is received by the discount module computing device from an intercept node computing device at the time a cardholder makes a purchase. The method also includes receiving, at the payment processor computing device, an authorization request message including a non-adjusted authorization amount for the transaction, replacing the non-adjusted authorization amount with the adjusted authorization amount in the authorization request message, and transmitting the authorization request message to an issuer computing device. |
| US10068239B2 |
Systems and methods for determining enhanced merchant identification
A computer implemented method for creating merchant profiles based on check transactions is provided. The method uses a computing device having a processor communicatively coupled to a memory. The method includes receiving a plurality of payment transactions including payment by a check where each payment transaction includes plurality of fields from the associated check that include at least a payee field, an address field, and a memo field, generating a list of unique merchants based in part on the payee fields of the plurality of payment transactions, generating two or more merchant profiles, and determining one or more connections between two or more merchant profiles in the plurality of merchant profiles. Each connection represents a relationship or association between two or more merchant profiles. The method also includes storing the one or more connections and the two or more merchant profiles. |
| US10068237B2 |
Transmit an authentication mark
Examples disclosed herein relate to transmitting an authentication mark. For example, a processor creates an authentication mark for a two factor authentication system. The authentication mark is created according to data represented by a data bearing image. The processor transmits via a network the authentication mark to a computing device. |
| US10068236B2 |
Methods and arrangements for third party charging authorization for mobile service providers
Methods and arrangements for handling web-based purchase requests. A customer request for content of a third party content provider is received at a charging service provider. An authorization code on behalf of the content provider is generated and returned to the customer via a channel other than a channel which links the customer with the third party content provider. The authorization code is accepted from the third party content provider as received by the third party content provider from the customer, the authorization code is verified, and charging for the requested content is executed. |
| US10068235B1 |
Regulating fraud probability models
An automated purchase transaction analyzes a purchase transaction using a probability model to determine a probability that the transaction is fraudulent. If the probability exceeds a threshold, the transaction may be manually reviewed to determine whether to freeze the account associated with the transaction. When introducing the model, the threshold may be set to a relatively high value so that a small number of transactions are submitted for manual review. After a period of time, the observed freeze rate resulting from manual reviews is compared to a target freeze rate. The threshold is then adjusted upwardly or downwardly to decrease the difference between the observed and target freeze rates. |
| US10068232B2 |
Credit card reader authenticator
A credit card reader is attached to a mobile device to process credit card transactions at the point of sale. In response to detecting attachment of the credit card reader to the mobile device, the credit card reader displays a one-time password for authenticating the credit card reader. The algorithm used to generate the one-time password is synchronized with a user token configured to display one-time passwords. If there is a match between the one-time passwords of the credit card reader and the token, the credit card reader is authentic. Further, if there is a match, the credit card reader may allow the user to process credit card transactions through the credit card reader. |
| US10068231B2 |
Automated teller machine with an encrypting card reader and an encrypting pin pad
A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account. |
| US10068226B2 |
System for authorization and instant integration of credit card to digital wallet
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for security confidence calculation for digital wallet integration. In this way, the invention provides instantaneous access to new payment methods, such as credit cards with prevention of misappropriation based on user device security confidence and token presentation. As such, the system allows for instant application approval, authorization, and instant integration of credit cards to a user's digital wallet. Thus allowing a user to instantaneously use the new credit card via his/her digital wallet without having to wait for the physical card to be received and activated. |
| US10068225B2 |
System and method for utilizing a universal prepaid card
A network service operates to initialize and link a card instrument to a merchant or merchant location, so that the merchant can receive funds the service. One or more requests are detected to use the card instrument for one or more transactions, where each transaction involves a corresponding customer who has registered a customer funding account with the network service. For each of the transactions, a merchant account is funded using a funding account of the card instrument. |
| US10068217B1 |
Status monitoring for boxed wireless device
Methods and systems for determining the status of a packaged device are disclosed. The device can include a secure microcontroller, a battery, a memory storing a status code, and an NFC antenna located in the device and communicatively coupled to the secure microcontroller. A set of instructions are stored on the secure microcontroller to write the status code to the memory. The status code is accessible from outside the sealed package via the antenna. The device could also be a POS device with instructions to process payment information received on the antenna. The apparatus could also include a power routing switch. Power could then be provided from the antenna to the battery via the switch output when the switch is in a conductive state. |
