| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US11151023B2 |
System and method for predicting performance failures in a computer program
A system for predicting performance failures in a computer program during the course of its development is provided. The system comprises a pattern identifier module that identifies frequent sets of source code files that have been modified together in plurality of historical builds. The system further comprises a performance failure extraction module that identifies frequent sets of performance failures that have been logged together in the plurality of historical builds. The system furthermore comprises a correlation engine that establishes patterns between the frequent sets of modified source code files and the frequent sets of performance failures by identifying co-occurrence between the frequent sets of modified source code files and the frequent sets of performance failures for each historical build. Finally, the system further comprises a performance failure recommendation engine that predicts performance failures in one or more new builds associated with the computer program based on the established patterns. |
| US11151020B1 |
Method and system for managing deployment of software application components in a continuous development pipeline
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for managing deployment of application components in a continuous development pipeline based on a comparison of execution graphs generated from execution of functions in production and test environments of the continuous development pipeline. Embodiments include generating a first graph representation of a function from log data captured during execution of the function in a production environment and a second graph representation of the function from log data captured during execution of the function in a test environment. Differences between the first and second graph representations are identified, and based on the identified differences, a system takes one or more actions to manage deployment of software application components implementing the function from the test environment to the production environment. |
| US11151015B2 |
Machine-based recognition and dynamic selection of subpopulations for improved telemetry
Techniques for telemetry data collection including receiving first telemetry data items each including a first value for a first performance measurement, generating respective data objects providing values for a first set of attributes including multiple context attributes and a performance attribute determined based on the first value, performing a machine-based selection of outlier data objects from the data objects, obtaining a targeting rule specifying selection conditions for at least two of the context attributes and corresponding to a selected subset of the outlier data objects, providing the targeting rule to multiple telemetry sources, and receiving second telemetry data items each associated with a different telemetry source that satisfied the selection conditions, and each including a second value for a second performance measurement, with the first telemetry data items not including values for the second performance measurement. |
| US11151013B2 |
Systems and methods for performance evaluation of input/output (I/O) intensive enterprise applications
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for performance evaluation of Input/Output (I/O) intensive enterprise applications. Representative workloads may be generated for enterprise applications using synthetic benchmarks that can be used across multiple platforms with different storage systems. I/O traces are captured for an application of interest at low concurrencies and features that affect performance significantly are extracted, fed to a synthetic benchmark and replayed on a target system thereby accurately creating the same behavior of the application. Statistical methods are used to extrapolate the extract features to predict performance at higher concurrency level without generating traces at those concurrency levels. The method does not require deploying the application or database on the target system since performance of system is dependent on access patterns instead of actual data. Identical access patterns are re-created using only replica of database files of the same size as in the real database. |
| US11151012B2 |
Predictive reserved instance for hyperscaler management
An example system and method to provide a dashboard for users to analyze and review their hyper-scaler usage and spending and offer optimizations to predict optimal use of reserved and unreserved instances on various hyper-scaler platforms. While hyper-scaler platforms offer flexibility for users to scale their use on a platform, there is a potential risk of rapid cost overruns in large enterprise organizations that may be difficult to control and predict. In some examples, the system can determine an optimal number of reserved instances using past usage data and/or prediction data from a user may be used by the system to make forward predictions about reserving an optimal number of instances and minimizing hyper-scaler resource use. |
| US11151008B2 |
Intelligent diagnostic system
A diagnostic system may utilize telemetry from a monitored system to infer information about the operation of various components systems within the monitored system. In embodiments, inferences may be drawn from a comparison of various component systems using a system of implication and exoneration. Exoneration is utilized to isolate faulty components from functioning components by comparing information between the systems, which may run in parallel. A dynamic grouping algorithm may eventually isolate faulty components and suggest the root cause as well as multiple distinct faults. |
| US11151006B2 |
HBM RAS cache architecture
According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a plurality of stacked integrated circuit dies that include a memory cell die and a logic die. The memory cell die may be configured to store data at a memory address. The logic die may include an interface to the stacked integrated circuit dies and configured to communicate memory accesses between the memory cell die and at least one external device. The logic die may include a reliability circuit configured to ameliorate data errors within the memory cell die. The reliability circuit may include a spare memory configured to store data, and an address table configured to map a memory address associated with an error to the spare memory. The reliability circuit may be configured to determine if the memory access is associated with an error, and if so completing the memory access with the spare memory. |
| US11151005B2 |
System and method for storage node data synchronization
A method, computer program product, and computing system for writing, from a first node to a second node, a first portion of data from a memory pool in the first node defined by, at least in part, a first pointer. One or more input/output (IO) operations may be received while writing the first portion of data to the second node. Data from the one or more IO operations may be stored within the memory pool after the first pointer. |
| US11151004B2 |
Spime™ host system, process, object, self-determination apparatus, and host device
A method including executing a portion of a service which is part of at least one service provided by a system including a distributed computing platform; determining object capability parameters required to perform the executing; storing information about at least one target host device; generating an announcement message reporting presence of a service type and the object capability parameters; receiving information from other announcement messages; evaluating current host device capability parameters with respect to the object capability parameters; determining when the current host device capability parameters meet a criterion; initiating a migration request message from the object for migration of the object, the object including software code and processing instructions and service function instructions, the migration to a target object host device, when the module capability parameters meet a criterion; and managing the migration of the object to the target host device. |
| US11150999B2 |
Method, device, and computer program product for scheduling backup jobs
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, device, and computer program product for scheduling backup jobs. There is provided a method of scheduling backup jobs, comprising: in response to detecting that a target backup job is generated, obtaining predetermined execution information of the target backup job; determining an execution priority of the target backup job based on the predetermined execution information of the target backup job; determining an execution priority of an existing backup job in a waiting queue; and adding the target backup job to the waiting queue based on the execution priority of the existing backup job and the execution priority of the target backup job. Through embodiments of the present disclosure, it enables better utilization of system resources to achieve the Recover Point Objective for important data, ensuring a Service Level Agreement. |
| US11150998B2 |
Redefining backup SLOs for effective restore
Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and system for dynamically changing a backup policy, the operations comprising: automatically detecting a change in a backup source system; automatically activating a new backup policy, wherein the new backup policy is determined based on the change in the backup source system and an old backup policy; and performing a backup session based on the new backup policy. |
| US11150994B2 |
Creating a restore copy from a copy of source data in a repository having source data at different point-in-times
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for creating a restore copy from a copy of source data in a repository having source data at different point-in-times. All the source data as of an initial point-in-time is copied to a repository. In response to completing point-in-time copies following the initial point-in-time, change information is transmitted to the repository indicating changed data in the source data that changed between the point-in-time of the point-in-time copy and a subsequent point-in-time. For each point-in-time copy, copying changed source data comprising source data indicated in the change information for the point-in-time copy as changed to the repository. A restore request is received to restore the source data as of a restore point-in-time. The source data in the repository as of the restore point-in-time is copied from the repository to a restore copy. |
| US11150993B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for improving inline pattern detection
Computerized techniques involve dividing a plurality of entries included in an indirect block of an inode into a plurality of entry groups. Each non-null entry of the plurality of entries has one of a pointer pointing to an associated data block and an identifier specific to a byte pattern of an associated data block. The techniques further involve determining, for an entry group of the plurality of entry groups, whether entries having an identifier in the entry group all have a same predetermined identifier. The techniques further involve in response to determining that the entries having an identifier in the entry group all have the same predetermined identifier, identifying the entry group as recoverable if the indirect block is corrupted. Such techniques improve reliability and performance of a storage system. |
| US11150990B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for managing a plurality of disks
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus and computer readable medium for managing a plurality of disks. The method includes in response to receiving a write request for a first stripe of a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), searching for extents mapped to the first stripe. The RAID is created on a plurality of extents obtained by dividing a plurality of disks. The method further includes, in response to the extents mapped to the first stripe being missed, selecting a first set of extents in a free state from the plurality of extents of the plurality of disks. The method further includes mapping the first stripe to the first set of extents. |
| US11150989B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for managing a storage system
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide method, device and computer program product for managing a storage system. The storage system includes a disk having a plurality of extents. The method comprises obtaining metadata associated with an RAID stripe in a first RAID of a first type, the first RAID including at least a part of extents from the plurality of extents. The method also comprises allocating an additional extent to the RAID stripe. The method further comprises converting, based on the allocated additional extent and by modifying the metadata, the first RAID of the first type into a second RAID of a second type in a degraded mode. Additionally, the method comprises initiating, based on the modified metadata, a rebuilding process for the second RAID, so as to convert the second RAID from the degraded mode to a normal mode. |
| US11150986B2 |
Efficient compaction on log-structured distributed file system using erasure coding for resource consumption reduction
One embodiment described herein provides a system and method for data compaction in a storage system comprising a plurality of storage nodes. During operation, in response to determining that data compaction is triggered, the system regroups valid data from a first set of data chunks stored in the storage system into a second set of data chunks such that a respective data chunk from the second set of data chunks comprises contiguous valid data slices. The system further performs error-correction-coding protection on the second set of data chunks. A physical location associated with a respective valid data slice remains unchanged subsequent to the error-correction-coding protection. |
| US11150985B2 |
Decoder for memory system and method thereof
Decoders are provided for memory systems. A decoder includes a seed generator that generates seeds based on a physical address corresponding to a read request from a host; a descrambling module that receives a sequence from a storage area among, multiple storage areas, corresponding to the physical address, and descrambles the sequence using the seeds to generate multiple descrambled sequences; and a selector that selects one of descrambled sequences based on syndrome weight values of the descrambled sequences. |
| US11150984B2 |
Systems and methods for multi-zone data tiering for endurance extension in solid state drives
Systems and methods for increasing the endurance of a solid state drive are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can assign different levels of error protection to a plurality of blocks of the solid state drive. The disclosed methods can provide a plurality of error correction mechanisms, each having a plurality of corresponding error correction levels and associate a first plurality of blocks of the solid state drive with a first zone and a second plurality of blocks of the solid state drive with a second zone. The disclosed methods can assign a first error correction mechanism and a first corresponding error correction level to the first zone and can assign a second error correction mechanism and a second corresponding error correction level to the second zone. |
| US11150983B2 |
Sensing apparatus
A sensor apparatus includes a sensing means having one or more sensors. A processor unit processes data received from the one or more sensors. The processor unit has a processor, a memory which stores data used by the processor, and a memory controller that receives instructions from the processor and in response writes data output from the processor to the memory or retrieves data from the memory to the processor. The memory controller is configured to read and write data to one or more areas of the memory with ECC protection of the data and arranged to read and write data to one or more areas of the memory without applying any ECC protection. The sensor apparatus may be configured to process data captured from an antenna to identify the position and/or the range of at least one target in the line of sight of the antenna. |
| US11150979B2 |
Accelerating memory fault resolution by performing fast re-fetching
A method for handling load faults in an out-of-order processor is described. The method includes detecting, by a memory ordering buffer of the out-of-order processor, a load fault corresponding to a load instruction that was executed out-of-order by the out-of-order processor; determining, by the memory ordering buffer, whether instant reclamation is available for resolving the load fault of the load instruction; and performing, in response to determining that instant reclamation is available for resolving the load fault of the load instruction, instant reclamation to re-fetch the load instruction for execution prior to attempting to retire the load instruction. |
| US11150978B2 |
Automated system for intelligent error correction within an electronic blockchain ledger
A system for automated and intelligent error correction within an electronic blockchain ledger is provided. The system may analyze unformatted/unstructured blockchain event logs using machine learning algorithms in order to identify and label the errors within the event logs. Based on the identified errors, the system may use predictive analysis in conjunction with error or rule repositories and/or machine learning to identify potential solutions to the identified errors. Once the potential solutions have been identified, the system may automatically attempt to rectify the blockchain transaction errors using the potential solutions. The system may further comprise trend/correlation analyses and reporting functions regarding various metrics and may output said metrics in various accessible formats. |
| US11150977B1 |
Systems and methods for remediating computing resources
A computer-implemented method for remediating computing resources may include (i) detecting a failure in a computer peripheral device and (ii) performing a remediation action in response to detecting the failure in the computer peripheral device. The remediation action may include selectively modifying a signal to a computing bus to which the computer peripheral device is connected. Selectively modifying the signal to the computing bus may simulate both unplugging the computer peripheral device from the computing bus without physically removing the computer peripheral device and also plugging back the computer peripheral device into the computing bus without physically reinserting the computer peripheral device into the computing bus. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US11150976B1 |
Anomaly detection based on higher-order anomaly score
First-order anomaly scores are received from related anomaly detectors. Each first-order anomaly score indicates a likelihood of an anomaly at a target system. A relatedness measure of the related anomaly detectors is determined, based on the first-order anomaly scores that have been received. A higher-order anomaly score is determined based on the relatedness measure that has been determined. The higher-order anomaly score indicates a likelihood of an anomaly at the target system. An anomaly at the target system is detected based on the higher-order anomaly score. |
| US11150975B2 |
Method and device for determining causes of performance degradation for storage systems
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining a cause of performance degradation of a storage system. The method comprises: monitoring performance of the storage system according to a predetermined policy; generating a performance degradation event from a result of the monitoring based on system performance baseline; in response to performance degradation event, obtaining information about the performance degradation; and offline analyzing the information to determine the cause of the performance degradation. Compared with the prior art, embodiments of the present disclosure can manage the system performance degradation effectively and continuously to minimize running costs and enable current performance profiling tools in the manner of insertion. |
| US11150971B1 |
Pattern recognition for proactive treatment of non-contiguous growing defects
Pattern recognition is used to proactively treat defects of repeating circuit topologies. A component of a computing environment is monitored for failures. The component includes one or more repeating circuit topologies. A determination is made as to whether a new failure within a repeating circuit topology of the one or more repeating circuit topologies has occurred within a predefined amount of time from a previous failure matching a selected pattern, in which the selected pattern indicates a non-contiguous growing defect. Based on determining the new failure has occurred within the predefined amount of time from the previous failure matching the selected pattern, corrective action for the component is proactively taken. |
| US11150966B1 |
Managing toast notifications via a toast adapter and plugins
Toast notifications can be managed via a toast adapter and plugins. A toast adapter can function as an intermediary between a service and an application that interfaces with the Windows toast framework. The service can employ plugins that are configured to send toast requests to the toast adapter. The toast requests can include metadata from which the toast adapter can construct toast content. The toast adapter can then interface with the application to submit the toast content to the Windows toast framework to cause the toast notifications to be displayed. When a user interacts with a toast notification, the arguments that the Windows toast framework provides can be relayed by the application to the toast adapter. The toast adapter may then identify which plugin was the source of the toast notification and provide an indication of the user's interaction with the toast notification to the plugin. |
| US11150963B2 |
Remote smart NIC-based service acceleration
Systems and methods provide for accelerating and offloading network processing to a remote smart network interface card (NIC). A first network element, including a first smart NIC, can transmit capability information of the first smart NIC for receipt by a neighboring second network element. The second network element can determine that a network processing task of a virtualized network function (e.g., virtual network function (VNF), cloud-native network function (CNF), etc.) instantiated on the second network element can be offloaded to the first smart NIC. The second network element can receive processing information from the virtualized network function for performing the network processing task. Based on the processing information, the second network element can transmit control information that causes the first smart NIC to perform the network processing task on at least a portion of network data received by the first network element for transmission to the second network element. |
| US11150960B2 |
Distributed application allocation and communication
Technology is described for computationally intensive distributed computing systems and methods. A method for using object types to distribute processing may include determining object types for data objects. A mapping between the data objects and processing partitions may be determined using the object types. A processing partition may be associated with a processing application that processes data objects of a given object type. A hardware host in a distributed computing system may identify an application library having a plurality of processing applications that process a plurality of data objects associated with a plurality of object types. The hardware host may use the processing partition assigned to the hardware host to identify the processing application for the object type associated with the processing partition from the application library. The hardware host may launch an instance of the processing application to enable the hardware host to process the plurality of data objects. |
| US11150958B2 |
Quorum based transactionally consistent membership management in distributed storage
Systems and methods that restore a failed reconfiguration of nodes in a distributed environment. By analyzing reports from read/write quorums of nodes associated with a configuration, automatic recovery for data partitions can be facilitated. Moreover, a configuration manager component tracks current configurations for replication units and determines whether a reconfiguration is required (e.g., due to node failures, node recovery, replica additions/deletions, replica moves, or replica role changes, and the like.) Reconfigurations of data activated as being replicated from an old configuration to being replicated on a new configuration may be performed in a transactionally consistent manner based on dynamic quorums associated with the new configuration and the old configuration. |
| US11150956B2 |
Resolving container preemption
A set of resources required to process a data integration job is determined. In response to determining that the set of resources is not available, queue occupation, for each queue in the computing environment, is predicted. Queue occupation is a workload of queue resources for a future time based on a previous workload. A best queue is selected based on the predicted queue occupation. The best queue is the queue or queues in the computing environment available to be assigned to process the data integration job without preemption. The data integration job is processed using the best queue. It is determined whether a preemption event occurred causing the removal of resources from the best queue. A checkpoint is created in response to determining that a preemption event occurred. The checkpoint indicates the last successful operation completed and provides a point where processing can resume when resources become available. |
| US11150949B2 |
Resource release method, resource allocation method, devices, and computer program products
Techniques release and/or allocate resources. Such techniques involve obtaining information related to low-usage-rate-resources, the information indicating resources of a set of resources in a storage system having usage rates lower than a threshold. Such techniques further involve receiving a request for resource release, the request comprising the number of resources to be released. Such techniques further involve determining, based on the number of resources to be released, the number of low-usage-rate-resources to be released. Via such techniques, not only the time and computing overheads for checking each resource that are needed in resource release may be reduced, but also the amount of data needed to be moved in resource release may be reduced. |
| US11150946B2 |
Method and system for processing communication channel
There is provided a method and a system for processing a communication channel. Including a heartbeat channel and a data channel between a master process and a worker process. The method includes determining at least one data channel associated with a heartbeat channel, detecting the determined at least one data channel, disconnecting the heartbeat channel when it is detected that any data channel is in a disconnected state to cause a heartbeat to time out, and ending a current task after it is determined that the heartbeat times out. |
| US11150945B2 |
Reverse restartable sequences for lock polling scalability
A system includes a memory, at least one processor in communication with the memory, a plurality of threads executing on the at least one processor, and a supervisor. The supervisor is configured to preempt a first thread of the plurality of threads and determine a status of the first thread as either (i) executing in an atomic section or (ii) executing outside of the atomic section. The atomic section is a region of code tagged as atomic, and the atomic section includes instructions that run under a lock. Responsive to determining the status as executing in the atomic section, the supervisor is configured to notify a second thread of the plurality of threads to execute a system call based lock to block execution until the lock is released by the first thread. |
| US11150937B2 |
Edge device and method for operating an edge device
The invention relates to an edge device (10) and to a method for operating an edge device (10), wherein the edge device (10) is supplemented by a unikernel manager (52) and a base unikernel (54), wherein the unikernel manager (52) acts as a means at least for starting and stopping a unikernel (40-46) installed on the edge device (10), and wherein the base unikernel (54), in the form of a standalone unikernel, comprises the base functionality of the edge device (10). |
| US11150935B2 |
Container-based applications
Provided is a method, computer program product, and system for adjusting a container-based application. A processor may receive one or more function calls at a container-based application. The processor may process the one or more function calls using the container-based application. The processor may obtain performance data from the container-based application based on the processing of the one or more function calls. The processor may analyze the performance data against a performance measure limit. The processor may adjust an aspect of the container-based application based on the analysis of the performance data. The aspect may be one or more selected from the group consisting of a resource and a functionality of the contain-based application. |
| US11150934B2 |
Region based processing and storage of data
A method, a system, and a computer program product are provided. A first computing device determines that data to be processed for a request is confined to a geographic region in which the data is stored and identifies a second computing device within the geographic region in which the data is stored, wherein the identified second computing device and the computing device are connected to a network. The computing device directs the identified second computing to process the data within the geographic region to which the data is confined, according to the request, by one or more processing nodes executing on the identified second computing device. |
| US11150930B2 |
Autonomic management of multi-site cloud infrastructure
The disclosure provides an approach for managing an application workload on a computer system that includes data centers. The application workload includes first application instances running on a first data center and second application instances running on a second data center. The method comprises collecting usage data of first application instances, usage data of second application instances, and combining the collected data. The method further comprises evaluating the combined data to determine low health in least one application instance, and restarting the at least one application instance or creating a new application instance. The method further comprises evaluating the combined data to determine whether to change size of the application workload, and in which data center to place a second new application instance if increasing size. The method further comprises contacting a component of the chosen data center to place the second new application instance within a local host machine. |
| US11150929B2 |
Enhanced memory management for virtual machines
Aspects of the disclosure provide for mechanisms for memory management of virtual machines in a computer system. A method of the disclosure includes: releasing a memory page of a guest memory of a virtual machine; sending, by the virtual machine, a first notification to a hypervisor, the first notification comprising an indication that a memory page associated with the virtual machine is to be rendered inaccessible; and receiving, by the virtual machine, a second notification indicative of detection of an attempt to access the memory page. |
| US11150926B2 |
Native code generation for cloud services
An example of an embodiment is directed to a computer-implemented method for providing a cloud service to execute a computing task of a model specification. The method includes receiving, by the cloud service, the model specification and input data for the model specification from a user. The method further includes generating, by the cloud service, native code from the model specification and executing, by the cloud service, the computing task by executing the native code as a native process with the input data. The method also includes providing, by the cloud service, results of the computing task to the user. Other embodiments further concern a related computing system and a related computer program product. |
| US11150924B2 |
System and method for platform-integrated custom applications
A system and method for customizing communication processing within a communication platform that includes configuring a service handler, which comprises of at least setting execution code of the service handler; setting an association between the service handler and a communication event of the communication platform; detecting the occurrence of the communication event of a communication facilitated through the communication platform; invoking the service handler in response to the event, which comprises: executing the execution code in a serverless execution environment and generating a service handler response; and augmenting the communication in accordance with the service handler response. |
| US11150922B2 |
Initializing a conversation with an automated agent via selectable graphical element
Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for using selectable elements to invoke an automated assistant at a computing device. While operating the computing device, a user may not be aware that the automated assistant can be invoked according to certain invocation phrases. In order to inform the user of the functionality of the automated assistant, the user can be presented with selectable elements that can initialize the automated assistant when selected. Furthermore, a selectable element can provide an invocation phrase in textual form so that the user is aware of their ability to invoke the automated assistant by speaking the invocation phrase. The selectable element can be presented at different devices associated with the user, and the automated assistant can be initialized at a device that is separate from the device where the selectable element is presented. |
| US11150920B2 |
3D API redirection for virtual desktop infrastructure
Techniques for implementing 3DI API redirection for VDI desktops are provided. In one set of embodiments, a server system can intercept a call to a 3D API made by a 3D application running within a VM on the server system, where the VM hosts a desktop that is presented to a user of a client system. The server system can determine metadata associated with the call, where the metadata including a name of the 3D API and one or more input parameter values to the call, and can transmit the metadata to the client system. In response, the client system can reconstruct the call to the 3D API using the metadata and execute the call using one or more physical GPUs residing on the client system. |
| US11150917B2 |
System for data aggregation and analysis of data from a plurality of data sources
An interactive user interface for receiving and displaying data is described. The interactive user interface may display data sets from a plurality of external applications and/or data sources. Received data sets may be compiled to form an interactive graphical unit, also called a “card,” that may be displayed in a format based upon that of the native external application of the received data sets. Cards may be grouped with other cards. A card may include a link which allows users to access the native external application of the card to make any desired modifications or changes. |
| US11150911B2 |
System and method for managing UEFI boot device path based on custom selection
A system for configuring a processor is disclosed that includes a processor, a memory, and a firmware startup algorithm stored in the memory at a first predetermined location, the firmware start-up algorithm has one or more user-configurable driver algorithm memory storage locations. A driver algorithm stored at one of the user-configurable driver algorithm memory storage locations is configured to modify an operating system memory storage location for use by the firmware startup algorithm. |
| US11150909B2 |
Energy efficient source operand issue
In an approach for decreasing a rate of logic voltage level transitions in a multiplexor, one of a plurality of inputs to a multiplexor is selected with a first multiplexor select value at a first clock, wherein each input to the multiplexor is identified as one of i) valid and ii) invalid and the first multiplexor select value is latched in a latch until the first multiplexor select value is replaced by a second multiplexor select value. The second multiplexor select value is determined. The second multiplexor select value is applied to the multiplexor at a second clock if and only if the second multiplexor select value is different from the first multiplexor select value and the second multiplexor select value selects a valid input, wherein the second clock follows the first clock. Subsequent to applying the second multiplexor select value, the second multiplexor value is latched in the latch. |
| US11150902B2 |
Processor pipeline management during cache misses using next-best ticket identifier for sleep and wakeup
Systems and methods of performing processor pipeline management include receiving an instruction for processing, determining that data in a first memory sub-group of a memory group needed to process the instruction is not available in a cache that ensures fixed latency access, and determining that the instruction should be put in a sleep state. The sleep state indicates that the instruction will not be reissued until the instruction is moved to a wakeup state. The methods also include associating the instruction with a ticket identifier (ID) that corresponds with a second memory sub-group of the memory group, and moving the instruction to the wakeup state based on the second memory sub-group of the memory group being moved into the cache. |
| US11150901B2 |
Systems and methods for minimizing frequency of garbage collection by deduplication of variables
An information handling system may include a processor and a program of instructions embodied in non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to, when read and executed by the processor: in response to a request to write a variable to a solid state device, store the variable to a memory location of the solid state device, the variable including variable data and a variable status indicative of a validity of the variable data, the variable status having a plurality of bits wherein each of the plurality of bits are set to an initial value and in response to a request to modify the variable, modify the variable status by changing one of the plurality of bits from the initial value to a logical complement of the initial value to change the validity of the variable data. The validity of the variable data may be based on whether an even number or odd number of the plurality of bits are equal to the complement of the initial value. |
| US11150898B1 |
Methods and systems for monitoring contributor performance for source code programming projects
Methods and systems for monitoring contributor performance for source code programming projects in order to increase the velocity of workflow and the efficiency of project teams. In particular, the methods and systems record the particular type of issue that is tagged for a given contribution, if any, and monitor the amount of programming time of the contributor that is required to resolve the issue. The programming time required to resolve the issue, the type of issue, and/or other characteristics of contributors are then used to generate real-time recommendations related to the performance of the contributor relative to the project team. |
| US11150893B2 |
Collaborative software development tool for resolving potential code-change conflicts in real time
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes uploading, by a first instance of an integrated development environment (IDE), a first source-code change to a change log of a version control system. A second instance of the IDE is used to upload a second source-code change to the change log of the version control system. A determination is made that the second source-code change conflicts with the first source-code change. Based on the determination that the second source-code change conflicts with the first source-code change, generating a notification of the second source-code change is generated in the first instance of the IDE. |
| US11150892B2 |
Software versioning for network connected devices
A computing system includes a logic subsystem and memory storing instructions executable by the logic subsystem. The instructions are executable by the logic subsystem to store, in the memory, a plurality of software models that each describe aspects of a network connected device or a software service, the plurality of software models comprising a first version of a selected software model. The logic subsystem is configured to receive a second version of the selected software model and validate the second version of the selected software model via validation logic by applying one or more versioning rules to the second version of the selected software model. Based on the application of the one or more versioning rules, the logic subsystem is configured to execute a versioning action on the selected software model. |
| US11150889B1 |
Usage profile based remote firmware upgrade for fire alarm system gateway
Methods and devices for usage profile based remote firmware upgrades for fire alarm system gateways are described herein. A method, includes creating a firmware upgrade package for a number of gateways of a number of fire alarm systems wherein each gateway has gateway operating firmware, panel connectivity firmware, and management firmware and wherein the firmware upgrade package has multiple parts, creating a firmware upgrade profile having information indicating the applicability of each of the multiple parts of the firmware upgrade package to one of the gateway operating firmware, panel connectivity firmware, and management firmware, comparing the firmware upgrade profile to a gateway profile of a particular gateway wherein the gateway profile contains information indicating usage characteristics for the gateway operating firmware, panel connectivity firmware, and management firmware, and selecting one or more of the multiple parts of the firmware upgrade package to download. |
| US11150879B2 |
Method and system for configuring processes of software applications using activity fragments
A method for creating processes in a software application. The method includes obtaining an activity fragment. The activity fragment includes an activity fragment name and an activity fragment configuration. The method further includes obtaining a process specification specifying an activity, and obtaining activity configuration instructions. The activity configuration instructions specify inclusion of the activity fragment in the activity. The method also includes building, based on the process specification, a process. Building the process includes associating the activity fragment with the activity. |
| US11150878B2 |
Method and system for extracting concepts from research publications to identify necessary source code for implementation
A technique is described including taking a research paper of interest (target paper) and identifying concepts within it based on topic analysis among bibliometric clusters; identifying descriptions of each concept across bibliometric clusters wherein the descriptions will be of varying levels of granularity and will use different terms to describe the same concept or phenomena; using the various descriptions of a concept to create search terms to be used in a repository of annotated, searchable source code snippets; and constructing implementation of target paper's methodologies using source code snippets. |
| US11150877B2 |
Automatically generating machine learning models for software tools that operate on source code
A method includes receiving a code insight request requesting a code insight for target source code. The code insight request includes the target source code and a tool type indicator specifying that the software development tool comprises one of a code labeling type of software development tool or a code transformation type of software development tool. The method also includes obtaining a machine learning model based on the tool type indicator and generating the code insight using the machine learning model. The code insight includes one of a predicted label for the target source code when the tool type indicator specifies that the software development tool comprises the code labeling type of software development tool, or a predicted code transformation for the target source code when the tool type indicator specifies that the software development tool comprises the code transformation type of software building tool. |
| US11150876B2 |
Transparent client-side source code editing on a remote network management platform
A computing system stores source code files in a hierarchy of database tables. A plugin, executable within a source code editor, is configured to: receive, by way of uniform resource locators (URLs) related to the computational instance, table names of the database tables, and file names of the source code files; cause the editor to display, on a first pane of a graphical user interface (GUI), a menu of the table and file names; receive a selection of a file name; receive, by way of a URL, a source code file with the file name; cause the editor to display, on a second pane of the GUI, an editable representation of the source code file; receive a command to store the source code file (which was modified by way of the second pane); and transmit, by way of the URL, the source code file as modified. |
| US11150870B2 |
Method for providing natural language expression and electronic device supporting same
An embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch screen display, a communication circuit, a microphone, a speaker, a processor, and a memory. Wherein: the memory stores a first application program that includes a first user interface, and an intelligent application program that includes a second user interface; and the memory can cause the processor to display the first user interface at the time of execution and to receive a first user input for displaying the second user interface while displaying the first user interface. |
| US11150866B2 |
Systems and methods for contextual audio detection and communication mode transactions
Systems and methods for Contextual Audio Detection, wherein Contextual Audio Detection includes detecting specific sounds using Adjustable Parameters and using the output to control audio routing, input parameters, and other features. |
| US11150864B2 |
Displaying enhancement items associated with an audio recording
Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein for displaying visual representations of entities associated with an audio recording. A waveform associated with an audio recording is presented in a user interface to an application. A set of entities associated with the audio recording are then identified. Responsive to identifying the set of entities, a set of enhancement items associated with the set of entities is presented. In response to a selection of a given one of the enhancement items, a visual representation of an associated one of the entities in the user interface to the application. |
| US11150856B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method for controlling thereof
An electronic apparatus includes an interface connected to a modular display apparatus, and a processor scales an image signal received from an external device to a predetermined resolution, divides each display module among a plurality of display modules included in the modular display into a plurality of groups in a first direction, decomposes the scaled image signal to image signals corresponding to each of the plurality of groups, and transmits the decomposed image signals to each of the plurality of groups via the interface connected to each of the plurality of groups. |
| US11150855B2 |
Display support structure
Display panel frames configured and dimensioned to support display panels and also attach to adjacent display panel frames in a modular fashion to form a larger display assembly. In some examples, the display panel frames include one or more structural members configured to support a load on the frame, wherein the structural members also have at least one display panel mount for attaching a display panel to the frame. In some examples, the frames are configured to support display panels having mounting interface points conforming with a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) interface standard. |