| US10068215B1 |
Support messages based on merchant account context
A payment processing system for mobile point-of-sale transactions from a mobile point of sale terminal including a payment card reader having a card interface configured to read data from a payment card, the payment processing system includes an automated support system for proactively generating and presenting support messages for merchants using a mobile point-of-sale terminal. The automated support system generates the support message using a current account context for the merchant account and a plurality of rules that indicate a problem with the merchant account. The automated support system is further configured to generate a plurality of rules for detecting merchant account problems using a knowledge database of support tickets that include a human generated response to a merchant account problem and a corresponding merchant account context at the time of the human generated response. |
| US10068214B2 |
Portable terminal and its programs, settlement apparatus, and merchandising information providing apparatus
On receiving simplified settlement data generated form settlement data and ID data for downloading electronic-receipt data from an electronic-receipt server, both from a settlement-processing apparatus, a portable terminal records the simplified settlement data in association with the ID data. The display unit of the portable terminal displays the simplified settlement data thus recorded. The portable terminal downloads electronic-receipt data from the electronic-receipt server by using the ID data recorded in association with the simplified settlement data, when the input unit is operated, thereby commanding that the electronic receipt related to the simplified settlement data displayed by the display unit should be downloaded. The electronic-receipt data is recorded in the electronic-receipt recording unit. The display unit displays the electronic receipt on the basis the electronic-receipt data recorded in the electronic-receipt recording unit. |
| US10068212B2 |
Systems and methods for point of sale deposits
The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for executing a point of sale deposit. In one embodiment, a system may include one or more memory devices storing software instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the software instructions to receive transaction information related to a point of sale deposit from a client device, and generate a pending deposit transaction based on the transaction information. The one or more processors may be further configured to execute the software instructions to receive a first transaction token from the client device, receive a second transaction token from a third-party device, match the first transaction token to the second transaction token, and complete the pending deposit transaction based on the match. |
| US10068210B2 |
Casino cash system, apparatus and method utilizing integrated circuit cards
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for facilitating financial transactions using an IC type financial card via a terminal. A user is provided a list of transaction types, such as PIN-based, signature-based, etc., and a requested transaction is processed via a first selected transaction type. If the transaction is unsuccessful, the terminal automatically presents a list of remaining available transaction types from which the user may select and the transaction is processed by the next selected transaction type. If the transaction is successful, funds are provided to the user, such as in the form of currency/coins or funds transfer. |
| US10068209B1 |
System and method for billing an account
Methods and systems are disclosed for issuing bills on an account to a primary account holder and at least one secondary account holder. The methods and systems allow separate component bills to be sent to the primary and secondary account holders based on instructions received from the primary account holder. In one embodiment, the component bills represent the portion of the total bill that is attributable to the recipient of the component bill. In another embodiment, payment reminders are sent to the primary and secondary account holders before the payment deadline. Account identification information can be encoded on each payment received from a primary or secondary account holder so that the payment can be properly credited to the account. |
| US10068201B2 |
Storage container with inventory control
Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others. |
| US10068200B1 |
Business and data processing system for providing mass spectrometric services
Embodiments of business systems and data processing systems and related methods, apparatus, compositions, systems, and articles of manufacture useful for providing mass spectrographic analysis services are disclosed. In embodiments, MS analysis services may be provided to customers without exposing proprietary information of the customer to the service provider or others. |
| US10068197B2 |
Method and apparatus for making changes to a quantity for a time interval within a time series
A method is described that involves providing a persisted quantity for a time series time interval to a first transaction, then, providing the same persisted quantity to a second transaction that operates in parallel with the first transaction. The second transaction is not permitted to change the persisted quantity. The method also involves replacing the persisted quantity with a second persisted quantity within the time series. The second persisted quantity is determined by the first transaction. The method also involves writing a persisted quantity change for the time series time interval. The persisted quantity change is determined by the second transaction. |