| US11150854B2 |
Display control method, apparatus, and electronic device
Display control method, electronic device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are provided. The display control method includes determining data to be displayed corresponding to an operating system of an electronic device; displaying a first portion of the data to be displayed in a first display device of the electronic device; and displaying a second portion of the data to be displayed in a second display device of the electronic device. The first portion is different from the second portion, and the first display device and the second display device perform display based on a same operating system of the electronic device. |
| US11150848B2 |
System and method for identification and location of user identified feature specific printers
A system and method for identification and location of user identified, feature specific printers works in conjunction with a user's smartphone or tablet computer. A user inputs their desired printer features into their device, and a listing of candidate printers within a search perimeter is rendered. A distance between the user device and each candidate printer is calculated from a determined location user device relative to locations of each of the candidate printers. The user selects their desired printer from the candidates, and directions for the user to walk to the selected printer are generated and displayed. |
| US11150845B2 |
Methods and systems for servicing data requests in a multi-node system
A method for processing requests includes receiving a request comprising a virtual address, wherein the request is associated with an application executing on an operating system, identifying, based on data specified in the request, a logical volume associated with the data, making a first determination, based on the logical volume, that the logical volume is managed by a remote node, generating a data layout request to receive a data layout of the data from the remote node, receiving the data layout, wherein the data layout specifies a first physical address on the remote node that stores the data, initiating a copy request to copy the data from the first physical address to a second physical address on a local node, generating, based on the copy request, a virtual-to-physical address mapping between the virtual address and the second physical address; and initiating processing the request using the virtual-to-physical address mapping. |
| US11150841B2 |
NAND dropped command detection and recovery
Aspects of a storage device including a memory and a controller are provided which allow for detection of dropped commands based on a die status (ready/busy status) of a command received from a host device. The memory may include dies controlled by chip-enables (CE). After selecting a die using CE, the controller waits between a minimum and maximum time after receiving the command to query the die status, where the minimum time is the time by which the command is expected to begin execution and the maximum time is the shortest time by which the command is expected to complete execution. The controller queries the die status after waiting the time period. If the die status is ready when it should have read busy, the controller detects that the command associated with the data is dropped and requests the host device to reissue the command. |
| US11150837B2 |
Method, device and system for processing sequential groups of buffered write data
A method of writing data in a storage device including sequentially receiving a plurality of data write commands, sequentially assigning a plurality of write data corresponding to the plurality of data write commands to a plurality of buffer groups by determining continuity of logical addresses of the plurality of write data such that each of the plurality of buffer groups temporarily stores some of the plurality of write data included in a respective single stream and having consecutive logical addresses, assigning a plurality of serial numbers to the plurality of write data, respectively, based on an order in which the plurality of write data are assigned to the plurality of buffer groups, programming the plurality of write data temporarily stored in the plurality of buffer groups into a plurality of memory blocks, and updating a logical-to-physical mapping table based on the plurality of serial numbers may be provided. |
| US11150834B1 |
Determining storage consumption in a storage system
Determining storage consumption in a storage system, including scanning a group of data units within the storage system storing a plurality of client entities, including: for each data unit in the group of data units, determining whether the data unit is reachable by one of the plurality of client entities; and for each data unit reachable by one of the plurality of client entities, determining a category for the data unit; calculating storage consumption for a client based on the category of each data unit reachable by one of the plurality of client entities; and reporting the calculated storage consumption. |
| US11150832B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for backup management
The present disclosure relates to a method, a device and a computer program product for backup management. An initial set of data items associated with a plurality of historical data backup operations are obtained, a data item in the initial set of data items indicates a data amount and time consumption associated with a corresponding historical data backup operation. A degree of change in time consumption per unit data amount of a candidate data item in the initial set of data items is determined and the candidate data item from the initial set of data items is removed based on the degree of change to generate a reference set of data items, which is stored for predicting time consumption of a future data backup operation. |
| US11150829B2 |
Storage system and data control method
A storage system and data control method capable of extending the service lifes of storage devices of the same type and with different properties and reducing operation management cost are proposed. The storage system includes: a first storage device; a second storage device with a smaller upper limit number of writes and a larger storage capacity per unit area than those of the first storage device; and a processor that allocates storage areas from the first storage device and the second storage device to a virtual volume to be provided to a host, wherein the processor relocates data which is stored in a storage area with higher write frequency from the host than a predetermined write threshold, from among the storage areas allocated from the second storage device to the virtual volume, from the storage area of the second storage device to a storage area of the first storage device. |
| US11150828B2 |
Device configured for dynamic software change
Devices, systems and methods for reconfigurable and/or updatable lightweight embedded devices or systems are disclosed. Via use of such a device, system, or method, various capabilities for a user are provided, simplified, secured, and/or made more convenient. The system may interact with various other devices or systems, including those that are cloud-based or communicate through the cloud, and may utilize various local sensors, in order to provide one or more of improved access, monitoring, diagnostics, and so forth. |
| US11150821B2 |
Memory devices with multiple sets of latencies and methods for operating the same
Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with multiple sets of latencies are disclosed. A memory device or system that includes a memory device may be operable with one or several sets of latencies (e.g., read, write, or write recovery latencies), and the memory device or system may apply a set of latencies depending on which features of the memory device are enabled. For example, control circuitry may be configured to enable one or more features during operations on a memory array, and the control circuitry may apply a set of latency values based on a number or type of features that are enabled. The sets of latency values may depend, for example, on whether various control features (e.g., dynamic voltage frequency scaling) are enabled, and a device may operate within certain frequency ranges irrespective of other characteristics (e.g., mode register values) or latencies applied. |
| US11150815B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product
According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a non-volatile memory manager. The non-volatile memory manager is configured to save, in a non-volatile memory section, information of a plurality of storage sections to be read after rebooting. The non-volatile memory section is configured to keep storing information even if power is off. |
| US11150809B2 |
Memory controller and storage device including the same
A memory controller and a storage device including the same are provided. The memory controller includes a memory channel controller configured to perform erase/program, read, and erase/program suspend operations for a flash memory, a flash translation layer configured to control an operation of the memory channel controller by receiving a write/read command, and transmit a completion for the write/read command, a host interface configured to receive the write/read command from a host, transmit the write/read command to the flash translation layer, receive the completion from the flash translation layer, and calculate a write/read latency for the write/read command based on the completion, and a suspend-limit changer configured to dynamically change an erase/program suspend-limit based on the calculated write/read latency, the erase/program suspend-limit being a maximum allowed number of erase/program suspend operations. |
| US11150805B2 |
System and method for using free space to improve erasure code locality
A system and method for using free space to improve erasure code locality. The method includes logically segmenting an erasure coding data set into a stripe based on an erasure coding scheme, wherein the erasure coding data set includes a plurality of chunks, wherein the plurality of chunks includes a plurality of chunks of systematic data and a plurality of chunks of parity data, wherein the stripe includes free user data; and distributing the stripe across a plurality of non-volatile memory nodes based on the erasure coding scheme, wherein the free user data is stored in at least one memory location among the plurality of non-volatile memory nodes, wherein each non-volatile node is a unit of non-volatile memory. |
| US11150803B2 |
Touch control method and apparatus
This application provides a touch control method and an apparatus, and relates to the field of communications technologies. The method includes: (S601) obtaining, by a terminal, a first touch operation entered by a user on a touchscreen; (S602, S603, and S604) and mapping, by the terminal when the first touch operation is performed on a first preset area in a target interface, the first touch operation to a second touch operation, so that a target application responds to the second touch operation, where the target interface is any interface that is presented by the target application and that covers the first preset area, and the target application is running in the foreground. |
| US11150801B1 |
Account switching
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to effortlessly switching between user accounts. For example, a user may access an application on their computing device. Within the application the user may have multiple user accounts. The application may display a plurality of indicators that signify each user account associated with that application. In this regard, the user may perform a swiping or tapping motion to select a particular user account to switch to. A transitional stage may take place that changes a first background and details associated with a first user account to a second background and details associated with a second user account. When the transition is complete, the user is able to access and perform functions associated with the second user account. The user may switch to another user account using a similar swiping or tapping motion. |
| US11150799B2 |
Interactively controlling a machine with feedback from a control parameter
The invention relates to a human machine interface (1) for simultaneously and interactively controlling a control function of a machine (3). The human machine interface (1) comprises a control input unit (5) by means of which a control parameter of a control function of the machine (3) can be simultaneously manually operated in accordance with a parameter input (27), a parameter input unit (7) which can be controlled independently from the control input device (5) and which enables a control parameter of the control function to be manually controlled, and a parameter display unit (9) arranged together with the parameter input unit (7) and which enables feedback of the control parameter to be manually controlled. As a result, the intuitive ease of operation, the security and ergonomics are improved such that a control parameter of the control function dependent on the control function can be manually controlled simultaneously by means of the control input unit (5) and that the parameter display unit (9) enables information relating to the desired value or an actual value of the manually controlled parameter and which is present on the machine (3) can be fed back. |
| US11150798B2 |
Multifunction device control of another electronic device
Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more input devices that simulate dedicated remote control functionality for navigating and playing content items available on other electronic devices, and one or more operations related to the above that the input devices and other electronic devices optionally perform. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more multifunction devices via which keyboard input to electronic devices is provided, and one or more operations related to the above that the multifunction devices and the electronic devices optionally perform. Some embodiments described in this disclosure are directed to one or more multifunction devices via which control and/or navigational inputs to electronic devices is provided, and one or more operations related to the above that the multifunction devices and the electronic devices optionally perform. |
| US11150797B2 |
Method and device for gesture control and interaction based on touch-sensitive surface to display
The present disclosure discloses a gesture control and interaction technology based on “touch-sensitive surface to display”. A novel interaction method is proposed by combining the touch-sensitive surface technology with display technology. Firstly, a certain gesture is made on a touch-sensitive surface to activate a certain window of the display; the sliding of the finger on the touch-sensitive surface is synchronized in GUI of the display window by the sliding operation of the finger on the touch-sensitive surface, the finger being raised, corresponds to some kind of operation; wherein, the size of the display window is variable, and the sliding of the pointer or the movement of the selection box in the window is synchronized with the sliding of the finger on the touch-sensitive surface, and the actual distance sliding on the touch-sensitive surface is scaled proportional to the movement distance of the pointer or the selection box in the window. |
| US11150793B2 |
Social balancer for indicating the relative priorities of linked objects
A method and system for indicating a priority of a first linked node and a second linked node within a plurality of linked nodes associated with an electronically interactive social relations service. The method may include assigning a weight to the first linked node within the plurality of linked nodes. The method may also include assigning a weight to the second linked node within the plurality of linked nodes. Additionally, the method may include determining an adjustment of the weight of the first linked node within the plurality of linked nodes. The method may further include adjusting the weight of the second linked node based on the determining of the adjustment of the weight of the first linked node, the adjusting of the weight of the second linked node corresponding to a link strength of the second link node relative to the first link node. |
| US11150789B2 |
Method, systems, and media to arrange a plurality of digital images within an image display section of a graphical user inteface (GUI)
Described are methods, systems, and media for arranging a plurality of images within an image display section of a graphical user interface to optimize the number of image clicks and item purchases. |
| US11150785B2 |
Displaying an electronic document
An electronic document is obtained as a single unit of display data divided by a display size of a screen into a group of page data sets. A display configured to sense movement of a movable object in a vertical direction relative to the screen is used. The display is configured such that each of the group of page data sets of the electronic document is associated in a sequence with a respective different one of a group of detection levels within a movement detection range of the display. In response to sensing movement using the display, a page data set corresponding to a detection level in the movement detection range is displayed on the screen in accordance with the sensed movement. Display speed changes are automatically adjusted while displaying different ones of the group of page data sets in accordance with a moving speed of the sensed movement. |
| US11150783B1 |
GUI based methods and systems for working with large numbers of interactive items
A GUI and processor-based method for managing selectable entities such as files and directories. When the number of selectable entities in the GUI is large (e.g. over 50 entities) or if similar operations must be done repeatedly, the user experience can be drastically improved by generating and operating on sets of selectable entities. Users (such as a human user) start by picking a plurality of entities displayed on the GUI and save them in memory as a named selection set. Users operate the GUI to manipulate any such selection sets via various means (such as intersection, union, inversion/negation, or via user defined programs) until a selection set contains only the entities that the user wishes to operate on. The user then directs the GUI to automatically perform any of memory/storage operations and/or network transmission operations upon any files and directories in the selection set as desired. |
| US11150770B2 |
Input device, electronic system and control method therefor
Disclosed is an input device. The input device includes a communicator configured to communicate with an electronic device, a pen tip provided at one end of the input device, a first electrode portion including a plurality of first sub-electrodes spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance from the pen tip, a second electrode portion including a plurality of second sub-electrodes spaced apart from each other to correspond to each of the plurality of first sub-electrodes at a position spaced apart from the first electrode portion by a predetermined distance, a processor to provide a driving signal to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, generate tilt information of the input device on the basis of a plurality of capacitances formed between the plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of second sub-electrodes, and transmit the tilt information to the electronic device. |
| US11150768B2 |
Position detection device, display device, and position detection method
A projector includes an imaging section configured to generate imaging data obtained by taking an image of first infrared light with a first wavelength emitted by a first pointing member, second infrared light with a second wavelength emitted by a second pointing member, and a target range, and a position detection section for detecting a first position and a second position with respect to the target range based on the imaging data so as to be distinguished from each other, and the imaging section includes a sensor configured to output detection values of first colored light, second colored light, and third colored light to generate the imaging data including the detection values obtained by detecting the first infrared light and the second infrared light with the sensor. |
| US11150766B2 |
Switching operation sensing device with touch-sensing and force-sensing using dual-sensing structure
A switching operation sensing device includes an input operation unit, an oscillator circuit, a frequency digital converter, and a touch-force detector circuit. The input operation unit, integrally formed with a housing, includes a first switch member and a second switch member disposed in different positions. The oscillator circuit is configured to generate a first oscillation signal based on varying capacitance when the first switch member is touched, and a second oscillation signal based on varying inductance when an input force is applied to the second switch member. The frequency digital converter is configured to convert the first oscillation signal to a first count value, and convert the second oscillation signal to a second count value. The touch-force detector circuit is configured to generate a first detection signal by detecting a touch input based on the first count value input from the frequency digital converter, and generate a second detection signal by detecting an input force based on the second count value. |
| US11150765B2 |
Display device including a touch sensor and a method of eliminating noise
A display device is provided including a much sensor including a touch controller and a display panel overlapped by the touch sensor and configured to display an image. A display panel driver is, electrically connected to the display panel and configured to supply a driving signal to the display panel. The display panel driver is electrically connected to the touch controller and is configured to transmit a noise sensing signal to the touch controller. |
| US11150762B2 |
Multi-user multi-touch projected capacitance touch sensor with event initiation based on common touch entity detection
Techniques for providing multi-user multi-touch projected capacitive touch sensors are disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include a method that includes receiving a first sense signal from a first sensing array, the first sensing array configured to provide the first sense signal indicating a first touch on a first touch surface of a touch substrate as well as receiving a second sense signal from a second sensing array, the second sensing array configured to provide the second sense signal indicating a second touch on a second touch surface of a second touch substrate occurring concurrently to the first touch. The method may further include determining whether the first touch and the second touch share at least one anti-ghost. The method may also include associating the first touch and the second touch with a common touch entity in response to determining that the first touch and the second touch share the at least one anti-ghost. |
| US11150761B2 |
Position indicator, position detecting device, position detecting circuit, and position detecting method
A position indicator includes a housing and circuitry. The circuitry transmits a plurality of signal blocks successively to a position detecting device. Each of the signal blocks includes a position detection signal, a first modulated signal acquired by modulating one part of a plurality of divided parts of position indicator identification information, and a second modulated signal acquired by modulating current position indicator status information acquired successively from a signal supplied to a control terminal or from a voltage state of the control terminal. The position indicator transmits the plurality of divided parts of position indicator identification information by transmitting the plurality of signal blocks. |
| US11150750B2 |
Electronic pen and electronic pen main body unit
An electronic pen main body unit of an electronic pen having a function of a fountain pen includes an ink writing unit in which a cartridge housing liquid ink is fitted to a rear end portion of a pen core, and a pen body is disposed so as to be superposed on the pen core in a direction orthogonal to a coupling direction of the pen core and the cartridge, and an interaction circuit having an electronic part which, in operation, exchanges a signal with a tablet. The interaction circuit is disposed on a side of the pen core opposite the pen body in the direction orthogonal to the coupling direction of the pen core and the cartridge in a state in which the interaction circuit recedes to the cartridge side from a writing end of the pen body in the coupling direction of the pen core and the cartridge. |
| US11150743B2 |
Electronic device and method for intelligent interaction thereof
An electronic device and method are disclosed. The electronic device includes a memory, sensors and a processor. The processor may implement the method, including detecting, by one or more sensors, first sensing information related to a user action, determining, by at least one processor, specific information corresponding to the first sensing information based on the first sensing information being a first type of sensing information, detecting, by the one or more sensors, second sensing information related to the user action, and executing a second function related to a first function, the second function corresponding to the specific information and the second sensing information, based on the second sensing information being a second type of sensing information for performing the first function. |
| US11150741B1 |
Hybrid switch for an input device
An input device comprises a depressible element with two switches including a first switch configured to generate a first signal when the depressible element is depressed by a threshold distance and a second switch configured to generate a second signal indicating when the depressible element is depressed by the threshold distance and the second switch is in an active state. One or more processors may be configured to receive the first signal from the first switch; configure the second switch to change from an inactive state to an active state in response to receiving the first signal; receive the second signal from the second switch in the active state; determine whether the second signal indicates that the depressible element is depressed by the threshold distance; and generate event data confirming that the depressible element is depressed by the threshold distance in response to receiving the second signal. |
| US11150740B2 |
Key structure
A key structure includes a base plate, a key cap disposed above the base plate, a scissor abutting against the base plate and the key cap, a spring abutting against the key cap, a positioning base connected to the key cap, a first cover connected to the positioning base and a second cover slidably connected to the first cover. The scissor, the spring, the positioning base, the first cover and the second cover are located between the base plate and the key cap. The positioning base has a positioning groove and a part of the spring is located in the positioning groove. The first cover has a through hole overlapped with the positioning groove, and the spring penetrates the through hole. The second cover penetrates the through hole and abuts against the base plate, and another part of the spring abuts against the second cover. |
| US11150739B2 |
Chinese character entry via a Pinyin input method
A Chinese character Pinyin input method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes displaying on a human-machine interaction interface (HMI) initial keys representing all initials and simple final keys representing all simple finals. The method further includes, in response to an operation with respect to a simple final, displaying on the HMI auxiliary keys corresponding to the simple final, wherein various combinations of the simple final and symbols represented by the auxiliary keys respectively form compound finals starting with the simple final. The disclosed method and apparatus are especially applicable to inputting Chinese characters on a smart device touchscreen. |
| US11150736B2 |
Systems and methods for providing user interfaces in an intelligent television
An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of media content, electronic programming guide information, television content, and other content. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content. |
| US11150734B2 |
Haptic structure for providing localized haptic output
Disclosed herein are structures, devices, methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a display portion, a housing pivotally coupled with the display portion and comprising a glass sheet that defines an input surface of the electronic device. The input surface can define a keyboard having a set of key regions arranged along the glass sheet. The electronic device may also include a haptic mechanism positioned beneath a key region of the set of key regions that includes a substrate defining a beam structure having first and second fixed ends, a spacer positioned along a first side of the beam structure and a piezoelectric element positioned along a second side of the beam structure. The piezoelectric element can be configured to deflect the beam structure to provide haptic output along the input surface. |
| US11150733B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for providing a haptic output signal to a haptic actuator
Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for providing a haptic output signal to a haptic actuator. A controller comprises an input configured to receive a force sensor signal from at least one force sensor; and a haptic output module configured to generate a haptic output signal for output to a haptic actuator; wherein the haptic output module is configured to: responsive to determining that the force sensor signal indicates that a force level applied to the at least one force sensor exceeds a first threshold, trigger output of the haptic output signal; and during output of the haptic output signal, adjust the haptic output signal based on the force sensor signal. |
| US11150728B2 |
User interface device and control method thereof for supporting easy and accurate selection of overlapped virtual objects
Provided are a user interface device and a control method thereof for supporting easy and accurate selection of overlapped objects. The user interface device is a device for providing a user interface applied to a three-dimensional (3D) virtual space in which a plurality of virtual objects is created, and includes a gaze sensor unit to sense a user's gaze, an interaction sensor unit to sense the user's body motion for interaction with the virtual object in the 3D virtual space, a display unit to display the 3D virtual space, and a control unit to, when the user's gaze overlaps at least two virtual objects, generate projection objects corresponding to the overlapped virtual objects, wherein when an interaction between the projection object and the user is sensed, the control unit processes the interaction as an interaction between the virtual object corresponding to the projection object and the user. |
| US11150726B2 |
Systems and methods for obscuring glare in a vehicle
Systems and methods for obscuring glares that are present on a windshield, mirror other surface of a vehicle are presented. The systems and methods comprise first and second sets of CCD cameras, where the first set is used to provide information about a source of a glare and the second set is used to provide information about eyes of a driver, for example. Based on the information gathered, locations of the source of the glare and the driver's eyes can be triangulated, and a position where light from the source of the glare is incident on the windshield or other surface can be determined. A translucent spot can be generated at that position to obscure the glare (light) from reaching the driver's eyes. |
| US11150725B2 |
System for detecting six degrees of freedom of movement by tracking optical flow of backscattered laser speckle patterns
Augmented reality headgear includes transparent displays that allow a user to simultaneously view the real world and virtual content positioned in the real world and further includes at least one source of coherent light and at least one sensor array for sensing, at a series of times, speckle patterns produced when the coherent light impinges environment surfaces. Circuitry is provided for sensing shifts in the speckle pattern and determining motion which caused the shift of the speckle pattern and adjusting the display of virtual objects displayed by the augmented reality headgear to compensate for the motion. |
| US11150722B1 |
Mitigating thermal increases in electronic devices
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for mitigating thermal increases in electronic devices. Example devices may include memory and at least one processor configured to access the memory and execute computer-executable instructions to determine that a temperature of the device satisfies a first threshold, send a notification to an access point communicatively coupled to the device indicating that the device will enter a sleep state for a length of time, and cause the device to enter the sleep state. Certain embodiments may be configured to cause the device to enter an awake state after the length of time, determine that the temperature satisfies a second threshold, and determine that a period of time has elapsed. Some embodiments may be configured to determine that a first bandwidth mode is active at the device, and cause a second bandwidth mode to be activated at the device. |
| US11150721B2 |
Providing hints to an execution unit to prepare for predicted subsequent arithmetic operations
A system and method are described for providing hints to a processing unit that subsequent operations are likely. Responsively, the processing unit takes steps to prepare for the likely subsequent operations. Where the hints are more likely than not to be correct, the processing unit operates more efficiently. For example, in an embodiment, the processing unit consumes less power. In another embodiment, subsequent operations are performed more quickly because the processing unit is prepared to efficiently handle the subsequent operations. |
| US11150716B2 |
Dynamically optimizing margins of a processor
Various embodiments are provided for providing optimized margins of processors in a computing environment. Margins of voltage, frequency, or a combination thereof may be dynamically monitored and adjusted for a executing a processor based a workload scheduled during an event. |
| US11150714B2 |
Storage device and method for powering storage device
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage device and a method for powering the storage. The storage device is powered by a main power supply and the storage device comprises a processor, a baseboard management controller (BMC), a plurality of disks, a first backup power supply and a second backup power supply. The first backup power supply is at least coupled to the processor, and the second backup power supply is at least coupled to the baseboard management controller. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable flexible spatial arrangement of backup power supplies by arranging a plurality of backup power supplies in the storage device. |
| US11150711B2 |
Power adapter with protection circuitry
Devices and methods for selectively providing a voltage to an external device. A power adapter comprises a switch between an input voltage line and an output voltage line, a voltage generator configured to produce an output test voltage for delivery to the external device via a test voltage path, a return voltage path for receiving a return voltage from the external device, and a comparator coupled to the return voltage path and configured to control the switch. The switch completes a path between the input voltage line and the output voltage line only if the return voltage matches the reference voltage. The external device comprises an interface for connection to the power adapter and a voltage generator configured to receive the output test voltage from the power adapter and, using the output test voltage, produce and provide the return voltage to the power adapter over the interface. |
| US11150700B2 |
Radio frequency filter fin pack design in consumer electronics
A thermal management device with electromagnetic (EM) shielding includes a fin pack with a plurality of channels. The fin pack has an upper and lower surface. The fin pack has a pack length, pack height, and pack width. The fin pack has fins are oriented connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The plurality of channels extends from a first end toward a second end. A first channel of the plurality of channels is adjacent the upper surface, and a second channel of the plurality of channels is adjacent the lower surface. |
| US11150699B2 |
Expansion chassis for notebook computer
The present invention discloses an expansion chassis for a notebook computer, including: a base, wherein the base is provided with a plug-in area, and a first circuit board is disposed inside the base; a plug-in mechanism including a plurality of plug-in interfaces electrically connected to the first circuit board; a clamping mechanism including a fixed clamping arm and a movable clamping arm, the fixed clamping arm is provided with a connecting plug, and the movable clamping arm is provided with a fixed structure; and a second circuit board, wherein the second circuit board is electrically connected to the first circuit board, the connecting plug is electrically connected to the second circuit board, the upper surface of the base is in contact with the bottom surface of the notebook computer, and the upper surface of the base is matched with the bottom surface of the notebook computer to form surface contact. |
| US11150698B2 |
Bypass pathway for providing auxiliary power from a docking station
A docking station according to embodiments provides power to an Information Handling System (IHS) coupled to the docking station. The docking station includes a first power circuit supporting a first power output according to a power delivery protocol limited to a first power level. The docking station also includes a second power circuit supporting a second power output for providing the input power of the docking station to the IHS. A controller of the docking station determines whether the IHS requires power using the power delivery protocol and selects the operation of the first or second power circuit. The docking station may support dual of such selectable power pathways using a docking cable joined from two individual cables, where each cable provides a separate power and/or data coupling. The docking station thus supports powering devices according to a power delivery protocol or using the input power to the docking station. |
| US11150697B2 |
Multi-function electrical power supplying station with dockable station supporting emergency lighting, portable lighting, and consumer device battery recharging modes of operation
An electrical power supplying system including: a module docking station with a module docking receptacle and base station portion having integrated external power cord storage compartments; and a multi-function dockable module is docked in the module docking receptacle and can be manually removed and used locally as well as at remote locations. The dockable module supports (i) an emergency-light illumination subsystem including a LED array for producing, during an emergency-light illumination mode, illumination in response to automatic detection of changes in line voltage supplied to the portable electrical power supplying system; a night-light illumination subsystem including the LED array for producing, during a night-light illumination mode, illumination in response to automatic detection of changes in the light level of the ambient environment; and a battery power storage subsystem containing a rechargeable battery storage module for storing DC electrical power for driving the LED array during various modes, and recharging a DC power electronic device such a mobile phone. |
| US11150689B2 |
Image display device
An image display device includes a device body having a front surface with a display surface that is substantially rectangular and is for displaying an image; a stand that is placed on a placement surface and supports the device body; a support component that is fixed to the stand, is disposed on a rear surface of the device body, and rotatably supports the device body about a rotation shaft between a horizontal orientation in which the display surface is in a landscape orientation and a vertical orientation in which the display surface is in a portrait orientation; and a speaker that is supported by the support component and is disposed on the rear surface of the device body via the support component. The speaker emits sound toward the placement surface. |
| US11150687B1 |
Low-latency retimer with seamless clock switchover
A low-latency signaling link retimer generates an output signal transmission synchronously with respect to a core clock signal alternately selected from two or more plesiochronous or mesochronous clock sources with switchover between or among the core-clock sources executed without shrinking, extending or otherwise disrupting the edge-to-edge core clock period or clock duty cycle. |
| US11150685B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method of controlling electronic apparatus
It is desirable to reduce power consumption without reducing a function in an electronic apparatus operating in a plurality of modes different in power consumption from one another.A processor operates in a normal mode, in which power consumption is higher, of two modes different in power consumption from each other, and stops operation in a power saving mode, in which the power consumption is lower, of the two modes. A control section outputs a power saving mode control command instructing an increase or decrease of a supply electric power to a digital circuit different from the processor in the power saving mode. A power source managing integrated circuit increases or decreases the supply electric power to the digital circuit in accordance with the power saving mode control command, and outputs the increased or decreased supply electric power. |
| US11150680B2 |
Two-transistor bandgap reference circuit and FinFET device suited for same
Some embodiments relate to a device disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a base region and a crown structure extending upwardly from the base region. The crown structure is narrower than the base region. A plurality of fins extend upwardly from an upper surface of the crown structure. A gate dielectric material is disposed over upper surfaces and sidewalls of the plurality of the fins. A conductive electrode is disposed along sidewall portions of the gate dielectric material. An uppermost surface of the conductive electrode resides below the upper surfaces of the plurality of fins. |
| US11150678B2 |
Frequency compensation circuit and corresponding device
A current mirror includes first and second transistors having current paths coupled to an input current line. The current paths for the first and second transistors are referenced to ground via respective first and second resistors having resistance values twice a first resistance value. The first transistor is diode connected. A third transistor has a current path coupled to an output current line and referenced to ground via a third resistor having a second resistance value equal to the first resistance value divided by a mirror factor. Control terminals of the first and third transistors are coupled together, and further coupled to a control terminal of the second transistor through a coupling resistor. A first capacitor is coupled between ground and the control terminal of the second transistor unit. A second capacitor is coupled between ground and the current path through the third transistor. |
| US11150675B1 |
Controlling mechanical vibrations
Mechanical vibrations are generated on a frame of an aerial vehicle as a response to operation of the aerial vehicle, such as rotation of motors and/or propellers. Likewise, environmental conditions, such as wind, humidity, etc., may also cause vibrations on the frame of aerial vehicles. These vibrations may be destructive to the aerial vehicle, impact stability of the aerial vehicle, and/or result in audible sounds. Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring and/or predicting the vibrations on the frame of the aerial vehicle, generating anti-vibrations, and outputting those anti-vibrations such that the anti-vibrations modify vibrations on the frame of the aerial vehicle. |
| US11150673B2 |
Method of monitoring a fluid level within a fluid volume
A method of monitoring a low water volume of a water circulation system is disclosed that includes detecting an auxiliary measurement associated with an ancillary device fluidly coupled with a reservoir of water in a water circulation system and then determining whether the ancillary device is performing under a low water volume operation. The low water volume operation is based upon a comparison between at least the detected auxiliary measurement of the ancillary device and a condition associated with a performance of the ancillary device under the low water volume operation. |
| US11150668B2 |
Plurality of robot cleaner and a controlling method for the same
A mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a traveling unit configured to move a main body; a memory configured to store trajectory information of a moving path corresponding to the movement of the main body; a communication unit configured to communicate with another mobile robot that emits a signal; and a controller configured to recognize the location of the another mobile robot based on the signal, and control the another mobile robot to follow a moving path corresponding to the stored trajectory information based on the recognized location. In addition, the controller may control the moving of the another mobile robot to remove at least part of the stored trajectory information, and allow the another mobile robot to follow a moving path corresponding to the remaining trajectory information in response to whether the moving path corresponding to next trajectory information to be followed by the another mobile robot satisfies a specified condition. |
| US11150665B2 |
Smart vehicle
Smart car operations are detailed. The system uses neural network and population statistics to determine whether a vehicle operation is reasonably safe operation of the autonomous vehicle to guide the operation of cars as a group. |
| US11150660B1 |
Scenario editor and simulator
A vehicle can capture data for use in a simulator. Objects represented in the vehicle data can be instantiated in simulation and move according to object models/controllers. A user can tune how closely simulated motion of the object corresponds to the previously recorded data based on simulation costs. The scenarios can be used for testing and validating interactions and responses of a vehicle controller within a simulated environment. The scenarios can include simulated objects that traverse the simulated environment and perform actions based on the captured data and/or interactions within the simulated environment. Objects observed by the vehicle can be disregarded from simulation based on one or more filters. A user can override, augment, or otherwise modify simulations instantiated based on the one or more filters and captured data. |
| US11150659B2 |
Information collection system and server apparatus
The autonomous mobile object includes an imaging unit, a positional information sender to acquire and send positional information to a server, and an operation controller to cause the autonomous mobile object to move autonomously based on an operation command. The server includes storage to receive and store the positional information from the autonomous mobile object, a commander to send the operation command to the autonomous mobile object, and a receiver to receive information relating to an emergency report including a target location. When the receiver receives the information relating to the emergency report, the commander sends an emergency operation command to the autonomous mobile object located in a specific area including the target location. The emergency operation command causes the autonomous mobile object to capture an image of the target location, and the autonomous mobile object sends the image to the server. |
| US11150658B2 |
Hybrid aerial/underwater robotics system for scalable and adaptable maintenance of aquaculture fish farms