| US10068192B2 |
System and method of solving supply chain campaign planning problems involving major and minor setups
A system including a computer solves supply chain campaign planning problems involving major and minor setups. The computer is configured to execute a major campaign for two or more of a plurality of major product families and fix an optimal major product family to a major time period on a planning horizon, based at least on aggregated major productivity fractions and calculated second moments of a plurality of two or more major product families. The computer is further configured to execute a minor campaign for two or more minor product families associated with the optimal major product family, obtain a minor productivity fraction of a campaignable resource for the minor product family over at least a portion of a major time period and fix an optimal minor product family from the two or more minor product families to a minor time period based at least on the minor productivity fraction. |
| US10068191B2 |
Event wizard server and methods for use therewith
An event wizard server includes at least one processor that executes the event wizard server application that bidirectionally communicates event planning data with a user of a client device via a network interface. The event planning data includes: event type menu data, event type selection data, event size selection data, location data received from the client device, event budget menu data, event budget selection data, event budget data, event option menu data, event option selection data, event invitee menu data, and event invitee selection data. |
| US10068190B2 |
Component based interface to handle tasks during claim processing
A computer program is provided for developing component based software capable of handling insurance-related tasks. The program includes a data component that stores, retrieves and manipulates data utilizing a plurality of functions. Also provided is a client component that includes an adapter component that transmits and receives data to/from the data component. The client component also includes a business component that serves as a data cache and includes logic for manipulating the data. A controller component is also included which is adapted to handle events generated by a user utilizing the business component to cache data and the adapter component to ultimately persist data to a data repository. In use, the client component is suitable for receiving a plurality of tasks that achieve an insurance-related goal upon completion, allowing users to add new tasks that achieve the goal upon completion, allowing the users to edit the tasks, and generating a historical record of the tasks that are completed. |
| US10068185B2 |
Error-driven feature ideation in machine learning
Disclosed herein are technologies directed to a feature ideator. The feature ideator can initiate a classifier that analyzes a training set of data in a classification process. The feature ideator can generate one or more suggested features relating to errors generated during the classification process. The feature ideator can generate an output to cause the errors to be rendered in a format that provides for an interaction with a user. A user can review the summary of the errors or the individual errors and select one or more features to increase the accuracy of the classifier. |
| US10068184B1 |
Vertical superconducting capacitors for transmon qubits
A vertical q-capacitor includes a trench in a substrate through a layer of superconducting material. A superconductor is deposited in the trench forming a first film on a first surface, a second film on a second surface, and a third film of the superconductor on a third surface of the trench. The first and second surfaces are substantially parallel, and the third surface in the trench separates the first and second surfaces. A dielectric is exposed below the third film by etching. A first coupling is formed between the first film and a first contact, and a second coupling is formed between the second film and a second contact in a superconducting quantum logic circuit. The first and second couplings cause the first and second films to operate as the vertical q-capacitor that maintains integrity of data in the superconducting quantum logic circuit within a threshold level. |
| US10068181B1 |
Microwave integrated quantum circuits with cap wafer and methods for making the same
A quantum computing system that includes a quantum circuit device having at least one operating frequency; a first substrate having a first surface on which the quantum circuit device is disposed; a second substrate having a first surface that defines a recess of the second substrate, the first and second substrates being arranged such that the recess of the second substrate forms an enclosure that houses the quantum circuit device; and an electrically conducting layer that covers at least a portion of the recess of the second substrate. |
| US10068180B2 |
Systems and methods for operating a quantum processor to determine energy eigenvalues of a hamiltonian
Systems and methods for employing macroscopic resonant tunneling operations in quantum processors are described. New modes of use for quantum processor architectures employ probe qubits to determine energy eigenvalues of a problem Hamiltonian through macroscopic resonant tunneling operations. A dedicated probe qubit design that may be added to quantum processor architectures is also described. The dedicated probe qubit enables improved performance of macroscopic resonant tunneling operations and, consequently, improved performance of the new modes of use described. |
| US10068177B2 |
Process of probabilistic multi-source multi-INT fusion benefit analysis