Systems and methods for operating a HAUCS sensing platform. The methods comprise: autonomous travel by a UAAV to a first location in proximity to a body of water (“BoW”) in accordance with a mission plan; actuating a mechanical device to transition a sensor from a retracted position in which the sensor is adjacent to a UAAV to an extended position in which the sensor resides a given distance from a UAAV; collect, by HAUCS sensing platform and sensor, sensor data concerning a water condition of BoW at different depths; actuating the mechanical device to transition the sensor from the extended position to the retracted position after the sensor data has been collected; causing the sensor data to be processed using a machine learning-based analytical engine to determine whether a water distress condition exists/is predicted to occur; and modifying the mission plan when the water distress condition exists/is predicted to occur. |
| US11150657B2 |
Lossy data compressor for vehicle control systems
A lossy data compressor for physical measurement data, comprising a parametrized mapping network hat, when applied to a measurement data point x in a space X, produces a point z in a lower-dimensional manifold Z, and configured to provide a point z on manifold Z as output in response to receiving a data point x as input, wherein the manifold Z is a continuous hypersurface that only admits fully continuous paths between any two points on the hypersurface; and the parameters θ of the mapping network are trainable or trained towards an objective that comprises minimizing, on the manifold Z, a distance between a given prior distribution PZ and a distribution PQ induced on manifold Z by mapping a given set PD of physical measurement data from X onto Z using the mapping network, according to a given distance measure. |
| US11150653B1 |
Autopilot availability for reduced crew operations system and method
A system and related method operates to receive autopilot selection and monitor aircraft systems to control which autopilot is actively flying the aircraft. During certain flight operations in which a single autopilot is in use, the system reverts to the next available autopilot should the active and selected autopilot disconnect for any reason (e.g., faults and/or failures). The system maintains a redundant ability for pilot use of each pilot selectable mode of each autopilot channel including altitude hold, speed hold, heading hold, etc. For an indication to a pilot or remote operator that the system has reverted to a second autopilot, the system commands a momentary aural warning and a visual message/lights. For failures resulting in timely but necessary maneuver requirements, the system maintains autopilot control laws, control authority and roll authority. |
| US11150651B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus installed in a vehicle includes a driving control section and a preparation control section. The driving control section executes automated driving of the vehicle. The preparation control section executes, when the automated driving is being executed by the driving control section, preparation control which is control that stops at least a part of the automated driving and makes the driver perform a preparation switching to driving by the driver of the vehicle. |
| US11150648B2 |
Overhead power cable detection and avoidance
A mobile machine includes a sensor that generates a sensor signal indicative of ozone gas concentration. A power cable proximate the mobile machine, is identified based on the sensor signal. An avoidance action, is identified in response to determining that the power cable is proximate the mobile machine, and a control signal is generated based on the identified avoidance action. |
| US11150645B2 |
Localization system for underground mining applications
A mining machine is disclosed. The mining machine may include a mobile ranging device, a movement sensor device, and a control unit. The mobile ranging device may be configured to communicate with a location sensor device and cause the location sensor device to transmit location data relating to a location of the mining machine. The movement sensor device may be configured to transmit movement data relating to a movement of the mining machine. The control unit may be configured to receive coordinate data relating to a plurality of zones and a plurality of drawpoints of a tunnel, the location data, and the movement data. The control unit may identify an active zone, determine a machine heading, determine a machine articulation, identify an active drawpoint based on the active zone, the machine heading, or the machine articulation, and cause an action to be performed in connection with the active drawpoint. |
| US11150642B2 |
Remote vehicle control system utilizing system state information matching and correcting
An information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes: a first equipment state information acquiring unit that acquires first equipment state information indicating a state of equipment of a remotely driven vehicle which is to be remotely driven; and a control unit that controls a remotely driving apparatus that is to remotely drive the remotely driven vehicle, the control being performed based on the first equipment state information and second equipment state information indicating a state of equipment of the remotely driving apparatus. |
| US11150636B2 |
State determination device and state determination method
A state determination device acquires data related to an injection molding machine, stores a learning model obtained by learning an operation state of the injection molding machine with respect to the data, and performs estimation using the learning model based on the data. Further, the state determination device acquires a correction coefficient, which is associated with a type of the injection molding machine and equipment attached to the injection molding machine and numerically converts and corrects the estimation result with a predetermined correction function to which the acquired correction coefficient is applied. |
| US11150635B2 |
Projects within a process control asset management system
An asset management system used in a process control plant or other control system includes a database that stores asset data for each of a plurality of devices within the plant and a viewing system that accesses the asset data to provide statistical information to a user pertaining to the plant assets. The asset management system enables a user to define and store one or more projects within the plant and a set of plant assets associated with each of the projects. Thereafter, the asset management system performs statistical analyses on the assets within one or more of the defined projects and presents, to a user via a user interface, raw and statistical information pertaining to the assets within the project. The analysis engine may determine the device states or health statuses of the assets associated with the project and may present statistical and/or historical information regarding the number or percentage of assets within the project that are in a particular state or status. The system enables a user to use this information to determine the progress of or completion percentage of the entire project. |
| US11150632B2 |
System and method for field device management using class parameter set
A plant device management system, which is configured to efficiently manage parameter information for field devices, in order for plant engineering, operation and maintenance is disclosed. The plant device management system includes, but is not limited to, a device parameter set manager, which is configured for creating class parameter set, configuring class parameter set, assigning class parameter set, auditing parameters and so forth. The device parameter set manager of the plant device management system may include, but is not limited to, a device parameter set creator tool, a device parameter set configuring tool, a device template manager and a device parameter auditor. |
| US11150628B2 |
Method and system for calibrating and operating a machine
The present disclosure is directed toward a method that includes logging offset data of a machine over a period of operational time having varying thermal conditions, comparing the logged offset data against a thermal model, estimating offsets for the machine based on the comparing, and adjusting offsets of the machine during operation. |
| US11150624B2 |
System and method for fail-safe provision of an analog output value
A method for fail-safe provision of an analog output value for a control process designed for functional safety, wherein the output value is specified by a control unit as a digital output value and, in a first step, the digital output value is converted into the analog output value via a converter, in a second step, the analog output value is converted into a fail-safe digital output value using fail-safe criteria via a read-back device and, in a third step, the originally provided digital output value is compared with the converted fail-safe digital output value, where in the event of the comparison revealing a deviation or of a plausibility criterion being infringed, a safety action is performed, otherwise, the analog output value is output to the control process with the aid of a release device. |
| US11150621B2 |
Methods and systems for the industrial internet of things
The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in a local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to a first sensor and a second input connected to a second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first output and a second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. The local data collection system includes multiple data acquisition units each having an onboard card set configured to store calibration information and maintenance history. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. |
| US11150618B2 |
Packetized energy management control systems and methods of using the same
Aspects of the present disclosure include anonymous, asynchronous, and randomized control schemes for distributed energy resources (DERs). Such control schemes may include packetized energy management (PEM) control schemes for managing DERs that may provide near-optimal tracking performance under imperfect information and consumer quality of service (QoS) constraints. |
| US11150615B2 |
Optimization device and control method of optimization device
An optimization device includes: a state hold circuit that holds values of state variables included in an evaluation function that represents energy; an objective function calculation circuit that calculates an energy change value in an objective function included in the evaluation function for each of state transitions when a state transition occurs in response to a change in any of the values of the state variables; a constraint term calculation circuit that calculates a constraint term evaluation value, which is an evaluation value of a constraint term included in the evaluation function, for each of the state transitions; a temperature control circuit that controls a temperature value that indicates a temperature; and a transition control circuit that determines stochastically whether to accept any of the state transitions based on the temperature value, a random number value, and a sum of the change value and the constraint term evaluation value. |
| US11150614B2 |
System and method for social television management of smart homes
The disclosure relates to a content-based control system for controlling a smart home. The control system includes a client terminal connectable to a media content provider and a home automation interface operable to connect with a smart home controller. The system may allow settings and ambience to be controlled according to current media content being consumed and the media consumers social environment. |
| US11150611B2 |
Wearable device and time correction method
There is provided a wearable device including: a display that displays time; and a processor, in which the processor includes an acquisition unit that acquires moving object information related to a moving object which moves to a destination place and a time difference of the destination place with respect to standard time, and a correction unit that corrects the time to be displayed on the display unit based on the time difference when it is determined that a predetermined condition related to arrival of the moving object to the destination place is satisfied based on the moving object information. |
| US11150610B2 |
Push button device and timepiece
A push button device including a supporting member which is provided with a through hole and in which a recess section is provided outside the through hole, an operation member which includes a shaft section that is slidably inserted into the through hole, and a head section that is provided on an outer end of the shaft section and slidably fitted into the recess section, a first filter which is provided in the recess section and arranged at a position surrounded by an annular first groove section into which an outer circumferential convex section of the head section is fitted and the outer circumferential convex section, and a second filter which is provided in the head section and arranged at a position surrounded by an annular second groove section into which an inner circumferential convex section of the recess section is fitted and the inner circumferential convex section. |
| US11150596B1 |
Waste toner storage container and image forming apparatus that accurately detect an amount of waste toner
A waste toner storage container includes a container body, a toner storage chamber, and a paddle. The toner storage chamber includes an introduction port, a first space, and a second space. The introduction port receives waste toner. The first space stores the introduced waste toner, and extends in a first direction. The second space is disposed in an end portion of the first space in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The paddle includes a shaft, a first plate, and a second plate. The shaft is disposed in the first space, extends along the first direction, and is elongated. The first plate is formed on an outer peripheral surface around a central axis of the shaft, and conveys the waste toner in the first direction. The second plate is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and conveys the waste toner toward the second space. |
| US11150595B2 |
Optical security device based on a surface of revolution
An optical article printed on a substrate may include an organic binder; and a plurality of reflective magnetic platelets provided in the organic binder, wherein the plurality of reflective magnetic platelets are substantially aligned in accordance with at least part of a surface of revolution, and wherein the plurality of reflective magnetic platelets are aligned to cause a first reflective effect of the optical article when the substrate is rotated around a first axis and to cause a second reflective effect of the optical article when the substrate is rotated around a second axis, wherein the first reflective effect is different from the second reflective effect. |
| US11150591B2 |
Drum unit, cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus and coupling member
A drum unit includes a photosensitive drum in a coupling member. The coupling member includes an engageable member having a driving force receiving portion which is capable of entering a recess of a driving shaft to receive a driving force for rotating photosensitive drum. The coupling member includes a holding member configured to hold said engageable member so as to be slidable at least in a radial direction of said drum unit. |
| US11150584B2 |
Image forming apparatus and board
An image forming apparatus includes: a board; a semiconductor integrated circuit that is provided on the board and has a real-time clock circuit; a radiator that is provided at a position for covering the semiconductor integrated circuit and receives heat from the semiconductor integrated circuit and radiates the heat; and an oscillator that is provided in a space sandwiched between the board and the radiator and vibrates to supply a clock signal to the real-time clock circuit. |
| US11150583B2 |
Belt device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A belt device includes an endless belt, a plurality of support rotators configured to support the endless belt, and a support configured to support shaft portions of the plurality of support rotators. The support has an attaching and detaching path through which the shaft portions of the plurality of support rotators pass in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of at least one of the plurality of support rotators when the shaft portions of the plurality of support rotators are detached from the support. |
| US11150582B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image fixing method
An image forming apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a fixing device and a controller. The fixing device includes a first heating source and a second heating source. The second heating source has a heating width greater than that of the first heating source. The first and second heating sources have different heating characteristics in response to temperature increases. The controller selects one of the first heating source and the second heating source according to a size of a sheet on which printing is to be performed. |
| US11150580B2 |
Pressure device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A pressure device presses against a pressed member. The pressure device includes a support shaft and a presser that pivots about the support shaft and presses against the pressed member. A mover moves the support shaft in an axial direction of the support shaft to move the presser in the axial direction of the support shaft in a state in which the presser presses against the pressed member. |
| US11150577B1 |
Detachable container and container mounting apparatus using the same
A detachable container includes: a container body; and operation units on both sides of the container body attaching and detaching the container body. Each operation unit includes an outer gripping unit at an outer side of a respective one of both side walls of the container body, an inner gripping unit at an inner side of the respective one of both side walls of the container body in the width direction in an attachment and detachment operation side surface of the container body, and a cover projecting in an eave shape laterally from a respective one of both sides of the attachment and detachment operation side surface of the container body in the width direction, the cover covering the gap between the respective one of both side walls of the container body and a projecting end of the outer gripping unit when viewed from the attachment and detachment operation side. |
| US11150572B2 |
Imaging and printing system
According to one example, there is provided an imaging system that comprises a housing, a rotatable polygon comprising multiple mirrored facets located in the housing, a laser to generate a laser beam to shine onto the polygon mirror and to reflect onto a target, and wherein, in use, the density of gas within the housing is such that turbulence-related optical distortion within the housing is not greater than a predetermined limit. |
| US11150567B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive substrate; an undercoat layer that is disposed on the conductive substrate and contains metal titanate compound particles, an electron transporting compound, and a binder resin; and a photosensitive layer on the undercoat layer. |
| US11150566B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
The present disclosure provides an electrophotographic photosensitive member that can simultaneously achieve the suppression of the occurrence of the black spot in a charged portion and the suppression of the deterioration in sensitivity of an exposed portion, even after stored in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes an electro-conductive support, an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer in this order, wherein an atomic concentration ratio R of the oxygen atom to the aluminum atom on the surface of the electro-conductive support, as measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, satisfies the following Expression (1): 1.6≤R (1) and the undercoat layer includes a titanium oxide particle that is surface-treated with a particular silane compound. |
| US11150565B2 |
Methods for controlling lithographic apparatus, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus is used to manufacture a plurality of devices on a substrate. A height map is obtained representing a topographical variation across the substrate. Using the height map the apparatus controls imaging of a field pattern at multiple field locations across the substrate. The field pattern includes a plurality of individual device areas. For field locations near the substrate's edge, the height map data is used selectively so as to ignore topographical variations in one or more individual device areas. Whether a device area is to be ignored is determined at least partly based on the height map data obtained for the current exposure. Alternatively or in addition, the selection can be based on measurements made at the corresponding device area and field location on one or more prior substrates, and/or on the same substrate in a previous layer. |
| US11150564B1 |
EUV wafer defect improvement and method of collecting nonconductive particles
An EUV lithographic apparatus includes a wafer stage and a particle removing assembly for cleaning a wafer for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithographic apparatus. The wafer stage includes a measurement side and an exposure side. The particle removing assembly includes particle removing electrodes, an exhaust device and turbomolecular pumps. The particle removing electrodes is configured to direct debris from the chamber by suppressing turbulence such that the debris can be exhausted from the wafer stage to the outside of the processing apparatus. In some embodiments, turbomolecular pumps are turned off in the measurement side of the wafer stage so that an exhaust flow can be guided to an exposure side of the wafer stage. In some embodiments, the speed of voltage rise to the electrodes of the wafer chuck is adjusted. |
| US11150562B2 |
Optimizing an apparatus for multi-stage processing of product units
A method of optimizing an apparatus for multi-stage processing of product units such as wafers, the method includes: receiving object data representing one or more parameters measured across the product units and associated with different stages of processing of the product units; and determining fingerprints of variation of the object data across the product units, the fingerprints being associated with different respective stages of processing of the product units. The fingerprints may be determined by decomposing the object data into components using principal component analysis for each different respective stage; analyzing commonality of the fingerprints through the different stages to produce commonality results; and optimizing an apparatus for processing product units based on the commonality results. |
| US11150556B2 |
Polymer of polyimide precursor, positive type photosensitive resin composition, negative type photosensitive resin composition, patterning process, method for forming cured film, interlayer insulating film, surface protective film, and electronic parts
This is to provide a polymer of a polyimide precursor which is soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution, and capable of using a base resin of a positive type and negative type photosensitive resin composition which is capable of forming a fine pattern and obtaining high resolution. Also provided is a positive type and negative type photosensitive resin composition using such a polymer of a polyimide precursor. Further provided are a patterning process and a method of forming a cured film using the composition. Provided is a polymer of a polyimide precursor which comprises a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1), wherein, X1, R1, Z, a repeating number “s”, Y1, Rf, a repeating number “n” and “k” represent the same meanings as mentioned in the specification. |
| US11150555B2 |
Photoacid generator and chemically amplified positive-type photoresist composition for thick film comprising the same
A non-ionic photoacid generator and a chemically amplified positive-type photoresist composition for a thick film including the non-ionic photoacid generator. The non-ionic photoacid generator may not only exhibit high solubility in a solvent of the photoresist composition, but may also exhibit chemical and thermal stability and high sensitivity. In particular, the non-ionic photoacid generator is decomposed by light to generate an acid, and at the same time, can exhibit a corrosion preventing effect on a metal substrate. |
| US11150553B2 |
Methods of forming imprinted patterns
A method of forming imprinted patterns is provided. The method may include detecting a particle located on a wafer. The method may include distributing an imprint medium material on a surface of the wafer. The method may include forming an imprint medium layer on a surface of the wafer with a template and the imprint medium material. |
| US11150551B2 |
Method for optical proximity correction in which consistency is maintained and method for manufacturing mask using the same
A computer-readable medium includes a program code that, when executed by a processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to divide a layout of a semiconductor chip into a plurality of patches, generate a plurality of segments from a layout of each of the plurality of patches, wherein a first patch of the plurality of patches includes first segments and a second patch of the plurality of patches includes second segments, calculate hash values respectively corresponding to the first segments and the second segments by using a hash function, calculate bias values of segments having a first hash value from among the first segments, calculate a representative value based on the bias values, and apply the representative value to the segments having the first hash value from among the first segments. |
| US11150547B2 |
Light source system with beamsplitter, projection device of same, and lighting device thereof
A light source system includes an excitation light unit, a spectral filter unit, a scattering unit, and an excited-light unit. The excitation light unit is configured to emit excitation light. In an embodiment, the spectral filter unit reflects a portion of the excitation light to the scattering unit, the scattering unit scatters the same to generate a first light and a second light, and the spectral filter unit transmits the second light. The spectral filter unit also transmits another part of the excitation light to the excited-light unit, the excited-light unit emits excited light under the illumination thereof, and the spectral filter unit reflects the excited light, so that the spectral filter unit merges and emits the transmitted second light and the reflected excited light. The excitation light is thus split into two paths at the spectral filter unit, and finally emits light by combining excitation light and excited light. |
| US11150546B2 |
Light source apparatus and projector
A light source apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, a first radiator configured to hold the first light source and to radiate heat from the first light source, and a second radiator configured to hold the second light source and to radiate heat from the second light source. The first radiator includes a plurality of first radiating members to be cooled by air introduced from a first direction and superposed in a second direction. The second radiator includes a plurality of second radiating members to be cooled by air introduced from the first direction and superposed in a third direction. Each of the second direction and the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The second direction and the third direction are different from each other. |
| US11150544B2 |
Automatic microform carrier systems and methods
A digital microform imaging apparatus includes a bracket movably coupled to a chassis. A microform media support is coupled to the bracket and includes a frame and a window supported by the frame. An illumination source is provided to direct light through the window of the microform media support along an optical axis. An optical sensor is positioned along the optical axis. A motor is operatively engaged with the microform media support to move the bracket and frame relative to the chassis along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. |
| US11150543B2 |
Transparent cover and imaging optical system
A transparent cover of an optical camera system comprises a curved sidewall portion having an outer contour formed by the rotation of a preset continuous curve. The preset continuous curve comprises a first curve segment and a second curve segment, each having a curvature no more than a first preset value, wherein the first back focus offset of a curved surface corresponding to the first curve segment does not exceed the second preset value, and a second back focus offset of a curved surface corresponding to the second curve segment does not exceed a third preset value. A first line segment is formed by connecting an end point of the preset continuous curve with a center of a circle circumscribing edges of a camera, and an included angle between the first line segment and a boundary line between the first and second curve segments is greater than 0. |
| US11150541B2 |
Camera mounting assembly
A camera mounting assembly includes a base member or plate for holding a camera and a side member or plate. In an exemplary embodiment, lower slots on the base plate or side slots on the side plate are gripped by a vertical support's quick-release mechanism to mount the camera in a landscape or portrait orientation, respectively, the camera being generally centered and evenly balanced over the support in either case. The side member is detachably fastened to the base member, which modular construction permits separately timed purchase of the base member and side member as allowed by the user's budget and further permits breakdown of the assembly for ease of transport. The side member may be generally L-shaped with a lower arm length less than the side arm length, which also facilitates transport. Other components may be detachably added such as a hand grip facilitating freehand shooting with the camera. |
| US11150538B2 |
Cap
A cap attached to an article having an opening, the cap including a cap body and at least one locking member that is slidably attached inward and outward from a center and comes in press-contact with an inner circumferential surface of the article to be locked to the cap body, in which the locking member slidably engages with other locking members on both sides, slides inward toward the center, thereby pushes the other locking members inward, and releases the locking. |
| US11150536B2 |
Techniques for using nonlinear electromagnetic materials to produce arbitrary electromagnetic signals
Techniques for generating an arbitrary target electromagnetic signal with a nonlinear material, include determining a time varying target amplitude and target phase and an order n of a nonlinear material. For each time, a first set of nth roots of the target amplitude and a second set of nth roots of the target phase are determined. An input amplitude based on one value from the first set and an input phase based on one value from the second set is determined at each time. A difference between temporally successive values of phase is minimized. An electromagnetic signal is modulated to impose the input amplitude and phase to produce a modulated electromagnetic input signal that is introduced into the nonlinear material to produce a target electromagnetic signal. |
| US11150535B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting light in different directions by changing wavelength of the light
An optical signal transmitter includes a laser source configured to generate light with different wavelengths, respectively; a wavelength division (WD) demultiplexer configured to redirect the light in different directions based on the different wavelengths, respectively; and a lens array including an array of lenses configured to collimate the light from the WD demultiplexer for transmission in different directions, respectively. The optical signal transmitter may be implemented in a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus. The optical signal transmitter may further include a 1×N splitter and a set of WD demultiplexers to increase the number of distinct optical signal transmissions. |
| US11150534B2 |
Camera module including liquid lens, and optical device
One embodiment provides a camera module including a cover; a holder disposed inside the cover; a solid lens and a liquid lens in the holder; and a connection board supplying an electric current to the liquid lens, wherein the holder includes: a first opening and a second opening facing the first opening in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, the liquid lens is arranged in the first opening and the second opening, and a guide portion is formed on a region of the cover, which faces the connection board, so as to protrude from an inner side surface of the cover toward the connection board. |
| US11150528B1 |
Display panel and display device
The present application discloses a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes: a first substrate, a second substrate, and an AU ball. The AU ball conducts the first substrate and the second substrate, and a position where the AU ball is disposed is a transfer pad. The first substrate includes: a base, a first metal layer, and a transparent electrode layer, and the first metal is hollowed out corresponding to the transfer pad to form a first metal recess area. The transparent electrode layer communicates with a common line of the first substrate. The AU ball is disposed at a position of the first metal recess area to communicate the transparent electrode layer of the first substrate communicates with a common electrode of the second substrate. |
| US11150524B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a base substrate, a switching element including a semiconductor layer, a power supply line, a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, a capacitance electrode positioned between the base substrate and the pixel electrode and electrically connected to the power supply line, a first interlayer insulating film positioned between the pixel electrode and the capacitance electrode, a common electrode, and an electrophoretic element positioned between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. An edge of the capacitance electrode overlaps the pixel electrode over the entire periphery thereof. |
| US11150522B2 |
Display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal sandwiched between the substrates, and a display region. A hole portion is formed in the display region. A first seal portion is formed to surround the display region. A second seal portion is formed to surround the hole portion. The first and the second seal portions seal the liquid crystal. The second seal portion has a first end portion on the liquid crystal side and a second end portion on the opposite side of the liquid crystal side. A sealing material is present in the first end portion. A sealing material is present in the second end portion. A wall-like spacer is formed between the first and the second end portions to surround the hole portion. The wall-like spacer defines the gap between the first and the second substrates. |
| US11150521B2 |
Light control film, laminated glass and method for producing light control film
The reliability of a spacer is improved in comparison to conventional ones. A light control film which is obtained by sandwiching a liquid crystal layer between first and second laminates that are provided with at least alignment layers and which controls light transmitted therethrough by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer by driving electrodes that are provided on the first and second laminates. With respect to the first laminate, a base that is formed of a transparent film material is provided with a spacer that maintains the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. With respect to the first and second laminates, the Vickers hardness of the spacer is from 16.9 to 40.2 inclusive, and the Vickers hardness of a part of the second laminate, the part being in contact with the front end of the spacer, is from 11.8 to 35.9 inclusive. |
| US11150517B2 |
Optical element, light guide element, and image display device
Provided is an optical element in which transmission of incident light with an angle in a predetermined direction is allowed and the brightness of transmitted light is high. The optical element is formed using a composition including a liquid crystal compound and has a liquid crystal alignment pattern in which a direction of an optical axis derived from the liquid crystal compound rotates in one direction; and the optically-anisotropic layer has regions in which the optical axis is twisted in a thickness direction of the optically-anisotropic layer and rotates, the regions having different magnitudes of twist angles of the rotation in a plane. |
| US11150516B2 |
Display and electronic apparatus
A display according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a light-emitting device and a display panel unit. The light-emitting device includes a light guide plate, a light source, a reflecting plate, and a dot pattern. The light guide plate has a light-outputting surface including a plurality of band-shaped projections extending in a direction orthogonal to the light-entering end surface. The light source is disposed along the light-entering end surface. The reflecting plate is disposed to face the rear surface of the light guide plate. The dot pattern fixes the light guide plate and the reflecting plate to each other and serves as a light scatterer. The display panel unit includes a display panel, an optical sheet, and a fixing layer. The fixing layer adheres or sticks the display panel and the optical sheet to each other and serves as a light diffuser. |
| US11150514B2 |
Reflective sheet and manufacturing method therefor, and direct-lit back light module and display device
A reflective plate and a manufacturing method thereof, a direct-lit backlight module and a display apparatus are provided. The reflective plate includes: a reflection layer and a photoluminescent layer. The reflection layer includes a peripheral portion, and the peripheral portion includes an inner region and an edge region outside the inner region; and the photoluminescent layer is on the peripheral portion of the reflection layer, covers at least part of the edge region and is configured to emit light under light irradiation. |
| US11150511B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including the same
Disclosed is a backlight unit comprising an optical unit including a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting devices for irradiating light are disposed, for uniformly distributing the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting devices, a cover bottom accommodating the optical unit, and a side housing fixed to the cover bottom and disposed to overlap at least a part of an upper surface of the optical unit. A display device using the backlight unit is also provided. |
| US11150510B2 |
Backlight module and display terminal
A backlight module and a display terminal are disclosed. As an example, the backlight module includes at least one lamp board, a plurality of LED lamps, and at least one wire terminal. The at least one lamp board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The plurality of LED lamps is arranged in an array on the first surface. The at least one wire terminal is disposed on the second surface and electrically connected to the plurality of LED lamps. |
| US11150504B2 |
Color conversion panel and display device including the same
A color conversion panel includes a substrate. A first color conversion layer, a second color conversion layer, and a transmission layer are provided on the substrate. A first scatterer layer is provided between the first color conversion layer and the second color conversion layer. A second scatterer layer is provided between the second color conversion layer and the transmission layer. A light filter layer is provided between the first scatterer layer and the first color conversion layer, between the first scatterer layer and the second color conversion layer, between the second scatterer layer and the second color conversion layer, and between the second scatterer layer and the transmission layer. |
| US11150503B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device including, sequentially in the following order: a light source unit, a rear side polarizer, a liquid crystal cell, a front side polarizer, and a viewing angle expansion film. Alternatively, a liquid crystal display device including, sequentially in the following order: a light source unit, a rear side polarizer, a liquid crystal cell, a viewing angle expansion film, and a front side polarizer. The liquid crystal display device optionally includes a rear side optical film provided between the rear side polarizer and the liquid crystal cell; and a front side optical film provided between the front side polarizer and the liquid crystal cell. |
| US11150498B2 |
Detection method and device of display panel and automatic optic inspection apparatus
A detection method and device of a display panel are disclosed. The detection method includes: selecting at least two comparison points for a detection point with a set comparison pitch, the detection point corresponding to a separation cell or a pixel cell; detecting a first defect and a second defect of a display substrate according to gray scale values of the detection point and 2 comparison points, wherein the first defect includes a normal separation cell and a pixel defect and the second defect includes a pixel defect and a defected separation cell; and determining the defected separation cell according to the first defect and the second defect. |
| US11150494B2 |
Waveguide modulator structures
A Mach-Zehnder waveguide modulator. In some embodiments, the Mach-Zehnder waveguide modulator includes a first arm including a first optical waveguide, and a second arm including a second optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide includes a junction, and the Mach-Zehnder waveguide modulator further includes a plurality of electrodes for providing a bias across the junction to enable control of the phase of light travelling through the junction. |
| US11150493B2 |
Oxygen permeable scleral contact lenses with thick payloads
A contact lens has a core that is thick enough to accommodate a payload. The core has a base surface for mounting the contact lens to the sclera of the user's eye. It also provides mechanical integrity to carry the payload. The contact lens also includes an outer covering and an inner covering. Each covering is a thin layer of gas-permeable material shaped to form an air gap between the covering and the core. The two air gaps are connected by an air path that traverses the core. Oxygen from an outside environment passes through the gas-permeable outer covering to reach the outer air gap, through the air path to the inner air gap, and through the gas-permeable inner covering to reach the cornea of the wearer's eye. |
| US11150491B2 |
Distributed optical job and manufacturing computation systems and methods
Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media that execute, are configured to execute, or store instructions that enable modification of optical manufacturing data, including a computer-implemented method for modifying optical manufacturing data. The method includes receiving the optical manufacturing data associated with an optical job and modifying the optical manufacturing data using manufacturing logic to generate modified optical manufacturing data. The modified optical manufacturing data is then used in the manufacturing process of the optical job. |
| US11150490B2 |
Distance vision-realizing eyeglasses for image display device
Disclosed is a distance vision-realizing eyeglasses for an image display device, including: a case which surrounds an eye area of a wearer and has a pair of holes formed in front thereof; a double convex lens assembly which includes a pair of lens housings respectively mounted in the pair of holes of the case and a pair of double convex lenses respectively provided in the pair of lens housings on a front straight line of both eyes of the wearer, the pair of the double convex lenses including an outer convex lens positioned on an outer side and fixed to the lens housing and an inner convex lens positioned inside the lens housing and mounted movably forward and backward; and a driving part which is installed between the pair of lens housings and moves a pair of inner convex lenses of the double convex lens assembly. |
| US11150489B2 |
Multi-focal display system and method
Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a scanning device for scanning one or more frames of image data. The scanning device may be communicatively coupled to an image source to receive the image data. The system may further comprise a variable focus element (VFE) operatively coupled to the scanning device for focusing the one or more frames of image data on an intermediate image plane, wherein the intermediate image plane is aligned to one of a plurality of switchable screens. The plurality of switchable screens may spread light associated with the intermediate image plane to specific viewing distances. The system may also comprise viewing optics operatively coupled to the plurality of switchable screens to relay the one or more frames of image data. |
| US11150488B2 |
Fixed depth display for vehicle instrument panel
A display system may include a display screen configured to display an image, a backlight configured to provide collimated or substantially collimated light to the display screen, and a transparent contoured projection screen. The transparent contoured projection screen may include portions at different elevations to display different elements to a viewer in a three dimensional manner. |
| US11150486B2 |
Method and system for object rippling in a display system including multiple displays
An instrument panel may include a multi-layer display including a first display panel and second display panel arranged in a substantially parallel manner, a backlight configured to provide light to the first display panel and the second display panel of the multi-layer display system, and a processing system comprising at least one processor and memory. The processing system may be configured to: display content including an object on a first display panel; divide the object into a plurality of segments; assign to each divided segment a position in a time sequence; and responsive to instructions, display, on the second display panel, segments corresponding to the segments of the object displayed on the first display panel, wherein the segments displayed on the first and second display panel are animated by varying optical properties of each segment according to the positions assigned the segments in the time sequence. |
| US11150484B2 |
System and method for curved light sheet projection during two-photon polymerization
A laser-based manufacturing system is disclosed for fabricating non-planar three-dimensional layers. The system may have a laser for producing a laser beam with a plurality of optical wavelengths. An optically dispersive element may be used for receiving the laser beam and splitting the beam into a plurality of distinct beam components, wherein each beam component has spatially separated optical spectral components. A phase mask may be used which is configured to receive at least one of the beam components emerging from the dispersive element and to create a modified beam. One or more focusing elements may then be used to receive the modified beam emerging from the phase mask and to focus the modified beam into a non-planar light sheet for use in fabricating a part. |
| US11150479B2 |
Screen for an HMD
A screen (3) for an HMD (1) is provided, and may be designed as a display screen or as a projection screen. The screen (3) comprises a layer (19) of a material with a switchable degree of transparency and at least one further switchable layer (17, 21, 23) which, in dependence on the switching state, can assume at least two physical states, the physical states differently influencing at least one optical property of light passing through the switchable layer or reflected by it. |
| US11150476B2 |
Method for providing a display unit for an electronic information device
A method for providing a display device for an electronic information device configured to display a virtual image to a user, the electronic information device including an optical element having a nonzero optical power and configured to be positioned in front of an eye of a user, the display device including a light source and a guide element configured to guide optical beams emitted by the light source to the eye of the user to allow viewing of the virtual image, the method including: providing a value of a parameter of the virtual image; and determining an optimum value of a display parameter of the display device from at least one optical power at a point of the optical element and from the value of the parameter of the virtual image. |
| US11150473B2 |
Polarization sensitive beam splitter
An optical device includes a first polarization selective reflector; a second polarization selective reflector positioned relative to the first polarization selective reflector so that the first polarization selective reflector directs first light having a first nonplanar polarization toward the second polarization selective reflector and the second polarization selective reflector directs at least a portion of the first light toward the first polarization selective reflector as second light. The optical device includes a first reflector positioned relative to the first polarization selective reflector so that the first polarization selective reflector directs at least a portion of the second light having a second nonplanar polarization toward the first reflector as third light. |
| US11150472B2 |
Display system, visibility evaluation method, and method of determining size of visual target
The display system includes a first storage unit storing standardized data composed chromaticity values and luminance values. An information acquirer acquires luminance values and chromaticity values of a visual target and luminance and chromaticity values of a background thereof. A standardization unit standardizes the chromaticity values and the luminance values of the visual target and the background based on these chromaticity values and the luminance values of the visual target and the background thereof and the standardized data stored in the first storage unit. A visual target contrast calculator calculates a contrast of a visual target to a background by measuring a distance in a color space between the visual target and the background each defined by the standardized luminance and chromaticity values. A second storage unit stores an expression defining a relation between the contrast thereof to the background and a size of the visual target. |
| US11150467B2 |
Optical system and image pickup apparatus including the same consisting of two lens units of −+ refractive powers having seven lenses of −−++−+− refractive powers or eighth lenses of −−++−+−+ refractive powers
Provided is an optical system consisting of, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens unit having a negative refractive power; an aperture stop; and a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, in which each of the first lens unit and the second lens unit includes a negative lens. A focal length (fG1N) of a negative lens (G1N) arranged closest to the object side in the first lens unit, a focal length (fGLN) of a negative lens (GLN) having a largest negative refractive power in the second lens unit, a focal length (f) of the optical system, a focal length (f1) of the first lens unit, and other factors are appropriately set. |
| US11150466B2 |
Optical system and imaging apparatus including the same
An optical system includes a first lens unit having positive refractive power, a second lens unit, and a third lens unit having negative refractive power arranged in order from an object side to an image side. The second lens unit moves in focusing, thereby changing a distance between adjacent lens units. The first lens unit includes a positive lens, and the third lens unit includes a negative lens. A focal length of the positive lens, a focal length of the negative lens, a focal length of the third lens unit, and a back focus of the optical system are appropriately set. |
| US11150464B2 |
Optical scanning device and method of adjusting optical scanning device
An optical scanning device includes a mirror part having a mirror surface configured to reflect light, N support cantilevers supporting the mirror part swingably, N drive cantilevers, and a plurality of driving piezoelectric elements secured on N drive cantilevers. The mirror part precesses by setting the frequency of AC voltage applied to each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements to a determined common value and setting the phase of AC voltage applied to each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements to a value determined according to the position of each piezoelectric element. |
| US11150457B2 |
Observation device
An observation device includes an objective lens disposed below a container to collect light from a specimen; a surface light source that is disposed at a pupil position of the objective lens in the optical path of the illumination light, that causes illumination light to enter the container from below, and that can change a light emission pattern in a direction intersecting an emission optical axis, an imaging optical system that captures light from the specimen generated by the specimen being irradiated with the illumination light from the surface light source and focused by the objective lens below the container; and a controller that corrects a light emission pattern on a basis of the light emission pattern and at least one of a brightness, contrast, and the relationship between the number of pixels and the luminance of an acquired image with the light emission pattern. |
| US11150453B2 |
Scanning device for scanning an object for use in a scanning microscope
A scanning device for scanning an object in a scanning microscope includes at least one scanning unit configured to two-dimensionally scan the object using a light beam. The scanning unit includes at least one deflection element configured to deflect a light beam impinging thereon. The deflection element is rotationally symmetric in shape. At least one rotation device is configured to rotate the scanning unit about an axis of rotation so as to allow for image field rotation. |
| US11150452B2 |
Magnification modes of operation for common axis FOV switching and image roll
A reflective afocal switching assembly permits variable fields of view while at the same time providing a common axis and mechanism to achieve an optical de-roll of the image. This complex arrangement provides a relatively large change in magnification for an all-reflective optical system than can image over 0.4-12.0 micron spectrum. |
| US11150450B2 |
Zoom lens, imaging optical device, and digital device
A zoom lens includes: in order from an object side, a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having negative refractive power; a fifth lens group having positive refractive power; and a sixth lens group having negative refractive power. |
| US11150449B2 |
Head-mounted projection display using reflective microdisplays
The present invention relates generally to a head-mounted projection display, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a polarized head-mounted projection display including a light engine and a compact, high-performance projection lens for use with reflective microdisplays. |
| US11150448B2 |
Vehicle windshield mounted camera module
A camera module, which is mounted on an inside of a front windshield of a vehicle and to image an external environment of the vehicle, includes a lens unit and an imager to image the external environment by forming an optical image, which is from the external environment through the lens unit. |
| US11150443B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens includes a stop; a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having negative refractive power; a third lens; a fourth lens having positive refractive power; a fifth lens; a sixth lens; and a seventh lens, arranged in this order from an object side to an image plane side. The first lens is formed in a meniscus shape near an optical axis thereof. The third lens is formed in a shape so that a surface thereof directing to the image plane side is concave near an optical axis thereof. The sixth lens is formed in a meniscus shape near an optical axis thereof. |
| US11150439B2 |
Bi-metal optical mount
An optomechanical device having an interface that is mounted to another interface wherein the two interfaces are made of materials having the same or similar coefficients of thermal expansion and within the optomechanical device is an interface that is designed to compensate for the second mechanical component that is made of materials having the same or similar coefficients of thermal expansion as the optic or photonic device or instrument being held or controlled altogether with a fully constrained set of slip planes making for an optical mechanical device consisting of two or more materials that have coefficients of thermal expansion that are suitably matched to the materials it is being mounted to and the materials it is holding or controlling. |
| US11150436B2 |
Lens unit
The lens holding frame is accommodated in the outer tube and is movable with respect to the outer tube in an optical axis direction (OAD) parallel to an optical axis of a lens optical system. The intermediate holding frame is a flexible frame body that constitutes the lens holding frame, is formed of a flexible material, and has a tubular shape. The intermediate holding frame is integrally provided with beam structures as abutments. The beam structures abut onto an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube in a state of being elastically deformed such that a restoring force is generated and prevent vibration caused by a gap between an outer circumferential surface of the lens holding frame and an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube. |
| US11150435B2 |
Lens apparatus
The present invention includes a plurality of lenses that are disposed such that optical axes are aligned in an axial direction, a first lens frame that holds a first lens of the plurality of lenses, and a second lens frame that holds a second lens of the plurality of lenses. The first lens frame comes into contact with the second lens frame and is disposed on one side of the second lens frame in the axial direction. The second lens frame includes a penetration hole penetrating the second lens frame from the other side in the axial direction to the one side in the axial direction. Air is suctioned and discharged via the penetration hole such that the first lens frame and the second lens frame are temporarily fixed through vacuum adsorption. |
| US11150432B2 |
High fiber count pre-terminated optical distribution assembly
Embodiments of a furcated optical fiber cable are provided. A main distribution cable has optical fibers surrounded by a cable jacket. The optical fibers are divided into at least two furcation legs. A furcation plug is located at a transition point between the main distribution cable and the at least two furcation legs. The furcation plug surrounds at least a portion of the main distribution cable and each of the at least two furcation legs. Optical connectors are provided for each of the at least two furcation legs, and each connector includes optical fibers that are spliced at a splice location to the optical fibers of the connector's respective furcation leg. The splice location is closer to the connector than to the furcation plug. A method of furcating an optical fiber cable and a pulling configuration for the furcated optical fiber cable are also provided. |
| US11150419B2 |
Method of processing a ferrule and apparatus for carrying out the method
A method of processing at least one ferrule is disclosed. The at least one ferrule includes an end face. The method includes engaging the end face of the at least one ferrule and an abrasive element with each other at the mating interface; moving the at least one ferrule and the abrasive element relative to each other; and tracing a spiral path in the abrasive element due to the relative movement between the at least one ferrule and the abrasive element. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. |
| US11150417B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating insertion loss in optical fiber connections and fiber links using data reading apparatus
The systems and methods disclosed herein are used to estimate the insertion loss of an anticipated optical connection between a first optical connector having least one first optical fiber and a second optical connector having at least one second optical fiber. The method includes extracting first connector information stored on the first optical connector to obtain extracted first connector information and extracting second connector information stored on the second optical connector to obtain extracted second connector information. The estimated insertion loss of the anticipated optical connection between the first optical connector and the second optical connector is calculated using the extracted first connector information and the extracted second connector information. The total estimated insertion loss of a fiber link that includes one or more such optical connections can be used to qualify the fiber link without having to directly measure the fiber link insertion loss. |
| US11150414B2 |
Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are installed in both the top and the bottom of the fiber optic connector, one in a first position and the other in a second position. Using the tool in one back-and-forth motion, the polarity of the fiber optic connector change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector. |
| US11150411B2 |
Large scale steerable coherent optical switched arrays
Aspects of the present disclosure describe large scale steerable optical switched arrays that may be fabricated on a common substrate including many thousands or more emitters that may be arranged in a curved pattern at the focal plane of a lens thereby allowing the directional control of emitted light and selective reception of reflected light suitable for use in imaging, ranging, and sensing applications including accident avoidance. |
| US11150403B2 |
Low diameter optical fiber
Small-radius coated optical fibers having large mode field diameter and low bending losses. The coated fiber may have an outer radius of 110 μm or less, while providing a mode field diameter of 9.0 μm or greater and a bending loss when wrapped about a 15 mm mandrel of 0.5 dB/km or less at wavelength of 1550 nm. The coated fiber may have a mode field diameter of 9.2 μm or greater and may have a bending loss at 1550 nm of 0.25 dB/km or less when wrapped about a 20 mm mandrel or a bending loss at 1550 nm of 0.02 dB/km or less when wrapped about a 30 mm mandrel. |
| US11150398B2 |
Edge-lit type backlight module and display device
An edge-lit type backlight module and a display device are provided. The edge-lit type backlight module includes a light guide plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, as well as a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end and a second end having a distribution orientation parallel to the first surface; a light source disposed on the first surface of the light guide plate and being close to the first end of the light guide plate; a metal grating disposed on the second surface of the light guide plate, an orthographic projection of the metal grating on the first surface covering an orthogonal projection of the light source on the first surface. |
| US11150396B2 |
Molded light guide for optically coupling light from LEDs
A thin plastic light guide is formed to have cavities on one surface and TIR (total internal reflection) structures directly above the cavities. LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board are positioned in the cavities. The cavity walls are shaped to refract the LED light and direct the LED light toward the TIR structures to most efficiently make use of the TIR structures. The TIR structures may have a cusp or cone shape. The top ceiling of the cavities may be shaped to direct light at the TIR structure so as to leak through the TIR structure and blend the light with light leaking through surrounding portions of the light guide. The LEDs may be distributed only near the edges of the light guide or over the entire back surface of the light guide. A diffuser sheet may be laminated over the light guide to further mix the light. |
| US11150395B2 |
Light guide and light emitting device
A light guide guides light emitted by a light source to a portion around an illumination target. The light guide includes a light incident portion that the light emitted by the light source enters; a light emitting portion that is provided around the illumination target and emits the light that has entered; and a light distributing portion that distributes the light that has entered from the light source directly toward the light emitting portion and has at least a curved surface shape. The light incident portion is arranged at a position facing a light emitting surface of the light source and has a width so as to cover at least the light emitting surface of the light source. |
| US11150390B2 |
Multispectral sensor response balancing
An optical filter may include a substrate. The optical filter may include a first mirror. The optical filter may include a second mirror. The optical filter may include a spacer. The first mirror, the second mirror, and the spacer may form a plurality of component filters. A first component filter, of the plurality of component filters, may be associated with a first cross-sectional area and a second component filter, of the plurality of component filters, is associated with a second cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area may be configured to response balance the first component filter and the second component filter. |
| US11150389B2 |
Method of changing glass to high infrared absorbing glass having high oxidized iron content
A low infrared absorbing lithium glass includes FeO in the range of 0.0005-0.015 wt %, more preferably 0.001-0.010 wt %, and a redox ratio in the range of 0.005-0.15, more preferably in the range of 0.005-010. The glass can be chemically tempered and used to provide a ballistic viewing cover for night vision goggles or scope. A method is provided to change a glass making process from making a high infrared absorbing lithium glass having FeO in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 wt % and a redox ratio in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 to the low infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional oxidizers to the batch materials. A second method is provided to change a glass making process from making a low infrared absorbing lithium glass to the high infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional reducers to the batch material. In one embodiment of the invention the oxidizer is CeO2. An embodiment of the invention covers a glass made according to the method. |
| US11150388B2 |
Optical diffuser and its method of manufacture
Methods of manufacture of an optical diffuser. In one embodiment, an optical diffuser is formed by providing a wafer including a silicon slice of which an upper face is covered with a first layer made of a first material itself covered with a second layer made of a second selectively etchable material with respect to the first material. The method further includes forming openings in the second layer extending up to the first layer and filling the openings in the second layer with a third material. The method yet further includes bonding a glass substrate to the wafer on the side of its upper face and removing the silicon slice. |
| US11150387B2 |
Planar metalens and cover glass including the same
The present disclosure provides a planar metalens and a cover glass including the planar metalens. |
| US11150381B2 |
Collection vessel for collecting, measuring, and aggregrating precipitation accumulation data
Embodiments for controlling precipitation collection vessels to accurately and efficiently collect, measure, and aggregate precipitation accumulation data are disclosed. In one embodiment according to aspects of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes collecting snow in a plurality of collection vessels by orienting an open end of each of the plurality of collection vessels perpendicularly to a direction of the wind based at least in part on a wind model. The computer-implemented method further includes measuring a snow level of the snow in each of the plurality of collection vessels to generate snow level data for each of the plurality of collection vessels. The computer-implemented method further includes aggregating the snow level data for each of the plurality of snow collection by assembling the snow accumulation data from each of the plurality of collection vessels. |
| US11150379B2 |
Weather forecasting using satellite data and mobile-sensor data from mobile devices
Techniques and apparatuses for improved weather forecasting using satellite data are described in this publication. The conventional predictions that are utilized for the generation of weather forecasts are commonly based on large-scale weather formations. Such formations are typically directed to large geographical regions of a state, province, or country, and thus may not be accurate for smaller geographical regions. The disclosed techniques and apparatuses utilize satellite data for a macro-location, and mobile-sensor data from mobile devices within that macro-location, to provide improved macro-location weather forecasting. |
| US11150377B2 |
System and method for optimizing hydrocarbon production from subsurface reservoirs
A method is described for subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir characterization including receiving a time-lapse electromagnetic (EM) dataset and a flow dataset; inverting the time-lapse EM dataset using a parametric inversion that models steel well casings to determine a volume of fluid-changed reservoir; inverting the time-lapse EM dataset and the flow dataset using a joint inversion that honors the volume of the fluid-changed reservoir to determine relative permeability and capillary pressure; and characterizing flow characteristics in the volume of the fluid-changed reservoir. The method may be executed by a computer system. |
| US11150374B2 |
Mapping pipe bends in a well casing
A method and system for identifying a deformation. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic logging tool in a pipe string, performing a logging operation with the electromagnetic logging tool, transmitting an electromagnetic field from a transmitter, energizing the casing string with the electromagnetic field to produce an eddy current, measuring the eddy current with at least one receiver, processing the measurements of the eddy current to find a point-wise eccentricity between the casing string and the pipe string, identifying a zone with the deformation based at least in part on the point-wise eccentricity, determining at least one characteristic of the deformation, and making a wellbore decision related to an integrity of the casing string based on the at least one characteristic of the deformation or the point-wise eccentricity. The system may comprise an electromagnetic logging tool which may comprise a transmitter and at least one receiver. |
| US11150372B2 |
Circumventing velocity uncertainty in imaging complex structures i-cube
A zero-offset wavefield synthesis workflow to calculate a synthesized zero-offset wavefield output without the commitment to an rms velocity field output to circumvent velocity uncertainty. Said zero-offset wavefield synthesis workflow comprises calculating a migration cube output. Rendering a demigration cube output from said migration cube output with a demigration cube calculation. Rendering said synthesized zero-offset wavefield output from said demigration cube output with a zero-offset wavefield synthesis procedure. |
| US11150366B2 |
Latch mechanism for streamer device
A streamer device or other system can include a pylon configured to attach to a locking collar, and a latch mechanism with a seat component. The latch mechanism comprises a pin member configured to attach to the locking collar, and a bias component. The seat component can be configured to retain the bias component when the pylon is attached to the locking collar, and the bias component can be configured to bias the pin member to hold the locking collar to the pylon. The bias may responsive to a position of the seat component, or determined or controlled at least in part based on the position. |
| US11150363B2 |
Apparatus and method for capturing still images and video using diffraction coded imaging techniques
An apparatus and method are described for capturing images in visible light as well as other radiation wavelengths. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a diffraction coded imaging system including a plurality of apertures arranged in a diffraction coded array pattern with opaque material blocking array elements not containing apertures; and a light- or radiation-sensitive sensor coupled to the diffraction coded imaging system array and positioned at a specified distance behind the diffraction coded imaging system array, the radiation-sensitive sensor configured to sense light or radiation transmitted and diffracted through the apertures in the diffraction coded imaging system array. |
| US11150358B2 |
Radiation dosimetry sol or gel and radiation dosimeter comprising same as material for radiation dosimetry
A radiation dosimetry sol or gel, and a radiation dosimeter containing the sol or the gel as a material for radiation dosimetry. A radiation dosimetry sol or gel including a compound (A) having an excitation light-induced fluorescence property that is changed by a radiolysis product of water; and a silicate salt (B). A radiation dosimetry sol or gel including a compound (A) having an excitation light-induced fluorescence property that is changed by a radiolysis product of water; a silicate salt (B); a water-soluble organic polymer (C) having an organic acid salt structure or an organic acid anion structure; and a dispersant (D) for the silicate salt (B). A radiation dosimeter including, as a material for radiation dosimetry, the above-mentioned radiation dosimetry sol or gel. |
| US11150357B2 |
Multi-source distributed navigation system architecture
A distributed navigation system architecture includes a plurality of navigation platforms, each having a universal navigation processor configured to communicate with other universal navigation processors, one or more relative navigation systems configured to provide source information to the navigation platforms, an anchor navigation node disposed on one or more of the plurality of navigation platforms in order to form one or more anchor navigation platforms, the anchor navigation node, including an inertial navigation system, a clock, and one or more absolute navigation systems, configured to determine navigation information based on the inertial navigation system, the clock, the one or more absolute navigation systems and optionally the source information, the one or more anchor navigation platforms providing the navigation information to the other navigation platforms, and a navigation processor system in communication with each of the universal navigation processors in order to provide operating information updates to the universal navigation processors. |
| US11150351B2 |
Brake control device and brake system
A brake control device includes an electronic controller that executes an ABS control on a rotating body of a human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller executes the ABS control based on a relationship between a first speed and a second speed related to the human-powered vehicle. The first speed includes a speed of the human-powered vehicle based on information of a traveling environment. The second speed includes a speed of the human-powered vehicle based on a rotational speed of the rotating body. |
| US11150349B2 |
Multi-line, high-definition LiDAR device and method with integrated direct spatial reference
The present disclosure relates to a FMCW Light Detection and Ranging system, a wave train of carrier frequency is modulated in narrow-band sequence, an delay interferometer with in-phase and quadrature outputs extracts the phase of this frequency modulation, and a coherent receiver with in-phase and quadrature outputs detects the phase of reflected light from a remote object, the ratio between two phases determines the distance of the remote object. |
| US11150346B2 |
Measuring method and laser scanner
A measuring method, wherein point cloud data of a building is acquired by a laser scanner, wherein the laser scanner has an attitude detector for detecting a tilting with respect to a horizontality or a verticality, converts the point cloud data into a horizontal distance and a height or a difference of a height based on the tilting detected by the attitude detector, sets a height line at a predetermined height on a wall surface, averages a horizontal distance information of the point cloud data included in a predetermined width with the height line as a center in a height direction, further develops the horizontal distance information along the height line in a horizontal direction, and measures a horizontal cross section at the predetermined height. |
| US11150345B2 |
Object detector, sensing device, and mobile object apparatus
First and second types of object detectors, a sensing device, and a mobile apparatus. The first and second types of object detectors include a light source configured to emit light, photoreceptor configured to receive the light reflected by an object, and a binarizing circuit configured to binarize a signal sent from the photoreceptor at a threshold Vth. In the first and second types of object detectors, object detection processes are performed in a same direction until a high-level signal is output M times from the signal binarized by the binarizing circuit. In the first type of object detector, a value of the M is determined based on an incidence of shot noise where peak intensity exceeds the threshold Vth in the photoreceptor. In the second type of object detector, a threshold Vth is set based on a value of the M. |
| US11150343B2 |
Object detection system and object detection apparatus
An object detection system includes plural first object detection apparatuses each including a transmitting portion configured to transmit a first wave motion of a first frequency included in plural first frequencies, the transmitting portion transmitting the first wave motion of the first frequency which is different from the other first object detection apparatus concurrently with the other first object detection apparatus. The system includes a receiving portion configured to receive a reception wave, a determination portion configured to determine a correspondence relationship between one or more second frequency of one or more second wave motion included in the reception wave and the plural first frequencies, and a detection portion configured to detect information related to the object. |
| US11150341B2 |
Continuous-wave radar system for detecting ferrous and non-ferrous metals in saltwater environments
The present invention includes systems and methods for a continuous-wave (CW) radar system for detecting, geolocating, identifying, discriminating between, and mapping ferrous and non-ferrous metals in brackish and saltwater environments. The CW radar system generates multiple extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves simultaneously and uses said waves to detect, locate, and classify objects of interest. These objects include all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as changing material boundary layers (e.g., soil to water, sand to mud, rock to organic materials, water to air, etc.). The CW radar system is operable to detect objects of interest in near real-time. |
| US11150334B2 |
Bistatic interferometric terrestrial radar with transponder
Bistatic interferometric terrestrial radar comprising: a main radar unit (2) provided with ground fixing means (6) and provided with at least one transmitting unit (3) and at least one receiving unit (4); at least one amplifier transponder (5, 50) placed far away from said main unit (2), provided with ground fixing means (9) and provided with a receiving antenna (7) and a transmitting antenna (11). |
| US11150333B2 |
Object sensing apparatus and object sensing method
An object sensing apparatus includes an object sensing unit to sense an object using a direct wave, being a reflected wave received by a sensor having transmitted a probing wave among a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, and an indirect wave, being a reflected wave received by a sensor different from the sensor having transmitted the probing wave among the ultrasonic sensors, and a temperature change detection unit to detect a predetermined temperature change state where temperature change of a predetermined value or more has occurred or a possibility of the temperature change occurs in an ambient temperature of the moving object. When the predetermined temperature change state is detected by the temperature change detection unit, the object sensing unit performs sensing suppression control not to sense the object using the indirect wave or to make it difficult to sense the object using the indirect wave. |
| US11150332B1 |
Self-calibrating optical transceiver system with reduced crosstalk sensitivity for through-display proximity sensing
An optical sensing system includes a transmitter side and a receiver side, and is configured to be positioned below a display of an electronic device. The transmitter side includes a light emitter, a temperature sensor, and a photodiode. The receiver side includes a photodiode and a temperature sensor. The optical sensing system includes an application-specific integrated circuit that leverages the temperature sensors, the photodiodes, and one or more signal filters such as a high-pass filter to perform multiple field calibrations of the optical sensing system, thereby improving accuracy and precision thereof. |
| US11150331B2 |
Detection and compensation of MEMS oscillating structure asymmetries and periodic jitters
Systems and methods are provided for compensating errors. A system includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) oscillating structure configured to oscillate about a rotation axis; a phase error detector configured to generate a phase error signal based on measured event times and expected event times of the MEMS oscillating structure oscillating about the rotation axis; and a compensation circuit configured to receive the phase error signal, remove periodic jitter components in the phase error signal to generate a compensated phase error signal, and output the compensated phase error signal. |
| US11150321B2 |
System for orientation estimation from radio measurements
A radio localization system and a method for determining an orientation of an object are disclosed. The radio localization system comprises a first transceiver configured for being attached to an object and one or more second transceivers. The first transceiver is configured for measuring one or more characteristics of a radio signal received from a second transceiver and/or the one or more second transceivers are configured for measuring one or more characteristics of a radio signal received from the first transceiver. Furthermore, the radio localization system comprises processing means configured for determining an orientation of the object based on a radiation pattern and/or a spatial absorption pattern associated with the first transceiver as attached to the object, and one or more measured characteristics of one or more received radio signals. |
| US11150315B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same
An object of the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus capable of optimally setting imaging conditions for map measurement depending on a target value and its required accuracy, and a method for controlling the MRI apparatus. An imaging unit of the MRI apparatus includes, as a pulse sequence, a pulse sequence for the T1 map measurement that includes a first signal acquisition sequence and a plurality of signal acquisition sequences executed after application of an inverted pulse and at different signal acquisition times from the inverted pulse. An imaging controller of the MRI apparatus controls the imaging conditions of each of the plurality of signal acquisition sequences, for example, the signal acquisition time from the inverted pulse and the number of signal acquisition sequences depending on the T1 value of an imaging target and the required accuracy. |
| US11150314B2 |
Automatically optimized MR imaging with ultra-short echo times
Automated setting techniques for MR imaging with ultra-short echo times in a region to be examined are described. With the method protocol parameter values for an MR imaging method are determined. The protocol parameters comprise a predetermined imaging resolution. Optimized values for echo time and bandwidth are also determined based on an image signal simulation, which is based on the determined protocol parameters. The signal to noise ratio and point spread function are used as optimization criteria. |
| US11150313B1 |
On-chip excitation and readout architecture for high-density magnetic sensing arrays based on quantum defects
A sensing array includes a plurality of pixels, one pixel of which includes: a sensor, the sensor including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an atomic defect site configured to be excited by light of a first frequency; a light source below the sensor and configured to emit light of the first frequency toward the defect site; and a radio frequency (RF) source below the sensor and configured to provide a first voltage to the first electrode, a second voltage to the second electrode, and an RF signal to the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a magnitude of a physical parameter by generating a photocurrent corresponding to a magnitude of a physical parameter and a differential between the first and second voltages, when excited by the light of the first frequency and affected by the RF signal. |
| US11150311B2 |
Device and method for detecting defect contour with omnidirectionally equal sensitivity based on magnetic excitation
A device and a method for detecting a defect contour with omnidirectionally equal sensitivity based on magnetic excitation are provided. The device includes a magnetic sensor array arranged in a spatially uniform magnetic field and configured to collect a magnetic field signal, and a data analysis module configured to analyze the magnetic field signal, extract a distorted magnetic field signal, and obtain an image of the defect contour based on the distorted magnetic field signal. |
| US11150303B2 |
Management device, energy storage module, management method, and computer program
A power storage element is provided that includes, in a positive electrode or a negative electrode, an active material which causes a plurality of electrochemical reactions in accordance with the process of change during charging and discharging and which exhibits hysteresis between a power storage amount-voltage charging (first) property and a power storage amount-voltage discharging (second) property. A BMU is provided with a first estimation unit which estimates a power storage amount-voltage charging property or/and a power storage amount-voltage discharging property referenced when estimating the power storage amount, on the basis of an upward voltage and a downward voltage which are respectively more than and less than a first threshold value, acquired from the first property, the second property, and the charging-discharging history. |
| US11150301B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack including first and second battery contactors respectively having first ends electrically connected to positive and negative electrode terminals of a battery; first and second charging contactors respectively having first ends electrically connected to second ends of the first and second battery contactors; a second power connector of a charger having first and second output terminals respectively electrically connected to the first and second input terminals being connected to the first power connector; and a control unit configured to, when a second power connector of a charger is electrically connected to the first power connector, receive a charging end request signal from the charger, control changes of the first and second charging contactors between turn-on and turn-off states, and diagnose a fault of each of the first and second charging contactors based on first, second or third measured voltages across the first, second or third resistors, respectively. |
| US11150300B2 |
Adaptive blanking of over current fault detection circuits in power conversion gate drivers
An electronic circuit comprises a power switch circuit and a fault detection circuit. The power switch circuit includes a transistor. The fault detection circuit includes a first comparator circuit configured to compare a monitored voltage of the transistor to a detection threshold voltage and produce an indication of a circuit fault according to the comparing, and a delay circuit configured to delay the comparing by the first comparator circuit according to slew rate of the monitored voltage. |
| US11150297B2 |
Integrated circuit with JTAG port, tap linking module, and off-chip TAP interface port
An IC includes an IEEE 1149.1 standard test access port (TAP) interface and an additional Off-Chip TAP interface. The Off-Chip TAP interface connects to the TAP of another IC. The Off Chip TAP interface can be selected by a TAP Linking Module on the IC. |
| US11150293B1 |
Horizontal probing fixture
A horizontal probing fixture includes two bridge modules each having two spaced-apart pedestals, and a bridge plate connecting the pedestals. A first sliding unit for carrying and sliding a probe device includes two first sliding blocks respectively mounted and slidable on the bridge plates of the bridge modules, a first slide plate having two opposite ends respectively connecting the first sliding blocks, and two locking modules respectively disposed on the first sliding blocks. Each first sliding block has a bottom end complementarily engaged to and slidable on the bridge plate of one of the bridge modules. The locking modules are operable to respectively lock or unlock the first sliding blocks relative to the bridge plates. |
| US11150292B1 |
Voltage spike detector and system for detecting voltage spikes in semiconductor devices
Technologies and methods for detecting voltage spikes on a semiconductor device include detecting a voltage spike in a first analog signal from a semiconductor device based on a comparison of the first analog signal and a first voltage threshold, and converting the first analog signal to a digital signal with a first pulse representing the voltage spike, and transforming the first pulse to a stretched pulse defining a greater width than the first pulse. More specific embodiments include receiving a second analog signal from a first pin on the semiconductor device during a capture time period, receiving a reference analog signal from a reference pin on the semiconductor device during the capture time period, and prior to detecting the voltage spike, generating the first analog signal by computing a difference between the second analog signal and the reference analog signal. |
| US11150291B1 |
Functional reliability assessment for insulated power cable systems
The functional reliability of a cable shield system for a high voltage cable circuit is determined by electrically isolating a segment of the conductive shield from ground along the circuit length and supplying a test voltage of gradually increasing amplitude to the isolated shield segment. Current flows in the shield segment and a connected shield voltage limiter (SVL) in response to the supplied test voltage. The current through the SVL is monitored; and the operational integrity of the shield system is determined as a function of the voltage across and the monitored current through the SVL. Current flow is monitored by sensing the heat dissipated by the SVL included in the link box to which the shield segment is connected. Information representing the voltage across and monitored current through the SVL are transmitted to a remote location whereat the operational integrity of the SVL is determined. |
| US11150289B2 |
Insulation monitor
The presented invention relates to a method for monitoring an insulation state of a first high-voltage network and an insulation state of at least one further high-voltage network of a vehicle, wherein a single insulation monitor is connected to the first high-voltage network and to the at least one further high-voltage network, and wherein, by means of the insulation monitor, a first insulation measurement, initially, is carried out, in a periodically repeated sequence, on the first high-voltage network, and, then, a further insulation measurement is carried out in each case on the at least one further high-voltage network. |
| US11150288B2 |
System for measuring charge-to-mass ratio of electrostatic atomization nozzle and measurement method using the same
The present disclosure discloses a system for measuring a charge-to-mass ratio of an electrostatic atomization nozzle and a measurement method using the same. The system includes an electrostatic atomization nozzle, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an ammeter, a liquid level tube, an ultrasonic level meter, a water storage tank, and a liquid pump. The electrostatic atomization nozzle, the upper cylinder, and the lower cylinder are sequentially connected from top to bottom. The ammeter is connected to the lower-cylinder flange. The liquid level tube is communicated with the lower cylinder. The ultrasonic level meter is mounted on an upper end of the liquid level tube. The water storage tank is located below a lower-cylinder water outlet pipe. The liquid pump can deliver a liquid in the water storage tank to the electrostatic atomization nozzle. Measurement data of the ammeter is acquired and processed by a computer in real time. |
| US11150287B2 |
Pump and probe type second harmonic generation metrology
Various approaches to can be used to interrogate a surface such as a surface of a layered semiconductor structure on a semiconductor wafer. Certain approaches employ Second Harmonic Generation and in some cases may utilize pump and probe radiation. Other approaches involve determining current flow from a sample illuminated with radiation. |
| US11150286B2 |
Wireless passive probe
A wireless passive probe solves problems such as the measurement accuracy of the field strength detecting device in the prior art is affected by the communication device and the system structure is complicated, which includes a probe for collecting data in the field to be measured; wherein the wireless passive probe further comprises: a wireless transmission module, an antenna module, sensors, and a microprocessor. The wireless passive probe of the present invention transmits position temperature, field strength, moisture, air pressure probe serial numbers and the coordinate signals of the probe in real time through the wireless transmission module, and provides the power supply to the communication module through detecting or receiving microwave signals through the antenna, thereby avoiding inaccurate wireless measurement of the probe field caused by the field to be tested which is not tightly sealed and the cable. |
| US11150285B2 |
Photonic-crystal vapor cells for imaging of electromagnetic fields
In a general aspect, vapor cells are disclosed that include a dielectric body having a first surface and a second surface. The dielectric body includes a plurality of cavities extending from the first surface to the second surface and ordered periodically to define a photonic crystal structure in the dielectric body. Each cavity has a first opening defined by the first surface and a second opening defined by the second surface. The photonic crystal structure has a photonic band gap. The vapor cells additionally include a first optical window covering the first openings and having a surface bonded to the first surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the first openings. A second optical window covers the second openings and has a surface bonded to the second surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the second openings. |
| US11150283B2 |
Amplitude and phase detection circuit
In one embodiment, a phase detection circuit includes a current signal input to receive a current signal indicative of a current amplitude of an RF signal and a voltage signal input to receive a voltage signal indicative of a voltage amplitude of the RF signal. A high-pass filter and a low-pass filter are each configured to filter one of (i) the current signal from the current signal input or (ii) the voltage signal from the voltage signal input, wherein the high-pass filter and the low-pass filter collectively cause a substantially 90 degree offset between a phase angle of the current signal and a phase angle of the voltage signal. A phase difference circuit receives the filtered current signal and the filtered voltage signal to determine a phase angle difference between the current signal and the voltage signal. |
| US11150279B2 |
Device for measuring the current flowing in an inductive load
A circuit includes a switching circuit including a first switch and a second switch. A current sensing circuit is coupled to the switching circuit to sense a first current through the first switch and to generate a first sensed current signal based on the sensed first current, and configured to sense a second current through the second switch and to generate a second sensed current signal based on the sensed second current. An output circuit is coupled to the current sensing circuit and is configured to generate a failure signal based on the first sensed current signal and the second sensed current signal. |