A method of fusing sensor detection probabilities. The fusing of detection probabilities may allow a first force to detect an imminent threat from a second force, with enough time to counter the threat. The detection probabilities may include accuracy probability of one or more sensors and an available time probability of the one or more sensors. The detection probabilities allow a determination of accuracy of intelligence gathered by each of the sensors. Also, the detection probabilities allow a determination of a probable benefit of an additional platform, sensor, or processing method. The detection probabilities allow a system or mission analyst to quickly decompose a problem space and build a detailed analysis of a scenario under different conditions including technology and environmental factors. |
| US10068176B2 |
Defect prediction method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a defect prediction method and apparatus, which relate to the data processing field, and implement accurate and quick locating of a defect in a faulty product. A specific solution is as follows: selecting a training attribute set from a pre-stored product fault record according to a target attribute, and combining the target attribute and the training attribute set into a training set, where the target attribute is a defect attribute of a historical faulty product; generating a classifier set according to the training set, where the classifier set includes at least two tree classifiers; and predicting a defect of a faulty product by using the classifier set as a prediction model. The present invention is used in a process of predicting a defect of a faulty product. |
| US10068171B2 |
Multi-layer fusion in a convolutional neural network for image classification
A method and system for domain adaptation based on multi-layer fusion in a convolutional neural network architecture for feature extraction and a two-step training and fine-tuning scheme. The architecture concatenates features extracted at different depths of the network to form a fully connected layer before the classification step. First, the network is trained with a large set of images from a source domain as a feature extractor. Second, for each new domain (including the source domain), the classification step is fine-tuned with images collected from the corresponding site. The features from different depths are concatenated with and fine-tuned with weights adjusted for a specific task. The architecture is used for classifying high occupancy vehicle images. |
| US10068170B2 |
Minimizing global error in an artificial neural network
Computer systems, machine-implemented methods, and stored instructions are provided for minimizing an approximate global error in an artificial neural network that is configured to predict model outputs based at least in part on one or more model inputs. A model manager stores the artificial neural network model. The model manager may then minimize an approximate global error in the artificial neural network model at least in part by causing evaluation of a mixed integer linear program that determines weights between artificial neurons in the artificial neural network model. The mixed integer linear program accounts for piecewise linear activation functions for artificial neurons in the artificial neural network model. The mixed integer linear program comprises a functional expression of a difference between actual data and modeled data, and a set of one or more constraints that reference variables in the functional expression. |
| US10068168B2 |
IC card and IC module
An IC card has a data storage, a table storage and a processing unit. The data storage stores data. The table storage stores a data element table including profile information including, in association with each other: a profile identifier for identifying a profile that is a group (set) of data elements to be stored in the data storage, at the time of issuance; the data elements included in the profile; and data region identifiers indicating data regions that are reserved in the data storage to store the data elements. The processing unit stores, in the data region indicated by the data region identifier corresponding to the data elements, the data elements corresponding to the profile identifier, from the data element table stored in the table storage, in response to a processing request that includes the profile identifier and requests issuance processing. |
| US10068163B2 |
Image processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium using difference in processing speed information
Provided is an image processing apparatus including a print image generation section that generates print image data to be supplied to a printing device by executing a rasterizing process with a resolution for printing on print data, and an image density calculation section that executes the rasterizing process on the print data with a resolution lower than the resolution for printing and calculates image density information used in control of an image forming process in the printing device based on raster image data which is generated through the rasterizing process and has a resolution lower than the resolution for printing, wherein a difference in a processing speed between the print image generation section and the image density calculation section causes the image density information of a page prior to a page of the print image data being printed by the printing device to be supplied to the printing device. |
| US10068161B2 |
Apparatus and method for maintenance of an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus and method for controlling an image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a detecting unit, a projecting unit, and a control unit. The detecting unit is configured to detect an event that needs user work on the image forming apparatus. The projecting unit is configured to project an image onto a projection target. The control unit is configured to control projection by the projecting unit. When an event that needs user work on the image forming apparatus is detected, the projecting unit projects an image onto a projection target so that a target portion of the user work can be identified and also projects an instruction image for performing the user work. |