| US11150276B2 |
Current detection device
Provided is a current detection device including: a first board; a second board provided above the first board in parallel to the first board; a magnetic measurement element provided between the first board and the second board; a first coil having at least one of a first wire provided on the first board or a second wire provided on the second board and having a first connection conductor connected to the first wire provided on the first board or the second wire provided on the second board; and a second coil having at least one of a third wire provided on the first board or a fourth wire provided on the second board and having a second connection conductor connected to the third wire provided on the first board or the fourth wire provided on the second board, the second coil being connected to the first coil such that magnetic fields generated in the first coil and the second coil by a current for electrically conducting the first coil and the second coil have the same direction. |
| US11150274B2 |
Current sensor
A current sensor includes at least one bus bar through which a current to be measured flows and a casing integrated with part of the bus bar. A conductive portion is provided in the at least one bus bar, which is used to verify whether the current sensor functions normally. In the conductive portion, a front face of the bus bar is exposed from a casing main body to form an exposed face and a rear face of the bus bar opposite the exposed face is coated with synthetic resin to form coated face. Furthermore, the conductive portion has a trapezoidal shape in which the longer base is the exposed face and the shorter base is the coated face. |
| US11150268B2 |
Electric connection device
An electric connection device, includes: a circuit trace-included member (30); a probe (10) including a base that connects to a circuit trace formed in the circuit trace-included member (30) and a tip that comes into contact with an inspection subject (2); a probe head (20) which is provided next to the circuit trace-included member (30) and holds the probe (10); and a fixing component (100) which is located in the probe head (20) with an end protruding from the probe head (20) toward the circuit trace-included member (30), the end being fixed to a fixing surface (301) of the circuit trace-included member (30) that faces the probe head (20) to connect the probe head (20) and the circuit trace-included member (30). |
| US11150261B2 |
Resolution increase in the rotational speed signal between rotational speed pulses
A method for producing sensor information depends on a rotational speed, using a rotational speed sensor which is adapted to output rotational speed pulses in predetermined angular positions of a physical sensor field that rotates at the rotational speed. In order to increase resolution, a digital angle signal each is determined between the pulses. A defined number of most significant bits of said angle information is output to determine the rotational speed so that the interval between two pulses is subdivided into a defined number of subintervals. An angle value which can be unambiguously interpreted by means of the sinusoidal signal can be determined from the cosine signal by using two phase shift sinusoidal signals and an arccos function. The device optionally outputs the angle signal below a threshold value and an impulse signal above the threshold value to determine speed. |
| US11150254B2 |
Method for measuring reactivity of FVIII
The inventors produced substances that neutralize the activity of a bispecific antibody having an activity of functionally substituting for FVIII, and undertook the construction of methods for measuring the reactivity of FVIII that can ensure accuracy even in the presence of this bispecific antibody. As a result, the inventors discovered that in APTT-based one-stage clotting assay, FVIII activity in the plasma of a hemophilia A patient can be evaluated accurately, and also that in APTT-based Bethesda assay, FVIII inhibitor titer in the plasma of a hemophilia A patient carrying a FVIII inhibitor can be evaluated accurately. |
| US11150251B2 |
Bi-functional arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides and methods to promote angiogenesis
The present invention provides an in vitro method for identifying a compound that promotes endothelial cell adhesion, endothelial cell spreading, endothelial cell migration and/or endothelial cell proliferation for the manufacture of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent. The present invention further provides the identified compounds and pharmaceutical compositions, and assays and kits for identifying a compound or using a compound that promotes endothelial cell adhesion, endothelial cell spreading, endothelial cell migration and/or endothelial cell proliferation and is useful for bioprinting. |
| US11150246B2 |
Device for early detection of disease states
A device for testing a biological sample includes a housing, two or more test pads, and a sample pad. The sample pad and test pads are disposed within an interior portion of the housing. The sample pad is in fluid communication with an opening defined in an outer surface of the housing for receiving the biological sample. At least a portion of each test pad is in contact with the sample pad and is configured to test the biological sample. At least one window is defined in the outer surface of the housing adjacent the test pads such that the test pads are visible from outside of the housing. A first test pad may detect a threshold amount of CD44 in the biological sample, and a second test pad may detect total protein in the biological sample. The results are then used for early detection of cancers. |
| US11150245B2 |
Use of circulating tumor cell mitotic index in cancer stratification and diagnostics
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with metastasis of malignant solid tumors in a patient. Presented here is evidence that CTCs exhibit cell cycle phase variability and that there is a strong correlation between the number of CTCs in a mitotic cell cycle phase and the prospects for long term survival of the subject from which the cells were obtained. Also presented herein are methods of determining the mitotic cell cycle phase of CTCs from a patient having cancer and using the information in grading malignant solid tumors and predicting the likelihood of survival of the patient. |
| US11150244B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting microbial contamination
Provided are novel methods for screening and testing for pathogens in food, water, and bodily fluids using methods that are faster to complete than conventional methods of culturing and plating that require lengthy times in properly equipped labs. The invention utilizes specific, rapid and sensitive optical detection to capture small concentrations of the target bacteria and render them amenable for detection with various specific synthesis binding agents approaches. The technique merges capture and detection steps with quantification unit suitable to provide results in a relatively shorter time current detection methods. |
| US11150242B2 |
Immune cell trapping devices and methods for making and using the same
Embodiments herein described provide devices for identifying and collecting rare cells or cells which occur at low frequency in the body of a subject, such as, antigen-specific cells or disease-specific cells. More specifically, the devices are useful for trapping immune cells and the devices contain a physiologically-compatible porous polymer scaffold, a plurality of antigens, and an immune cell-recruiting agent, wherein the plurality of antigens and the immune cell recruiting agent attract and trap the immune cell in the device. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and packages containing such devices. Additional embodiments relate to methods for making the devices, compositions, and kits/packages. Further embodiments relate to methods for using the devices, compositions, and/or kits in the diagnosis or therapy of diseases such as autoimmune diseases or cancers. |
| US11150240B2 |
Magnetic separation of biological entities from fluid sample
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, devices, systems, and methods for use in the magnetic separation of biological entities from fluid samples. This device includes a magnetic separation chamber configured to receive a fluid sample for magnetic separation, where the magnetic separation chamber includes at least two magnets mounted on the surface or in the wall of the magnetic separation chamber. The device also includes a force provider configured to move the magnetic separation chamber in a side-to-side motion to mix and/or magnetize the fluid sample. In one embodiment, the magnetic separation chamber is in a form of a sleeve and comprises a substantially central channel for loading a vessel containing the fluid sample therein. The systems and methods of the present disclosure involve the use of this device to separate biological entities from fluid samples. |
| US11150239B2 |
Method of isolating a target cell
The invention provides new methods of isolating target cells using a solid phase, the solid phase comprising a ligand L wherein the ligand L is capable of specifically binding a ligand binding partner LB, the ligand binding partner LB being present in a receptor molecule binding reagent or a multimerization reagent used for isolating target cells. The invention also provides corresponding new arrangements and devices for isolating a target cell from a sample. |
| US11150236B2 |
Multi-well quartz crystal microbalance mass and viscoelastic sensor
In an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of sensor devices contained in a plurality of wells contained in a well-plate assembly. The sensor devices are used in a plurality of oscillators. Each oscillator generates a frequency and a resistance based on a quality of living biological cells contained in a corresponding well. The quality may include, for example, surface coupled mass, density, viscosity, and/or viscoelasticity of the living biological cells. The system also includes logic for measuring a resonant frequency and motional resistance associated with each sensor device and logic for processing the measured resonant frequency and motional resistance. Moreover, the system includes logic for displaying one or more graphs showing one or more characteristics of the living biological cells contained in the wells. |
| US11150232B2 |
Laboratory device and method for simulating cement sheath consolidation in frozen soil strata
A laboratory device for simulating the cement sheath consolidation in the frozen soil strata includes the main body, the pressure system and the measuring system. The main body includes the fixing plate, the detachable plate and the base plate. The circular hole is provided in the center of the base. The central column or the heat insulating casing is mounted on the base through the circular hole. The fixing plate, the detachable plate, the base plate and the central column or the heat insulating casing form a cavity for preparing the core and the cement sheath. During use, the device is placed in a low temperature context, and then the frozen soil core with a hollow cylinder can be artificially fabricated. Further, the heat insulating casing holder is placed, and the cement is added to simulate the state of the cement sheath consolidation under the actual strata conditions. |
| US11150231B2 |
Method for measuring a mudflat elevation by remotely sensed water content
The present disclosure discloses a method for measuring a mudflat elevation based on remotely sensed water content, comprising steps of: measuring a spectral value of a soil surface in a mudflat area using a full-band spectrometer, analyzing a relationship between the spectral value and a soil water content of the mudflat area; building a remotely sensed water content retrieval model using a statistical correlation method; selecting a water sensitive waveband in the remote sensing data, and retrieving the soil water content of the mudflat area; analyzing a relationship between the soil water content and the mudflat likewise using the statistical correlation method; building a relational model between the mudflat water content and an elevation, and applying the model to a satellite image to obtain the mudflat elevation. |
| US11150228B2 |
Detector inlet and sampling method
A detector comprising an analytical apparatus for detecting a substance of interest, and a detector inlet. The detector inlet comprises a flow passage for carrying a flow of fluid, the flow passage comprising a sampling volume, and a sampling inlet adapted to collect samples of the fluid from the sampling volume as the fluid flows past the sampling inlet, and to provide the samples to the analytical apparatus, wherein the how of fluid carries particulates. The detector inlet also comprises a flow director arranged to vary a spatial distribution of the particulates carried by the fluid to increase a relative proportion of the particulates carried past the sampling inlet along the flow passage without entering the sampling volume. |
| US11150226B2 |
Gas chromatograph with ease of error identification
A gas chromatograph includes a display unit, indicators, and a display control unit. The gas chromatograph is provided with a plurality of units having the same function, and the indicators are each associated with any of the plurality of units. When the error has occurred in any of the plurality of units in the gas chromatograph, processing of the display control unit displays an error notification screen on a display screen of a display unit, and in addition, operates an indicator associated with the unit in which the error has occurred. Therefore, a user can recognize in which of the plurality of units the error has occurred. |
| US11150225B2 |
Filters for liquid flow based devices and systems
A filter includes an inlet side, an outlet side, and a body. The body includes a first substrate that includes an array of inlet holes passing through the first substrate, and a second substrate that includes an array of outlet holes passing through the second substrate. The body further includes an intermediate region that includes a plurality of channels extending along a plane that is transverse or at an angle to a main axis of the filter. Each channel communicates directly or indirectly with at least one of the inlet holes and at least one of the outlet holes. The filter provides a plurality of fluid flow paths through the body from the inlet side to the outlet side. |
| US11150224B2 |
System and method for sample introduction within a chromatography system
The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems, apparatus, and kits for introducing a sample within a chromatography system. A makeup pump is configured to pump a makeup fluid through a first restrictor into the chromatography system upstream of the column and downstream of a mobile phase pump. The first restrictor is located upstream of a column and downstream of makeup pump and a sample fluid pump. Decreasing an output volume of the makeup pump can direct a sample fluid from the sample fluid pump through the first restrictor to the column. Increasing an output volume of the makeup pump can direct the sample fluid to a second restrictor located downstream of the makeup pump and in parallel with the column and the detector. |
| US11150217B2 |
Method for directly measuring SO2 and other trace gases by electrochemical cell (ECC) sonde
A method of directly measuring SO2 and other trace gases by configuring an electrochemical cell (ECC) sonde; and an ECC sonde pump inlet filter to remove ozone and other trace gases. Further, calibration and operation procedures for the SO2 and other trace gas ECC sondes are disclosed. |
| US11150216B2 |
Nanopore-based sequencing with varying voltage stimulus
A method of analyzing a molecule in a nanopore is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a nanopore that is inserted in a membrane by coupling the nanopore to a voltage source. The nanopore is decoupled from the voltage source. After the decoupling, a rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore is determined. A molecule in the nanopore is distinguished from other possible molecules based on the determined rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore. |
| US11150214B2 |
Capillary electrophoresis apparatus and thermostat
The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to the present invention can maintain the temperature in the longitudinal direction of each of a plurality of capillaries uniformly, such that the separation performance of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus can be stabilized, and the analysis performance can be improved. A capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to the present invention includes: a thermostat having a heat source, a first heat conduction member, and a detection window for detecting a sample, the thermostat being configured to maintain a capillary at a predetermined temperature; a capillary holder having a second heat conduction member for sandwiching the capillary between the second heat conduction member and the first heat conduction member, the capillary holder being configured to hold the capillary; and a detection unit configured to detect a sample to be electrophoresed in the capillary, wherein in the heat source, a heat generation amount of at least one of a periphery of the detection window and an end of the capillary is higher than a heat generation amount of another portion. |
| US11150213B2 |
Biological oxygen demand sensors
Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES) for use as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) sensors, systems incorporating BES sensors for measuring BOD, and methods of using the sensors and systems for measuring BOD. The disclosed sensors are inexpensive to construct, long-lasting, have a fast response, and a large dynamic range. The invention includes biological oxygen demand (BOD) sensors which incorporate at least three working electrodes, at least one counter electrode, a reservoir for dilution fluid, and a sensor for measuring an electric current or a voltage which flows from the working electrodes to the counter electrode. The BOD sensors will typically also include at least one electrically active microbe disposed in proximity to the working electrode. |
| US11150212B2 |
Electrochemical sensor and method for manufacturing
The present disclosure relates to a sensor including an elongated member including at least a portion that is electrically conductive. The elongated member includes a sensing layer adapted to react with a material desired to be sensed. An insulating layer surrounds the elongated member. The insulating layer defines at least one access opening for allowing the material desired to be sensed to enter an interior region defined between the elongated member and the insulating layer. The insulating layer has an inner transverse cross-sectional profile that is different from an outer transverse cross-sectional profile of the elongated member. The difference in transverse cross-sectional profiles between the elongated member and the insulating layer provides channels at the interior region defined between the insulating layer and the elongated member. The channels extend generally along the length of the elongated member and are sized to allow the material desired to be sensed to move along the length of the sensor. |
| US11150207B2 |
Medical device position location systems, devices and methods
Methods, devices and systems for three-dimensional location of the disposition of a sensor coil in a subject including are disclosed. The systems include an array of three or more triplet or quadruplet drive coil sets, at least one moveable sensor coil configured to be disposed in a subject and to provide one or more sensor coil response signals responsive to the respective electromagnetic wave fields, a receiving component configured to control drive signals to the array of drive coil sets and to measure sensor coil response signals from the moveable sensor coil, and a processor is configured to determine a sensor coil disposition in the subject relative to said triplet or quadruplet drive coil sets. The receiving component provides a modified drive signal to maximize or optimize the generated respective electromagnetic wave fields, or the one or more sensor coil response signals. |
| US11150205B2 |
Pressurizable dilatometer system and apparatus
Dilatometer systems for measuring characteristics of material samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dilatometer system includes a reactor adapted to receive the test sample, a density trap in fluid communication with the reactor, a first fluid selectively filling the reactor and a portion of the density trap, and a second fluid selectively filling a portion of the density trap. The first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible with one another and selectively form an immiscible fluid boundary in the density trap. The dilatometer system further includes a heater that selectively heats the first fluid. |
| US11150198B2 |
Method for inspecting ball grid array-type semiconductor chip package
Disclosed are a method, an apparatus, and a system for inspecting a ball grid array-type semiconductor chip package. A first embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for inspecting a semiconductor chip package, the apparatus comprising: a first image acquisition unit for acquiring a reference image using a three-dimensional image of a semiconductor chip serving as a reference, the reference image being obtained by removing a region of interest from the three-dimensional image; a second image acquisition unit for acquiring a two-dimensional image of a semiconductor chip to be inspected; and an image processing unit for deriving an image of a region of interest of the semiconductor chip to be inspected, from the difference between the reference image and the two-dimensional image. |
| US11150196B2 |
Joining process line monitoring system
The disclosure provides a joining process line monitoring system capable of preventing joining quality deterioration and operation delay. A joining process line monitoring system 100 includes a joining phenomenon data acquisition part 111 configured to acquire a joining phenomenon of a joining subject member as phenomenon data; an operation state data acquisition part 112 configured to acquire a joining operation state of the joining subject member as operation state data; an evaluation data calculation unit 120 configured to perform time synchronization of the acquired phenomenon data and the acquired operation state data, and associate the acquired phenomenon data and the acquired operation state data with each joining operation location, so as to calculate evaluation data; a difference data extraction unit 130 configured to extract a difference between the evaluation data and reference data set in advance as difference data; an abnormal location determination unit 140 that determines that a portion having a large difference from the joining phenomenon is an abnormal location; and a presentation unit 150 configured to present the abnormal location of a joining portion of the joining subject member based on the difference data. |
| US11150191B2 |
Automatic, real-time surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) analysis
An apparatus comprises: a photonic cavity; a substrate comprising a waveguide layer, wherein the waveguide layer comprises waveguides configured to direct light towards the photonic cavity; and a wafer comprising: a top side, and a nanowire array affixed to the top side. A method of performing a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis, the method comprises: directing, using a waveguide layer of a SERS device, an incident light towards a photonic cavity of the SERS device; permitting, using the photonic cavity, a fluid to flow freely into and out of the SERS device; causing, within the photonic cavity, an interaction among the incident light, the fluid, and a nanowire array of the SERS device to create scattered light; converting the scattered light into an electrical signal; and analyzing the electrical signal to determine whether a contaminant exists in the fluid. |
| US11150189B1 |
Methods of manufacturing a light source carrier and an electronic device, and a light source qualification method
A method of manufacturing a light source carrier with at least one light source, including: providing a substrate with a plurality of light source groups disposed thereon, wherein each light source group includes the at least one light source; irradiating a first light upon one of the light source groups through a first mask; capturing a photoluminescent light emitted by the one of the light source groups to acquire data; comparing the data with a reference to determine whether the one of the light source groups is qualified; providing a carrier; and transferring the one of the light source groups from the substrate to the carrier if the one of the light source groups is qualified. |
| US11150188B2 |
Control device of image reading apparatus, operation method thereof, and image detection system
There are provided a control device of an image reading apparatus, an operation method and an operation program thereof, and an image detection system capable of quickly and easily outputting an image having an appropriate density for analysis from an image reading apparatus. An image receiving unit receives a pre-image output in pre-scanning performed before main scanning for outputting a main image for analysis in an image reading apparatus. A region information receiving unit receives information of a region in the pre-image designated by a user. A calculation unit calculates an appropriate voltage value that is a voltage value of the photomultiplier at which a density of the region becomes an appropriate density for analysis. A scanning conditions setting unit sets the appropriate voltage value as temporary scanning conditions of main scanning. |
| US11150183B2 |
Optical sensor including a base substrate with a contact sensor and apparatus and method for estimating bio-information
An optical sensor includes at least one pair of a light source and a photodetector, the light source and the photodetector facing each other and having an opening between the light source and the photodetector; and a base substrate disposed on or below the at least one pair of the light source and the photodetector, the base substrate including a contact sensor positioned in an area corresponding to the opening. |
| US11150179B2 |
Phasing correction
Memory efficient methods determine corrected color values from image data acquired by a nucleic acid sequencer during a base calling cycle. Such methods may: (a) obtain an image of a substrate (e.g., a portion of a flow cell) including a plurality of sites where nucleic acid bases are read; (b) measure color values of the plurality of sites from the image of the substrate; (c) store the color values in a processor buffer of the sequencer's one or more processors; (d) retrieve partially phase-corrected color values of the plurality of sites, where the partially phase-corrected color values were stored in the sequencer's memory during an immediately preceding base calling cycle; (e) determine a prephasing correction; and (f) determine the corrected color values. In various implementations, these operations are all performed during a single base calling cycle. In certain embodiments, the methods additionally include using the corrected color values to make base calls for the plurality of sites. Sequencers may be designed or configured to implement such methods. |
| US11150176B2 |
Methods for detecting coincident sample events, and devices and systems related thereto
In some aspects of the present disclosure, methods of detecting coincident sample events are provided. The methods include receiving a first set of signal data representing detected signals from a flow cytometer system; detecting, with a peak detection module, one or more peaks within the signal data; and cancelling, with a successive cancellation module, one or more individual sample events from the signal data at corresponding time indexes, wherein the cancellation of more than one individual sample event is successive. Devices and system related thereto are also provided. |
| US11150173B2 |
Laser speckle micro-rheology in characterization of biomechanical properties of tissues
Laser speckle microrheology is used to determine a mechanical property of a biological tissue, namely, an elastic modulus. Speckle frames may be acquired by illuminating a coherent light and capturing back-scattered rays in parallel and cross-polarized states with respect to illumination. The speckle frames may be analyzed temporally to obtain diffuse reflectance profiles (DRPs) for the parallel-polarized and cross-polarized states. A scattering characteristic of particles in the biological tissue may be determined based on the DRPs, and a displacement characteristic may be determined based at least in part on a speckle intensity autocorrelation function and the scattering characteristic. A size characteristic of scattering particles may be determined based on the DRP for the parallel polarization state. The mechanical property may be calculated using the displacement and size characteristics. |
| US11150172B2 |
Ice nucleii counter technology
A method and system of measuring the size distribution of particles within dilute colloids, for example, through variation of the minimum ice-nucleation sizes of particles within the colloid. The system for measuring particles in fluids includes, a sample fluid inlet and an ice nuclei counter communicatively connected to the sample fluid inlet, the ice nuclei counter cooling the sample fluid and measuring particles which form crystals in the cooled fluid. The method for measuring particles in fluid includes the steps of providing a sample fluid, cooling the sample fluid, and measuring particles which form crystals in the cooled fluid. |
| US11150170B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring deformation stiffness of a secondary battery
An apparatus for measuring a deformation stiffness of an article includes a force measuring means configured to measure a force generated in a thickness direction of the article; a thickness measuring means configured to measure a thickness of the article; and a data processor configured to differentiate force with respect to thickness to calculate the deformation stiffness of the article, wherein each of the force and the thickness are a result of a volume change of the article. |
| US11150169B2 |
Analytical instruments, methods, and components
Variable temperature analytical instrument components are provided that can include: a conduit configured to extend between two chambers having different pressures; and a first mass about a section of the conduit, wherein the first mass is maintained at a first temperature. Variable temperature analytical instruments are provided that can include: a sample chamber configured to be operably coupled to a heat or cold source via one or more conduits; an interface component configured to engage the one or more conduits with the sample chamber, the interface comprising a conduit configured to extend between two chambers having different pressures; and a first mass about a section of the conduit, wherein the first mass is maintained at a first temperature. Methods for maintaining temperatures within a variable temperature analytical instrument are also provided. These methods can include maintaining a temperature within a conduit extending between two components of the instrument while each component is maintained at different pressures. |
| US11150164B2 |
Devices, systems and methods, and sensor modules for use in monitoring the structural health of structures
A structural health monitoring system is provided comprising sensors and/or sensor modules attached to, or near to, one or more parts or regions of a structure that detect and measure data regarding physical or related features or phenomena associated with the structure before, during and after a load or other event impacting or otherwise affecting the structure. The sensor modules measure and convert the detected phenomena into digital data and transmit the data to a master station for data compilation, storage and analysis. The master station is configured to produce analytic work product based on sensed phenomena which is useful for assisting inspectors in determining what action to take with respect to a structure's health after an event. |
| US11150162B1 |
Determination of pulley ratio of a belt-drive blower
An HVAC system includes a blower. The blower includes a driven pulley and a motor with a driver pulley. A motor drive supplies electrical power to the motor. A controller receives a benchmark rate of the flow of air provided by the blower and a corresponding benchmark output current of the motor drive associated with operation of the blower at a test condition. A benchmark input power corresponding to the benchmark output current is determined based on a predetermined relationship between input power and output current for the motor drive. A ratio of the benchmark rate of the flow of air provided by the blower to the benchmark input power is determined. The controller determines a pulley ratio for the blower based on this ratio. The pulley ratio corresponds to the ratio of a diameter of the driven pulley to a diameter of the driver pulley of the blower. |
| US11150157B2 |
Apparatus and method for locating a measurand anomaly along a waveguide
An apparatus for locating a measurand anomaly, such as a hot-spot, along an optical waveguide is provided having: an optical waveguide, a light source configured to transmit light along the waveguide and a plurality of sensors provided along the waveguide. Each sensor is configured to reflect a portion of light propagating along the waveguide at a respective sensor wavelength corresponding to a measurand. The plurality of sensors is configured into one or more sets according to their sensor wavelengths, each set comprising a plurality of sensors with respective sensor wavelengths, wherein the sensors are configured such that the sensor wavelength for each sensor in a respective set is substantially equal when the measurand experienced by each of the sensors in that set is equal. The apparatus further includes a detector configured to monitor the light reflected by the sensors, and a control system. |
| US11150156B2 |
Device for detecting refrigerant leak in refrigeration cycle
The purpose of the present invention is to propose a device for detecting refrigerant leaks in a refrigeration cycle. The device can be applied irrespective of whether a liquid-receiving tank is present, has a simple configuration, and can be installed easily and inexpensively as a retrofit. Moreover, the device is configured so as to detect the presence of leaks without stopping operation of the equipment, and is innovative and of exceptional utility such that there is no decrease in the equipment operation rate as caused by detection of leaks. Provided is a device for detecting refrigerant leaks in a refrigeration cycle, the device comprising an ultrasonic wave transmitter 1 for transmitting ultrasonic waves having a prescribed frequency, an ultrasonic wave receiver 2 for receiving the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic wave transmitter 1, an ultrasonic wave reception determination unit 3 for determining whether the ultrasonic wave receiver 2 has received the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic wave transmitter 1, and a leak reporting unit 4 for externally reporting a leak event when the ultrasonic wave reception determination unit 3 has determined that the ultrasonic wave receiver 2 has not received the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic wave transmitter 1. |
| US11150153B2 |
Torque sensing and transmitting device
A torque-sensing and transmitting device is provided. The device includes a transmission body, two vibration-damping members, two inner casings, two outer casings, a first circuit board module, and a battery module. The two inner casings are disposed on a shaft of the transmission body, and a vibration-damping member is disposed between the inner casing and the shaft. The first circuit board module is disposed in one of the two inner casings, and the first circuit board module is covered by a vibration-damping layer. The battery module is disposed on the other inner casing, and the battery module is covered by a vibration-damping layer. With the configuration of the vibration-damping member and the vibration-damping layer, this device solves the problem of the first circuit board module and the battery module being damaged due to vibration. |
| US11150152B2 |
Retroreflective multi-axis force torque sensor
The present application discloses implementations that relate to devices and techniques for sensing position, force, and torque. Devices described herein may include a light emitter, photodetectors, and a curved reflector. The light emitter may project light onto the curved reflector, which may reflect portions of that projected light onto one or more of the photodetectors. Based on the illuminances measured at the photodetectors, the position of the curved reflector may be determined. In some implementations, the curved reflector and the light emitter may be elastically coupled via one or more spring elements; in these implementations, a force vector representing a magnitude and direction of a force applied against the curved reflector may be determined based on the position of the curved reflector. |
| US11150151B2 |
Method and device for monitoring chain tension
Chain tension monitoring device (40) is configured for monitoring a chain tension force (FC) of a drive chain (27) extending in a longitudinal direction forming closed loop between two sprockets (26, 28). The chain tension monitoring device (40) comprises a sensor device (41) configured for mechanically contacting the drive chain (27), detecting movement of the drive chain (27) transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal direction of the drive chain (27), and providing a detection signal indicating the detected movement of the drive chain (27); and an evaluator (50) configured for receiving the detection signal provided by the sensor device (41) and determining a chain tension force (FC) of the drive chain (27) from said detection signal. |
| US11150148B2 |
Optical fiber detecting device and method for detecting mechanical strain using optical fiber detecting device
An optical fiber detecting device includes: an optical fiber configured to extend in contact with a surface of an object to be measured; a metal covering configured to cover a part of the optical fiber in an extending direction of the optical fiber from an outside of the object to be measured; a fixing section configured to fix an inner surface of the metal covering and the optical fiber; and welding sections configured to fix the metal covering to the object to be measured at positions interposing the optical fiber in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the optical fiber. |
| US11150147B2 |
Woven fabric having a plurality of woven fabric layers
A woven fabric includes first and second woven fabric layers with an intermediate layer in between, which form a sensor with an electrical characteristic that changes while a force is acting on the woven fabric. The first layer includes electrically conductive strips and electrically non-conductive strips arranged adjacent to one another in an alternating manner. The second layer includes alternating conductive strips and non-conductive strips that extend transverse to the strips of the first layer. At least some of the threads in each of the conductive strips of the first layer are conductive weft threads. At least some of the threads in each of the conductive strips of the second layer are conductive weft threads. The non-conductive strips of the first and second layers are weft threads. |
| US11150143B2 |
Temperature locale sensors and related methods
Temperature locale sensors include an enclosure defining a sealed volume with a phase-change material therein at a known pressure. The phase-change material is formulated to exhibit a gas-to-solid phase change, without condensing to a liquid phase, at the known pressure and a targeted temperature, i.e., the material's “deposition temperature.” The phase-change material—while at least partially in gaseous form, either initially or after sublimation—is exposed to an environment with temperatures varying by location, including a maximum temperature above the phase-change material's deposition temperature and other temperatures at or below the deposition temperature. The gaseous phase-change material, in a location at the deposition temperature, solidifies from its gaseous phase to form solid grain deposits on a surface within the enclosure of the sensor. The solid deposits precisely identify the location of the specific, targeted deposition temperature. |
| US11150140B2 |
Instrumented substrate apparatus for acquiring measurement parameters in high temperature process applications
An apparatus includes a substrate, a nested enclosure assembly including an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure, wherein the outer enclosure encloses the inner enclosure and the inner enclosure encloses at least the electronic assembly. An insulating medium is disposed within a cavity between the outer surface of the inner enclosure and the inner surface of the outer enclosure and the system includes a sensor assembly communicatively coupled to the electronic assembly. The sensor assembly includes one or more sensors that are configured to acquire one or more measurement parameters at one or more locations of the substrate. The electronic assembly is configured to receive the one or more measurement parameters from the one or more sensors. |
| US11150138B2 |
Radiation thermometer
In order that a temperature of a measurement object whose non-transmission wavelength range is narrow, such as isopropyl alcohol can be measured highly accurately without increasing the size of a radiation thermometer, the radiation thermometer includes an infrared detection element to detect infrared ray emitted from the measurement object. The radiation thermometer is designed to measure the temperature of the measurement object on the basis of intensity of infrared ray detected by the infrared detection element. The radiation thermometer further includes a filter group made up of a plurality of infrared filters arranged on an optical path of infrared ray introduced into the infrared detection element. The filter group permits transmission of at least infrared ray in each of a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range which are not overlapped with each other. |
| US11150137B2 |
Thermal imaging with an integrated photonics chip
An integrated photonics chip for thermal imaging comprises a photonics substrate including a plurality of receiver elements. Each receiver element comprises a first grating coupler optically coupled to a first waveguide filter and configured to receive a first wavelength of light at a given angle, with the first waveguide filter configured to pass the first wavelength of light; and a second grating coupler optically coupled to a second waveguide filter and configured to receive a second wavelength of light at the given angle, with second waveguide filter configured to pass the second wavelength of light. Each receiver element receives the wavelengths of light from an object of interest that emits the light due to blackbody radiation, and receives the wavelengths of light at respectively different angles. Each grating coupler receives a unique wavelength of light with respect to the other wavelengths of light received by the other grating couplers. |
| US11150134B2 |
Spectral information acquisition system, inspection method, and manufacturing method
The spectral information acquisition system includes an illumination optical system configured to illuminate an object being moved and a spectral optical system configured to disperse light from the object illuminated by the illumination optical system. The illumination optical system includes a separation element configured to separate a light flux emitted from a light source into a first polarized light flux having a first polarization state and a second polarized light flux having a second polarization state, and a phase plate configured to change the polarization state of at least one of the first polarized light flux and the second polarized light flux. The first polarized light flux illuminates the object from a first direction, and the second polarized light flux illuminates the object from a second direction that is different from the first direction. |
| US11150129B2 |
Optical sensing module
An optical sensing module has a light source and an optical sensing integrated circuit device. The optical sensing integrated circuit device has an optical sensor and a grating. The optical sensor and the light source are arranged along a first direction. The grating is formed over the optical sensor and has multiple parallel wires. The multiple wires are perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US11150127B2 |
Vibrometer assembly, rotating machine, and vibrometer attachment method and removal method
A vibrometer assembly including a vibrometer configured to measure vibration of a rotating shaft, includes: a probe of the vibrometer that is to be secured to a bearing device that supports the rotating shaft; a guide cylinder that is to be provided to a case so as to penetrate the case and protrude into the case, the case being located outside the bearing device; an attachment that is to be connected to the probe and inserted into the guide cylinder, and at least partially has a movable portion to allow the probe to be axially aligned with an inside securing portion in the bearing device; and an outside securing portion that secures the attachment to the guide cylinder or the case outside the case. |
| US11150123B2 |
System for measuring a filling level
A system for measuring a filling level in a container for liquids that can be installed in a vehicle, which comprises a sound conductor, a vibration sensor for measuring a natural frequency of the sound conductor, a sound transmitter, in particular an ultrasound transmitter, for subjecting the sound conductor to sound, a sound receiver for receiving sound from the sound conductor, and an evaluation unit, which has a data connection to the sound transmitter and the sound receiver, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine a distance between the sound transmitter and a boundary surface of the liquid, and to evaluate the distance with regard to a filling level of the container, and to evaluate the natural frequency of the sound conductor with regard to a density of the liquid. |
| US11150121B2 |
Monitoring of fluid flow
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the measurement of a pressure differential across a differential pressure flow meter ΔP1 and the line pressure drop due to friction ΔPf along a length L of pipe. Subsequently, the quantity (formula) is calculated, enabling the inline calculation of multiple properties of the flow. Calculated flow properties include friction factor, Reynolds number, discharge coefficient, density, viscosity, and corrected flowrate. The present invention further relates to a method of calibration of a differential flow meter and a calibration apparatus for a differential flow meter utilising the same principles. |
| US11150118B2 |
Flow sensor devices and systems
A flow rate assembly can include a housing having a measurement channel extending along the housing axis and through a portion of the housing between the first and second ends of the housing, an outer cup portion positioned at least partly within the housing, and a transducer positioned within the outer cup portion and sealed from fluid flow past the outer cup portion, the transducer having a width perpendicular to the housing axis and greater than the width of the measurement channel, the transducer configured to generate an ultrasonic signal and to direct the ultrasonic signal through the measurement channel. |
| US11150114B1 |
Fiber optic electromagnetic phenomena sensor system
A multiplexed fiber optic sensor system including at least one light source, one or more first optical fibers having a first end arranged to receive light from the light source(s) and transmit the light to at least one fiber optic sensor, and one or more second optical fibers arranged to receive reflected light from the fiber optic sensors and transmit the reflected light to a light sensing element. Using the sensor system, it is possible to measure physical phenomena, such as electromagnetic phenomena, along multiple points along or within a material or structure of interest or on separate materials or structures. The fiber optic sensors can be electromagnetic phenomena sensors, pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, strain sensors, temperature sensors, or other sensors designed to measure physical phenomena. The sensor system can be used to measure phenomena of interest at several locations or take different kinds of measurements at the same or approximately the same location. |