| US10068160B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image forming apparatus includes a light emitting element group including a plurality of light emitting elements disposed at first intervals in a first direction, and configured to emit optical beams based on image data, a lens array including a plurality of lenses disposed at second intervals different from the first intervals in the first direction and configured to focus or condense the light emitted from the light emitting element group, and a halftone processing unit configured to perform halftone processing by using a dither matrix corresponding to a relative positional relationship between the plurality of light emitting elements and the plurality of lenses to generate the image data. |
| US10068156B2 |
Methods and systems for decision-tree-based automated symbol recognition
The current document is directed to methods and systems for identifying symbols corresponding to symbol images in a scanned-document image or other text-containing image, with the symbols corresponding to Chinese or Japanese characters, to Korean morpho-syllabic blocks, or to symbols of other languages that use a large number of symbols for writing and printing. In one implementation, the methods and systems to which the current document is directed create and store a decision tree, the nodes of which include classifiers that each recognizes the symbol that corresponds to a symbol image. Input of a symbol image to the decision tree and processing of the symbol image through one or more nodes of the decision tree returns a symbol corresponding to the symbol image. |
| US10068154B2 |
Recognition process of an object in a query image
Recognition process (1) of an object (An) in a query image (2), performing a training step (6) that comprises: —providing (20) a set of training images (Ti), each training image (Ti) comprising an object tag (LOGOi); —determining (21) for each training image (Ti) of said set a plurality of first descriptors (11), each first descriptor (11) being a vector that represents pixel properties in a subregion (Sri) of the associated training image (Ti); —determining (23) a group of exemplar descriptors (111) describing the set of training images (Ti) and resulting from a selection of the first descriptors (11) based on the position of said subregion (Sri) in the associated training image (Ti) and on the pixel properties of said first descriptors (11); performing a query step (7) comprising: —receiving (30) the query image (2) and defining (31) a plurality of vectors (V′) of second descriptors (3) describing the properties of said query image (2); —determining (35) a visual similarity coefficient based on a comparison between each one of said second descriptor (3) of said query image (2) and each one of said exemplar descriptors (111) of said group in order to automatically recognize the object (An) in said query image (2) with respect to the object tag (LOGOi) coupled to one of said exemplar descriptor (111). |
| US10068150B2 |
Method and apparatus for OCR detection of valuable documents by means of a matrix camera
The invention relates to a method for OCR detection of valuable documents in a cash dispenser in the case of which an image of the valuable document is detected by means of a digital video or matrix camera. A Hough transformation is used to calculate edge lines of the valuable document and a rotation angle is calculated therefrom such that the edges of the valuable document are aligned with the image edges. The detected image is homogenized to compensate an inhomogeneous image background. This is followed by OCR detection of alphanumeric information on the valuable document. |
| US10068149B2 |
Image processing utilizing reference images
Embodiments are generally related to image processing utilizing reference images. An embodiment of a mobile device includes an image capture mechanism to capture a base image, the base image containing one or more objects including a target object; and a memory to store data, the data including the base image. The mobile device is to analyze the base image to identify one or more objects in the base image, and identify one or more reference images based on a comparison of one or more identified objects in the base image with reference images in a repository of images, wherein the one or more reference images include a first reference image containing the target object, the first reference image having a first set of first image characteristics. |
| US10068148B2 |
Image processing apparatus, and operation method and program therefor
For assigning a binary label representing belonging to a target region or not to each pixel in an image: a predicted shape of the target region is set; a pixel group including N pixels is selected, where N is a natural number of 4 or more, which have a positional relationship representing the predicted shape; and an energy function is set, which includes an N-th order term in which a variable is a label of each pixel of the pixel group, so that a value of the N-th order term is at a minimum value when a combination of the labels assigned to the pixels of the pixel group is a pattern matching the predicted shape, and increases in stages along with an increase in a number of pixels to which a label different from the pattern is assigned. The labeling is performed by minimizing the energy function. |
| US10068144B2 |
Association method and association apparatus
An association relating to the field of communications is enabled. A method comprises: acquiring image data in a view area of an imaging device; dividing the view area into sub-view areas; acquiring an attribute information set of an object in any one of the sub-view areas through beam scanning; in response to that the attribute information set comprises attribute information of multiple objects, dividing the one sub-view area or the view area into secondary sub-view areas; acquiring attribute information of at least one object in any one of the secondary sub-view areas through beam scanning; and establishing a correspondence between the attribute information of the object in the one secondary sub-view area and image data corresponding to the one secondary sub-view area. A user can obtain a correspondence between attribute information of an object and image data of the object more conveniently. |