| US11150113B2 |
Steering device
A steering device includes: a gripping detection unit that detects that a steering wheel of a vehicle is gripped, when a capacitance detection value detected using a sensor electrode provided in the steering wheel increases beyond a predetermined gripping detection threshold value; and a manipulation input detection unit that detects occurrence of a manipulation input to the steering wheel, when the capacitance detection value decreases below a manipulation input detection threshold value set to be higher than the gripping detection threshold value from a state in which the capacitance detection value is higher than the manipulation input detection threshold value, and then increases beyond the manipulation input detection threshold value again without decreasing below the gripping detection threshold value. |
| US11150110B2 |
Sensor having a shaped coil
Methods and apparatus for sensing target position by generating a signal by energizing a shaped coil with an AC signal. A sensor receives a signal reflected by a target in response to the signal from the shaped coil, wherein the shaped coil has a first width, and wherein the sensor includes a first sensing element aligned with the shaped coil at the first width, wherein a ratio of the first width and a distance from the sensor to the target is about three-to-one. The received signal can be processed to determine position information of the target. In some embodiments, a shaped coil can have a trapezoidal shape and sensors aligned with the coil to select a sensor based upon target to sensor distance. |
| US11150109B2 |
Displacement detecting device and continuously variable transmission device
A system includes a magnet for forming a magnetic field and a sensor between the magnet and an object having a circumferential surface. The object rotates around a rotation axis direction of the circumferential surface and displaces along the rotation axis direction, and an interaction between the magnet and a recess or projection portion of the circumferential surface of the object is configured to induce the magnetic field. The sensor outputs a first signal proportional to a first magnetic flux density in the rotation axis direction at a predetermined time, outputs a second signal proportional to a second magnetic flux density in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential surface of the object at the predetermined time, calculates an angle based on the first and the second magnetic flux density, and output a third signal proportional to the angle based on the first and the second magnetic flux density. |
| US11150104B2 |
Route management utilizing geolocation based clustering
A method for route management based on geolocation based clustering includes receiving data collected from a plurality of vehicles for a plurality of clusters. The method generates an initial set of rules for the plurality of vehicles operating in each cluster from the plurality of clusters based on the data collected from the plurality of vehicles. The method determines a first cluster out of the plurality of cluster based on a geolocation of a first vehicle traveling along a route. Responsive to identifying a set of cluster specific rules for the first cluster, the method determines a first hardware requirement out of the plurality of hardware requirements defined by the set of cluster specific rules is not present on the vehicle. The method identifies an alternative cluster based on the first hardware requirement being absent and instructs the vehicle to travel to the alternative cluster. |
| US11150103B2 |
Encoding parking search cruise routes using bloom filters
A parking cruise request is received. A network version starting segment is identified and a route determination algorithm is expended starting at the network version starting segment. When the route determination algorithm is expanded to a new segment, a cost value is determined for the new segment based at least on the likelihood of finding parking on the new segment. Responsive to determining that the likelihood of finding parking along the cruise route does satisfy the threshold probability requirement, map version agnostic identifiers for each segment of the cruise route are generated. Each of the map version agnostic identifiers are coded using at least one coding function to generate coded map version agnostic identifiers. A bloom filter having the coded map version agnostic identifiers as members is generated. A parking cruise route response comprising the bloom filter is provided such that a mobile apparatus receives the parking cruise route response. |
| US11150099B2 |
Detecting vehicular deviation from a specified path
Amount of distance and/or time spent driving off-road by a vehicle during a specified drive may be detected. Readings from a location device and accelerometer sensor of the vehicle may be compared with historical readings of other vehicles taking similar drives, and for example, with similar driving behaviors, to detect off-road driving by the vehicle. |
| US11150091B2 |
Angular velocity sensors
An angular velocity sensor comprises: an insulative support layer (10); a substrate layer (8) formed of a silica-based material and comprising a planar ring structure (2) mounted to vibrate in-plane; and a plurality of conductive electrodes (14), each comprising a first set of moveable conductive electrode tracks (14a) formed on a surface of the planar ring and a second set of fixed conductive electrode tracks (14b) formed on a surface of the insulative support layer axially spaced from the surface of the planar ring. The first and second sets of conductive electrode tracks are interdigitated with a lateral spacing between them in a radial direction. Each moveable conductive electrode track has a radial offset from a median line between adjacent fixed conductive electrode tracks such that each moveable conductive electrode track has a different lateral spacing from two different adjacent fixed conductive electrode tracks in opposite radial directions. |
| US11150090B2 |
Machine learning zero-rate level calibration
One or more embodiments are directed to zero-rate level compensation systems. One such system includes stationary detection circuitry that receives gyroscope signals output by a gyroscope and determines whether the gyroscope is stationary based on the gyroscope signals. The stationary detection circuitry generates a stationary gyroscope signal indicating the gyroscope is stationary based on a determination that the gyroscope is stationary. A temperature sensor senses temperature and outputs temperature signals. Zero-rate level estimation circuitry receives the stationary gyroscope signal and a temperature signal associated with the stationary gyroscope signal, and iteratively estimates one or more zero-rate level compensation parameters based on the stationary gyroscope signal and the temperature signal. |
| US11150084B2 |
Verification method
The present invention relates to a verification method of tablets, in particular pharmaceutical tablets. It further relates to an invisible secure marking or information which is a part of such tablet. The invention further relates to tablets suitable for such verification method, to processes for manufacturing such tablets and methods for reading the information. |
| US11150082B2 |
Optical shape sensor for determining shape of a flexible substrate
A shape sensor employs light guide technology to determine curvature of a flexible substrate to which the shape sensor is applied. The shape sensor includes a flexible two-dimensional lattice of first light guides that extend in a first direction and second light guides that extend in a second direction that intersects with the first direction. The light guides include a core having a refractive index that is greater than a refractive index of a cladding material in which the light guides are embedded, and intersect at intersecting core regions at which crosstalk of light travel occurs between the first light guides and the second light guides. A controller transmits excitation control signals to light sources of the light guides and reads output signals from photodetectors. The controller further determines a curvature of the shape sensor based on the output signals read from the photodetectors. |
| US11150078B1 |
High sensitivity image-based reflectometry
Methods for performing imaging reflectometry measurements include determining a representative reflectance intensity value using multiple images of a measurement area that includes a particular structure and/or using a plurality of pixels each associated with the particular structure within the measurement area. A parameter associated with the particular structure is determined using the representative reflectance intensity value. |
| US11150077B2 |
Heterodyne laser interferometer based on integrated secondary beam splitting component
Disclosed is a heterodyne laser interferometer based on an integrated secondary beam splitting component, which belongs to the technical field of laser application; the disclosure inputs two beams that are spatially separated and have different frequencies to the heterodyne laser interferometer based on the integrated secondary beam splitting component, wherein the integrated secondary beam splitting component includes two beam splitting surfaces that are spatially perpendicular to each other; and the two beam splitting surfaces are plated with a polarizing beam splitting film or a non-polarizing beam splitting film, and a measurement beam and a reference beam are the same in travel path length in the integrated secondary beam splitting component. The heterodyne laser interferometer of the disclosure significantly reduces periodic nonlinear errors, has the advantages of simple structure, good thermal stability, large tolerance angle and easy integration and assembly compared with other existing heterodyne laser interferometers with spatially separated optical paths, and meets the high-precision and high-resolution requirements of high-end equipment on heterodyne laser interferometry. |
| US11150075B2 |
Angle detection device and electric power steering control device
An angle detection device including: an angle sensor AGSE outputting first and second sine wave signals SINWS1, SINWS2 having phases that are different from each other by 90 degrees in accordance with rotation of a detection target; an angle calculator calculating an angle signal corresponding to a rotation angle of the detection target based on SINWS1 and SINWS2; and an angle sensor AGSE abnormality determiner ASAD determining an abnormality of AGSE based on SINWS1 and SINWS2. The ASAD includes: an amplitude signal calculator calculating an amplitude signal MALS based on a square root of a sum of squares of SINWS1 and SINWS2; a first angle signal ANGS1 calculation processor calculating ANGS1 based on SINWS1 and MALS; a second angle signal ANGS2 calculation processor calculating ANGS2 based on SINWS2 and MALS; and an abnormality determination processor determining the abnormality of AGSE based on an error between ANGS1 and ANGS2. |
| US11150074B2 |
Nanocomposite force sensing material
Nanocomposite sensing materials are formulated with low aspect ratio conductive fillers with close to or higher than percolation threshold in a low Poisson's Ratio matrix binder with a high gauge factor, low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), low temperature coefficient of gauge factor (TCGF), and low hysteresis. |
| US11150070B2 |
Method for estimating the external radius of a tyre fitted to a wheel of a motor vehicle
A method for estimating the external radius Re of a tire fitted to a wheel of a motor vehicle, the wheel including a radial acceleration sensor. The method includes: acquiring, by the sensor, a signal S when the vehicle is in motion under non-steady-state conditions, detecting local extrema of the signal S which are respectively associated with phase values and with detection instants, determining a variation in frequency F′ of rotation of the wheel as a function of said phase values and of said detection instants, determining, for at least one detection instant, a discrepancy between the local extremum associated with said detection instant and a reference signal obtained by eliminating the fluctuations in the signal S, determining a value for the longitudinal acceleration Val of the vehicle as a function of the at least one discrepancy, estimating the external radius Re as a function of Val and F′. |
| US11150065B2 |
Thermal energy absorbing structures
Thermally-sensitive hardware is at least partially enclosed within a container in which reactants for a solid-solid endothermic chemical reaction are disposed, surrounding at least a portion of the thermally-sensitive hardware. The reactants or a structure including the reactants are positioned between the thermally-sensitive hardware and a heat source, such as an external surface of a missile traveling through atmospheric gases at extremely high speed and experiencing extreme frictional heating. The reactants absorb heat during the solid-solid endothermic reaction to thermally protect the thermally-sensitive hardware. The reactants are preferably selected to absorb heat of at least 5 kilo-Joules per gram (kJ/g) during the solid-solid endothermic chemical reaction. |
| US11150064B2 |
Low-observable projectile
A radar-absorbing material projectile system including a projectile with an outer layer of radar-absorbing material (RAM). A carrier or armature is disposed around the projectile, protecting the layer of RAM during the firing sequence. In some embodiments the carrier is a discarding carrier which falls away after firing, rendering the projectile low-observable with regard to radar detection due to the layer of RAM. |
| US11150060B2 |
Ring-shaped or plate-like element and method for producing same
A base body for a metal-sealing material-feedthrough subject to high pressures in an igniter for an airbag or a belt tensioning device. The base body for the metal-sealing material feedthrough is an element formed by a process of cold forming and having a ring-shape or a plate-like shape. The element includes a feedthrough opening extending from a front side of the element towards a rear side of the element. There is a metallurgic section in the element of the base body with structure-lines or flow-lines that are bent due to a reshaping process of the process of cold-forming. |
| US11150059B2 |
Deep sea mining method
A deep-sea mining device is sunk to a seabed mining area. A window of an exploding wire unit of a pulse exploding wire group is aligned to an exploding area. A strong pulse current is applied to an exploding wire of the exploding wire unit by an intense pulse power supply, and the exploding wire of the exploding wire unit and seawater in an exploding wires area are vaporized to generate shock waves, thereby breaking rocks through the impact of the seawater. The instantaneous high pressure causes the shock waves to crush the ore bed, and the pressure of the shock waves generated by the explosion of the exploding wire can be controlled by controlling the pulse voltage and current, so as to control the crushing head to crush rocks with different thicknesses. |
| US11150055B2 |
Accessory mounting device and system using same
Various embodiments of an accessory mounting device are disclosed. The device can be adapted to engage an elongated rail. The device can include a body having top, bottom, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces can include a rail engagement portion adjacent the bottom surface of the body and an accessory engagement portion adjacent the top surface. The device can also include a locking mechanism including a lever connected to the body at a pivot, and a tab extending from the lever in a direction away from the bottom surface. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism can include first and second levers each connected to the body at a pivot. The lever can rotate about a pivot axis in a direction toward the top surface of the body when the locking mechanism is manipulated from a locked position to an unlocked position. |
| US11150054B1 |
Scalable body armor carrier system for rigid ballistic plates and soft ballistic panels
In an example, a kit for assembling a scalable body armor for a wearer's body includes hard ballistic plates, soft ballistic panels, a plate carrier including a front plate carrier and a rear plate carrier connected by shoulder straps and having front and rear plate carrier pockets for receiving the hard ballistic plates, cummerbund portions extending laterally around the plate carrier and releasably connected to form a cummerbund around the wearer's body, a front panel carrier having a front outward facing side joinable to an inward facing side of the front plate carrier by contact and a front panel carrier pocket to receive one of the soft ballistic panels, and a rear panel carrier having a rear outward facing side joinable to an inward facing side of the rear plate carrier by contact and a rear panel carrier pocket to receive another one of the soft ballistic panels. |
| US11150041B2 |
Compact anti-tilt follower for an ammunition magazine
A firearm magazine assembly and a related method are disclosed. The follower has a top platform, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one slider rail on a first side of the follower. At least a portion of the at least one slider rail is at a position that is between and remote from both the proximal end of the follower and the distal end of the follower. The housing is shaped to receive the follower. The housing has a first wall having a first recess for receiving the at least one slider rail, the first recess defined by opposing surfaces. At least a portion of the at least one slider rail is shaped to engage the two opposing surfaces to limit tilt of the follower. |
| US11150035B2 |
Superconducting wire and waveguides with enhanced critical temperature, incorporating fractal plasmonic surfaces
Systems according to the present disclosure provide one or more surfaces that function as power radiating surfaces for which at least a portion of the radiating surface includes or is composed of “fractal cells” placed sufficiently closed close together to one another so that a surface wave causes near replication of current present in one fractal cell in an adjacent fractal cell. The fractal cells may lie on a flat or curved sheet or layer and be composed in layers for wide bandwidth or multibandwidth transmission. The area of a surface and its number of fractals determines the gain relative to a single fractal cell. The boundary edges of the surface may be terminated resistively so as to not degrade the cell performance at the edges. The fractal plasmonic surfaces can be utilized to facilitate electrical conduction with lower ohmic resistance than would otherwise be possible in the absence of the fractal plasmonic surface(s) at the same temperature. |
| US11150034B2 |
Water-cooling radiator
A water-cooling radiator is disclosed, comprising a heat adsorption unit and a heat radiation unit, wherein the heat adsorption unit comprises an outer shell, a bottom shell, a water path cover plate and a heat adsorption soleplate which are successively connected from top to bottom; a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe both communicated with the heat radiation unit are arranged on the bottom shell, and a pump is arranged between the heat radiation unit and the liquid inlet pipe; a third water cavity is defined by the heat adsorption soleplate and the water path cover plate, a heat sink set arranged in the third water cavity and a first water passage hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the heat sink set. The novel water-cooling radiator of the disclosed can improve the heat radiation effect, and facilitate for mounting, connecting, and maintaining. |
| US11150033B2 |
Apparatus and methods for energy storage and retrieval
The apparatus for storing and retrieving thermal energy by employing a phase change material (PCM) comprises thermally conductive units, energy sources for providing thermal energy to PCM, an inert gas system, insulation layers and outer enclosure member. The conductive unit has trench(es) for holding the PCM. The trench has opposing significantly curved longitudinal walls and side walls meeting at a base thereby having a greater internal pressure withstanding capacity. In some embodiments, the conductive units are configured to maximise the volume ratio of the PCM to conductive material. In one embodiment, the trench is partially elliptical in a planar cross section that is perpendicular to a major axis or a minor axis of the trench. The apparatus is in thermal contact with thermal energy conversion system for transferring retrieved thermal energy to thermal energy conversion system that converts retrieved thermal energy into electrical energy. |
| US11150030B2 |
Vapor chamber
A vapor chamber includes a housing including first and second sheets that face each other and that include respective outer edge portions joined to each other, supports that support the first and second sheets from inside and that are disposed therebetween, and a hydraulic fluid enclosed in the housing. The first and second sheets do not include an angled portion having an angle of about 90° or less between a joint and a support nearest to the joint. The expression 0.02≤b/a≤0.3 is satisfied, where a is a distance from an outer edge of the outermost support to an inner edge of the joint between the first and second sheets, and b is a distance between the first and second sheets at the outer edge of the outermost support. |
| US11150029B1 |
Thermal management using endothermic heat sink
A thermal management system includes a slurry generator, an injector pump coupled to the slurry generator, a heat exchanger reactor coupled to the injector pump, wherein the heat exchanger reactor is adapted to subject a thermally expendable heat absorption material to a temperature above 60° C. and a pressure below 3 kPa, and wherein the expendable heat absorption material endothermically decomposes into a gaseous by-product. A vapor cycle system is coupled to the heat exchanger reactor and is operatively connected to a thermal load. A thermal energy storage system may be coupled to the vapor cycle system and the thermal load. The thermal energy storage system may isolate the heat exchanger reactor from thermal load transients of the thermal load. |
| US11150020B2 |
Copper cooling plate with wear resistant inserts, for a blast furnace
A cooling plate for use in a blast furnace is described. The cooling plate contains a copper body having an inner face containing ribs parallel therebetween, having first extremities opposite therebetween and separated by grooves having second extremities opposite therebetween. At least one of these ribs contains at least one housing located between its first extremities and containing at least one insert made of a wear resistant material that increases locally the wear resistance of this rib. |
| US11150019B2 |
Through air drying systems and methods with hot air injection
Systems and methods for drying or bonding materials are described. A material to be dried or bonded may be passed through a through air dryer (TAD) (or other dryer). Some of the air output by a TAD may be recirculated to be passed back through material. As the air is recirculated, it is heated and mixed to a desired temperature for drying or bonding. A separate hot air injection system may heat ambient air and/or air exhausted by the TAD and inject the heated air into the recirculated air. |
| US11150016B2 |
Nitrogen production system for producing nitrogen with different purities and nitrogen production process thereof
A nitrogen production system that can produce high purity nitrogen containing a desired concentration of oxygen and ultrahigh purity nitrogen containing a desired concentration of argon in a single rectifying column while restraining increase in electric power consumption and a production process thereof are provided. The method can include the steps of rectifying a cooled and compressed air stream in the rectifying column; withdrawing the ultrahigh purity nitrogen stream from a top portion of the nitrogen rectifying column, warming the ultrahigh purity nitrogen stream in a heat exchanger, and then recovering the ultrahigh purity nitrogen stream from the heat exchanger; and withdrawing a high purity nitrogen stream from a rectification section of the nitrogen rectifying column, warming the high purity nitrogen stream in the heat exchanger, and then recovering the high purity nitrogen stream from the heat exchanger. |
| US11150013B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a storage compartment, a door, an air outlet, an imaging unit, and a determination unit. The storage compartment has a storage region that stores a stored object. The door opens and closes the storage compartment. The air outlet is provided in a rear wall of the storage region and blows cold air into the storage region. The imaging unit is provided at an inner side of the door at a position higher than or equal to a height of the air outlet and acquires an image of the storage region from the door. The determination unit determines an arrangement state of the stored object stored in the storage region based on the image acquired by the imaging unit. |
| US11150012B2 |
Refrigerator and method of controlling the same
A method of controlling a refrigerator includes: controlling a cooling unit such that an output of the cooling unit becomes a first reference output for a first reference time previously determined; controlling the cooling unit such that the output of the cooling unit becomes a second reference output for a second reference time previously determined; calculating a representative value of a temperature of a storage compartment for an operating period, which is made by a sum of the first reference time and the second reference time, and comparing the calculated representative value with a specific temperature in a temperature satisfying range of the storage compartment; and varying, by a control unit, at least one of the first reference time and the second reference time depending on a comparison result between the specific temperature and the representative value and controlling operating of the cooling unit based on a varied reference time. |
| US11150010B2 |
Refrigerator tuck shelf with flush profile and co-injected fixed glass
A refrigerator shelf includes a frame having laterally spaced first and second side members, each with respective first ends. A first substrate is received between the first and second side members, defines a first edge, and is directly supported on the first and second side members so as to be moveable along the first and second side members between an extended position with the first edge adjacent to the first ends of the first and second side members and a tucked position with the front edge spaced away from the first ends. |
| US11150004B1 |
Integrated ice chute with dispenser housing
A dispenser assembly for a refrigerator door. The dispenser assembly including a superjacent housing having an open front and an ice chute extending from a rear of the superjacent housing. The ice chute has a proximal end integrally attached to the rear of the superjacent housing and an open distal end. A subjacent housing has an upper end attachable to a lower end of the superjacent housing. The subjacent housing has an open front defining a cavity for receiving a container. The lower end of the superjacent housing is configured to sealingly engage with the upper end of the subjacent housing. |
| US11150001B2 |
Cooling system with compressor bypass
A cooling system is designed to generally allow for one or more compressors to be bypassed when ambient temperatures are low. The system includes a bypass line and valve that opens when ambient temperatures are low and/or when the pressure of the refrigerant in the system is low. In this manner, the refrigerant can flow through the bypass line instead of through one or more compressors. These compressors may then be shut off. To supply any needed pressure to cycle the refrigerant, the system may include a pump that turns on when the bypass line is open. When ambient temperatures are extremely low, thermosiphon may be used to cycle the refrigerant. |
| US11149999B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus having foreign substance release control
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit, a controller, a bypass pipe, a refrigerant cooler, a second expansion device, and a controller temperature sensor. In a case where a temperature measured by the controller temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a set temperature in a state where an opening degree of the second expansion device is controlled to an instruction opening degree that is lower than or equal to a set opening degree, the controller is configured to perform foreign substance release control where the controller is configured to increase the opening degree of the second expansion device and then is configured to return the opening degree of the second expansion device to the instruction opening degree. |
| US11149998B2 |
Apparatus for maintaining a motor vehicle air conditioning system provided with carbon dioxide and operating method thereof
Maintenance apparatus of an air conditioning system mounted on a motor vehicle. The maintenance apparatus comprises: two external ducts, a discharging circuit, which is connected to the ducts to receive the carbon dioxide contained in the air conditioning system at a first pressure and a first flow rate and is structured so as to discharge the carbon dioxide received into the environment, a measuring apparatus, which is configured so as to measure the amount of carbon dioxide that passes through the discharging circuit, and a pressure and flow rate reducing device, which is structured so as to reduce the first pressure and the first flow rate of the carbon dioxide to the be measured to a second predetermined pressure and to a second predetermined flow rate, respectively. |
| US11149995B2 |
Evaporator and refrigerator having the same
Disclosed is an evaporator including a case formed in an empty box type and having a storage chamber therein; a cooling tube formed on the case in a preset pattern and filled with refrigerant for cooling therein; a heating tube formed on the case in a preset pattern so as not to be overlapped with the cooling tube and filled with working fluid for defrosting therein; and a heating unit fixed to an external surface of the case corresponding to the heating tube and configured to heat the working fluid within the heating tube. |
| US11149994B2 |
Uneven flow valve for a caloric regenerator
A caloric regenerator system includes a flow body that defines a plurality of cold side channels, a plurality of hot side channels and a central passage. A port body is received within the central passage of the flow body such that the flow body is rotatable relative to the port body. The port body defines a hot side port and a cold side port. A width of the hot side port is less than a width of the cold side port. An annular caloric regenerator is in flow communication with the plurality of cold side channels and the plurality of hot side channels such that a heat transfer fluid is flowable into the annular caloric regenerator through the plurality of cold side channels and out of the annular caloric regenerator through the plurality of hot side channels. |
| US11149987B2 |
Solar heat collector tube and production method thereof
A solar heat collector tube in which at least an infrared reflective layer, a sunlight-heat conversion layer and an anti-reflection layer are provided on the outer surface of a tube, through the interior of which a heat medium can flow, wherein the infrared reflective layer is an Ag layer in which silicon, silicon nitride or a mixture thereof is dispersed, and a method for producing the solar heat collector tube wherein the infrared reflective layer that is an Ag layer, in which silicon, silicon nitride or a mixture thereof is dispersed, is formed by sputtering in the presence of a gas including nitrogen gas, with Ag and silicon being used as targets. |
| US11149986B2 |
Method and system for securing temperature sensors on the outer surface of a tank of an electric water heater
A temperature sensor securing system and method is described for securing two or more temperature sensors against an outer surface of a side wall of a tank of an electric water heater. The temperature sensors are secured spaced apart on an elongated support such as a circuit board which is held in position against the tank outer surface by support means. An expandable liquid foam causes the temperature sensors to be biased against the outer surface of the tank side wall to sense the temperature of the side wall at the location of the sensors and to generate actual temperature signals to a controller which is programmed to communicate with a subscriber and/or energy provider to control the water temperature inside the tank. |
| US11149984B2 |
Apparatus for supporting expansion tank
An apparatus supporting a thermal or hydronic expansion tank in fluid communication via a pipe nipple with a water heater in a water piping system. The supporting apparatus comprises a mounting base adapted to be mounted directly to the water heater. A rack constructed of rigid material is adapted to be secured to the tank. The rack is fastened to the mounting base. The tank is mounted in a vertical orientation on the water heater with the pipe nipple pointing upward or downward. There is sufficient spatial separation of the tank from the mounting base to permit the tank to be insulated or otherwise covered for protecting the tank from the environment. |
| US11149983B2 |
Hot water boiler with vortex guide
A hot-water storage type boiler having a vortex guide portion is proposed. Since the present invention includes a spiral portion inside a casing, water supplied into the casing is moved to the upper side of the space part, while being in contact with fire tubes for a long time by moving spirally along the spiral portion, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency of the fire tubes. In addition, since the water supplied into the casing is moved spirally along the spiral portion to form a vortex, the flow of water moving in the direction of a hot-water discharge portion collides with a firebox lower surface part at a high speed, thereby having an effect of preventing scale from accumulating on the firebox lower surface part. |
| US11149980B2 |
Retrofit damper with pivoting connection between deployment and operational configurations
A damper assembly is configured for deployment in a forced air duct that supplies conditioned air through a register boot to a register vent secured relative to the register boot. The damper assembly includes a damper unit and a deployment strap. The deployment strap includes a first end secured relative to the damper unit and an opposing second end and has a length that is sufficient to position the damper unit in the forced air duct when the second end of the deployment strap is secured relative to the register boot. When in a deployment configuration, the damper unit has a reduced profile to facilitate deliver of the damper unit through the register boot and into the forced air duct. When in an operational configuration, the damper unit is configured to operate a damper blade between a closed position and an open position. |
| US11149977B2 |
Air diffuser
An air diffuser for supplying air to a space is provided, the diffuser having a central axis, a plurality of discharge elements arranged to guide an air stream towards the space and defining a face of the diffuser and a plurality of channels located about the diffuser central axis, with each channel formed between adjacent pairs of discharge elements. An adjustment mechanism is also provided for adjusting a discharge direction of an air diffuser, as well as methods of forming the air diffusers and adjustment mechanisms hereof. |
| US11149976B2 |
Systems and methods for flow control in an HVAC system
A method for controlling flow in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes adjusting a setpoint associated with a valve based on a temperature change across a heating or cooling coil to reduce energy waste. The method includes receiving a first temperature measurement associated with an inlet of the coil, receiving a second temperature measurement associated with an outlet of the coil, calculating a difference between the first temperature measurement and the second temperature measurement, determining that the difference between the first temperature measurement and the second temperature measurement is below a threshold, and adjusting a setpoint associated with the valve. Additional control features may be provided to improve system behavior such as a pulse generation feature, a change-limiting feature, and a reevaluation feature. |
| US11149973B2 |
Wall mount connector including memory
A thermostat that is configured to be releasably secured to a wall mountable connector, wherein the wall mountable connector includes a jumper switch that permits an installer or other professional to easily form an electrical connection between different wiring terminals of the wall mountable connector in accordance with how particular field wires are connected to the wiring terminals of the wall mountable connector. The thermostat is further configured to automatically determine the position of the jumper switch of the wall mountable connector, and in some cases, change the control of at least some functionality of the thermostat and/or HVAC equipment depending on the position of the jumper switch. |
| US11149970B2 |
Cooling systems having an integrated ionic liquid salt dehumidification system
A cooling systems utilizes an organic ionic salt composition for dehumidification of an airflow. The organic ionic salt composition absorbs moisture from an inlet airflow to produce an outlet airflow with a reduce moisture from that of the inlet airflow. The organic ionic salt composition may be regenerated, wherein the absorbed moisture is expelled by heating with a heating device. The heating device may be an electrochemical heating device, such as a fuel cell, an electrochemical metal hydride heating device, an electrochemical heat pump or compressor, or a condenser of a refrigerant cycle, which may utilize an electrochemical pump or compressor. The efficiency of the cooling system may be increased by utilization of the waste heat the cooling system. The organic ionic salt composition may circulate back and forth or in a loop between a conditioner, where it absorbs moisture, to a regenerator, where moisture is desorbed by heating. |
| US11149967B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes a housing comprising an external panel defining an external appearance and having an opening formed at the external panel; a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air flowing into the housing; and an air discharge unit configured to discharge air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger out of the housing. The air discharge unit includes a first discharge unit connected to the opening and discharging air; and a second discharge unit provided at the external panel and discharging air. A method of blowing heat-exchanged air may be changed in accordance with an environment of a user. |
| US11149959B2 |
Cooking apparatus and method for controlling cooking apparatus
Provided is a cooking apparatus and method of controlling the cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber; a heating portion installed in the cooking chamber; and a smoking agent accommodation portion separably mounted on the heating portion and capable of accommodating a smoking agent. |
| US11149957B2 |
Cooking vessel support grate
According to one example, a cooking vessel support grate includes a grate with at least two downward extending legs, with each leg having a lower surface. The cooking vessel support grate further includes an upward extending cavity disposed on the lower surface of each of the legs, and an elastic member attached to each of the legs. The elastic member has an upper portion that at least partially fills the cavity of the respective leg. The elastic member further has a lower portion that projects downward from the lower surface of the respective leg and that covers the surface area of the lower surface of the respective leg. |
| US11149954B2 |
Multi-can annular rotating detonation combustor
A rotating detonation combustion system is generally provided. The rotating detonation combustion system includes an outer wall, an upstream wall, and a radial wall. The outer wall is defined circumferentially around a combustor centerline extended along a lengthwise direction. The outer wall defines a first radius portion generally upstream along the outer wall. A second radius portion is defined generally downstream along the outer wall and a transition portion is defined between the first and second radius portions. The first radius portion defines a first radius greater than a second radius at the second radius portion. The transition portion defines a generally decreasing radius from the first radius portion to the second radius portion. The upstream wall is defined circumferentially around the combustor centerline and is extended along the lengthwise direction and inward radially of the first radius portion of the outer wall. An oxidizer passage is defined within the upstream wall. A combustion chamber is defined downstream of the upstream wall and radially inward of the outer wall. The radial wall is coupled to the outer wall and the upstream wall. A fluid injection opening is defined through at least one of the radial wall or the outer wall adjacent to the combustion chamber. |
| US11149951B2 |
Combustor and gas turbine including the same
In a combustor including a plurality of combustion nozzles, and a gas turbine including the same, fuel can be uniformly mixed with compressed air for each combustion nozzle. The combustor includes a plurality of combustion nozzles arranged in a nozzle casing, and each combustion nozzle includes a nozzle shroud for taking in compressed air; an injection cylinder concentrically disposed in the nozzle shroud and configured to be supplied with fuel for mixing with the compressed air; and a plurality of swirlers circumferentially arranged around the injection cylinder and configured to inject the fuel from the injection cylinder into the shroud. The plurality of swirlers divide an interior space of the nozzle shroud into a plurality of fluid flow regions, and include a pair of adjacent swirlers spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance that differs from a circumferential distance between another pair of adjacent swirlers. |
| US11149945B2 |
Corrosion resistant air preheater with lined tubes
A dew point corrosion resistant heat exchanging system having a plurality of hollow heat transferring tubes through which cooler ambient air or hot combustion product gasses flow. The other of the air or gas flows across the outer surfaces of the tubes, and heat is transferred from the hot gasses to the ambient air, thus heating the air. A portion of the tubes includes an inner liner forming an air pocket chamber between the liner and the outer wall of the tube. The air pocket chamber provides heat transfer advantages that maintain the tubes at a temperature above the dew point of the gasses in the system, thus inhibiting corrosion of the tubes. |
| US11149944B2 |
Burner for the combustion of material for combustion in the form of a comminuted wood product, in particular of fine material
The disclosure relates to a burner for burning combustible material in the form of a comminuted wood product, especially fine material, with (a) a combustible material feed for supplying the combustible material, (b) a screw conveyor for conveying the combustible material, (c) a combustion zone, wherein the screw conveyor is arranged to convey the combustible material (18) from the combustible material feed (20) to the combustion zone, (d) an air feed for supplying air to the combustion zone, and (e) a burner mouth for leading combustion gases out of the combustion zone. According to the disclosure, a compacting zone is provided, which is configured behind the combustible material feed and in front of the combustion zone in the direction of material flow (M) of the combustible material, wherein an auger of the screw conveyor and the compacting zone are preferably designed to compress the combustible material in the compacting zone. |
| US11149942B2 |
Finger air baffle for high efficiency furnace
One aspect of this disclosure provides a finger baffle for a heating furnace. This embodiment includes an elongated support plate having a length, and at least one finger baffle extending outwardly and in a vertically oriented direction from the elongated support plate. The at least one finger baffle has a width that extends along the length of the elongated support plate. The finger baffle may be employed in a high-efficiency gas furnace. |
| US11149939B2 |
Illuminating speaker unit
An apparatus for an audio sound system may include a speaker unit that may include a speaker housing configured to be selectively, at least partially, illuminated. The speaker unit may further include an illumination source configured to at least partially illuminate the speaker housing. |
| US11149935B2 |
Apparatus with lighting devices and wiring box connected by wires
A lighting apparatus includes a wiring box, a wiring board, multiple wires and a manual switch. The wiring box has a top cover and a bottom cover together forming a container space. The wiring board is disposed in the container space. Multiple wires are used. Each wire has a first end attached to the wiring board and a first detachable connector for respectively connecting to a second detachable connector of a light device. The manual switch is provided for a user to operate to control the light devices, and may be a button for turning on or turning off one or all light devices, or multiple buttons respectively for controlling different light devices. |
| US11149933B2 |
Electrical connector and luminaire assembly
An electrical connector and luminaire assembly are provided. The electrical connector includes a base including a bottom wall and two side walls, the two side walls being on both sides of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall and the two side walls defining a receiving channel; a first printed circuit board fixed on the base, the first printed circuit board and the receiving channel being respectively located at two sides of the bottom wall; and a plurality of first conductive terminals electrically connected to the first printed circuit board and extending through the bottom wall of the base into the receiving channel. |
| US11149930B2 |
Area light
An area light includes a housing defining a central axis. A lens is coupled to a first end of the housing and a light assembly is disposed within the lens. The light assembly includes one or more LEDs. A battery is selectively coupled to a battery port and arranged to provide power to the LEDs. A hook is coupled to a second end of the housing. A slot on the second end of the housing is configured to receive a support member that is configured to support the light. A user interface includes a first control member configured to turn the one or more LEDs on and off, and a second control member configured to switch the intensity of the one or more LEDs. A control unit controls power to the one or more LEDs. The light passing through the lens has a range of between 3500 and 5500 lumens. |
| US11149928B2 |
Lamp with connection terminal and coupling member for vehicle and method for assembling the same
A vehicle lamp comprises a light irradiation unit including a light source and a board on which the light source is installed, a base member including a first surface for mounting the light irradiation unit and a second surface adjacent to the first surface, a connection terminal arranged on the second surface and extending and protruding in a direction of the first surface, and a coupling member arranged on the board and electrically connected with the light source. The connection terminal is inserted into the coupling member when the board is mounted on the first surface. |
| US11149925B2 |
Lighting device including adjustable cover
The invention provides a lighting device (100) comprising a surface-mountable elongated carrier (200) for positioning relative to a surface (300), at least one light source (400), and an adjustable cover (500); wherein the elongated carrier (200) comprises opposite to each other a first face (210) on a first side and a second face (220) on a second side, the at least one light source (400) is located on the first (210) and second face (220); and 5 wherein the elongated carrier (200) comprises a third face (230) on a third side for facing the surface (300) in mounted position; and wherein the adjustable cover (500) is in connection with the carrier (200) and is positioned on a fourth side of the carrier (200) opposite to the third side, and wherein the adjustable cover (500) is movable relative to the elongated carrier (200) for controlling a light effect (600) originating from the at least one light source (400) 10 wherein the at least one light source (400) comprises a LED light source. |
| US11149922B1 |
Light output reducing shutter system
A light output reducing shutter system, having a light system with a shutter barrel assembly, a solid shutter assembly, a first translucent shutter assembly, and a second translucent shutter assembly, wherein the solid shutter assembly, the first translucent shutter assembly, and the second translucent shutter assembly are positioned in a same focal plane when a light is projected from the light system. The first translucent shutter assembly has a first degree of translucency and the second translucent shutter assembly has a second degree of translucency. The shutter barrel assembly has a first set of slots, a second set of slots, and a third set of slots to receive the solid shutter assembly, the first translucent shutter assembly, and the second translucent shutter assembly respectively. The first set of slots, the second set of slots, and the third set of slots each have four slots around the shutter barrel assembly. |
| US11149914B2 |
Planar light guide lighting device for vehicles
A lighting device for vehicles, having a light source unit containing a plurality of light sources for emitting light and having a planar light guide body associated with the light source unit containing a flat surface portion with at least two opposite flat surfaces extending from a light input side of the flat surface portion to a light output side thereof, wherein the light can be coupled out at a narrow side of the light output side for the generation of a light distribution and comprising a deflection section for the deflection of the light emitted by the light source unit in the direction of the narrow side of the flat surface portion coupling out the light. |
| US11149913B2 |
Headlight and operating method
A headlamp includes a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip for generating light. The first and second semiconductor chips each include several pixels. A first optics is arranged to direct light from the first semiconductor chip with a first magnification into a base region. Via a second optics, light of the second semiconductor chip is directed into a bright region with a second magnification. The second magnification is between 0.3 times and 0.7 times the first magnification inclusive, so that the bright region is smaller than the base region. The bright region is within the base region. |
| US11149909B2 |
Portable lighting devices
A flashlight or portable light source has a battery power source, a light source, a circuit powered by the battery power source which causes the light source to emit light in an on state, a switch which causes the circuit to alternate between the on state and an off state in which the light source does not emit light when the switch is actuated by a user, a controller for causing light emitted from the light source to emit at two or more modes other than the off state, and an automatic dimmer residing within the flashlight which causes light emitted from the light source to dim without any activation of the switch after a first preselected amount of time. |
| US11149902B2 |
Grip and stand accessory for mobile electronic device
An expandable accessory for attachment to a mobile electronic device. The expandable accessory includes a base, a membrane, and a button coupled to the membrane opposite the base. The membrane includes a plurality of linear wall segments. The membrane is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and when the membrane is in the expanded position, the plurality of linear wall segments are arranged in a common conical plane. |
| US11149895B2 |
Arrangement for separating a connection between two pressurized flanged tube sections
An arrangement is for separating a connection between two pressurized flanged tube sections. The arrangement comprises a first type element having a first body adapted to be arranged around a flange of a first tube section, and which first body comprising a first sealing arrangement, and a second type element comprising a second body adapted to be arranged around a flange of a second tube section, and which second body comprising a second sealing arrangement. The second type element further comprises a displaceable obstruction. The first and the second type elements are adapted to form a sealed compartment that allows the flanges of the tube sections to be displaced away from each other so that a gap is formed, which allows the obstruction to enter and isolate the second tube section. |
| US11149890B2 |
Torque limited fitting
A torque limited fitting is provided having a head and a body, which in certain embodiments may be assembled by an operator. The body of the torque limited fitting has a passageway therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing. The torque limited fitting may be adapted for use with a flat bottom port, such as in an analytical instrument, like liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, ion chromatography, or in in vitro diagnostic systems. |
| US11149887B2 |
Fluid duct
Provided herein is a fluid duct (8) comprising a fluid duct connection end portion (12) for coupling to a component connection end portion (4) via a sealing ring (6), the fluid duct connection end portion comprising a clamping ring seat (14) configured for receiving an adjustable clamping ring therearound, the clamping ring seat (14) extending axially (A) between an entry flange (16) and a tube joining section (18), the tube joining section (18) extending into a fluid duct tube portion (10). The clamping ring seat (14) comprises an extension fold (20) configured to allow the clamping ring seat (14) to expand radially due to a widening of the expansion fold (20). |
| US11149883B2 |
Fluid couplings, systems, and methods
A coupling includes a male adapter and a female adapter, and may include a nut and a sleeve. In embodiments, the male adapter includes a male adapter inner diameter, and may include threads. A method of operating a fluid coupling may include providing a first member, a second member, a nut, and a sleeve, connecting the sleeve with the nut such that rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the nut, rotating the sleeve to connect the first member with the second member, engaging an inner ratchet profile of the sleeve with a ratchet profile of a shoulder of the first member, and covering the shoulder of the first member, including the ratchet profile, with the sleeve. |
| US11149881B2 |
Threaded connection for steel pipe
A threaded connection for steel pipe is provided that prevents galling on the sealing surfaces during make-up while providing high sealing performance after completion of make-up. The pin (10) includes a nose (112) including a pin taper guide surface (112a) and a pin sealing surface (113) including a taper surface (113a). The box (20) includes a nose-receiving portion (22) including a box taper guide surface (22a), a box sealing surface (23) including a taper surface (23a), and a buffer surface (24). The taper angle of the taper surfaces (113a, 23a) includes a second taper angle larger than the taper angle of the taper guide surfaces (112a, 22a). The threaded connection (1) is constructed so as to satisfy Dp2>Db2>Dp1 and Lb2>Lp2. The buffer surface (24), located between the box taper guide surface (22a) and taper surface (23a), has a length of 0.75 mm or larger, and is located outward of an imaginary plane (V) determined along radial directions. |
| US11149876B2 |
Pipeline laying apparatus and method for crossing steep terrain
A pipeline is assembled traversing steep terrain by digging a trench down an incline, assembling pipe joints together in proximity to the incline, and then using equipment to push and/or pull the assembled pipe joints down the incline and through the trench while the pipeline is suspended above the bottom of the trench. A series of connected sleds are used to partially carry the load of the assembled pipeline, keep it off the bottom of the trench until it is in place, and permit the installation of supports under it prior to backfilling. |
| US11149872B2 |
Method and system for fail-safe control of electric actuators
A method and system are provided for supplying back-up electric power to an electric actuator powered by a supply of main electric power, and to interrupt or to replace a control signal supplied to the actuator so that the actuator can be reverted to a fail-safe mode, condition or position when there is a failure or disruption of the main electric power or when the control signal is not within the accepted pre-determined standard or range for the control signal. |
| US11149868B2 |
Thermodynamic valve for retaining vapours and gases and relieving pressure and vacuum
A thermodynamic valve for retaining vapours and gases and relieving pressure and vacuum for use in the venting of tanks or reservoirs of combustible liquids (fluids), said valve comprising: upper diaphragm ring (3a) and lower diaphragm ring (3b) that act through the thermodynamic action of the positive and negative pressures inside positive pressure (4) and negative pressure (5) chambers fixed to one another, a cap (2) screwed on the body of positive pressure chamber (4) and having upwardly directed lateral openings and a rupture seal (1) fitted in the upper section of cap (2). A base (5.1) with an inner fire-break fabric (6) is positioned on the inner lower section of negative pressure chamber (5) and connected to the fuel tank venting pipe. |
| US11149867B1 |
Pressure relief valve
A valve apparatus includes a base member having a hollow support element extending from the base member. A housing is attached to the hollow support element, and the housing includes at least one aperture. A moveable element is located within the housing and is slideably attached to the hollow support element. The hollow support element allows the moveable element to selectively travel toward and away from the base member. |
| US11149866B2 |
Discharge valve
A discharge valve is provided in a recirculation line through which gas discharged from a fuel cell stack recirculates to the stack. The discharge valve opens or closes a discharge line through which a fluid in the recirculation line is discharged. The discharge valve includes a valve body connected to the discharge line and a drive part disposed in the valve body to be movable vertically. A diaphragm is coupled to a lower end of the drive part and selectively opens or closes the discharge line based on the vertical movement. The drive part switches between a closed state in which the discharge line is closed by the diaphragm, a first opened state in which the discharge line is opened to a first opening degree, and a second opened state in which the discharge line is opened to a second opening degree greater than the first opening degree. |
| US11149865B2 |
High-pressure pump
A discharge valve includes: a valve main body that slidably contacts an inner peripheral wall of a tubular portion; and a primary passage that is formed at the valve main body and is located between the valve main body and the inner peripheral wall of the tubular portion. A stopper includes: a stopper main body that is formed separately from the tubular portion while the stopper main body is located on a side of the discharge valve that is opposite to the discharge valve seat; a movement limit surface that is configured to limit movement of the discharge valve in a direction away from the discharge valve seat; and a secondary passage that is formed at the stopper main body. |
| US11149864B2 |
Smart monocontrol cartridge for taps, smart monocontrol taps, smart management system and method for monocontrol taps
The present invention provides a smart monocontrol cartridge for taps, a smart tap that incorporates said cartridge, and a smart system that incorporates said tap, the monocontrol cartridge comprising a based with a lower end, an upper end for coupling to ceramic discs and an intermediate portion in which a recess is defined in which an electronic module is coupled that is configured to house indirect temperature detection means configured to detect the temperature in the mixed water channel and electronic means configured to calculate the real temperature in the mixed water channel based on an indirect temperature detection, the indirect temperature detection means being in data communication with the electronic means; and wherein a flexible cable is coupled between the electronic module and the cam. |
| US11149863B2 |
Valve for mixing two gas flows
A valve for mixing two gas streams, having a housing, a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, and a gas outlet. The gas inlets are fluidically connected to the gas outlet. Downstream of the first gas inlet there is a guide element mounted displaceably inside the housing. By displacing the guide element, it is possible to control a flow cross section of a flow transfer opening for the transfer flow of the gas volume flowing in through the first gas inlet to the gas outlet through the guide element. |
| US11149861B2 |
Gate valve with disk replacement structure
Provided is a gate valve with a disk replacement structure. The gate valve is installed on a pipe, and comprises: a valve body having a blocking space formed therein, a pair of flange pipes formed to communicate with the blocking space, and a cover mounted on an upper side thereof to close the blocking space; a disk arranged in the blocking space to be lifted and provided with a mounting hole which is formed on an upper surface thereof and has a lifting nut therein; and an operating rod installed on the cover to lift the disk. An insertion hole is formed on the cover to penetrate the cover. |
| US11149858B2 |
Valve
A valve assembly includes a valve member and a valve body. The valve body has a contact surface intended to come into contact with an adjacent contact member The valve body also has a channel having an end portion opening to the outside of the valve body at at least one end opening, a valve member seat encircling a passage cross-section of the end portion of the channel, and an intermediate surface extending between the contact surface and the end opening. The valve member is capable of engaging with the valve member seat by contact in order to prevent a flow in the channel. The valve body has a groove provided on the intermediate surface, the groove encircling the valve member seat. |
| US11149857B2 |
Appliance for making isotropically finished seal ring of seal assembly for machine
A seal ring for a seal assembly includes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical, extending along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange is disposed adjacent the seal end of the body, projecting radially in a circumscribing manner from the body. The seal flange includes a sealing face having a sealing band for sealing contact with a mating seal ring. A layer of coating composition formulated to help increase the corrosion resistance of the seal ring is applied to at least the body. A mask is applied to the seal ring to cover at least a portion of the seal ring having the layer of coating composition applied thereto such that the sealing band remains exposed. The sealing band is polished by an isotropic finishing process. The mask is removed after the sealing band is isotropically polished. |
| US11149852B2 |
Sealing device, system and method
Securing a channel section 7 onto a pre-existing substrate 9 using screws 11 requires any water-impermeable layer on the substrate 9 to be compromised. In particular, water present on a head of a screw 11 may wick (i.e. via capillary action) along the thread of a screw, past the water-impermeable layer, and into the core of the substrate 9. The present invention provides a sealing device with a fluid inlet 6 for injecting fluid sealant therethrough to surround a screw 11, thereby preventing wicking of water along threads of the screw. |
| US11149850B2 |
Piston made of ceramic material
A piston (1) comprising a first portion (10) suitable for coupling with an actuator member (53) and a second portion (20) made of ceramic material suitable for sliding in a cylinder (51). The first portion (10) and the second portion (20) are axially connected along a longitudinal axis (L) of the piston (1). The second portion (20) has an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis (L) of the piston (1), with an interface base (21) proximal to the first portion (10) and a free base (23) distal from the first portion (10). Moreover, the free base (23) is closed and entirely defines a piston crown. |
| US11149842B2 |
Transmission ratio controller and method for determining transmission ratio
A transmission ratio controller includes circuitry including a transmission ratio calculator and a monitor. The transmission ratio calculator calculates a transmission ratio using a first transmission ratio map when a specified parameter satisfies a first condition, and using a second transmission ratio map when the specified parameter satisfies a second condition. When the specified parameter satisfies the first condition, the internal combustion engine is in a first state. When the specified parameter satisfies the second condition, the internal combustion engine is in a second state. In the first state, the monitor calculates a hypothetical transmission ratio using the second transmission ratio map based on the second state. On a condition that the transmission ratio calculated in the first state differs from the hypothetical transmission ratio by a predetermined reference value or greater, the monitor determines that the transmission ratio has a possibility of differing in accordance with the specified parameter. |
| US11149840B2 |
Process for the assembly of an epicyclic or planetary gear train
The invention concerns a process for the assembly of an epicyclic or planetary gear train of a planet gear carrier comprising one or more bores, each of the bores being intended to receive a pivot (18), the process comprising the following steps: a) manufacturing of at least one pivot (18) comprising a real axis (46) distinct from a theoretical axis; b) measuring the position of a real axis of each of said one or more bores of the carrier; c) for each bore of the carrier, mounting a pivot (18) in said bore and orienting it angularly so that the eccentricity of the pivot (18) at least partially makes up for the eccentricity of said bore. |
| US11149838B2 |
Lubricating device for components within casing structure of vehicular power transmitting system
A lubricating device for lubricating components includes first and second lubricant guide plates which have respective inclination angles with respect to a horizontal line such that the angle of inclination of the first lubricant guide plate is smaller than that of the second lubricant guide plate. The inclination angle of the first lubricant guide plate is determined to permit the lubricant oil guided by the first lubricant guide plate to be directed into the catcher reservoir, and to inhibit the lubricant oil from being supplied to component or components disposed above the gear, and the inclination angle of the second lubricant guide plate is determined to permit the lubricant oil guided by the second lubricant guide plate to be supplied to the component or components disposed above the gear. |
| US11149832B2 |
Differential hypoid gear, pinion gear, and paired hypoid gears formed by combination thereof
A differential hypoid gear, a pinion gear, and paired hypoid gears formed by a combination thereof are provided. The differential hypoid gear includes a ring-shaped main body and a tooth-forming surface, and has a chemical component composition including C: 0.15-0.30 mass %, Si: 0.55-1.00 mass %, Mn: 0.50-1.20 mass %, Cr: 0.50-1.50 mass %, Al: 0.020-0.080 mass %, B: 0.0005-0.0050 mass %, Ti: 0.01-0.08 mass %, N: 0.0020-0.0100 mass %, Mo: 0.25 mass % or less, and Nb: less than 0.10 mass %, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The chemical component composition satisfies Formulae 1 and 2. The differential hypoid gear has a metallographic structure including mainly tempered martensite. A martensite ratio at an inside of a dedendum differs between an end portion of a tooth and a central portion of the tooth within a range of 15% or less. A core hardness of the dedendum at the central portion falls within 350-500 HV. |
| US11149826B1 |
Planetary rolling micro-jacking device
The present disclosure relates to a planetary rolling micro-jacking device comprising a bottom plate, a rotating plate and a top plate mounted on a central shaft. There are at least three planetary thread rollers provided between the rotating and the top plates. The rotating and the top plates are provided with multiple annular tooth grooves. The annular tooth grooves of the rotating plate and the annular tooth grooves of the top plate engage with the thread of the planetary thread rollers. The planetary thread rollers roll between the rotating and the top plates, and rotate around the central shaft. |
| US11149824B2 |
Electric drive for a motor vehicle, in particular for an automobile
An electric drive for a motor vehicle includes a housing, an output shaft, an electric engine, which has a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator, a planetary gear set arranged in the housing, which has a sun gear, a ring gear and a planetary carrier, which is non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, having a first switching element, by means of which the ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the rotor, and a second switching element, by means of which the ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The first switching element and the second switching element are coupled to each other via a first coupling element and thereby can be operated together by a single first actuator common to the first switching element and the second switching element. |
| US11149822B2 |
Gear axial thrust force optimization for high efficiency vehicle transmission
A transmission selectively coupled to an engine crankshaft of an internal combustion engine arranged on a vehicle includes an input shaft, a mainshaft, an output shaft, a first countershaft and a second countershaft. A first gear set includes a first mainshaft gear arranged on the mainshaft, a first countershaft gear arranged on the first countershaft and a first countershaft gear arranged on the second countershaft. A second gear set includes a second mainshaft gear arranged on the mainshaft, a first countershaft gear arranged on the second countershaft and a second countershaft gear arranged on the second countershaft. The gears of the first gear set all have a first helix angle. The gears of the second gear set all have a second helix angle. The first and second helix angles are selected to provide gear constant leading whereby thrust forces directed onto the first and second countershafts are balanced. |
| US11149821B2 |
Line gear mechanism with variable-angle transmission
The present invention relates to a line gear mechanism with variable-angle transmission, which consists of a line gear pair having intersecting shafts which includes a driving line gear and a driven line gear. The driving line gear and the driven line gear are each composed of a wheel body and a line tooth. Contact curves of the driving line gear and the driven line gear mesh according to a pair of space conjugate curves. One or more line teeth are provided on the driving line gear. The line tooth on the driven line gear is a line tooth that has a property of variable-angle transmission. During transmission, the mechanism may adjust a transmission angle of the line gear pair having the intersecting shafts, thus causing meshing points to form on different contact curves while a transmission ratio remains unchanged and the transmission is stable. |
| US11149820B2 |
Element designing method and power transfer belt
In an element of a power transfer belt to be wound around a primary pulley and a secondary pulley of a continuously variable transmission to transfer torque, the distance from a boundary line between a surface positioned on the outer peripheral side of the power transfer belt with respect to a rocking edge portion and the rocking edge portion to a saddle surface is determined from the slip amount due to micro slip which is relative slipping between the element and the primary pulley caused when the primary pulley pushes out the power transfer belt toward the secondary pulley, and the angular speed of the element and the angular speed of a ring in a range in which the power transfer belt is wound around the secondary pulley. |
| US11149818B2 |
Rotary device
A rotary device includes two rotatable rotors and two stopper mechanisms. The first and second stopper mechanisms restrict relative rotation between the rotors. The first stopper mechanism includes a first protruding member and a first contact surface. The first protruding member includes an elastic outer peripheral part. The first contact surface is disposed at an interval from the first protruding member. The first protruding member contacts the first contact surface when a torsion angle between the rotors reaches a first angle. The second stopper mechanism includes a second protruding member and a second contact surface. The second protruding member includes an outer peripheral part having higher stifffiess than that of the first protruding member. The second contact surface is disposed at an interval from the second protruding member. The second protruding member contacts the second contact surface when the torsion angle reaches a second angle greater than the first angle. |
| US11149813B2 |
Hydraulic brake system
The invention relates to a hydraulic brake system for a vehicle, comprising a cylinder (3) and a piston (4) movably arranged inside the cylinder (3), wherein the piston (4) has a closed end, an open end (6) and a piston wall surrounding a cavity (8) of the piston (4) between the closed end and the open end (5), the piston (4) being movable along a longitudinal axis (5) of the cylinder (3) by hydraulic pressure within the cavity (8) for pressing at least one brake pad (9) against a brake disc (2). An outer diameter of the piston (4) is smaller in a central section (13) between the open end (6) and the closed end than at the open end (6) and at the closed end so that, in the central section (13), a space (14) remains between the piston wall and an inner wall of the cylinder (3). |
| US11149811B2 |
Brake clip for disc brake assembly and disc brake assembly including such a brake clip
A disc brake assembly includes a brake clip having a U-shaped section, at least one retention tang, and an abutment leg. The U-shaped section has a base leg and opposing upper and lower legs extending from the base leg. The upper leg has an inner face facing the lower leg. The at least one tang extends away from the U-shaped section and inner face. The abutment leg extends from the lower leg and has a midpoint between a top edge and a bottom edge. The midpoint is not planar with the top and bottom edges. |
| US11149806B2 |
Control device for automatic transmission
A control device for an automatic transmission is provided, which includes a vehicle-propelling friction engagement element configured to be engaged when a vehicle starts traveling, an other friction engagement element, a vehicle-propelling friction engagement element temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the vehicle-propelling friction engagement element, an input torque detector configured to detect an input torque inputted into the automatic transmission, and a control unit comprising a lubricant supply control logic configured to control supply of lubricant to the vehicle-propelling friction engagement element and the other friction engagement element. The lubricant supply control logic switches the supply amount of lubricant to the vehicle-propelling friction engagement element according to the temperature of the vehicle-propelling friction engagement element, and switches the supply amount of lubricant to the another friction engagement element according to the input torque. |
| US11149805B2 |
Centrifugal clutch
A centrifugal clutch is configured so that assist thrust can be maintained constant or can be decreased even when a clutch shoe is abraded. The centrifugal clutch includes a drive plate to be rotatably driven by drive force of an engine. The drive plate includes each of swing support pins and the plate-side cam bodies. The swing support pin is fitted in a long-hole-shaped pin slide hole formed at a clutch weight to swingably support the clutch weight. The plate-side cam body includes a cylindrical roller, and a weight-side cam body of the clutch weight contacts the plate-side cam body. The weight-side cam body is formed as such a curved surface that a cam angle when a clutch shoe contacts a cylindrical surface of a clutch outer is the same between before and after abrasion of the clutch shoe progresses. |
| US11149803B1 |
Mechanism and method to engage/disengage a sprag clutch using actuators
A sprag clutch has an inner race, an outer race, and a radial cavity between the races. A plurality of sprags are disposed in the radial cavity, and each sprag is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A sprag cage retains each of the plurality of sprags at a uniform spacing within the radial cavity, and a plurality of actuators are positioned to exert or withdraw a force upon a corresponding sprag. |
| US11149799B2 |
Power transmission device
A power transmission device has a pressure member (5) pressing drive-side clutch plates and driven-side clutch plates against each other or releasing a press-contact force. A clutch spring (10) urges the pressure member (5) in a direction so that the clutch plates are pressed against each other. A separate receiving member (11) is attached to the pressure member (5). A back-torque limiting cam reduces press-contact force between the clutch plates when the rotation speed of an output member exceeds the rotation speed of an input member. A rotation restricting portion (8a) restricting rotation, relative to the clutch member (4), of the pressure member (5) that has moved due to activation of the push rod (9). A clearance t is maintained between the pair of cam surfaces that constitute the back-torque limiting cam. |
| US11149795B2 |
Turbine engine bearing used as a static electricity leak path
A gas turbine engine with a rotor having a shaft mounted to the engine with a plurality of electrically insulating bearings is provided. The electrically insulating bearings are coupled to the shaft to support the rotor in the engine. There is at least one electrically conductive bearing coupled to the shaft and that further support the rotor in the engine. An electrically conductive path is defined between the rotor and an electrical ground of the engine. The electrically conductive path is defined through the electrically conductive bearing to reach the electrical ground of the engine. A method for electrostatically discharging a rotor supported in the gas turbine engine is also provided. |
| US11149791B2 |
Sliding member
To provide a sliding member including an overlay capable of realizing good fatigue resistance while preventing interlayer peeling. A sliding member including an overlay formed of an alloy plating film of Bi and Sb, and the overlay is bonded to a lining formed of a copper alloy via an intermediate layer containing Ag as a main component. |
| US11149788B2 |
Hybrid bearing assembly with rolling elements and plain bearing
A bearing assembly includes an outer race having an inner surface defining a concave contour and an inner race positioned in the outer race. The inner race has an inner surface defining a bore therethrough and an outer surface defining at least one groove circumscribing the outer surface. A plurality of rolling elements is rollably located in the groove and is in rolling contact with the inner surface of the outer race. A lubricious liner has an inner liner-surface and an exterior liner-surface, the exterior liner-surface being disposed on the inner surface defining the bore. The lubricious liner has a modulus of compression of a magnitude sufficient to allow misalignment of the inner liner-surface relative to the exterior liner-surface in response to a force applied thereto. |
| US11149781B2 |
Release cable lockout mechanism
A cable release system configured to actuate a latch mechanism includes a cable arrangement configured to shift in response to an actuation force. The shifting of the cable arrangement is thereby configured to actuate the latch mechanism. The cable release system also includes a lockout mechanism configured to selectively impede shifting of the cable arrangement in response to the actuation force. Such selective impeding of the shifting of the cable arrangement is thereby configured to prevent actuation of the latch mechanism. A vehicle may employ the cable release system configured to actuate a latch mechanism to thereby unlatch a panel from the vehicle body. |
| US11149773B2 |
Connection fastener
A connection fastener includes a plurality of fasteners, a sheet-shaped connection portion and attaching portions. Each fastener includes a head portion provided at one end portion side and a tapered leading end portion provided at the other end portion side. The sheet-shaped connection portion is configured to connect the plurality of fasteners in a parallel direction. The attaching portions are separate from the connection portion attached to the fasteners such that each attaching portion covers at least one part of each leading end portion. The connection portion includes first holding portions and second holding portions. Each of the first holding portions is configured to support a head portion side of each fastener. Each of the second holding portions is configured to support at least one part of a circumferential surface of each attaching portion. |
| US11149771B2 |
Lock
Provided is a lock, including a locking module and a driving module. The locking module includes a latch mounted on a first main body, an oblique pin ring gear mounted on a second main body and adapted to the latch. A radial thickness of the oblique pin ring gear changes continuously. A first slot is arranged on the latch. The driving module is used for driving the oblique pin ring gear to move in a circular motion, such that on the latch in a closed position the oblique pin ring gear clips to or separates from the first slot. The lock mechanism can realize inward or outward arcuate connection and planar connecting without finishing. |
| US11149770B2 |
Load-transferring connection between structurally loaded components
A system may include a fastener strap, a first component, and a second component. The fastener strap may include a strap section, at least one first stiffening rib section, and at least one second stiffening rib section. The first component may include a first strap section channel and at least one first stiffening rib section channel positioned along the first strap section channel. The second component may include a second strap section channel and at least one second stiffening rib section channel positioned along the second strap section channel. When the fastener strap is installed in the first strap section channel, the at least one first stiffening rib section channel, the second strap section channel, and the at least one second stiffening rib section channel, a load-bearing connection may be formed between the first component and the second component. |
| US11149769B2 |
Increased bottom sheet thickness on cast alloys for mechanical joining of certain materials
A system for attaching material stack-up layers of at least two layers together using mechanical fasteners is disclosed. The material stack-up comprises at least an upper layer and a lower layer. The lower layer has a relatively constant thickness equal to or greater than 4.0 mm or may have alternating thick and thin areas in which the thickness of the thick area is equal to or greater than 4.0 mm. A mechanical fastener attaches the upper layer and the lower layer and is inserted at least partially into the lower layer. The fastener is inserted into the thick area of the embodiment having alternating thick and thin areas. The lower layer may be any of a variety of materials, including magnesium or any other brittle material. The lower layer may also be a casting, such as a magnesium casting. The mechanical fastener may be any of fasteners, screws or bolts. |
| US11149768B2 |
Fastener assembly having a component-isolating grommet
A fastener assembly is configured to securely couple to a component. The fastener assembly includes a compression-limiting bushing, a fastener coupled to the bushing, and a grommet coupled to the bushing. A clearance gap is defined between one or both of the bushing or the fastener and the grommet. At least a portion of the grommet is configured to move into the clearance gap as the fastener assembly is urged into an opening of the component. The grommet is configured to securely couple to the component. |
| US11149763B2 |
Hydraulic actuator
A hydraulic actuator includes a cylinder, a pump, an electric motor and a central block. The mechanism or the rotating parts of the pump are directly installed in an interior of the block, and the drive shaft of the pump is correspondingly mounted in walls or in covers of the block. |
| US11149760B2 |
Pistonless cylinder
An improved pistonless cylinder, including both single acting and double acting configurations, based on an Aramid fiber reinforced elastomer tubular which is highly stiff in radial direction against radial expansion and elastic in axial extension, so as to form a completely sealed, extendable and retractable pressure chamber and to be able to perform as well as, or better than, most of the conventional hydraulic cylinders in terms of load bearing capacities, maximum stroke distances and service durability. This improved cylinder employs no piston, piston rod, sealing seals or oil based hydraulic fluid, and utilizes non-metal materials to construct the majority of the parts for its extendable and retractable pressure chamber; therefore, this new cylinder can achieve significant weight and fabrication cost reduction. In addition, this new pistonless cylinder uses ordinary liquids, e.g., fresh water or seawater, as its hydraulic fluid, and can work directly as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder interchangeably without a need for much, if any, modification. |
| US11149756B2 |
Method for determining closed-control parameters for a hydraulic system
In order to carry out largely automated parameterisation of the closed-loop control parameters for closed-loop control of a hydraulic system comprising a servo drive, a method and a device for determining the closed-loop parameters of a closed-loop control unit of the hydraulic system are specified, wherein an actual system pressure of a hydraulic consumer of the hydraulic system is closed-loop controlled by means of a predefined set point rotational speed of a servo drive, wherein an actual rotational speed of the servo drive follows the predefined set point rotational speed, wherein an excitation signal is applied to the setpoint rotational speed, and the actual system pressure which is set here is measured, the dynamics of the hydraulic system are acquired from the actual rotational speed and/or the setpoint rotational speed and the actual system pressure, and the closed-loop control parameters are calculated from the acquired dynamics. |
| US11149752B2 |
Vacuum pump using profile
The present invention relates to a vacuum pump using a profile. The vacuum pump according to the present invention comprises: a hollow profile having a longitudinal mounting hole and a vacuum chamber formed adjacent to each other; an ejector pump arranged inside the mounting hole in the longitudinal direction; and end caps provided in both openings of the profile, respectively, so as to have a through-hole formed therein so as to correspond to the inflow opening or the discharge opening. Particularly, the first cap near the inflow opening is designed to have a passage through which the vacuum chamber and the mounting hole communicate with each other. The vacuum pump structure according to the present invention is considered to be a vacuum pump structure using at least a so-called “profile” best designed to make fabrication of the vacuum pump convenient and to improve vacuum characteristics. |
| US11149751B2 |
Technique for controlling rotating stall in compressor for a gas turbine engine
A technique for controlling a rotating stall in a compressor of a gas turbine engine. In the technique a flow injection is introduced into an axial air flow path of the compressor via a flow-injection opening located at a pressure side of a guide vane in the compressor and directed towards a leading edge of a compressor rotor blade located adjacently downstream of the guide vane. The flow injection is introduced when the rotating stall is detected and/or when the compressor is being operated at a speed lower than full load speed. The flow injection reduces an angle of incidence of compressor air on the leading edge of the downstream rotor blade and hence the rotor sees a more favorable velocity. The favorable velocity results into an increase in the operating range of the rotor and hence of the compressor by mitigating and/or reducing the rotating stalls. |
| US11149750B2 |
Silencing device, rotary machine, and method for manufacturing silencing device
A silencing device includes: a flow path forming plate having a flow path forming surface for forming a wall surface of a flow path through which fluid flows; and a cavity defining portion for defining a cavity on the reverse surface side of the flow path forming plate, the reverse surface being located on the reverse side of the flow path forming surface. The flow path forming plate has formed therein a plurality of fine through-holes which are configured to provide communication between the flow path forming surface and the reverse surface and which has a diameter from 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. |
| US11149740B2 |
Blower
There is provided a blower capable of suppressing fluctuation of a flow path and suppressing occurrence of surging in a use rotation range of the blower by changing a shape without increasing the number of parts. A flow path is formed by a first housing-side shroud 3e connecting to an intake port 3a and an impeller-side shroud 2c connecting outer peripheral sides of blades 2b being adjacent to each other in a radial direction in a blowing passage 8a connecting the intake port 3a and a discharge port 8b, and a narrow part 16 where a cross-sectional area of the flow path becomes the minimum is provided on an outer side of outer peripheral end portions of the blades 2b in the radial direction. |
| US11149739B1 |
Adjustable bearing mount for air-cooled heat exchangers
An air-cooled heat exchanger has a plenum, an engine, and a fan assembly driven by the engine and configured to move air through the plenum. The fan assembly has a fan, a fan shaft connected to the fan, and a fan shaft bearing assembly that supports the fan shaft. The fan shaft bearing assembly has a fan shaft bearing and a vertical adjustment mechanism that selectively controls the vertical position of the fan shaft bearing. The air-cooled heat exchanger may optionally include a horizontal adjustment mechanism that selectively controls the horizontal position of the fan shaft bearing. |
| US11149738B2 |
Control systems and methods for synchronizing cooling fans
In an illustrative embodiment, a control system to synchronize a number of slave fans to a master fan may include a master voltage controlled oscillator to receive input voltages, rotate master blades of the master fan pursuant to the input voltages, and provide reference synchronization signals; a slave voltage controlled oscillator to receive the input voltages modified by a gain, rotate slave blades of the slave fan at slave fan speed pursuant to the input voltages, and provide slave synchronization signals; and a phase lock loop configured to receive the reference synchronization signals and the slave synchronization signals, provide a comparison between the reference slave synchronization signals, and provide the gain pursuant to the comparison between the reference synchronization signals and the slave synchronization signals. |
| US11149736B2 |
Turbo pump vent assembly and method
A turbo pump vent assembly and method are disclosed. The turbo pump vent assembly comprises: a primary manual actuator operable to deliver an initial volume of air to a turbo pump; and a secondary manual actuator operable to deliver a secondary volume of air to the turbo pump, wherein the secondary volume of air is greater than the initial volume of air. In this way, an uncomplex and reliable vent is provided which can deliver initial volumes of air to slow the turbo pump initially. Thereafter, the secondary volume of air may be delivered to slow the turbo pump more rapidly than is possible just using further initial volumes of air. Having an apparatus which can deliver differing volumes of air enables the turbo pump to be slowed safely and more quickly than is possible by delivering just the same sized volumes of air. |
| US11149732B2 |
Opposed screw compressor having non-interference system
A fluid machine includes a first rotor rotatable about a first axis. The first rotor has a first portion and a second portion. A second rotor is rotatable about a second axis. The second rotor includes a first portion and a second portion. At least one spacer is associated with the first rotor and the second rotor to limit intermeshing engagement between the first rotor and the second rotor. |
| US11149731B2 |
Pump apparatus having axially moving shaft bearing disposed adjacent a pressure relief passage to facilitate a pressure relief function of same
A pump apparatus includes a housing, a shaft, a rotor, a plurality of vanes, a pressure relief passage, and a bearing. The housing includes suction ports and discharge ports. The rotor and the vanes transport hydraulic oil to the discharge ports. The hydraulic oil is sucked from the suction ports. The pressure relief passage is defined in a portion of the housing facing an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The pressure relief passage brings the discharge ports into communication with a low pressure region where the hydraulic oil is low in pressure. When a pressure of the hydraulic oil in the discharge ports is lower than a first predetermined pressure, the bearing keeps the pressure relief passage out of communication with a passage. When the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the discharge ports has increased to reach or exceed the first predetermined pressure, the bearing brings the pressure relief passage into communication with the passage. |
| US11149729B2 |
Pump with bleed mechanism for reducing cavitation
A gear pump assembly includes a drive gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, and a driven gear likewise having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth positioned for intermeshing engagement between the drive and driven gears via the teeth. A bleed mechanism directs carryover fluid from a discharge side of a bearing dam to an inlet side of the bearing dam in order to supply the carryover fluid to a carryover volume disposed between mating drive gear teeth and driven gear teeth. The bleed mechanism including a passage communicating with at least one of (i) a gear face of the drive gear, (ii) a gear face of the driven gear; or (iii) a bottom of a gear tooth profile adjacent a root region between adjacent gear teeth. |
| US11149726B1 |
Systems and method for use of single mass flywheel alongside torsional vibration damper assembly for single acting reciprocating pump
A pump system may include a pump, a driveshaft, driving equipment, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to reduce pump-imposed high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations. The pump may have an input shaft connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may include an output shaft having an output flange connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may be configured to rotate the driveshaft to rotate the input shaft of the pump therewith. The vibration dampening assembly may include one or more flywheels operably connected to the input shaft and configured to rotate therewith. |
| US11149724B2 |
Peristaltic pump with replaceable displacement element
A peristaltic pump includes a casing having a bottom, cover and wall forming a pump chamber, a tube connecting a casing inlet to a casing outlet arranged within the pump chamber, and a displacement element having at least two displacement members. The tube is arranged between the casing wall and the displacement element in such a way that due to rotation of the rotor the displacement members roll on the tube so the tube is squashed together so that a medium to be conveyed which is in the tube is displaced in the direction of the casing outlet. The displacement element has a first part fixed to the rotor and a second part which can be reciprocated between an operative position and a change position. |
| US11149723B2 |
Diaphragm pump leak detection