| US10068143B2 |
Method for calibrating a camera for a gaze direction detection in a vehicle, device for a motor vehicle having a camera and at least one further element, and computer program product
A method for calibrating a camera for a gaze direction detection in a vehicle, to a device for a motor vehicle having a camera and at least one further element, and to a computer program product. The at least one further element is situated in a fixed geometric relationship with the camera the calibration takes place by detecting, in images of the camera, at least one relative change in the gaze direction in which a user changes his gaze in the direction of the further element. The method is characterized in that it is detected by at least one action of the user that the gaze change of the user has taken place or will take place. For the gaze direction then offers an advantage as a result of a dual benefit: it is used both for the calibration and for the action of the user. |
| US10068142B2 |
Detection apparatus, detection method, driving assistance apparatus, and driving assistance method
A jump-out determination unit determines whether or not an object is approaching a travel direction of a vehicle based on movement information relating to movement of the object, the movement information having been acquired by a speed variation calculation unit after a pre-indication of that the object approaches the travel direction of the vehicle is detected by a jump-out pre-indication calculation unit of a detection apparatus. As a result, the sudden approach of the object toward the travel direction, which is difficult to determine solely from the movement information relating to the object, can be detected with improved precision. |
| US10068141B2 |
Automatic operation vehicle
An automatic operation vehicle that automatically performs an operation in an operation area is provided. The vehicle includes an image analysis unit configured to extract a marker included in an image captured by a camera provided on the automatic operation vehicle. If a situation in which the marker that was extracted from the image captured by the camera cannot be extracted by the image analysis unit from the image captured by the camera has occurred during a movement of the automatic operation vehicle in a constant direction. The image analysis unit determines whether the marker extracted before an occurrence of the situation and the marker extracted after an elimination of the situation are the same marker. |
| US10068140B2 |
System and method for estimating vehicular motion based on monocular video data
A vehicle movement parameter, such as ego-speed, is estimated using real-time images captured by a single camera. The captured images may be analyzed by a pre-trained convolutional neural network to estimate vehicle movement based on monocular video data. The convolutional neural network may be pre-trained using filters from a synchrony autoencoder that were trained using unlabeled video data captured by the vehicle's camera while the vehicle was in motion. A parameter corresponding to the estimated vehicle movement may be output to the driver or to a driver assistance system for use in controlling the vehicle. |
| US10068137B2 |
Method and device for automatic detection and tracking of one or multiple objects of interest in a video
The invention relates to a method for automatic detection and tracking of one or multiple objects of interest in a video sequence comprising several successive frames (1) captured with a moving camera, comprising:—segmenting (32) each frame into regions depending on color and producing a segmented image (1′);—deducing (34) from each segmented image (1′) a region adjacency graph (11) comprising nodes and edges, wherein each node defines a region and each edge links two nodes of adjacent regions; wherein the region adjacency graphs (11) form a set of region adjacency graphs;—extracting (36) from the set of region adjacency graphs frequent spatio-temporal patterns (13);—determining (38) degrees of dissimilarity between the trajectories of the extracted frequent spatio-temporal patterns (13) between successive frames (1); and—clustering (39) the frequent spatio-temporal patterns (13) to produce at least one cluster (25, 26, 27) corresponding to one object of interest among said one or multiple objects of interest according to the determined degrees of dissimilarity of the trajectories. |
| US10068136B2 |
Event detection based on video metadata
Video data from sources, such as cameras, is analyzed to create metadata descriptive of the events and objects occurring in the video. This metadata, which consists of data about the video, is then analyzed on a transaction basis to determine if a suspicious activity, such as a fraudulent Point of Sale (POS) return event, has occurred in relation to a transaction. |
| US10068132B2 |
Document optical character recognition
Vehicles and other items often have corresponding documentation, such as registration cards, that includes a significant amount of informative textual information that can be used in identifying the item. Traditional OCR may be unsuccessful when dealing with non-cooperative images. Accordingly, features such as dewarping, text alignment, and line identification and removal may aid in OCR of non-cooperative images. Dewarping involves determining curvature of a document depicted in an image and processing the image to dewarp the image of the document to make it more accurately conform to the ideal of a cooperative image. Text alignment involves determining an actual alignment of depicted text, even when the depicted text is not aligned with depicted visual cues. Line identification and removal involves identifying portions of the image that depict lines and removing those lines prior to OCR processing of the image. |