In one general aspect, the present application relates to a leak detection device that includes a body, a liquid separator, and a liquid level detector. The body includes an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet, and a liquid reservoir. The airflow outlet is arranged to substantially align with the airflow inlet. The liquid reservoir is formed in a bottom portion of the body. The liquid separator is positioned directly between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet. The liquid separator divides an airflow path from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet into at least two separate flow paths around the liquid separator. The liquid level detector is at least partially contained within a channel defined within a lower portion of the liquid separator, where the channel is in liquid communication with the liquid reservoir. |
| US11149721B2 |
Hydraulic unit
A hydraulic unit having a housing includes a tank and a pump arranged adjacent to one another in a fluid supply region, and a controller region is arranged thereabove. Since the pump is embodied in an upright design, a compact hydraulic unit with a small footprint is implemented. |
| US11149720B2 |
Thermally-powered coiled polymer fiber tensile actuator system and method
Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber twist-inserted polymer fibers generate tensile actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize coiled polymer fibers and can be either neat or comprising a guest. In some embodiments, the coiled polymer fibers actuator can be incorporated into an article, such as a textile, braid, clothing, smart packaging, or a mechanical system, and the coiled polymer fiber in the coiled polymer fiber actuator can have a stroke amplification factor of 5 or greater. |
| US11149719B2 |
EdDrive propellantless propulsion system
The invention is a method and system for electric-powered propellantless propulsion in space. In addition to its breakthrough methods to produce thrust, the invention is also incorporated into propellantless velocity control and propellantless direction control systems. Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a mechanical propulsion system that do not require a propellant and do not violate Newton's Laws of Motion. The invention produces a significant amount of thrust solely in the intended direction of the propulsion system, with the main elements needed for the invention's successful operation successfully tested using multiple prototypes. Due to the Law of Conservation of Momentum, propellantless propulsion by mechanical means is generally considered not possible by propulsion experts. But with the advent of an innovative new technology that was inspired by recent advancements in the fields of renewable energy and energy storage, a revolutionary new form of propellantless propulsion that can harvest kinetic energy and simultaneously produce a significant amount of thrust has indeed now become possible. |
| US11149709B2 |
Method to reduce noise and vibration in a jointed wind turbine blade, and associated wind turbine blade
A method to reduce noise and vibration between separate blade segments of a jointed wind turbine rotor blade includes determining an actual offset at a chord-wise joint line between the shell members of the first and second blade segments at a load condition on the jointed wind turbine rotor blade, wherein the offset is any one or combination of a flap-wise offset, a twist-wise offset, or a yawl-wise offset. The method defines a modified configuration of the joint structure at a no-load condition on the wind turbine rotor blade that compensates at least partially for the actual offset at the load condition, and the first and second blade segments are connected with the modified configuration of the joint structure. |
| US11149708B2 |
Vaccuum-assisted mounting of vortex generator device on a wind turbine blade
The subject matter is directed to a method of mounting flow-altering devices on wind turbine blades, the mounting device and the flow-altering device. The flow-altering devices having a base with an inner side for attaching to a blade, and an outer side with flow-altering device parts protruding from the base. The method provides for a mounting device with a mounting panel supporting one or more flow-altering devices; arranging the mounting panel on an area of application on the surface of the blade with an adhesive material between the inner side of the device and the surface of the blade, and with a seal between the mounting panel and the surface to form a cavity between the mounting panel and the surface of the blade; applying a negative pressure in the cavity; releasing the negative pressure; and removing the mounting panel. |
| US11149706B2 |
Hydraulic driving system and driving method for barring
The disclosure relates to a hydraulic driving system and a driving method for barring. The driving system comprises: three or more main drive hydraulic cylinders, which are divided into two groups to provide pulling and pushing forces to a driven impeller, each main drive hydraulic cylinder including a cylinder body and a piston rod which divides the cylinder body into a rod cavity and a godless cavity, wherein an oil line for the rod cavity and an oil line for the godless cavity of each main drive hydraulic cylinder are controlled by one control valve module; and a control device, which controls the control valve module according to wind and/or load signals, to simultaneously convert flow directions of hydraulic oil in the oil line for the rod cavity and the oil line for the godless cavity of at least one of the three or more main drive hydraulic cylinders. |
| US11149705B2 |
Engine controller and engine control method
An engine controller includes an ignition timing control unit and a rich imbalance determining unit. The rich imbalance determining unit designates one of multiple cylinders as a subject cylinder for determination and executes lean active control that commands a smaller amount of fuel injection for the subject cylinder than for the other cylinders. The rich imbalance determining unit determines whether an air-fuel ratio of the subject cylinder deviates to be richer based on a rotational fluctuation amount of a crankshaft during the execution of the lean active control. The ignition timing control unit executes an advancement limiting process that limits advancement of the ignition timing by the knock control during the execution of the lean active control. |
| US11149703B2 |
Isolation valve for pressurized tank
An isolation mechanism for isolating a submerged pump in a storage vessel, where the isolation mechanism comprises a primary valve member and a secondary valve member, which are both biased in a fail-closed position. The isolation mechanism allows for redundancy for safety and reliability, and can be operated externally of the storage vessel. Furthermore, the isolation mechanism comprises venting and purging devices for safe operation of removal and installation of the pump in the storage vessel. |
| US11149700B2 |
Air intake device for a heat engine
An air intake circuit for a heat engine is intended to be positioned between an air compression element and at least an upper portion of a hollow combustion chamber in a cylinder head of the engine. The air intake circuit includes the cylinder head, an air intake manifold, and at least one air intake duct. The circuit also includes at least one concave receptacle turned towards the outside of the engine, housed in a cavity of the cylinder head, and connected to a tubular element pushed into the at least one air intake duct. |
| US11149695B1 |
Engine intake system of vehicle
A compressor inlet pipe is installed to connect an EGR valve to an inlet of a compressor of a charger and is made of a thermally conductive material. A gas pocket is formed at the compressor inlet pipe and a gas supply device is configured to draw gas from an outlet of the compressor of the charger and supply the gas to the gas pocket. A gas discharge device is configured to discharge the gas in the gas pocket. |
| US11149694B2 |
Canister
Provided is a canister whose performance is enhanced while achieving the advantage of suppressing changes in temperature by using a heat storage material and overcoming the disadvantage of a reduction in the adsorption amount. A canister for treating evaporated fuel includes: a tank port that is in communication with an upper air chamber of a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine; a purge port that is in communication with an air intake path of the internal combustion engine; an atmospheric air port that is open to atmospheric air; and an adsorbent material chamber R that contains an activated carbon that adsorbs evaporated fuel that flows from the tank port to the atmospheric air port. A heat storage material is provided in a tank-side adjacent region T of the adsorbent material chamber R that is provided adjacent to the tank port, the heat storage material being a material obtained by encapsulating, into capsules, a phase change material that absorbs and releases latent heat according to changes in temperature. |
| US11149693B2 |
Method for delivering a fluid stored in liquefied form to an end user in gaseous form
A system and method is disclosed for storing a fluid in a storage vessel in liquefied form and delivering it in gaseous form to an end user through a supply line. The system comprises a pressure relief circuit for returning the fluid from the supply line to the vessel when predetermined conditions are met. The pressure relief circuit comprises a return line connected to the supply line and the storage vessel, a diversion line to divert the fluid elsewhere and a switching device operable to direct the fluid to either one of the lines, as a function of predetermined conditions. |
| US11149692B2 |
Deflection mitigation structure for combustion system
A combustion section for a gas turbine engine including an inner casing comprising a first material defining an inner diameter of a pressure vessel and a first heat transfer coefficient. A second material is extended at least partially over an outer diameter of the first material. The second material is disposed radially between the first material and a combustor liner. The second material defines a second heat transfer coefficient less than the first heat transfer coefficient. |
| US11149691B2 |
Staged combustion liquid rocket engine cycle with the turbopump unit and preburner integrated into the structure of the combustion chamber
Devices and methods of rocket propulsion are disclosed. In one aspect, a staged combustion liquid rocket engine with preburner and turbopump unit (TPU) integrated into the structure of the combustion chamber is described. An initial propellant mixture is combusted in a preburner combustion chamber formed as an annulus around a main combustion chamber, the combustion products from the preburner driving the turbine of the TPU and subsequently injected into the main combustion chamber for secondary combustion along with additional propellants, generating thrust through a supersonic nozzle. The preburner inner cylindrical wall is shared with the outer cylindrical wall of the engine's main combustion chamber and the turbine is axially aligned with the main combustion chamber. Liquid propellants supplied to the engine are utilized for regenerative cooling of the combustion chamber and preburner, where the liquid propellants are gasified in cooling manifolds before injection into the preburner and main combustion chamber. |
| US11149690B2 |
Pressure ratio distributions for a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine 10 is provided in a fan root to tip pressure ratio, defined as the ratio of the mean total pressure of the flow at the fan exit that subsequently flows through the engine core (P102) to the mean total pressure of the flow at the fan exit that subsequently flows through the bypass duct (P104), is no greater than a certain value. The gas turbine engine 10 may provide improved efficiency when compared with conventional engines, whilst retaining an acceptable flutter margin. |
| US11149687B2 |
Thrust reverser cascade array and method for producing the same
A method of producing a cascade array and a cascade array is provided. The method includes: forming a plurality of strongbacks from a first thermoplastic material; forming a plurality of comb subassemblies, each said comb subassembly including one of the plurality of strongbacks and a plurality of vanes comprising a second thermoplastic material extending outwardly from the respective one of the plurality strongbacks; and attaching the plurality of comb subassemblies into a unitary structure to produce the cascade array. |
| US11149686B2 |
Thrust reverser assembly
A thrust reverser assembly for a gas turbine engine including a core engine, a nacelle surrounding at least a portion of the core engine defining a bypass duct between the nacelle and the core engine where an outer door movable between a stowed position and a deployed position extends outwards from the nacelle and a blocker door movable between a stowed position and a deployed position extends into an airflow conduit defined by the bypass duct to deflect air outwards. |
| US11149680B1 |
Weak tumble flow fast combustion system and gas engine
A weak tumble flow fast combustion system is provided. An intake throat and an exhaust throat are provided on a cylinder head, a section of an intake duct close to the intake throat is a tumble guide duct, an axis of the tumble guide duct is arranged obliquely with respect to the bottom surface of the cylinder head, and an upper side surface of the tumble guide duct is a flowing-down guide surface arranged obliquely with respect to the bottom surface of the cylinder head, a lower side surface of the tumble guide duct is an arc-shaped guide surface recessed toward the bottom surface of the cylinder head, an eccentric chamfer is provided at the lower end of the intake throat, and the eccentric direction of the eccentric chamfer is offset along the direction connecting the center of the intake throat to the exhaust throat. |
| US11149677B1 |
Control of cylinders of an engine according to an engine configuration scheme
An engine optimization controller may determine values of a set of input parameters of an engine and process, using an engine model, the values to determine a plurality of sets of potential output parameters. The engine optimization controller may determine, based on the plurality of sets of potential output parameters, an engine optimization scheme, which may indicate a first number of cylinders, of one or more cylinders of the engine, to be active and to receive gas; a second number of cylinders, of the one or more cylinders, to be inactive and to receive gas, and/or a third number of cylinders, of the one or more cylinders, to be inactive and to not receive gas. The engine optimization controller may provide the engine configuration scheme to another controller to allow control of the one or more cylinders and one or more fuel injectors according to the engine configuration scheme. |
| US11149674B2 |
Method for diagnosing a digital flow-control valve of a high-pressure fuel injection pump
Disclosed is a method for the diagnosis of a digital valve in a fuel injection system. In the diagnosis, a diagnosis current is applied to the digital valve with an intensity and for a hold time that are predetermined by experiment on digital valves identified as being fault-free, this intensity and this time being recognized as being sufficient for an inflection on a curve of the closing current to be detected in the hold time. Measurements are taken at more than 3 kHz of the diagnosis current added to the induced current in the hold time. When an inflection on the current curve is detected in this hold time, it is concluded that the valve is working correctly. When no inflection on the curve is detected in this hold time, it is concluded that the valve is faulty. |
| US11149672B1 |
Real-time adaptable stochastic pre-ignition mitigation control
A control system includes a knock sensor and a controller. The knock sensor is configured to generate a notification signal by sensing a plurality of engine cylinder events in an engine. The controller is electrically coupled to the knock sensor and configured to detect a plurality of stochastic pre-ignition events in response to the plurality of engine cylinder events, calculate a real-time rate of the plurality of stochastic pre-ignition events, calculate a ratio of the real-time rate to an allowable rate of the engine, and adjust a current allowable torque of the engine in response to the ratio and a rotational speed of the engine. |
| US11149665B2 |
Method and system for controlling engine derating
The invention relates to a method of controlling engine derating of an internal combustion engine (10) being provided with a turbocharger (110) and a variable inlet guide vanes assembly (130) arranged upstream a compressor (120) of the turbocharger (110). The method comprises determining a current operational condition requiring engine derating, detecting a current operational condition of the compressor (120), and controlling the position of the variable inlet guide vanes assembly (130) based on the detected operational condition of the compressor (120). |
| US11149663B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling torque in a vehicle
Techniques are disclosed herein that provide for controlling torque in a vehicle. In some embodiments, desired torque values are generated and are compared to an amount of torque currently being generated by an engine. If a different amount of torque is desired, an engine speed target is altered in a linear fashion, and then converted back to a torque request to be provided to an engine ECU for implementation. Techniques disclosed herein may cause changes in torque demand to be limited in such a way to cause predictable and smooth changes in engine speed, even when engine speed and torque do not have a linear relationship to each other. |
| US11149658B2 |
Anti-rattle valve, exhaust line comprising such valve and method for manufacturing such valve
A valve includes a flap, a tubular valve body defining a passageway, and a guiding device to guide the flap relative to the valve body for pivoting the flap relative to the valve body about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position of the passageway. The guiding device comprises a pin traversed by the pivot axis and comprising a body with a base and, opposite the base, a free end resting against the valve body. The pin also comprises two lugs each protruding from the base in a direction opposite to the free end, the two lugs defining between them a slot, wherein an edge of the flap is received. The valve further comprises at least one member, connected to the flap, and which presses one of the lugs of the pin against the flap. |
| US11149657B2 |
Throttle device
Provided is a throttle device including a total of two throttle units in two cylinders in an engine, each of the throttle units having a throttle shaft, throttle valves, and a motor driving and rotating the throttle shaft, in which a return spring provided in a first throttle unit and a return spring provided in a second throttle unit out of the two throttle units are components of the same type and have mutually different installation forms in the throttle units such that biasing torques at the same degree of opening of the throttle valves differ from each other, thereby enabling performances of responding to a change in rotation speed to be different from each other. |
| US11149650B2 |
Turbine section of high bypass turbofan
A turbofan engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan including a circumferential array of fan blades, a compressor in fluid communication with the fan, the compressor including a first compressor section and a second compressor, the second compressor section including a second compressor section inlet with a second compressor section inlet annulus area, a fan duct including a fan duct annulus area outboard of the second compressor section inlet, a shaft assembly having a first portion and a second portion, a turbine in fluid communication with the combustor, the turbine having a first turbine section coupled to the first portion of the shaft assembly to drive the first compressor section, and a second turbine section coupled to the second portion of the shaft assembly to drive the fan, an epicyclic transmission coupled to the fan and rotatable by the second turbine section through the second portion of the shaft assembly to allow the second turbine to turn faster than the fan, wherein the second turbine section includes a maximum gas path radius and the fan blades include a maximum radius, and a ratio of the maximum gas path radius to the maximum radius of the fan blades is less than 0.6. |
| US11149649B2 |
Hybrid gas turbine engine system powered warm-up
An aspect includes a hybrid gas turbine engine system of a hybrid electric aircraft. The hybrid gas turbine engine system includes a gas turbine engine, an electric motor operable to perform an electric taxiing of the hybrid electric aircraft, and a controller. The controller is operable to prevent fuel flow to the gas turbine engine during at least a portion of the electric taxiing and monitor for a powered warm-up request during the electric taxiing. A powered warm-up state of the gas turbine engine is initiated based on detecting the powered warm-up request. The powered warm-up state adds heat to one or more components of the gas turbine engine prior to transitioning to a takeoff power state. The gas turbine engine transitions from the powered warm-up state to the takeoff power state after reaching a target temperature of the one or more components in the powered warm-up state. |
| US11149648B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling at least part of a start-up or re-light process of a gas turbine engine
A method of controlling at least part of a start-up or re-light process of a gas turbine engine, the method comprising: controlling ignition within a combustion chamber of the gas turbine engine; controlling rotation of a low pressure compressor using a first electrical machine, and controlling rotation of a high pressure compressor using a second electrical machine, the combustion chamber downstream of the low pressure compressor and high pressure compressor; determining if an exit pressure of the high pressure compressor is equal to or greater than a self-sustaining threshold pressure; and in response to determining that the exit pressure of the high pressure compressor is equal to or greater than the self-sustaining threshold pressure, ceasing controlling rotation of the low pressure compressor using the first electrical machine, and/or the high pressure compressor using a second electrical machine. |
| US11149645B2 |
Thermal management of a shaft
A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section where the turbine section is downstream of the combustor section. A shaft connects the turbine section to the compressor section. A bore tube is disposed within the shaft downstream of the compressor section. The bore tube includes an inlet connected to an air source for passing cooling air in an upstream direction of the shaft. |
| US11149642B2 |
System and method of reducing post-shutdown engine temperatures
A cooling system configured to reduce a temperature within a gas turbine engine in a shutdown mode of operation includes a first gas turbine engine including a compressor having a bleed port. In a first operating mode of the gas turbine engine, the compressor bleed port is configured to channel a high pressure flow of air from the compressor. During a shutdown mode of operation, the compressor bleed port is configured to channel an external flow of cooling air into the compressor. The cooling system also includes a source of cooling air and a conduit coupled in flow communication between the compressor bleed port and the source of cooling air. The source of cooling air configured to deliver a flow of cooling air into the compressor through the compressor bleed port. |
| US11149640B2 |
Circular seal outer diameter seal effectiveness testing tool
A seal testing tool for use with a bearing housing of a gas turbine engine including: a first end surface; a second end surface opposite the first end surface; and a boss extending away from the first end surface. The boss extending from a proximal end located at the first end surface to a distal end located opposite the proximal end. The boss includes: a passageway extending from the distal end to the second end surface through the boss; an external surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and a seal groove in the external surface located at the proximal end of the boss. |
| US11149637B2 |
Nacelle for a turbofan engine
An engine nacelle for a turbofan engine, having a nacelle wall and an engine inlet, wherein the nacelle wall has a stationary downstream section and an upstream section that is displaceable in the axial direction, and the displaceable upstream section is displaceable between a first upstream position and a second downstream position. A ring-shaped seal is provided, formed between the stationary section and the displaceable section of the nacelle wall, wherein, in the first position of the displaceable section, the engine nacelle forms a ring-shaped additional flow channel that extends from the outer side of the nacelle wall to the engine inlet and via which ambient air can flow into the engine inlet, and the ring-shaped additional flow channel is closed in the second position of the displaceable section, wherein the stationary section, the ring-shaped seal and the displaceable section adjoin each other. |
| US11149634B2 |
Turbine powered electricity generation
A process is provided for separating syngas fuel into a CO-rich stream for feeding to oxyfuel combustor means of CO2 turbine means and a H2-rich stream for feeding to air-fuel gas turbine means for generating power provides opportunity to realize operating and equipment advantages. |
| US11149633B2 |
System of using compressed air as a force source and method thereof; airplane
The present invention provides a system of using compressed air as force source, comprising: compressed air jet engines, which use high/ultra-high pressure compressed air as a jet working medium, a compressed air production/supply device to economically, environmentally and quantitatively produce, store and supply the high/ultra-high pressure compressed air, and a controller. The compressed air jet engines are equipped on an airplane, rocket, submarine, train, or other moving carrier for aviation, aerospace, navigation and/or ground travel, comprising an air tank and air engines for generating power. The air engines comprise a main air engine for generating thrust, and a plurality of auxiliary air engines for reducing the air (or seawater) resistance and the sliding friction with air (or seawater) during the carrier movement to facilitate the speed-rising and energy-saving, and for improving the lift force of airplane wings to facilitate airplane short-range or vertical take-off/landing, etc. |
| US11149629B2 |
Hybrid engine
A hybrid engine having a plurality of combustion power assemblies disposed about an engine driveshaft on which is mounted spaced apart cams, each combustion power assembly disposed between the cams radially outward of the driveshaft and having a combustion cylinder with a fuel injector mounted thereon and with a reciprocating piston assembly disposed in each end of the combustion cylinder. A cam follower is attached to each piston assembly and engages a respective cam. An electric power assembly may be mounted radially outward from the driveshaft and adjacent at least one cam as a radial power assembly or may be mounted along the driveshaft between the two cams as an axial power assembly. |
| US11149627B2 |
Cooling-water control valve device
A cooling-water control valve device includes a valve member, a housing for accommodating the valve member, a pipe unit, a valve seat member, a spring and so on. The pipe unit has, at its axial end on a side facing to the valve member, an outside cylindrical portion and an inside cylindrical portion, which is coaxially arranged with the outside cylindrical portion at a radial-inside position of the outside cylindrical portion. An annular accommodation space is formed between the inside cylindrical portion and the outside cylindrical portion. The spring and the valve seat member are arranged in the annular accommodation space. |
| US11149626B2 |
Method of cooling high temperature vehicle coolant
A method of rapidly cooling a high temperature vehicle coolant is disclosed. The method includes determining a coolant temperature lowering entry condition by detecting information on the coolant temperature, an engine speed, and a gear state and determining whether the coolant temperature needs to be rapidly lowered on the basis of the detected information; and changing a number of gear stages by adjusting the number of gear stages of a transmission to be reduced to a specific number of gear stages when the coolant temperature needs to be rapidly lowered in the determining of the coolant temperature lowering entry condition, so that the cooling fan is driven by driving the fan belt through a crank damper pulley using the increased engine speed according to the reducing adjustment of the number of gear stages. |
| US11149624B1 |
Mounting structure for engine coolant collector
An internal combustion engine system including a cylinder block, a cylinder head attached to the cylinder block, an EGR cooler, and a coolant collector bracket configured to vertically support the EGR cooler is provided. The cylinder head includes a lateral surface including a plurality of fasteners positioned along a bottom edge of the lateral surface. The cylinder head also includes a plurality of coolant passages. The coolant collector bracket is horizontally coupled to the cylinder head and perpendicularly coupled to the EGR cooler. The coolant collector bracket includes a plurality of mounting legs directly coupled to the lateral surface of the cylinder head. The plurality of mounting legs include a plurality of slots. The plurality of mounting legs are slidably inserted onto the plurality of fasteners of the cylinder head via the plurality of slots. |
| US11149622B2 |
Multiple bank exhaust system comprising reductant supply system arranged upstream of a turbine
Provided is an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a first exhaust conduit leading from a first exhaust bank of the engine to a first turbocharger turbine inlet arranged downstream of the first exhaust bank in the direction of travel of a first exhaust stream; a second exhaust conduit leading from a second exhaust bank of the engine to a second turbocharger turbine inlet arranged downstream of the second exhaust bank in the direction of travel of a second exhaust stream; an SCR catalyst arranged downstream of the first turbocharger turbine inlet and/or second turbocharger turbine inlet; and a reductant supply system comprising a distributor pipe and a reductant injector. The distributor pipe is configured to fluidly connect the first exhaust conduit to the second exhaust conduit upstream of the first turbocharger turbine inlet and second turbocharger turbine inlet, and the reductant injector is configured to supply a reductant to the distributor pipe. |
| US11149620B2 |
Exhaust device for engine
An exhaust device includes a first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, and a third exhaust pipe. The first exhaust pipe is comprised of a pipe member. The second exhaust pipe and the third exhaust pipe are comprised of a tubular member including a merging tubular portion and a downstream tubular portion. In the merging tubular portion, exhaust gas to be discharged from an exhaust port of the second cylinder and exhaust gas to be discharged from an exhaust port of the third cylinder are merged. The merging tubular portion is comprised of combining a plurality of plate members, at least a part of which is formed by press working. A distal end of the first exhaust pipe is disposed inside the downstream tubular portion. The downstream tubular portion is offset on the side of the first cylinder with respect to a center in a cylinder array direction. |
| US11149619B2 |
Installation structure of exhaust gas sensor
An installation structure of an exhaust gas sensor includes: two exhaust pipes on a downstream side of a multi-cylinder engine; a collecting pipe configured to collect the two exhaust pipes; and an exhaust gas sensor installed in the collecting pipe. Outlets of the two exhaust pipes are connected to the collecting pipe so as to be adjacent to each other. In the collecting pipe, the exhaust gas sensor is installed at a position away from the outlets of the two exhaust pipes in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the outlets of the two exhaust pipes are adjacent to each other in a sectional view. |
| US11149618B2 |
Catalyst deterioration detection device, catalyst deterioration detection system, data analysis device, control device of internal combustion engine, and method for providing sate information of used vehicle
A catalyst deterioration detection device is provided to detect deterioration of a catalyst provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. The catalyst deterioration detection device includes a storage device and processing circuitry. The storage device stores map data specifying a mapping that uses time series data of an excess amount variable in a first predetermined period and time series data of a downstream detection variable in a second predetermined period as inputs to output a deterioration level variable. The processing circuitry executes an acquisition process that acquires data, a deterioration level variable calculation process that calculates a deterioration level variable of the catalyst based on an output of the mapping using the data acquired by the acquisition process as an input. The map data includes data that is learned through machine learning. |
| US11149615B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
An apparatus includes circuitry configured to: calculate a temperature of exhaust flowing into an exhaust after-treatment system as a first exhaust temperature, calculate a temperature of exhaust flowing out from the exhaust after-treatment system as a second exhaust temperature, calculate a rate of change over time of the first exhaust temperature and a rate of change over time of the second exhaust temperature, and judge if the exhaust after-treatment system is in a removed state removed from the exhaust passage based on a difference between the rate of change over time of the first exhaust temperature and the rate of change over time of the second exhaust temperature. |
| US11149612B2 |
Method for operating an exhaust gas post treatment system of a diesel engine and exhaust gas post treatment system
A method for operating an exhaust gas post-treatment system of a diesel engine and associated exhaust gas post-treatment system are described. The system has two NOx sensors upstream and downstream of an SCR catalytic converter. The NOx sensor downstream of the SCR catalytic converter is used to divide the NOx information measured by the sensor upstream of the SCR catalytic converter into an NOx value and an NH3 value. Using this simple method, the SCR catalyst control and diagnosis can be carried out precisely and robustly. |
| US11149609B2 |
Aftertreatment system for mixing a reductant in an exhaust gas flowing therethrough
An SCR system includes at least one catalyst, and an intake conduit. The intake conduit includes an intake conduit first sidewall, at least a portion of which defines a first curvature. An intake conduit second sidewall is coupled to the intake conduit first sidewall so as to define the intake conduit. A catalyst is fluidly coupled to the intake conduit through the intake conduit second sidewall. The intake conduit second sidewall is inclined at a first angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the SCR system, such that an intake conduit second end cross-section of the intake conduit is smaller than an intake conduit first end cross-section. An intake conduit third sidewall is positioned at the intake conduit second end. The intake conduit is structured to produce an even flow split of the exhaust gas through the intake conduit internal volume towards the catalyst. |
| US11149607B2 |
Exhaust system and features thereof
An exhaust system that includes a catalytic converter, selective catalytic reduction system, a muffler and, for certain applications, a diesel particulate filter that each include at least one filter that has an electric heating element, a metallic coating and a plurality of metal rods extending therethrough. The combination of elements are configured to heat the internal housings of the exhaust system and disrupt the direction of flow of exhaust gases which contain harmful toxic gases and pollutants and aid in removing and/or reducing said toxic gases and pollutants. |
| US11149600B2 |
Oil lubrication structure of transmission device
In the oil lubrication structure that supplies lubricating oil to the transmission device, the oil lubrication structure includes an oil passage formed above a transmission device. The oil passage is formed by an oil groove portion and a plate member. The oil groove portion is integrally formed in a crankcase. The plate member is arranged in the crankcase so as to cover the oil groove portion. The plate member has oil dripping holes formed therein, and the oil dripping holes are opened at positions directly above the transmission device. |
| US11149597B2 |
Valve drive for an internal combustion engine, internal combustion engine comprising such a valve drive, and method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising such a valve drive
A valve drive for an internal combustion engine, including a gas exchange valve; a first mechanically driven drive mechanism; and a second drive mechanism connected to the gas exchange valve to move same. The first and second drive mechanisms connected via a hydraulic coupling device that has a pressure chamber, which can be relieved of pressure via a valve device and is designed to couple the drive mechanisms by hydraulic pressure and to decouple same in a pressure-relieved state. The valve device has two switch valves fluidically connected to the pressure chamber in parallel and via which the pressure chamber is relieved of pressure in the open state of at least one of the switch valves. The valve drive has a controller that actuates the switch valves in a delayed manner to provide a variable valve stroke of the gas exchange valve during a stroke movement. |
| US11149592B2 |
Combined power generation apparatus
A composite power generating device of the present invention includes an engine (110), a first flow line (121), a turbocharger (130), a second flow line (122), a third flow line (123), a compressor (211), a first medium line (221), a medium turbine (212), a second medium line (222), a working medium cooler (213), a recuperator (215), a power generating unit (214), a cross-line (233), a first heat exchanger (251), a second heat exchanger (252), and a third heat exchanger (253). |
| US11149590B2 |
Ceramic matrix composite joints
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes ceramic material containing (i.e. ceramic matrix composite) segments and joints that couple the segments together. |
| US11149589B2 |
Turbine assembly support program, turbine assembly support system, and turbine assembly method using corrected finite element model
In assembling a turbine including: a casing consisting of an upper half part and a lower half part fastened together by bolts; a stationary body accommodated in the casing and supported by the lower half part; and a rotary body supported by a plurality of bearings so as to be situated on the inner side of the stationary body, there are executed: a procedure of reading a finite element model of the three-dimensional configuration of the turbine; a reading procedure of reading actual measurement information on the three-dimensional configuration of the upper half part and the lower half part of the casing in the open state; a model correction procedure of reflecting actual measurement information of an evaluated portion that is a specific part of the casing in the finite element model and generating a correction model obtained through correction of the finite element model; a deformation amount estimation procedure of estimating the movement amount of the evaluated portion generated when the upper half part and the lower half part of the casing are fastened together by the bolts through simulation using the correction model; and an output procedure of outputting an estimated value of the movement amount to an output device. |
| US11149586B2 |
Turbine ring assembly
A turbine ring assembly including a ring support structure and a plurality of ring sectors made of ceramic matrix composite material forming a turbine ring, each sector presenting in a first section plane defined by an axial direction and a radial direction of the ring a portion forming an annular base having, in the radial direction, an inner face and an outer face from which there extend two attachment tabs defining between them a circumferentially-open annular cavity, the structure including two radial tabs between which the attachment tabs are held, and at least one injection orifice for injecting a stream of cooling air into the annular cavity. In a second section plane containing the axial direction and a direction orthogonal to the first section plane, the orifice forms a first feed angle relative to the direction orthogonal to the first section plane, the first feed angle lying in the range −80° to +80°. |
| US11149575B2 |
Airfoil fluid curtain to mitigate or prevent flow path leakage
Flow path assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a flow path assembly comprises an inner wall defining an inner boundary of a flow path and a plurality of pockets therein, and a unitary outer wall defining an outer boundary of the flow path. The unitary outer wall includes combustor and turbine portions that are integrally formed as a single unitary structure. The flow path assembly further comprises a plurality of nozzle airfoils that each have an inner end radially opposite an outer end and define an internal cavity for receipt of a flow of cooling fluid. The inner end of each nozzle airfoil is received in one of the plurality of inner wall pockets and defines an outlet for the flow of cooling fluid to flow from the internal cavity to the pocket, which forms a fluid curtain to discourage fluid leakage from the flow path. |
| US11149574B2 |
Turbine assembly with ring segments
The invention relates to a turbine assembly (1) comprising an annular structure extending circumferentially about an axial direction (DA) and comprising ring segments (10) arranged circumferentially end to end and comprising adjacent connection faces (13a), linked by linked by sealing tabs (21, 22) in the wall (11) and in the flange (12). The invention is characterised in that the grooves (31, 32) and tabs (21, 22) are curved, the tabs (21, 22) having a bending degree of freedom starting from their mounting position in the presence of an air pressure exerted from upstream to downstream between the adjacent connection faces (13a, 13b) of the at least two adjacent ring sectors (10) during operation of the turbine, the tab (22) having a second point (220) which is in contact with a point (213) of the tab (21). |
| US11149571B2 |
Guiding ring for variable-pitch blades and method of mounting said ring
A ring for guiding variable-pitch blades and supporting an abradable coating for an aircraft turbomachine ring extends about an axis (X) and includes substantially radial orifices for mounting guiding sleeves intended each to receive a pivot of one of the blades. The ring may include a radially inner crown divided into sectors and supports the abradable coating. A radially outer annular ferrule may be divided into sectors and include the orifices for mounting the sleeves. In some embodiments, each ferrule sector is mounted about a crown sector by a circumferential sliding connection. The crown sector may include an immobilizer for rotationally immobilizing the sleeves of this ferrule sector about the axis. |
| US11149570B2 |
Composite outlet guide vane with metal fastener for a turbomachine
An outlet guide vane for a fan of a turbomachine is provided. The outlet guide vane includes a blade made of composite material and having a radial inner end, a first metal fastener portion fastened to the radial inner end, a first platform extending transversely with respect to the blade in the vicinity of the radial inner end. The first metal fastener portion is to be mounted on and fastened to an upstream flange and to a downstream flange of a hub. The first platform is monolithic with the first metal fastener portion or with the blade. A rectifier wheel and a turbomachine including the outlet guide vane are also provided. |
| US11149568B2 |
Sliding ceramic matrix composite vane assembly for gas turbine engines
A turbine vane assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a support strut and a vane. The support strut is made of metallic materials. The vane is made of composite materials and is arranged around the support strut to insulate the metallic materials of the support strut during use of the turbine vane assembly. |
| US11149563B2 |
Ceramic matrix composite blade track with mounting system having axial reaction load distribution features
An assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine has a carrier component and a supported component. The assembly includes a mounting system for coupling the supported component to the carrier component. In an illustrative embodiment, the assembly is a turbine shroud segment for blocking gases from passing over turbine blades included in the gas turbine engine. |
| US11149562B2 |
Method for disassembling/assembling gas turbine, seal plate assembly, and gas turbine rotor
A method for disassembling/assembling a gas turbine including a seal plate disposed on a first side of a rotor disc in an axial direction of the rotor disc, and a seal plate restraint part for restricting movement of the seal plate relative to the rotor disc in a radial direction of the rotor disc includes a seal-plate-restraint-state switching step of moving the seal plate restraint part along the axial direction to switch between a seal plate non-restraint state where the seal plate restraint part does not restrict movement of the seal plate in the radial direction and a seal plate restraint state where at least a part of the seal plate restraint part protrudes in the axial direction from the seal plate and thereby restricts movement of the seal plate in the radial direction. |
| US11149560B2 |
Airfoil assembly with ceramic matrix composite parts and load-transfer features
An airfoil assembly includes a vane that includes an outer platform, an inner platform, and an airfoil. The outer platform defines an outer boundary of a gas path. The inner platform is spaced apart axially from the outer platform relative to an axis and defines an inner boundary of the gas path. The airfoil extends axially between and interconnects the outer platform and the inner platform. |
| US11149556B2 |
Minicore cooling passage network having sloped impingement surface
A gas turbine engine article includes an article wall that defines leading and trailing ends and first and second sides that join the leading and trailing ends. The article wall defines a cavity. A cooling passage network is embedded in the article wall between inner and outer portions of the article wall. The network has an inlet orifice through the inner portion to receive cooling air from the cavity, a plurality of sub-passages, at least one outlet orifice that is connected to the sub-passage region, and a manifold region that has a plenum upstream of the sub-passages. The outer portion of the article wall has a sloped impingement surface located opposite the inlet orifice. The sloped impingement surface is angled to divert flow of cooling air from the inlet orifice toward the plenum. |
| US11149551B2 |
Propeller fan
A propeller fan includes a shaft disposed on a rotation axis and a blade disposed adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The blade has a leading edge and a trailing edge. At least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge has a notch. The notch includes a pair of side edge-parts forming an acute included angle and bottom edge-part located between the pair of side edge-parts. The bottom edge-part includes at least one protrusion having an obtuse included angle. |
| US11149550B2 |
Blade neck transition
A blade for use with a gas turbine engine includes an attachment and an airfoil. The airfoil further includes a suction side wall configured to be exposed to less pressure than the pressure side wall during operation of the gas turbine engine. The blade also includes a plurality of intersecting ribs transitioning from an airfoil cross sectional geometry to an attachment cross section geometry. |
| US11149545B2 |
Closed chamber impulse test with downhole flow rate measurement
An apparatus for performing a well test operation includes a tubular member having a surge chamber and a valve that can control fluid flow from a well into the surge chamber during the well test operation. The apparatus can also include a flow control device, in addition to the valve, for further controlling fluid flow into the surge chamber from the well. Flow rate and pressure data can be measured during the well test operation and used to estimate reservoir properties. Various other systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |