| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09148985B2 |
Power pole inverter
An arm assembly is provided. The arm assembly includes a heat exchanger assembly, a plurality of electrical components thermally coupled to the heat exchanger assembly, and a number of electrical buses. Each electrical component is coupled to, and in electrical communication with, one electrical bus. A sealing compound is then applied to each electrical bus and to a limited number of the electrical components. |
| US09148982B2 |
Separate control of coolant flow through coolant circuits
Methods and coolant distribution systems are provided for automated coolant flow control for, for instance, facilitating cooling of multiple different electronic systems. The methods include, for instance, automatically controlling coolant flow to a plurality of coolant circuits, and for a coolant circuit i of the coolant circuits: automatically determining the heat load transferred to coolant flowing through coolant circuit i, and automatically controlling coolant flow through coolant circuit i based on the determined heat load transferred to the coolant. The different coolant circuits may have the same or different coolant flow impedances, and flow through the different coolant circuits may be controlled using different heat load-to-coolant ranges for the different circuits. |
| US09148978B2 |
Cooling flow accelerator
An air flow accelerator for creating an air current. The air flow accelerator comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, an impeller, and a motor for rotating the impeller to create an air flow passing from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air outlet comprises a first elongate plenum having an interior passage for receiving the air flow, and a second elongate plenum connected to the first elongate plenum by a common wall between the first elongate plenum and the second elongate plenum. The common wall has a plurality of apertures therein. The second elongate plenum comprises a plurality of chambers such that one or more of the apertures connects to each of the chambers. The second elongate plenum further comprises a narrow slot for emitting the air flow. The air flow emitting from the slot forms a jet inducing a flow of air from outside the air flow accelerator. |
| US09148977B1 |
Audio-video equipment stand
Audio-Video Equipment Stand, suitable for supporting audio and video equipment constructed from a metal alloy type material, is dominated by four vertical support columns which provide support to the audio-video equipment stand shelves, are characterized by their size material make up and the unique support device bound to the audio-video equipment stand shelves, are visually well proportioned reflecting their ability to accommodate a wide variety of audio and video equipment, with the addition of sub frame and support bracket configurations, enable the housing of the audio-video equipment stand shelves, in addition, the audio-video equipment stand has the provision for engaging the connectivity requirements of audio and video equipment, courtesy of the connection options integrated into the audio-video equipment stand, thus enabling all forms of supported audio and video equipment to receive power, ensuring correct operation of all audio and video equipment. |
| US09148976B2 |
Rail mounting mechanism
A rail mounting mechanism includes a support, a guide way, a sliding member, and a positioning member. The guide way is configured for slidably receiving a rail and includes a guide body and a mounting piece located on the guide body. The mounting piece is detachably engaged with the support. The sliding member is slidably installed on an outer surface of the guide body and includes a sliding body and an arm piece extending from the sliding body. A resilient member is secured to the sliding body and the guide body. The positioning member is secured to an inner surface of the guide body and includes a side flange. The sliding member is slidable between a first position and a second position. |
| US09148971B2 |
Component built-in module, electronic device including same, and method for manufacturing component built-in module
A component built-in module of the present invention includes: a substrate which includes a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of electronic components which are mounted on the top surface of the substrate; a resin which seals the top surface of the substrate; and a reinforcing plate which is bonded to the bottom surface of the substrate. The reinforcing plate and the resin are bonded to each other. |
| US09148970B2 |
Power supply module
A power supply module adapted to supply power to a peripheral device includes a power supply and an output-structure detachably assembled to the power supply and electrically connected between the power supply and the peripheral device. The height of the output-structure relatively to the bottom portion of the power supply is adjustable and the power supply, output-structure and the peripheral device together form a concave combination-structure. As a result, by using a separated output-structure in the invention, the power supply is able to maneuverably adjust the interconnection position of the peripheral device and the power supply through the second circuit board. Meanwhile, the power supply has a larger usable space therein. |
| US09148960B2 |
Receiver optical assemblies (ROAs) having photo-detector remotely located from transimpedance amplifier, and related components, circuits, and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein include receiver optical assemblies (ROAs) having a photo-detector remotely located from a differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA). Related components, circuits, and methods are also disclosed. By providing the photo-detector remotely located from a TIA, additional costs associated with design constraints of providing the photo-detector intimate with a TIA may be avoided, thereby reducing cost of the ROA. In this regard as a non-limiting example, the ROAs according to the embodiments disclosed herein allow shorter haul active optical cable applications for use in consumer applications from a cost standpoint with the added benefits of increased bandwidth and low noise performance of optical fiber. In this regard, the ROAs disclosed herein provide higher input impedance differential TIA circuits and transmission circuits inhibiting or reducing ringing effects and maintain a sufficiently low resistance-capacitance (RC) time constant for differential TIA circuit to allow for higher bandwidth operation of the ROA. |
| US09148958B2 |
Circuit board and electronic device
An electronic device includes an electronic component including a plurality of terminals and a circuit board on which the electronic component is mounted. The circuit board includes a board body, a plurality of electrode pads arranged on the board body, each of the electrode pads being connected to each of the terminals by solder, a first solder resist formed on the board body and having a plurality of first openings, each of the first openings accommodating each of the electrode pads, and a second solder resist formed on the first solder resist and having a plurality of second openings, each of the second openings being larger than each of the first openings and communicating with each of the first openings. |
| US09148954B2 |
Ceramic electronic component and wiring board having built-in ceramic electronic component
A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic body and an outer electrode. The ceramic body includes first and second principal surfaces, first and second lateral surfaces, and first and second end surfaces. The outer electrode is provided on the first principal surface. The outer electrode includes an underlying electrode layer containing Cu and glass, and a Cu plating layer. The underlying electrode layer is disposed on the first principal surface. The Cu plating layer is disposed on the underlying electrode layer. The Cu plating layer is thicker than the underlying electrode layer. |
| US09148948B2 |
Electronic control device including interrupt wire
An electronic control device includes a substrate, component-mounted wires disposed on the substrate, electronic components mounted on the respective component-mounted wires, a common wire disposed on the substrate and coupled with each of the electronic components, and an interrupt wire coupled between one of the component-mounted wires and the common wire. The interrupt wire melts in accordance with heat generated by an overcurrent. The interrupt wire includes a first wire section and a second wire section shorter than the first wire section. The first wire section and the second wire section is coupled with each other at a predetermined angle that is determined so that one of the wire sections is coupled with the common wire and the other is coupled with the one of the component-mounted wires. |
| US09148947B2 |
Stacked electromagnetic bandgap structure
An EBG (electromagnetic bandgap) device with a stacked structure includes a first ground plane, a first power plane, a via, a second power plane, a second ground plane; a third power plane, and several ground vias. The first ground plane, the second power plane, and the second ground plane are connected through the several ground vias. The ground vias and the second power plane do not have actually electrical connection. The first ground plane, the first power plane, the second power plane, and the via form a first EBG structure and the first ground plane, the second ground plane, the third power plane and the several ground vias form a second EBG structure. |
| US09148946B1 |
Electronic assembly for an inverter
An electronic assembly for an inverter comprises a substrate having a dielectric layer and metallic circuit traces. A plurality of terminals are arranged for connection to a direct current source. A first semiconductor and a second semiconductor are coupled together between the terminals of the direct current source. A primary metallic island (e.g., strip) is located in a primary zone between the first semiconductor and the second semiconductor. The primary metallic island has a greater height or thickness than the metallic circuit traces. The primary metallic island provides a heat sink to radiate heat. |
| US09148939B2 |
Apparatus for removing static electricity of fuel cell stack manufacturing device
An apparatus for removing static electricity of a fuel cell stack manufacturing device, includes a cartridge in which a plurality of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) are received, an air nozzle portion disposed in an upper portion of the cartridge and including an air flow channel for air movement, a plurality of nozzle holes defined along an inner side of the air nozzle portion, which faces the MEAs disposed in the cartridge, to communicate with the air flow channel, and an air inlet portion configured to be supplied with ionized air from the outside to deliver the ionized air to the air flow channel of the air nozzle portion. |
| US09148938B2 |
Smart multi-dimensional light cell arrangement
The present invention relates to a novel arrangement of light cells on a flexible or solid background into a smart multi-dimensional light source capable of unlimited configuration, which comprises of a mother cell that is connected to one source of electrical power and gets charged, subsequently charging all the other light cells and thus illuminating the entire light source with unlimited configuration, and which is capable of being wirelessly switched on or off by means of a smart phone device. |
| US09148935B2 |
Dual-technology occupancy detection
Apparatuses, methods and systems for dual-technology occupancy detection are disclosed. One dual-technology occupancy detection apparatus includes a motion sensor sensing motion, an ambient light sensor sensing variation in ambient light, and a controller for detecting occupancy and controlling a building environmental parameter based on the sensed motion and the sensed variations in ambient light. One method of detecting occupancy for controlling lighting includes sensing motion with a motion sensor, sensing variations in ambient light with an ambient light sensor, and detecting occupancy and controlling activation of a light based on the sensed motion and the sensed variations in ambient light. |
| US09148927B2 |
Light emitting element drive apparatus and portable apparatus using same
A light emitting element drive apparatus capable of outputting the lowest voltage satisfying drive conditions and having high light emitting efficiency and low power loss, and a portable apparatus using the same, comprising an LED drive apparatus to which LEDs of different drive voltages required for emitting light are connected in parallel and driving one or more LEDs, wherein the LED drive apparatus 10 has drive circuits connected to the corresponding LEDs among a plurality of LEDs and driving the corresponding LEDs with luminances based on set values and power supply circuits for deciding a drive voltage value required for the highest light emission among one or more LEDs driven to emit light based on drive states of drive circuits (for example terminal voltages of the current source) and supplying a drive voltage having at least the decided value to LEDs in parallel. |
| US09148920B2 |
Light emitting diode driving apparatus capable of detecting whether current leakage phenomenon occurs on LED load and light emitting diode driving method thereof
A light emitting diode (LED) driving apparatus and an LED driving method suitable for driving an LED load are provided. The LED driving apparatus includes a driving circuit, a feedback circuit, and a control chip. The driving circuit provides a driving voltage to one terminal of the LED load according to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) driving signal. The feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage according to a voltage on the other terminal of the LED load. The control chip is configured to generate the PWM driving signal and adjust the duty cycle of the PWM driving signal in response to the feedback voltage. If the control chip determines the PWM driving signal with a threshold duty cycle continues being output over a preset period of time, the control chip determines that the current leakage phenomenon occurs on the LED load and stops generating the PWM driving signal. |
| US09148919B2 |
Method for mitigating flicker
In accordance with an embodiment, a control circuit for controlling a light emitting diode includes a first switching circuit having first and second inputs and an output and a second switching circuit having at least first and second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the second input of the first switching circuit. Another embodiment includes a method for reducing flicker by generating an adjusted rectified voltage in response to a TRIAC dimmer signal from a TRIAC dimmer and a switching current in response to the adjusted rectified voltage being greater than a first reference voltage. The switching current is decreased in response to the adjusted rectified voltage becoming less than the first reference voltage. The TRIAC dimmer is turned off in response to decreasing the switching current. |
| US09148913B2 |
Backlight module transmitting electricity through magnetic field induction
A backlight module is provided, which includes a first coil, a first driving circuit, a second coil, a rectifying circuit and a light emitting unit. The first driving circuit is electrically connected to the first coil for controlling the first coil to produce a first magnetic field. The second coil is disposed on a transmission direction of the first magnetic field corresponding to the first coil for receiving the first magnetic field and providing a first induction voltage according to the first magnetic field. The rectifying circuit is electrically connected to the second coil for converting the first induction voltage into a first driving voltage. The light emitting unit is electrically connected to the rectifying circuit to provide a backlight according to the first driving voltage. |
| US09148908B2 |
Wireless communication methods, systems, and computer program products
A method, wireless device and computer program product for expanding the coverage of a cellular network. A wireless device (e.g., cellular telephone) is able to communicate with a base station in a cell of the cellular network over a non-cellular interface via another wireless device in the cell through the use of multi-hopping. A wireless device may request permission to communicate with the base station over a non-cellular interface via hopping off another wireless device when its signal strength is below a threshold. Alternatively, a wireless device may receive a request to communicate with the base station over a non-cellular interface via hopping off the wireless device that sent the request when that wireless device has excess capacity in its bandwidth with the base station. By enabling wireless devices to communicate with a base station in such a manner, the effective coverage area of the cellular network is expanded and the effective capacity of the cellular network is improved. |
| US09148906B2 |
Devices for multi-group communications
A User Equipment (UE) configured for multi-group communications is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE detects a plurality of cells. The UE also determines to use multiple groups of one or more cells. The UE further determines a primary secondary cell (PSCell) for a non-primary cell (non-PCell) group based on UE-specific radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The UE additionally receives information using the multiple groups. |
| US09148904B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus includes: a processor to execute determining whether the number of slave stations belonging to a first wireless network as a slave station is the same as a upper limit; transmitting first wireless setting information, when it is determined as a first case that the number of the slave station apparatuses is smaller than the upper limit; transmitting, when it is determined a second case that the number of the slave station apparatuses is the same as the upper limit, second wireless setting information; and performing, in the first case, communication of target data by using the first wireless network, and performing, in the second case, communication of the target data by using the second wireless network. |
| US09148903B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of inactive connections for service continuity in an agnostic internet protocol multimedia communication system
State machine diagram (300) illustrates inactive connection (303) management wherein all bindings are deregistered, but active sessions remain. The mobile station may, re-register the connection (309), to stop the Linger Timer (305) and return the connection to the active state (303) before timeout, or otherwise before the inactive connection is terminated. Otherwise, the Linger Timer may be stopped when the last active session is moved to a different connection, or released (311). If the Linger Timer times out (315), any active sessions will be released without the explicit action of the mobile station. In the active state (303), if all bindings are deregistered and no active sessions are present, the connection may be terminated immediately as in (313), without invoking the Linger Timer. Thus, the mobile station has an opportunity to take action regarding remaining sessions, such as releasing or refreshing on a different but active connection. |
| US09148902B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer communication with network connection
A method and apparatus may be used for peer-to-peer communication. The method and apparatus may allow for network connectivity during the peer-to-peer communication session. The network connectivity may be provided via Scheduled and/or Unscheduled AP Connection times/periods. A station (STA) may be configured to negotiate access point (AP) Connection times/periods with a peer STA for a direct link which may be on a basic service set (BSS) channel or on a non-BSS channel. The STAs may communicate with the AP during the agreed AP Connection times/periods and return to the direct link for peer-to-peer communication. |
| US09148895B2 |
Bridge mode firewall mobility
Mobility of firewall rules for clients moving among bridge AP nodes in a wireless network. APs operate in bridge mode. A wireless client C is associated with a first AP. As part of that association, the first AP establishes and maintains personal firewall rules and state for client C. When wireless client C associates with a second AP in the L2 domain, the second AP sends session request to other APs. This may be in the form of a multicast message. Optionally, the second AP may send a unicast message to the first AP indicating that client C has associated with the second AP. APs receiving the multicast session request message for client C check their tables to see if they have stored firewall or other state for client C. APs having storied firewall or other state for client C send session response messages to the second AP containing stored firewall sessions and other state for client C. When the second AP receives a session response, it sends an acknowledgement to the AP which sent the response. When the AP, such as the first AP, receives the acknowledgement, it may remove all stored state for client C. If the second AP receives session response messages for client C from multiple APs, it acknowledges each, and creates session entries and state using the oldest rules in the session response messages. Flags may be logically ORed together. |
| US09148890B1 |
Systems and methods for scheduling transmission of wireless signals to facilitate coexistence
A device including a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The first transceiver is configured to selectively transmit and receive first signals in a first frequency band according to a schedule. The first signals include at least cellular signals. The second transceiver is configured to selectively transmit and receive second signals in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The second signals include at least WiFi signals. An arbiter is configured to generate status reports indicating statuses of channels in the first frequency band and/or the second frequency band, receive the schedule as generated based on the statuses, and selectively modify the status reports based on an expected transmission and/or reception of the first signals by the first transceiver, and/or an expected transmission and/or reception of the second signals by the second transceiver. |
| US09148887B2 |
Mobile communication method, radio base station, and mobile station
The radio quality among a plurality of mobile stations is measured. A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes the steps of: transmitting, by a radio base station eNB, a setting signal #1 regarding an RS#1 to a mobile station UE#1 through a Uu interface; transmitting, by the radio base station eNB, a setting signal #2 regarding an RS#2 to a mobile station UE#2 through the Uu interface; transmitting, by the mobile station UE#1, the RS#1 to the mobile station UE#2 through a Ud interface based on the setting signal #1; and transmitting, by the mobile station UE#2, the RS#2 to the mobile station UE#1 through the Ud interface based on the setting signal #2. |
| US09148885B2 |
Distributed assignment of frequency channels to transceivers over dynamic spectrum
The invention relates to systems and methods of operating a wireless network including allocating and assigning frequency channels using a dynamic and distributed process. For example, a network node in an ad hoc wireless network will assign frequency channels to one or more of its transceivers based on at least one of a list of allowed frequency channels and a neighbor-frequency channel list. |
| US09148882B2 |
Method for processing data associated with session management and mobility management
A user equipment (UE) in a communication system, and a method thereof. The method includes establishing; by a user equipment (UE), a first data connection associated with an access point name (APN); receiving, by the UE, a session management back-off time value when a request of a bearer resource modification or a bearer resource allocation for the established first data connection is rejected; starting, by the UE, a session management back-off timer according to the session management back-off time value, the session management back-off timer being associated with the established first data connection; if the UE receives a deactivate bearer context request message indicating that reactivation is requested, stopping the session management back-off timer if the session management back-off timer is running; and establishing, by the UE, a second data connection associated with the APN after stopping the session management back-off timer. |
| US09148874B2 |
Communication method and radio transmitter
Radio transmission is performed even to a communication party whose bandwidth that can be used for transmission and reception is limited without having an influence of an offset of a DC component. A radio transmitter applied to an OFDMA communication system in which a plurality of different terminals performs communication using OFDM signals at the same time that includes a mapping part that allocates transmission power to each subcarrier, and also selects a subcarrier to which minimum power of the transmission power to be allocated is allocated and modulates transmission data in units of communication slots to output the modulated data; and a transmission part for transmitting radio signals including the modulated data using each of the subcarriers. |
| US09148873B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing different types of physical layer devices access to a wireless medium
A wireless network includes a first station and a second station. The first station includes a media access control circuit configured to provide a frame of data to be transmitted on a communication channel, and a physical layer device configured to receive the frame of data and transmit the frame of data on the communication channel. The frame of data is transmitted according to a first short interframe space (SIFS) or a second SIFS, and the first SIFS has a duration that is different from that of the second SIFS. The second station is configured to determine whether the first station transmitted the frame of data according to the first SIFS or the second SIFS and transmit a response to the frame of data based on the determination of whether the first station transmitted the frame of data according to the first SIFS or the second SIFS. |
| US09148869B2 |
Location-based account activity alerts
A method of controlling issuance of alerts involves a server receiving notification of occurrence of an event at an account, saving in an events history the event occurrence, receiving device information from a mobile device associated with the account, and determining a position and/or speed from the device information. The server maintains at least one event definition defining particulars of suspension of notifications of events at an account. Upon the position or speed correlating with one of the event definitions, the server saves in the events history an occurrence of at least one additional event occurring at the account subsequent to the event, and suspends notification of the saved occurrences to the mobile device. The server transmits to the mobile device a notification of the occurrences saved in the events history and clears the events history upon the position and speed no longer correlating with any of the event definitions. |
| US09148868B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for location update
A method, an apparatus, and a system for a location update are provided. When detecting that a location update needs to be performed in a first mobile communication network, a request message including instruction information is sent to a mobile management device in the first mobile communication network, so that the mobile management device in the first mobile communication network sends a request message to a mobile management device in a second mobile communication network when executing the location update, so as to trigger the mobile management device in the second mobile communication network to reset a periodic update timer, which implements that a location update of a single-card dual-standby user equipment is synchronously performed in the first mobile communication network and in the second mobile communication network. |
| US09148867B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless positioning system
In a wireless communication apparatus, data transmitted from at least one wireless transmitter is received by direct wireless communication, and its wireless reception condition is detected. Relation reference information setting two or more relations between the wireless reception condition on a reception of transmitted data and location information of the transmitter is stored. Relative distance information of a relative distance between the transmitter and the apparatus is measured. Relation information indicating a relation between the wireless reception conditions and the relative distance information is generated. A relation between the location information and the relative distance information is determined by comparing the relation reference information and the relation information. A current location of the apparatus is determined on the basis of the relation between the location information and the relative distance information and a current wireless reception condition. |
| US09148866B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a fingerprint for a wireless network
The disclosure is directed to a wireless communication device and method for using the device. The wireless communications device may be used by accessing information in memory, the information relating to a first communications network. The information, along with one or more reference signals from a second communications network, is used to determine whether the wireless communications device is in the vicinity of the first communications network. |
| US09148864B2 |
System and method for switching mobile station identification in wireless communication system
A system and a method for switching mobile station identification information in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes sending, at a base station, a RNG-ReSPonse (RSP) message including a temporary mobile station identifier to the mobile station, determining, at the mobile station, the temporary mobile station identifier in the RNG-RSP signal, when base station receives REGistration (REG)-REQ message including the temporary mobile station identifier from the mobile station, sending, at the base station, a REG-RSP message to the mobile station, determining, at the mobile station, the mobile station identifier in the REG-RSP message and sending a response signal for the REG-RSP message to the base station, when receiving the response signal for the REG-RSP message, deleting, at the base station, the temporary mobile station identifier of the mobile station, and communicating, at the mobile station and the base station, using the mobile station identifier. |
| US09148862B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining a radio frame synchronization position
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining a radio frame synchronization position are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes receiving a radio frame having an ascertainable physical channel or ascertainable data intended for providing non-synchronization related information. The method also includes determining, using the ascertainable physical channel or ascertainable data, a frame synchronization position. |
| US09148861B1 |
Offset to data rate control based on transmission power in neighbor sector
Methods and systems are disclosed that may help a base station to adjust forward-link data rates in a given sector based on transmission-power variations in neighboring sectors. An exemplary method involves a base station that serves a first sector: (a) determining a respective transmission power for each of two or more channels of a second sector, (b) detecting a transmission-power difference between at least two of the channels of the second sector, and (c) in response to detecting the transmission-power difference: (i) determining a data rate control (DRC) adjustment for the first sector based at least in part on the transmission-power difference; and using the determined DRC adjustment to determine a forward-link data rate for at least one access terminal in the first sector. |
| US09148858B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling uplink transmission power in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for controlling uplink transmission power in a mobile communication system are provided. In the method, an Advanced Mobile Station (AMS) determines uplink transmission power based on a measured path loss, an uplink noise and interference level received from an Advanced Base Station (ABS), a target Signal-to-Noise and Interference Ratio (SINR), and an offset. An initial offset value is determined based on a number of retransmissions of an initial ranging code performed until an initial ranging process is completed, a transmission power unit used for retransmission of the initial ranging code, and a power correction value received from the ABS upon completion of the initial ranging process with the ABS. |
| US09148852B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling receive diversity on a wireless device
Techniques for controlling receive diversity on a wireless device are disclosed. In one aspect, one or more thresholds are determined based on one or more parameters. One or more other parameters are compared against the one or more thresholds to determine whether to enable or disable receive diversity. For example, a wireless device may determine a threshold value based on a first parameter related to communication of the wireless device. The wireless device may decide to enable or disable receive diversity based on a second parameter and the threshold value. The wireless device may receive data transmission with receive diversity when a decision is made to enable receive diversity. The first parameter may relate to characteristics of data being received by the wireless device and may be represented by percentage downlink utilization. The second parameter may relate to channel conditions and may be represented by an improvement in received signal quality with receive diversity enabled. |
| US09148850B2 |
Method and a radio base station for handling of data traffic
The invention relates to an arrangement (130) in a radio base station (10) for handling data traffic within a cell of the radio base station (10), which radio base station (10) is comprised in a telecommunications network. The arrangement comprises a determining unit (131) arranged to determine a maximum power, which maximum power indicates available power to radio base station (10). In addition, the arrangement comprises a comparing unit (132) arranged to compare the maximum power to a threshold power value, and a handling unit (133) arranged to handle data traffic served by the radio base station (10) according to a shaper rule when the maximum power is below the first threshold power value. The shaper rule is defined to handle data traffic in such a way that an amount of data traffic transmitted over a time period is reduced consuming less power of the radio base station (10) than if the data traffic is handled according to a basic rule when the maximum power is above the threshold power value. |
| US09148846B2 |
Methods for intelligent network selection
A method for intelligent network selection includes collecting, by a subscriber unit or an infrastructure device network state condition information for a plurality of networks when the subscriber unit is currently attached to a first access network. Upon detection of a trigger, the subscriber unit or the infrastructure device selects a second access network using the network station condition information. The subscriber unit detaches from the first access network and attaches to the second access network. |
| US09148845B2 |
Method for discovering neighboring nodes in wireless networks
A method discovers neighboring nodes in a wireless network of nodes. The nodes include a set of concentrators acting as IPv6 routers and a set of sensor nodes acting as IPv6 hosts. The sensor nodes can also act as relay nodes. In each node, a 64-bit interface ID is configured using a 48-bit MAC address. In each node, a unique IPv6 link-local address is configured using the 64-bit interface ID. In each node, the neighboring nodes are discovered by transmitting unsolicited Neighbor Advertisement (NA) messages. A Router Advertisement (RA) messages is distributed from the concentrators to the sensor nodes meters by using the relay nodes. In each node, a unique IPv6 address is configured and registered at the concentrators by using the relay nodes. |
| US09148844B2 |
Mobile internet access node, system and method for finding partners
The present invention provides an MiAN, a system and a method for finding partners for use in an MiAN cluster system. The method comprises the step of performing, by the slave MiAN, search on working channels of the proximity interface in accordance with a preset search order, and trying to establish a communication connection with the proximity interface of a master MiAN with respect to the MiANs that have been searched during the search process. When selecting the working channels of the proximity interface, all the master MiANs in the clustering system perform search in accordance with the search order, and operate on the channel which has been searched first in accordance with the search order and the channel quality of which meets a predetermined requirement. According to the present invention, the processes of finding, selecting and binding partners in the MiAN cluster system will be accelerated. |
| US09148843B2 |
Method and system for selecting a wireless network for offloading
The present invention is directed to a method and system for selecting a wireless network for offloading network traffic from another network. In one embodiment, a method and system for offloading network traffic in a wireless user terminal from a first network, such as cellular network, onto a second network, such as a WiFi network, includes determining a measure of the relationship between the user of the wireless user terminal and the owner of the access point for the second network. The measure of the relationship can be used to provide an indication of the likelihood that the owner of the access point will grant access to the user of the wireless user terminal. |
| US09148834B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing handover of a mobile station from a macro cell to a femto cell
A method for managing handover of a mobile station from a macro cell to a femto cell comprises selecting a candidate set of target femto cells from a plurality of femto cells by applying a plurality of different filters, each filter filtering by at least one femto cell attribute. The filters may be applied successively and arranged to remove all but the most likely candidate target femto cells from further consideration. |
| US09148832B2 |
Reducing out-of-service and extending effective cell coverage with receiver diversity
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may obtain a measurement of a radio condition from a radio frequency signal received at a first antenna and enable receive diversity for further measurements of the radio condition when a metric of the radio condition does not meet a predefined threshold value. A probability of occurrence of an out-of-service state may be reduced by measuring the radio condition using further measurements using receiver diversity. The further measurements of the radio condition may be based on whether one version of the signal has greater energy than the other versions of the signal. The further measurements of the radio condition may obtained by combining received versions of the signal utilizing combination diversity to obtain a combined signal strength/energy. |
| US09148825B2 |
System and method of performing idle mode signaling reduction in multi-radio access technology cellular networks
A method includes performing a handover for a mobile device between first and second RAT networks. The first RAT network has a tracking area. The second RAT network has a routing area. Idle mode signaling reduction is activated in the mobile device including activating first and second timers respectively for the first and second RAT networks. In response to either one of the first and second timers expiring, a tracking or routing area update is sent to a first base station. The first base station is in the first RAT network or the second RAT network. The first timer is reset while the second timer maintains a set offset from the first timer. The tracking area update indicates that the mobile device has performed a handover to the first RAT network. The routing area update indicates that the mobile device has handed over to the second RAT network. |
| US09148824B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling circuit switched fall back of a mobile station from E-UTRAN to UTRAN/GERAN in a full-multi-operator core network
Packet Switched (PS) handover based Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB) of a mobile station is controlled from an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) cell to a target Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) cell or a target GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) cell in a PS domain. A network node receives a handover request from a SGSN. A PLMN ID associated with the SGSN is identified. A set of PLMN IDs transmitted as system information by the target UTRAN cell or the target GERAN cell is identified. A PLMN ID index is generated to indicate an association between the PLMN ID associated with the SGSN and one of the PLMN IDs of the set. The PLMN ID index is communicated toward the mobile station for use during PS handover based CSFB. The mobile station embeds the PLMN ID index in a Location Area Update (LAU) message, and transmits the LAU message to a target BSS/RNS of the GERAN/UTRAN cell for use during the PS handover based CSFB. |
| US09148819B2 |
In-place A-MSDU aggregation for wireless systems
A sub-frame is generated for each MSDU to be aggregated in an A-MSDU and the sub-frame is stored in place in memory. For each sub-frame, an MSDU descriptor identifying the memory location of the sub-frame is stored in a queue. When a transmit opportunity for an MPDU arises, a DMA engine sequentially transfers the components of sub-frames stored in memory to a PHY layer using a list or other sequence of DMA descriptors obtained from at least a subset of the MSDU descriptors. Thus, these MSDU descriptors allow the aggregation of A-MSDUs to be initiated while the MSDUs are in place in the same memory in which they were initially stored. |
| US09148816B2 |
Dynamic rate control in WiFi systems
A wireless device is configured to switch data rates to account for temporary channel conditions or device configuration errors. Pre-selected data rates, more likely to achieve maximum goodput, are stored in a data rate table. The data rate table contains candidate data rates for each pre-selected data rate in the data rate table. When probe transmissions using the preselected data rates fail, dynamic rate probing is utilized to determine a possible cause and extent of the problem. The dynamic rate probing scheme transmits probe transmissions using the candidate data rates and tracks success or failure of these probe transmissions. An analysis of the probe transmissions is used to indicate a possible cause and/or extent of the problematic condition and to determine whether there is a need to reconfigure the data rates in the data rate table. |
| US09148813B2 |
Communication quality measuring apparatus and communication quality measuring method
A communication quality measuring apparatus includes a calculating unit, a specifying unit, and an associating unit. The calculating unit collects information that is used to calculate the communication quality of wireless communication from a base station that performs wireless communication with a mobile station and calculates the communication quality by using the information. The specifying unit collects location information from a measuring device that measures the location information related to the mobile station and specifies a mobile station area that is an area in which the mobile station is located by using the location information. The associating unit associates the communication quality calculated by the calculating unit with each of the mobile station areas specified by the specifying unit. |
| US09148811B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting co-channels signals
Apparatus and method for recognizing Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) signals are provided. The solution comprises obtaining position and timing information from a satellite positioning system; tuning to a frequency channel with GSM transmission; collecting a group of I/Q samples for the length of 12 GSM frames; performing peak detection using at least two peak detectors over the group of samples wherein the found peak values are the locations of synchronization bursts (SCH). For the found peaks, the timing information, carrier-to-noise ratio, in phase and quadrature values are determined. A group of I/Q samples for the length of 12 or 51 GSM frames are collected. From the found SCH, base station identification code BSIC, frame number and Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) training sequence are determined. BCCHs corresponding to all SCH are decoded; and transmitting base stations identified. |
| US09148810B2 |
Apparatus and method of displaying status of wireless network
A method for providing a status of a wireless network, including: receiving a wireless signal from an access point and status information of the access point; determining processing capacity information of the access point based on the status information of the access point; and displaying wireless network information with respect to the access point, the wireless network information including the processing capacity information of the access point and signal strength information of the received wireless signal. |
| US09148808B2 |
Adaptive RF system testing system and method
A system and method for testing an adaptive RF system in an emulated RF environment using a feedback control module to efficiently and accurately evaluate the performance of the RF system under test in the search space. |
| US09148806B2 |
Systems and methods for high rate OFDM communications
Messages transmitted between a receiver and a transmitter are used to maximize a communication data rate. In particular, a multicarrier modulation system uses messages that are sent from the receiver to the transmitter to exchange one or more sets of optimized communication parameters. The transmitter then stores these communication parameters and when transmitting to that particular receiver, the transmitter utilizes the stored parameters in an effort to maximize the data rate to that receiver. Likewise, when the receiver receives packets from that particular transmitter, the receiver can utilize the stored communication parameters for reception. |
| US09148800B2 |
Method of changing the operation of wireless network nodes
In a wireless network node, the MAC protocol is implemented through an extended finite state machine executed by the node. The operation of the wireless network node is changed by establishing a wireless connection between the present wireless network node and a remote wireless network node. One or more data packets containing a coded extended finite state machine corresponding to a specific MAC protocol are sent through the wireless connection from the remote wireless network node to the present wireless network node. An activation command from the remote wireless network node to the present wireless network node is sent through the wireless connection for activating the specific MAC protocol. This may be done during normal operation of the present wireless network node. |
| US09148799B2 |
Telecommunications method and apparatus for facilitating positioning measurements
A wireless terminal (30) capable of operating in a discontinuous mode and method for operation facilitate measurements pertaining to position of the wireless terminal (30). A measurement request message from a radio access network (28) indicates that measurements are to be performed by the wireless terminal on downlink signals transmitted by the base station or by the base station on downlink signals transmitted by the base station. As a result of or after receiving the message, operation of the wireless terminal (30) changes from a discontinuous mode to a modified mode to facilitate performance of the measurements. Relative to the discontinuous mode at least one of following are shortened or eliminated in the modified mode: (i) the non-reception periods, and (ii) the non-transmission periods. |
| US09148797B2 |
Troubleshooting client roaming
In an example embodiment, a service that analyzes location information of a client as the client roams. For example, whenever a trigger event occurs, such as a change in the association state, a change in Internet Protocol (IP) address, etc., a determination is made whether the event was expected. If the event was not expected, the location of where the trigger event occurred can be determined enabling a network administrator to investigate roaming problems at a particular location. |
| US09148795B2 |
Methods and apparatus for flexible reporting of control information
Reporting methods well suited for reporting control information in a wireless system are described. A wireless terminal reports information to a serving base station, e.g., a base station attachment point, according to a reporting schedule. The reporting schedule includes a plurality of different types of fixed type information reports which communicate information of a type dictated by the reporting schedule. The reporting schedule also includes flexible reports at predetermined locations within the reporting schedule. The wireless terminal selects the type of report to be communicated in the flexible report, e.g., as a function of a report prioritization operation. Information identifying the wireless terminal's report type selection for the flexible report is jointly coded along with the report body information and communicated in the same dedicated control channel segment. The reporting schedule repeats over time. In some embodiments there are more fixed reports than flexible reports in one iteration of the schedule. |
| US09148792B2 |
Dynamic certification system for wireless spectrum sharing
This disclosure is directed to a dynamic certification system. In general, a device may transmit a request message to a cloud spectrum broker/licensed shared access (CSB/LSA) controller requesting certification for operation in shared wireless spectrum. The device may then receive a response message containing information on available certifications for operating in the shared wireless spectrum. If at least one available certification is determined to be usable by the device, then, depending on the system configuration, the device may claim an available certification (e.g., by obtaining an electronic certification document, token, etc.) or may request to use an available certificate, which may be confirmed by the CSB/LSA controller. The device may then operate in the shared wireless spectrum based on conditions set forth in the certificate. |
| US09148783B2 |
Method of managing sensitive data in an electronic token
A method of managing data in an electronic token includes an initial step of storing a first data into the electronic token and into a secured site. Secret data, intended to be initialized in the electronic token, is identified. Instructions and a subset of the first data are also identified, wherein the subset allows the secret data to be rebuilt by applying the instructions. A reference identifying the subset is sent to the electronic token. In the electronic token, the secret data is rebuilt from the first data and the reference by applying the instructions. |
| US09148781B2 |
Wireless transmission of data packets based on client associations
Techniques are provided for wireless transmission of data packets based on client associations. A data packet may be received at a wireless access point. It may be determined if at least one client associated with the wireless access point should receive the data packet. The data packet may be wirelessly transmitted if it is determined that there is a client that is associated with the wireless access point that should receive the data packet. |
| US09148780B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure data transmission
A method and apparatus for secured data transmission is provided. The base station determines a first precoding matrix based on channel information of an eavesdropper. The base station determines a second precoding matrix and a third precoding matrix. The base station generates the secure data by precoding first user data for a target user with the first precoding matrix and the second precoding matrix. The base station transmits the secure data signal to the target user. The second precoding matrix is determined based on the first precoding matrix and the first channel information. The third precoding matrix is determined based on the first channel information and the second channel information. |
| US09148779B2 |
Device capable of safely communicating device information, communication control method therefor, and storage medium
A device which is capable of minimizing the use of resources in devices and safely communicating information such as settings on devices. The device is capable of communicating with another device via a wireless communication network and manages the other device. The device leaves a first wireless communication network to which the device is currently connected. Then, the device wirelessly connects to the other device so as to construct, with the other device that left the first wireless communication network after the device, a second wireless communication network, which is different from the first wireless communication network, by using a setting network ID for use in a setting change mode for changing setting values of the other device. The device sends setting data to the other device, to which the device was wirelessly connected, via the second wireless communication network. |
| US09148775B2 |
Multivariant mobile operating system configuration
Techniques are described for configuring a multivariant mobile operating system. The current state of a mobile computing device can be determined by determining keys to use for obtaining configuration settings. The determined keys can be used to retrieve configuration settings. The configuration settings can be prioritized. The prioritized configuration settings can be applied to configure the multivariant mobile operating system. |
| US09148774B2 |
Method and apparatus for communication using heterogeneous protocols
Heterogeneous protocol stacks are used in an approach including analyzing a destination network ID of data received by a shared, lower layer protocol stack, a data type field value, and/or whether any of the upper layer protocol stacks support broadcasting. An upper layer protocol stack is selected based on the results of the analysis. The received data is transmitted to the selected upper layer protocol stack. Accordingly, heterogeneous protocol stacks may be realized in one chip. |
| US09148773B2 |
Identifying source of TTY based emergency call
An message may be sent to an emergency call center. Before the message is received by the emergency call center, it may be determined that at least a portion of the message is not formatted in accordance with a teletypewriter protocol. The message may be reformatted in accordance with a TTY protocol. A second message may be provided to a public safety answering point. The second message may comprise the reformatted message and an indication of the original protocol of the reformatted message. |
| US09148770B2 |
Identification of static position witnesses to a PSAP emergency
When a PSAP receives a call from a cellular telephone in reference to an emergent event, the speed and quality of the response may be improved by the cellular service provider's provision to the PSAP of information that includes the geographic location of the caller's phone. In a typical scenario, in which the call is from a GPS-equipped phone, the GPS coordinates of the phone may be echoed back to the PSAP in response to a specialized open “ping” request from the service provider. Of particular advantage to this approach is that GPS ping requests typically work regardless of whether a call is in progress, as long as the phone is turned on. |
| US09148766B2 |
Systems and methods for real-time cellular-to-internet video transfer
The present invention provides systems and methods for real-time cellular to Internet video transfer during a voice call between an initiator and a recipient handset. In some embodiments, the systems and methods deliver the video stream in real-time from a cellular phone to a personal computer using the Internet. |
| US09148764B2 |
Characterizing an indoor structure based on detected movements and/or position locations of a mobile device
Various methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented in various devices for use in characterizing environments. In an example, a mobile device may, gather a plurality of measurements during a period of time, including one or more first measurements generated by one or more environmental sensors, and one or more second measurement generated by a radio based, at least in part, on one or more wireless signals received by the radio. In response to a determination that the mobile device is to report a travel history corresponding to at least a portion of the period of time, the mobile device may generate a travel log based, at least in part, on at least one first measurement and at least one second measurement, and transmit the travel log to an external device. |
| US09148757B2 |
Method for tracking a mobile device onto a remote displaying unit
The present invention refers to a method for tracking at least one mobile device onto a remote displaying unit through a mobile switching center connected to the mobile device by a wireless communication network and through a head-end linked to the mobile switching center and connected to the remote displaying unit by a second communication network different to the wireless communication network. The mobile device is identified by a mobile device identifier. The remote displaying unit is identified by a remote displaying unit identifier and is provided with a module for processing messages coming from the head-end identified by a head-end identifier. The mobile device is provided with a locating unit able to determine its current location and with a communication unit for supporting at least an instant messaging service. |
| US09148755B2 |
Mobile communication terminals, method for using a communication service and method for determining information related to a geographical position of a mobile communication terminal
According to an aspect of this disclosure, a mobile communication terminal is provided including determiner configured to determine a value of a parameter related to the mobile communication terminal and configured to determine an imprecision of the determined parameter value; and a controller configured to perform a setting for a communication service depending on the determined imprecision of the determined parameter value and to control the mobile communication terminal to use the communication service depending on the setting. |
| US09148754B2 |
Calculating and broadcasting an area's population density based on cell signal
The subject technology determines population density of an area in order to map one or more persons to smaller areas such as bathrooms, stores, and lines. Based on a user's current geolocation, the subject technology utilizes one or more nearby wireless signals transmitted from computing devices to determine a population density of an area near the user's geolocation. The signals from each device can include unique IDs for identifying the device associated with the ID. Mobile devices such as cell phones constantly broadcast a cell signal and/or other types of signals with unique identifiers. These signals are anonymized to protect any personal information associated with the mobile devices transmitting these signals while still being able associate a device to a respective signal. The subject technology therefore can determine an area's population density based on these anonymized signals by detecting one or more associated devices near the geolocation of the user. |
| US09148751B2 |
Wireless control system and wireless network expansion method applied thereto
A wireless control system and a wireless network expansion method applied thereto are provided. The wireless control system comprises a mobile platform and a plurality of wireless devices capable of switching between a first role and a second role. The wireless network expansion method comprises following steps. A mobile platform is turned on. The mobile platforms scans the wireless devices and links to any wireless device serving the first role and then sends a control command to corresponding wireless device, which accordingly broadcasts the control command. The control command is received by at least one wireless device serving the second role. The wireless devices cyclically switch between the first role and the second role to continuously broadcast the control command to other wireless devices serving the second role, so that all of the wireless devices can finally receive the control command from the mobile platform. |
| US09148740B2 |
Method and apparatus for reproducing stereophonic sound
Method and apparatus reproduce a stereophonic sound. The method includes obtaining sound depth information which denotes a distance between at least one object within a sound signal and a reference position, and providing sound perspective to the sound object output from a speaker, based on the sound depth information. |
| US09148737B2 |
Automatic power-off of hearing aid
A hearing aid system comprises a hearing aid (1) and an external device (2). The external device (2) continuously sends short range power-off commands (4) to the hearing aid (1). Under normal operation of a hearing aid, the range is too short to power-off the hearing. When the hearing aid (1) is placed in close proximity of the external device (2), the hearing aid is within range (3) and will consequently power-off. The method further provides a method of controlling a hearing aid. |
| US09148736B2 |
Reduced power usage for a hearing prosthesis having transcutaneous power and data transfer
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses designed to reduce the power usage of a hearing prosthesis. To reduce the power usage of the prosthesis, an external portion may transmit a signal having a plurality of transmission parameters to an internal component. The external portion receives an indication of an implant power parameter associated with the plurality of transmission parameters. After receiving the indication, the external portion adjusts at least one transmission parameter. After adjusting at least one parameter, the external portion transmits a signal to the internal component based on the adjusted parameters and responsively receives an indication of an implant power parameter associated with the adjusted parameters. Based on the received indication of the implant power parameter for a plurality of transmissions, the external portion determines a preferred set of transmission parameters. Finally, the external portion is operated based on the preferred set of transmission parameters. |
| US09148732B2 |
Method for testing hearing aids
A method for testing hearing aids, particularly in respect of the effect thereof on speech comprehension, is improved. The method has the following steps: a) a test system is provided, b) an audible voice signal in the form of at least one meaningless syllable is selected and presented c) the meaningless syllable and a number of further meaningless syllables are displayed on a graphical user interface in the test system, d) a heard meaningless syllable is selected from the displayed meaningless syllables by the user, e) the selection made is evaluated, and f) method steps c) to e) are repeated until a termination criterion is encountered. The audible voice signal is selected in each case on the basis of at least one selection made by the person in response to a previously presented voice signal. The method allows particularly fast and informative hearing aid tests. |
| US09148731B1 |
Top port surface mount MEMS microphone
A top port, surface mount package for a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone die is disclosed. The surface mount package features a substrate with metal pads for surface mounting the package to a device's printed circuit board and for making electrical connections between the microphone package and the device's circuit board. The surface mount microphone package has a cover with an acoustic port, and the MEMS microphone die is substrate-mounted and acoustically coupled to the acoustic port. The substrate and the cover are joined together to form the MEMS microphone, and the substrate and cover cooperate to form an acoustic chamber for the substrate-mounted MEMS microphone die. |
| US09148727B1 |
Non-axisymmetric geometry for cloth loudspeaker suspensions
A suspension element used in an acoustic apparatus includes a woven fabric made of warp thread and weft thread. The warp thread extends parallel to a first major axis of the woven fabric and the weft threads extend parallel to a second major axis of the woven fabric orthogonal to the first major axis. The woven fabric further includes an inner periphery and an outer periphery. At least one of the inner and outer peripheries has a shape having one of four-fold rotational symmetry and dihedral symmetry. The shape produces a shorter distance between the inner and outer peripheries along a minor axis of the woven fabric that extends radially between the first and second major axes than a distance between the inner and outer peripheries along at least one of the first and second major axes. |
| US09148724B2 |
Audio system signal processing control using microphone movement information
An audio conferencing system has a base station, a speaker and one or more mobile microphones, and it operates to receive audio information from both a far-end audio source and a near-end audio source and to process the audio information for transmission to a far-end audio conferencing system. At least one of the mobile microphones has a motion detection device and operates to send detected motion information to the base station. The base station operates to control the processing of audio information it receives from the microphone according to the detected microphone motion information. |
| US09148721B2 |
System, method and apparatus for silent true bypass switching
A system, method and apparatus in the field of signal processing with particular applications to the specialized field of audio signal processing as it is used in the production or performance of music that is adapted and/or configured to mitigate or attenuate unwanted signals during a switching process between an effects apparatus and a signal bypass. |
| US09148720B2 |
Multimedia output device with detection and protection circuit and audio output method thereof
A multimedia output device and an audio output method thereof are provided. The multimedia output device is electrically connected to an external speaker. The audio output method includes following steps. The multimedia output device determines whether an identification resistor exists in the external speaker. If the identification resistor exists in the external speaker, the multimedia output device determines whether the identification resistor complies with a predetermined resistance range. If the identification resistor complies with the predetermined resistance range, the multimedia output device outputs an audio signal to the external speaker to be played. |
| US09148715B2 |
Speaker frame and speaker having the same
A speaker frame, including: a vibration support portion supporting a vibrating body of a speaker; a magnet support portion arranged inside of said vibration support portion and supporting magnetic circuit portion of said speaker; and a plurality of connection beams connecting said vibration support portion and said magnet support portion, wherein the vibration support portion and the magnet support portion have a circular ring shape having the same major axis length and minor axis length, said plurality of connection beams are arranged radially centering on a central axis from said magnet support portion to said vibration support portion, the central axis being parallel to a direction of an acoustic radiation, and a length of one of said connection beams and a length of another connection beams are different from each other. |
| US09148712B2 |
Micromechanical digital loudspeaker
A digital loudspeaker includes a substrate, a first stator fixed with respect to the substrate, a second stator fixed with respect to the substrate and spaced at a distance from the first stator, and a membrane between the first stator and the second stator. The membrane is displaceable between a first position in which the membrane mechanically contacts the first stator and a second position in which the membrane mechanically contacts the second stator. The first stator and the second stator are arranged to electrostatically move the membrane from a rest position spaced apart from the first position and the second position to the first position and the second position, respectively. |
| US09148710B2 |
Raman amplifier system and method with integrated optical time domain reflectometer
Raman amplifier systems and methods with an integrated Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) for integrated testing functionality include an amplifier system, an OTDR and telemetry subsystem, and a method of operation. The OTDR and telemetry subsystem is configured to operate in an OTDR mode when coupled to a line in port and to operate in a telemetry mode when coupled to a line out port. The OTDR and telemetry subsystem enables on-demand fiber testing while also operating as a telemetry channel that is both a redundant optical service channel (OSC) and provides a mechanism to monitor Raman gain over time. The OTDR and telemetry subsystem minimizes cost and space by sharing major optical and electrical components between the integrated OTDR and other functions on the Raman amplifier. |
| US09148709B2 |
Sensor interface with variable control coefficients
The present disclosure is directed towards a sensor interface module that delivers a supply voltage to a plurality of sensors, and which exchanges data signals between the plurality of sensors and a control unit (e.g., an ECU). The sensor interface often employs a single-bit comparator (or a coarse analog to digital converter (ADC), e.g., a 2-bit or 3-bit ADC) to track signals to be exchanged between the sensors and controller over the sensor interface. Compared to power hungry ADC with more bits (e.g., 32 bit ADC), the single-bit comparator/coarse ADC limits hardware complexity and power consumption. In addition, in some embodiments the sensor interface module can include an estimator and assist comparators to speed up the tracking ability of the sensor interface module. In this way, techniques provided herein facilitate reliable, low-power communication between a control unit (e.g., an ECU) and its corresponding sensors. |
| US09148707B2 |
System and method to provide out-of-band broadcast trigger synchronization and communication to insertion devices
A cue message detection synchronizer that provides an out-of-band cue message to downstream content insertion devices. The cue message detection synchronizer receives a first data stream corresponding to a network feed, receives a second data stream corresponding to a provider feed, receives at least one cue message associated with the first data stream, compares the first data stream to the second data stream to determine a data stream offset, and generates cue message comprising one or more of: (i) the determined data stream offset, and (ii) a timestamp associated with the generated cue message and modified by the determined data stream offset. In this way, a location within a synchronized provider stream can be provided to downstream content insertion devices. |
| US09148706B1 |
Identification of user segments based on video viewership activity and analysis
The techniques disclosed herein facilitate online audience targeting based on brand and product interest/enthusiasm as determined by a measurement metric that is a function of one of more (and preferably all) of the following: recency data, frequency data, intensity data, consumption data, site data, meta data related to given videos, data, and other demographic data. |
| US09148703B2 |
Interactive television system with programming-related links
An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application. |
| US09148702B1 |
Extending playing time of a video playing session by adding an increment of time to the video playing session after initiation of the video playing session
A device is disclosed that includes an interface component configured to generate a user interface for playing and requesting videos and a reception component configured to receive a subset of videos from a set of videos in accordance with a video streaming session having a preset duration of time and play the subset of videos for the preset duration of time via the user interface. The device further includes a request component configured to request an increase to the preset duration of time of the video streaming session by a segment of time after reception of a video included in the subset of videos, wherein in response to the request, the reception component is configured to receive the subset of videos for an amount of time including the preset duration of time plus the segment of time and play the subset of videos for the amount of time. |
| US09148701B2 |
Systems and methods for ranking assets relative to a group of viewers
Systems and methods are provided for ranking assets relative to a group of viewers. A group is formed by a user by selecting a number of different viewer preference profiles or automatically by the system as a function of analyzing similarities among viewer preference profiles. Individual preference values are computed for each viewer in the group relative to an asset. A group preference value is then computed by performing a function on the individual preference values. A display is generated that represents the individual preference values and the group preference value relative to an asset. Based on the information provided in the display, the asset most relevant to the group may be selected. |
| US09148698B1 |
Methods, systems, and media for controlling a presentation of media content
Systems, methods, and media for controlling a presentation of media content are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, methods for controlling a presentation of media content, the methods comprising: causing the presentation of the media content to begin; measuring an elapsed time of the presentation of the media content; determining a first threshold based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a current point in time; and a characteristic of the media content; determining if the elapsed time of the presentation has met the first threshold; and ending the presentation in response to determining that the elapsed time of the presentation has met the first threshold. |
| US09148693B1 |
Method and system of scaling external resources for a receiving device
A system and method for forming an external tuner device and initializing the external device includes an enclosed over-the-air tuner housing having a over-the-air television tuner therein, an input power connector coupled to the housing, an antenna input coupled to the housing, a tuner signal output coupled to the housing and a dual over-the-air tuner circuit module disposed within the tuner housing in communication with the input power connector, the antenna input and the tuner signal output. The dual over-the-air tuner circuit module generates a first tuner signal from a first tuner and a second tuner signal from a second tuner and communicates the first tuner signal and the second tuner signal through the tuner signal output. |
| US09148692B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A method of processing a digital television (DTV) signal in a DTV receiver, the method includes receiving a digital television signal including a plurality of extended text table (ETT) instances that appear in transport stream packets with common PID values, the ETT instances having common table ID values, each ETT instance comprising a section header and a message body, the section header containing a table identification (ID) extension field that serves to establish uniqueness of each ETT instance, the message body containing an extended text message (ETM) which provides detailed descriptions of a virtual channel or an event associated with each ETT instance, wherein the section header further contains a current next indicator field and a last section number field indicating a last section number, demodulating the digital television signal and identifying at least one pertinent ETT instance from the plurality of ETT instances. |
| US09148690B2 |
Multi-room recorder
Scheduling may be provided. First, a first request to record a first program content may be received. The first request may be received from a first device and initiated by a first user. Next, in response to the received first request, a first entry may be added to a scheduling list. The first entry may correspond to the first request. Then, the first program content may be recorded according to the first entry in the scheduling list. In response to recording the first program content, a first indication may then be added to a recording list. The first indication may indicate that the first program content has been recorded. |
| US09148686B2 |
Matrix code-based user interface
A method for presenting a matrix code may include receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to a remotely accessible program, generating, at a content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program, transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, and receiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the matrix code. A method for remotely controlling a set top box and a method for setting a recording time on a set top box are also described. A method of preparing a program guide may include gathering program information, generating matrix codes for each program including program data, and associating the matrix codes with respective programs. |
| US09148684B2 |
Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing user-profile information
Example methods of providing media content via a network are presented. In one example, a user profile and a group profile are accessed. The user profile includes information describing a user of media content, and the group profile includes information describing a group of users of media content. Based on the information of the user profile, the user profile is assigned to the user group, in which the user profile is linked as a child profile to the group profile. Based on the information of the user profile and on the assigning of the user profile to the user group, an item of media content is determined for transmission to a user device of the user. The item of media content is transmitted via the network to the user device. |
| US09148683B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-readable media for resource-based allocation of content transmitted in a media network
Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for allocating content elements addressed for a content opportunity in a transport stream within a household-addressable media network. A content opportunity may include an advertising slot in a programming stream. The content elements may include advertising content configured to be run during the advertising slot. The advertising slot may be transmitted in a programming stream providing television programming and the advertising content may be provided in a commercial feed. The media network may be configured to transmit various content formats, such as high definition (HD), standard definition (SD), and variations thereof. Systems may be configured to allocate the highest profile corresponding content elements if there is sufficient resources available. If sufficient resources are not available, the system may allocate lower profile versions of the content elements. |
| US09148681B2 |
Audiovisual reproduction system
Audiovisual reproduction system including a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, in which the operating system includes a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified. |
| US09148674B2 |
Method and system for assigning antennas in dense array
A method and system optimally selecting antenna elements based on the current availability of antenna elements and the current usage of other antenna elements within a two or three dimensional array. The present system and method pertain to an approach to allow the maximal usage of each antenna element while simultaneously reducing the coupling between antenna elements to improve the signal strength in each antenna element by ensuring that antenna elements in the same incident path are not tuned to the same frequency or physically or electrically near elements tuned to identical or adjacent frequencies. |
| US09148673B2 |
Depth map coding
Various implementations relate to depth map coding. In one method, a depth coding rate and depth distortion are determined for a coding mode. Based on the value of depth distortion, a correlation coefficient is determined between at least a portion of a video picture and a translated version of the video picture. The video picture is one or more of a video picture corresponding to the depth being coded, or a rendered video picture for a different view. A video distortion is determined based on the correlation coefficient, and is used to evaluate the coding mode. Another implementation determines a multiplier, to be used in a rate-distortion cost, based on pixel values from one or more of a video picture from a particular view or a rendered video picture for a different view. |
| US09148669B2 |
High performance AVC encoder on a multi-core platform
A method and system for encoding a digital video signal using a plurality of parallel processors. A digital picture is received that is composed of one or more GOPs. The CPU then determines the number of GOPs that need to be encoded and divides them into groups. The number of GOPs in a group may equal the number of parallel processors in the multi-core platform available to encode. The CPU transfers in a single batch to the multi-core platform, a frame of equal rank from each GOP contained in the first group. The multi-core platform encodes the frames in parallel, rearranges the encoded byte stream chunk into normal display order sequence and stores the encoded byte stream. The process may repeat until all the GOPs in the first group have been encoded. Upon completion the multi-core platform outputs the encoded byte stream in normal display order sequence. |
| US09148665B2 |
Video encoding method and apparatus and video decoding method and apparatus, based on hierarchical coded block pattern information
A method and apparatus for decoding video and a method and apparatus for encoding video are provided. The method for decoding video includes: receiving and parsing a bitstream of encoded video; extracting, from the bitstream, encoded image data of a current picture assigned to a maximum coding unit of the current picture, information regarding a coded depth of the maximum coding unit, information regarding an encoding mode, and coding unit pattern information indicating whether texture information of the maximum coding units has been encoded; and decoding the encoded image data for the maximum coding unit, based on the information regarding the coded depth of the maximum coding unit, the information regarding the encoding mode, and the coding unit pattern information. |
| US09148657B2 |
Calibration device, range-finding system including the calibration device and stereo camera, and vehicle mounting the range-finding system
A calibration device for calibrating ranges obtained by a range-finding system includes an image acquisition unit to receive inputs of two reference images captured by a reference imaging device at two locations and multiple items of parallax data from the parallax calculator. The calibration device includes a feature point search unit to search for multiple reference-feature points common to the two reference images, and a coordinate converter to convert coordinates of the two items of parallax data based on the multiple feature points and the multiple corresponding points. The calibration device includes a correction value calculator to calculate a correction value to correct the range measured by the range finding system, based on a converted parallax from the coordinate converter. |
| US09148654B2 |
Field sequential color LCD and method for generating 3D images by matching a software optical grating
A field sequential color LCD for generating 3D images by matching a software optical grating includes a backlight module and a LCD panel. The LCD panel has a plurality of first subpixels for generating a first image, a plurality of second subpixels for generating a second image, and a plurality of third subpixels for generating a black barrier image as the software optical grating. When the black barrier image is slightly spread to cover one part of the first image and one part of the second image, the first image is covered partially by the black barrier image to form a right-eye image, and the second image is covered partially by the black barrier image to form a left-eye image. Whereby, the right-eye and the left-eye images concurrently generated by the field sequential color LCD are respectively projected onto the right and the left eyes of the viewer. |
| US09148653B2 |
Stereo image processing device and stereo image processing method
An image segmenting unit (401) in the stereo image processing device (100) extracts M (a natural number between 2 and N, inclusive) number of segmented target images wherein a first partial area within a target image has been segmented into N (a natural number of 2 or more), and also extracts M number of segmented reference images wherein a second partial area within a reference image has been segmented into N. An image concatenating unit (402) serially concatenates M data strings, each comprising a intensity value from each segmented target image, to form a first image data string and also serially concatenates M data strings, each comprising a intensity value from each segmented reference image, to form a second image data string. A filtering unit (403) and a peak position detection unit (104) calculate the disparity between the standard images and the reference images. |
| US09148652B2 |
Video processing method for 3D display based on multi-cue process
A video processing method for a three-dimensional (3D) display is based on a multi-cue process. The method may include acquiring a cut boundary of a shot by performing a shot boundary detection with respect to each frame of an input video, computing a texture saliency with respect to each pixel of the input video, computing a motion saliency with respect to each pixel of the input video, computing an object saliency with respect to each pixel of the input video based on the acquired cut boundary of the shot, acquiring a universal saliency with respect to each pixel of the input video by combining the texture saliency, the motion saliency, and the object saliency, and smoothening the universal saliency of each pixel using a space-time technology. |
| US09148651B2 |
Methods and devices for generating a stereoscopic image
Methods and devices for generating a stereoscopic image are described. In one aspect, the electronic device includes a first camera for generating first camera data, a second camera for generating second camera data and a third camera for generating third camera data. The cameras are positioned on a same side of the electronic device and in spaced relation to each other. The electronic device also includes a controller coupled with the first camera, the second camera and the third camera. The controller is configured to: identify an orientation of the electronic device; and generate a stereoscopic image based on the first camera data and the second camera data when the electronic device is at a first orientation, and generate the stereoscopic image based on the first camera data and the third camera data when the electronic device is at a second orientation. |
| US09148643B2 |
Systems and methods for enchancing media with supplemental content
Systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture for enhancing media with supplemental content are provided. |
| US09148639B2 |
Apparatus and method for mixing graphics with video images
In one embodiment, graphics frames are received, where each graphics frame includes one or more regions where pixels depict graphics that represent an on screen display (OSD) used to interact with a programmable multimedia controller, and a background region where pixels are set to the one or more predetermined colors. Further, video images are received, where at least some of the video images correspond to the plurality of graphics frames. Mixed images are created by mixing the graphics frames and the corresponding video images, the mixing to, where pixels of the graphics frame are not set to the one more predetermined colors, blend a color of at least some of the pixels of the graphics frame with a color of pixels of a corresponding video image, and, where pixels of the graphics frame are set to the one more predetermined colors, pass pixels of the corresponding video image. |
| US09148637B2 |
Face detection and tracking
Methods and systems for face detection and tracking using an image-based capture device are disclosed herein. The method includes generating a depth image of a scene, generating a mask image from the depth image, and detecting a position of a face of a user in the scene using the mask image. The method also includes determining an intensity of the face using a first color channel of the mask image and adjusting a gain level of a first color channel of the image-based capture device directed at the scene to achieve a target intensity of the face. |
| US09148627B2 |
System and method for interactive internet video conferencing
A system and method for Internet video conferencing is provided. The method includes, generating a facilitator user interface on a display associated with a facilitator user device comprising a plurality of participant icons corresponding to a plurality of participant user devices for a conference, forming a plurality of subgroups comprising a first subgroup of the plurality of participant user devices and a second subgroup of the plurality of participant user devices, generating a participant user interface on each screen display associated with the first subgroup and the second subgroup for controlling interaction with a respective subgroup, linking each participant user device within the first subgroup with a second video signal, linking each participant user device in the second subgroup with a second video signal and intercommunicating between the first subgroup at the participant user devices without intercommunicating to the second subgroup. |
| US09148626B2 |
Computing device and method for adjusting video image
A computing device is electronically connected to one or more clients for a video conference. The computing device firstly sends a first video image to the clients. When a client requests a custom video image, the computing device obtains a second video image by merging images of all conference participants for the client, and sends to the client. The client selects information from the second video image and sends the information to the computing device. After receiving the information, the computing device creates the custom video image according to the received information, and sends the custom video image to the client. |
| US09148624B2 |
System for and method of providing graphical contents during a communication session
A system for and method for providing graphical contents during a communication session is presented. The system and method include receiving, via an input/output module, one or more call invite request messages to establish a communication session in a communication network, processing, via a processing module, the one or more call invite request messages to identify a graphical content account associated with one or more users of the communication session, and transmitting, via a presentation module, one or more graphical contents from the graphical content account associated with at least one of the one or more users before an establishment of the communication session. |
| US09148623B2 |
Apparatus and methods for modem assisted video telephony
Aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for modem-assisted video telephony. As one example, a user equipment (UE) utilizes a modem to perform video telephony (VT) communication with a remote device through a wireless network. The UE determines a network metric indicative of congestion in the wireless network based on modem information obtained from the modem, independent of feedback information received from the remote device. The UE dynamically adjusts a data rate of the VT communication by an amount proportional to a quantity based on the network metric. |
| US09148622B2 |
Halo reduction in frame-rate-conversion using hybrid bi-directional motion vectors for occlusion/disocclusion detection
A frame-rate converter reduces halo artifacts along edges of moving objects. Halo artifacts occur on interpolated frames where a moving object covers and uncovers pixels along its edges. Motion estimation among three original frames produces hybrid direction motion vectors that are bi-directional for background and objects, but are unidirectional for covered and uncovered regions, since motion vectors with large matching errors are deleted. Covered regions in the interpolated frame are detected as intersecting only a forward but no backward hybrid motion vector. Bi-directional motion estimation from the hybrid motion vectors of two original frames produces refined motion vectors for the interpolated frame. Refined motion vectors in the covered regions are deleted and replaced with hybrid motion vectors from the original frames. Hybrid motion vectors from the original frames are assigned to the critical covered regions rather than using interpolated vectors in the covered regions, reducing halo artifacts. |
| US09148621B2 |
Multi-format output device, control method for multi-format output device
A multi-format output device includes decoders to decode first encoded data and second encoded data to generate a first video data having a first-type format with first caption data also having the first-type format, and second video data having a second-type format with second caption data also having the second-type format. A conversion unit converts video data of one format type into video data video data having another format-type. A buffer holds the first video data by the period of time needed for the video data conversion processing. A caption conversion unit delays the caption data for the video data conversion processing time and also converts the caption data of one format type to another format type. A multiplexer outputs the first video data with the first caption data followed by the converted video data with the third caption data having the first-type format. |
| US09148619B2 |
Music soundtrack recommendation engine for videos
A system and method provide a soundtrack recommendation service for recommending one or more soundtrack for a video (i.e., a probe video). A feature extractor of the recommendation service extracts a set of content features of the probe video and generates a set of semantic features represented by a signature vector of the probe video. A video search module of the recommendation service is configured to search for a number of video candidates, each of which is semantically similar to the probe video and has an associated soundtrack. A video outlier identification module of the recommendation service identifies video candidates having an atypical use of their soundtracks and ranks the video candidates based on the typicality of their soundtrack usage. A soundtrack recommendation module selects the soundtracks of the top ranked video candidates as the soundtrack recommendations to the probe video. |
| US09148617B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling stored image in image display device
Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a stored image in an image display device. When a time shift function is selected by a user in the image display device having a storage function, information regarding a recording material for each time with respect to time-shifted contents, and exploration to a desired position is conveniently made. That is, a list of time-shifted contents is generated in cooperation with collectable program information and source (channel) information during broadcast, and information for maintenance and management of time shift. The generated list of the contents is displayed in the form of one of summary, a list, and an EPG. When one of the contents displayed on the EPG is selected by the user referring to the EPG, movement is made to a corresponding position, and a corresponding program is reproduced. Therefore, times consumed for searching for and exploring contents, and movement to a position of the contents can he reduced. |
| US09148613B1 |
Systems, methods, and software for merging video viewing cells
Methods, systems, and software are provided herein that allow a user to view video and manipulate viewing cells on a multi-view mode. In a first example, a method of merging viewing cells in a video management system is disclosed. The method includes presenting a plurality of viewing cells to a user, where the plurality of viewing cells are capable of displaying video of a plurality of video capture devices. The method also includes receiving an instruction to merge at least two of the plurality of viewing cells into a merged viewing cell, and associating the merged viewing cell with one of the plurality of video capture devices. |
| US09148611B2 |
Method and apparatus for coviewing video
A method, apparatus, and system to provide the ability for a user to make audio and/or audio-video phone calls simultaneously while watching (co-viewing) provider video content in remote locations. A control system is provided to set up call, direct provider video content, and provide for the phone calls and video content to be delivered and then synchronized. The phone calls may be routed by the control system to PSTN destinations or Internet based destinations and calls made or received may be bridged to other Internet based sources. The provider video content may be provided directly from its source or routed through NAT traversal or through the control system. |
| US09148604B2 |
Pixel read method
A method for reading a pixel, including at least two integration periods, at least one of said periods including at least one integration sub-period, wherein an output value of the pixel is determined by taking into account the amounts of photogenerated charges contained in the pixel at the end of each of said periods and the amount of photogenerated charges stored in a photodiode of the pixel beyond a threshold during said at least one sub-period. |
| US09148603B2 |
Offset injection in an analog-to-digital converter
An electronic device may have one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The ADCs may be used in digitizing signals from an image sensor. In order to ensure that input signals received by an ADC are not clipped, the input signals may be positively or negatively offset by a desired amount. Offsetting the input signals may ensure that the offset input signals wall within the acceptable input range of the ADCs. Offset injection may be accomplished using capacitors that are also used for analog-to-digital conversion. As an example, the ADC may be a successive approximation-type ADC that uses capacitors in a binary search for the digital value most accurately representing an input analog value. The capacitors of the ADC may be used for the successive approximation process and for offset injection. The offset injection may be digitally canceled out following digitization of the input analog signal. |
| US09148600B2 |
Programmable gain amplifier and devices including the same
A programmable gain amplifier includes a sampling circuit, a source follower, a first capacitor and an error amplifier. The sampling circuit is configured to perform correlated double sampling on an input signal using a reference voltage. The first capacitor is connected between the sampling circuit and the source follower. The error amplifier is connected between an input terminal of the source follower and an output terminal of the source follower. The error amplifier is configured to reset a voltage of the output terminal of the source follower to the reference voltage during a source follower reset operation. |
| US09148599B2 |
Image sensor, configured to regulate a quantity of light absorbed thereby, electronic device including the same, and image sensing method
An image sensor and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate; a photoelectric converter comprising a bias unit, which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and an organic photoelectric conversion layer, which selectively absorbs light and converts the light into electrons; a via contacting the second electrode to connect the photoelectric converter with the semiconductor substrate; a storage node configured to store electrons; a read-out unit to converts charge transferred from the storage node into an image signal; a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels, each of which comprises an intermediate insulating layer; and an output circuit configured to read out the image signal from the pixel array. The quantity of light received by the organic photoelectric conversion layer is adjusted by a bias change of the bias unit. |
| US09148591B2 |
Solid-state imaging device with autofocus and electronic apparatus
There is provided a solid-state imaging device which includes a focus detection pixel that has a light shielding film, which is formed on a light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion portion and shields light in a part of the light receiving surface, performs pupil division and photoelectric conversion of a received light flux and acquires a phase difference detection signal, where the light shielding film is formed avoiding a gate electrode of a reading gate portion to read a signal charge from the photoelectric conversion portion. |
| US09148586B2 |
Terminal apparatus for combining images from two different cameras based on detected sound
A terminal apparatus including a display unit disposed on a case and is configured to display an image; a first camera disposed on a surface on which the display unit performs image display; a second camera disposed on a surface opposite the surface on which the first camera is disposed; a plurality of microphones disposed on the case; a sound processing unit that detects sound transmitted from a sound source on a side of the first camera with sound signals obtained by at least one of the plurality of microphones; and an image processing unit that combines a first image which is captured by the first camera or is stored in advance with a second image captured by the second camera on the basis of a result of the detection of sound transmitted from the sound source on the side of the first camera. |
| US09148585B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooperative recording
A method, system, and article of manufacture that allows amateur camera operators to share video and audio with other amateur camera operators at the same event over a cooperative, ad hoc network. One embodiment of the present invention comprises forming an ad hoc network comprising a plurality of recording devices, and communicating audiovisual signals between the plurality of recording devices in the ad hoc network. In some embodiments, this method may further comprise transmitting a replay request to the plurality of recording devices and receiving an audiovisual signal corresponding to the replay request, transmitting a push request to the plurality of recording devices, and/or transmitting a message to at least one of the plurality of recording devices. |
| US09148584B1 |
Automatic exposure with digital gain optimized for noise reduction
A camera generally including a sensor and an auto-exposure circuit is disclosed. The sensor may be configured to generate a digital signal in response to an optical signal. The auto-exposure circuit may be configured to control a lightness of a picture within the digital signal by (i) adjusting at least one among an aperture, a shutter and an analog gain and (ii) adjusting a digital gain applied to the digital signal, wherein the digital gain adaptively reduces the lightness of the picture. |
| US09148582B2 |
Method and system for perfect shot imaging from multiple images
An image processing apparatus, system, and method to automatically determine a plurality of image acquisition settings for an scene; acquire a set of images of the scene, the set of images including multiple images acquired with a distinct plurality of the determined image acquisition settings; and generate a single image by combining the acquired set of images. |
| US09148581B2 |
Multi-function control illumination device
A multi-function control illumination device has a synchronization separator, a parameter setting device, a light emitting device, and a video processor. The synchronization separator connects with a video camera and the parameter setting device connecting with the light emitting device. The synchronization separator receives a video signal from the video camera, retrieves a synchronization signal from the video signal, and outputs the synchronization signal to the parameter setting device. The parameter setting device generates an electric signal corresponding to the synchronization signal according to at least one illumination parameter and outputs the electric signal to the light emitting device. The light emitting device emits toward a shooting direction of the video camera a light beam whose intensity periodically varies according to the electric signal. Thereby, the video camera captures images exposed by light beams of different intensities lest nearby persons be overexposed and distant persons be under-exposed. |
| US09148579B1 |
Fusion night vision system
A fusion night vision system has an optical element coupled to a display for improving the performance and viewability of images through a fusion night vision device while reducing overall system cost. The display producing a scene image from an image detector. The optical element has a flat input surface and a curved output surface. The curved output surface shaped to match an output surface of an image intensifier tube. The output from the display and the image intensifier being combined in an image combiner before entering an eyepiece for presentation to an operator as a fused image. |
| US09148578B2 |
Image capture apparatus, control method thereof, and recording medium
The number of images to be composited used to generate a dynamic range-extended image, and exposure conditions for respective images to be composited are determined. A proper exposure condition is determined for a subject corresponding to a moving object region, and one of the exposure conditions of the images to be composited is changed to the proper exposure condition. An image capture apparatus specifies a moving object region for a plurality of images to be composited, which are captured under the exposure conditions of the images to be composited including the proper exposure condition. A dynamic range-extended image is generated using pixels of the image to be composited, which is captured under the proper exposure condition, as those of the moving object region, which is specified for the plurality of images to be composited. |
| US09148573B2 |
Non-uniform correction illumination pattern
An example system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a controller and a camera communicatively coupled to the controller to capture an image of a work surface. A projector is also provided and is coupled to the controller to project an illumination pattern onto the work surface during image capture by the camera. |
| US09148570B2 |
Image pickup apparatus that allows for short-distance photographing
An image pickup apparatus that allows for short-distance photographing comprising: a photographing lens portion including a focus lens and a variable power lens; a lens driving portion; an image pickup portion; a recording portion that records images obtained by the image pickup portion; a driving control portion that moves the variable power lens so as to have a same magnifying power of images on the image pickup portion at a plurality of focused positions; a control portion that causes the image pickup portion to continuously pick up a plurality of images at a same magnification at the plurality of focused positions and causes the recording portion to store the plurality of; and an image combining portion that cuts out an image area having a predetermined contrast from each of the plurality of images and generates on composite image. |
| US09148569B2 |
Capturing an image on a mobile device
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a check's image is automatically captured. A stabilization parameter of the mobile device is determined using a movement sensor. It is determined whether the stabilization parameter is greater than or equal to a stabilization threshold. An image of the check is captured using the mobile device if the stabilization parameter is greater than or equal to the stabilization threshold. |
| US09148565B2 |
Methods and apparatus for panoramic afocal image capture
The present invention includes a panoramic imaging system for projecting a 360 degree cylindrical field of view onto a two-dimensional annular format using a panoramic imaging block with a concentric axis 5 of symmetry, two refractive surfaces and two reflective surfaces, and an additional aspheric lens for mitigating aberrations inherent in refractive and reflective lenses. |
| US09148564B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, information processing system and image data processing method
An image pickup apparatus includes: an image data production unit configured to produce data of a plurality of kinds of images from a picked up image and successively output the data; an image synthesis unit configured to cyclically connect the data of the plurality of kinds of images for each pixel string within a range set in advance for each of the kinds of the images and output the connected data as a stream to produce a virtual synthetic image; and an image sending unit configured to accept, from a host terminal, a data transmission request that designates a rectangular region in the virtual synthetic image, extract and connect data from the stream and transmit the connected data as a new stream to the host terminal. |
| US09148562B2 |
Image capture and identification system and process
A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object. |
| US09148560B2 |
Imaging device, and image processing method
According to the present invention, the first and second phase difference pixels are arranged on the pixel lines in the first direction in the color image that is thinned during imaging of a moving image including that for live view display. Therefore, even during moving image taking, phase difference AF can be accurately performed. Furthermore, the pixel values at the pixel positions of the first and second phase difference pixels in the thinned color image can be accurately acquired on the basis of the pixel values of the surrounding pixels. Accordingly, reduction in the image quality of the taken image (still image or moving image) due to the phase difference pixels can be prevented or alleviated. Furthermore, the pixel values can be accurately acquired on the basis of the pixel values of the surrounding pixels during simultaneous processing. |
| US09148558B2 |
Camera module having first and second imaging optical system controlled in relation to imaging modes and imaging method
According to one embodiment, in a first imaging mode, an imaging mode control unit allows a second imaging optical system to function in an optical path between an imaging unit and a first imaging optical system and stops focus adjustment. In a second imaging mode, the imaging mode control unit stops the function of the second imaging optical system and allows the focus adjustment to be performed. The first imaging optical system takes in a light from an object to the imaging unit. The second imaging optical system forms an image piece in each pixel block. |
| US09148557B2 |
Focus adjustment apparatus and method, and image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
A focus adjustment apparatus comprises a detection unit that detects a subject/subjects having a predetermined characteristic from an image obtained while shooting a moving picture, a selection unit that, in the case where a subject/subjects having the predetermined characteristic have been detected by the detection unit, selects, from the detected subject/subjects, a subject that also fulfills a predetermined condition, and a focus adjustment unit that controls a focus lens to focus on the subject selected by the selection unit. The focus adjustment unit does not control the focus lens in the case where no subject having the predetermined characteristic has been detected by the detection unit. |
| US09148540B2 |
Image forming apparatus, controlling method therefor, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that can specify the cause and the part of an electrical failure with an inexpensive configuration and facilitate the maintenance by a user or an administrator. Power is supplied to function units in the image forming apparatus and a value is detected by a power detection unit. A state of the image forming apparatus is specified by a first control unit that can determine, based on the specified state and the detected value, whether or not there is an electrical failure. If there is a determined electrical failure, the power is supplied separately to the function units so that the first control unit can specify an electrically failed part based on a state of the image forming apparatus estimated at the separate supply and the detected value, and can notify a user or an administrator of the specified failed part. |
| US09148532B2 |
Automated user preferences for a document processing unit
According to some embodiments, a document processing unit may receive information associated with a document to be processed. The document processing unit might comprise, for example, a printer, scanner, copier, facsimile machine, or multi-function device. The document processing unit may then determine a user identifier indicating a user associated with the document to be processed. At least one user preference value associated with the user may then be automatically retrieved, and the document may be processed in accordance with the user preference value. |
| US09148530B2 |
Handheld imaging device with multi-core image processor integrating common bus interface and dedicated image sensor interface
A handheld imaging device includes an image sensor for sensing an image; a multi-core processor for processing the sensed image; and a program memory provided external to the multi-core processor, and communicating therewith via a communication bus. The multi-core processor includes a bus interface for interfacing with the communication bus, and further includes an image sensor interface for interfacing with the image sensor separately from the communication bus and the bus interface. The multi-core processor includes a plurality of parallel processing units connected by a crossbar switch to form the multi-core. |
| US09148529B2 |
Information processing apparatus, web server, control method and storage medium
An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first transmission means that transmits to a Web server first request data describing contents of a user's instruction via an operation screen displayed with a Web browser, an execution means that receives from the Web server response data to the first request data from the first transmission means and executes image processing based on the received response data, and a second transmission means that transmits second request data to the Web server based on the response data received from the Web server. The response data received from the Web server includes plural addresses to be accessed according to events that can occur when the execution means executes the image processing. The second transmission means transmits the second request data to one of the addresses corresponding to an event having occurred when the execution means has executed the image processing. |
| US09148528B2 |
Method and system for compressing and efficiently transporting scalable vector graphics based images and animation over low bandwidth networks
Methods and systems for transferring vector data over a plurality of networks is disclosed. A system includes one or more encoding device(s), the device having a processor configured to convert a vector data in a first standard format into a compressed vector data in a micro format. A plurality of message centers are coupled with said encoding device(s) and comprise a processor configured to receive and temporarily store said compressed vector data in the micro format. One or more decoding device(s) residing at a plurality of handheld units are coupled with said message centers and are configured to receive said compressed vector data in said micro format, said decoding device(s) comprising a processor and configured to convert said compressed vector data in said micro format into the vector data in said first standard format and to render the vector data in said first standard format over said handheld units. |
| US09148527B2 |
Facsimile apparatus capable of outputting communication tones, control method therefor, and storage medium
A facsimile apparatus which uses a tone output unit that outputs tones when a VoIP communication in which audio data for a facsimile communication by way of a public telephone line is sent and received over an IP network is being carried out, so as to make a user aware that a non-VoIP communication in which a facsimile communication is carried out by way of the IP network without using audio data is being carried out. When the VoIP communication is being carried out, the tone output unit outputs a first tone for notifying the user of a communication status of the VoIP communication. When the non-VoIP communication is carried out, the tone output unit outputs a second tone so as to notify the user of a communication status of the non-VoIP communication. |
| US09148526B2 |
Image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus, method for controlling image processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus including an image forming unit configured to form an image includes a storage unit configured to store a reference feature quantity acquired using a result of measuring a first chart by a measurement device, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a first feature quantity using a result of measuring a second chart by the measurement device, the second chart being created by the image forming unit, and an estimation unit configured to estimate a defective point generated in the image processing apparatus, by acquiring a second feature quantity from the reference feature quantity stored in the storage unit and the first feature quantity acquired by the first acquisition unit and using data in which the second feature quantity is associated with information about a defect generated in the image processing apparatus. |
| US09148525B2 |
Image testing apparatus, image forming apparatus and computer readable information recording medium
An image testing apparatus compares output image data of an image which has been output onto a recording medium and original image data which has been read from an original and is used to output the image onto the recording medium, and determines an output state of the image. The image testing apparatus includes an output mode obtaining part configured to obtain an output mode designated by a user; a testing item setting part configured to set, according to the output mode obtained by the output mode obtaining part, an item for which the output state of the image is changed, as a testing item; and a testing part configured to test the output state of the image for the testing item which is set by the testing item setting part. |
| US09148522B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining policy information associated with an emergency call
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining policy information associated with an emergency call are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) separate from an emergency services routing proxy (ESRP). The method includes receiving, from the ESRP, a request for one or more policy rules regarding an emergency call, wherein the request includes an intended destination of the emergency call and determining, using the intended destination, one or more policy rules. |
| US09148520B2 |
Low complexity tone/voice discrimination method using a rising edge of a frequency power envelope
An apparatus comprising a decision circuit, a detector circuit and a processing circuit. The decision circuit may be configured to generate a confirmation signal in response to a first lock signal and a second lock signal. The detector circuit may be configured to generate the first lock signal in response to a filtered version of an input signal being above a threshold. The processing circuit may be configured to generate the second lock signal in response to a power signal received from the detector circuit. The processing circuit generates the second lock signal by analyzing the rising edge of a frequency power envelope of the power signal. |
| US09148518B2 |
System for and method of providing video ring-back tones
A system for and method for provisioning video ring back tones (vRBTs) is presented. The system may include one or more network enabled computers configured to receive video content from one or more parties over a network. The video content may be used to create one or more vRBTs. The vRBTs may be associated with one or more subscriber profiles. The vRBTs may be assigned to one or more parties. When a party attempts to place a video call to a subscriber, the vRBT may be played back on the calling party's video-equipped device until the subscriber answers the call, ignores the call, or sends the call to voicemail. |
| US09148510B2 |
Smart phone crowd enhancement
A system for displaying information on multiple mobile devices whereby the information displayed for each device is determined by the device's physical location in relation to other devices physical locations. The information may be graphic, text, numerical or audible. |
| US09148509B1 |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for tracking, reconciling, and reporting on DTMF data and voice data communicated between call centers and users
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for tracking, reconciling, and reporting on data representing Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) tones and voice signals communicated between call center and users during interactions therebetween. The system may include a data store adapted to store the DTMF data and a text corresponding to the voice data; a transcription process receiving data representing the voice signal and converting it into corresponding text; a report generation process obtaining the DTMF data and the text, transmitting a report containing the same to a client, and updating the date store accordingly; and a reconciliation process receiving data enabling reconciliation of data as tracked by the call center and as tracked by an entity other than the call center. The transcription process may operate as a third-party or an in-house entity relative to the at least one call center. |
| US09148507B2 |
Identifying information associated with an incoming telephone call
A telephone number corresponding to an incoming telephone call may be utilized to obtain information associated with the incoming call. If it is determined that the telephone number does not match records stored on the device on which the call is received, a request may be sent from the receiving device to an external device to obtain information associated with the incoming call. The request may be directed to a remote contacts application, another device listed in a data store of the receiving device, or to the calling device itself. When a response is received, the information may be displayed or otherwise utilized by the receiving device. |
| US09148501B2 |
Systems and methods for hands-off control of a mobile communication device
Various embodiments of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems for allowing a user to interrupt operation of an application in a hands-free manner. In one example, a software application responds to a combination of predefined physical actions and/or verbal utterances from the user, and cause the mobile communication device to pause or change its actions. |
| US09148496B2 |
Dynamic runtime choosing of processing communication methods
Techniques are described for assigning and changing communication protocols for a pair of processing elements. The communication protocol determines how the pair of processing elements transmits data in a stream application. The pair may be assigned a communication protocol (e.g., TCP/IP or a protocol that uses a relational database, shared file system, or shared memory) before the operator graph begins to stream data. This assignment may be based on a priority of the processing elements and/or a priority of the communication protocols. After the operator graph begins to stream data, the pair of processing elements may switch to a different communication protocol. The decision to switch the communication protocol may be based on whether the pair of processing elements or assigned communication protocol is meeting established performance standards for the stream application. |
| US09148493B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program product for efficiently pooling connections between clients and servers
An apparatus, method and computer program product for efficiently pooling network client-server connections. The apparatus is implemented within an interface unit connecting a plurality of servers to the Internet, which is in turn connected to a plurality of clients. The method includes the steps of opening a connection between a first client and the interface unit; determining whether a connection between the interface unit and a server is finished being utilized by the first client; opening a connection between a second client and the interface unit; if no free connection is open between the interface unit and the server, then allowing the second client to access information on the server via the same connection utilized by the first client without waiting for the first client to initiate closing the connection; and delinking the connections between the first and second clients and the interface unit while keeping open the connection between the interface unit and the server. |
| US09148492B2 |
Relay device, relay method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A relay device includes a communication unit, a first conversion unit, a second conversion unit, and a controller. The communication unit communicates with a client device and a service providing device. The first conversion unit performs a first conversion process for performing conversion between a language interpretable by each client device and a language interpretable by the relay device. The second conversion unit performs a second conversion process for performing conversion between a language interpretable by each service providing device and the language interpretable by the relay device. The controller performs control so that data sent from the client device is subjected to the first conversion process and then the second conversion process before transmitted to the service providing device and data sent from the service providing device is subjected to the second conversion process and then the first conversion process before transmitted to the client device. |
| US09148490B2 |
Method and apparatus for relating to quality of service in wireless networks
A method for adapting quality of service to dynamics of a wireless telecommunications network is provided. The method includes collecting data relating to operation of an element in the network, wherein the collected data comprises radio-frequency (RF) data relating to operation of the network. The method also includes pre-calculating, from the collected data, a dynamic operational characteristic of the network, wherein the pre-calculating includes pre-calculating from the collected data to obtain a geometrical determination based on a geographical location of a wireless communications device within the network. The method further includes making available the pre-calculated characteristic of the network to an application of the device using the network, including storing the characteristic at a pre-calculation server accessible by the device so the device can selectively retrieve the characteristic, and updating the characteristic at a frequency based on a trigger related to volatility of the RF data being collected. |
| US09148489B2 |
Exchanging a contact profile between client devices during a communication session
In an embodiment, a client device (CD) maintains a contact profile for a user of the CD, the contact profile including a universal identifier (UID) for the user and a list of devices and addresses at which the user of the CD can be contacted. The CD establishes a communication session with a remote CD (RCD) via a given contact address from the set of contact addresses for the RCD. The CD shares, in response to the communication session establishment, at least a portion of the contact profile to the RCD. The RCD generates and/or updates a given contact profile for the user of the CD that is maintained on the RCD based on the shared contact profile. The RCD can also share its profile with the CD in response to the communication session establishment, causing the CD to generate and/or update a contact profile for the RCD. |
| US09148487B2 |
Method and system for managing device profiles
An approach for providing cloud-based profile access is described. A profile platform receives, at a cloud-based service platform, a request for a device profile from a mobile device, wherein the device profile specifies information relating to configuration of a graphical user interface and one or more applications associated with the mobile device, determines context data for the mobile device, selects one of a plurality of device profiles based on the determined context data, and generates a control message specifying the selected device profile for configuring the mobile device. |
| US09148479B1 |
Systems and methods for efficiently determining the health of nodes within computer clusters
A computer-implemented method for determining the healthiness of nodes within computer clusters may include (1) identifying a computer cluster that includes a plurality of nodes configured to provide substantially continuous availability of at least one application, (2) identifying at least one operating system kernel installed on at least one of the nodes, (3) configuring the operating system kernel to (a) asynchronously monitor performance of the node and (b) determine, based at least in part on the node's performance, whether the node is sufficiently healthy to execute the application, (4) receiving a notification from the operating system kernel that indicates that the node is not sufficiently healthy to execute the application, and then (5) performing at least one action configured to enable the computer cluster to provide substantially continuous availability of the application despite the unhealthy node. Various other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09148467B1 |
System and method for emulating different user agents on a server
A system and method for emulating a multitude of different user agents on a server-side is disclosed herein. On a server-side, an acceptable user agent string for receiving full content from the web-site with a browser sniffing agent is identified. The acceptable user agent is emulated by transmitting a HTTP request with the acceptable user agent string, allowing for access to the full content of the web-page of the web-site. |
| US09148466B2 |
Presenting modules in a browser
Module management software receives a request from the browser for a presentation composed of at least one module. The module management software transmits a request for module data associated with the module to a first server that caches the module data after retrieving the module data from a website. The module management software then receives the requested module data from the first server and transmits a request for each of the resource files described in the module data to a second server that caches each of the resource files after retrieving the resource file from an external (or internal) website. Each request for a resource file can be handled by a corresponding thread. The module management software delays transmission of the module data to the browser, if any requested resource file is not received within a time limit derived at least in part from a service level agreement. |
| US09148459B2 |
Method of handling a group communication in a communications network and a computer software product, a network client, and a communication system therefor
The application relates to a method of handling a group communication in a communications network, comprising the steps of agreeing and arranging participating clients of a group; establishing a communication session for directed exchanging of streamed media between the participating clients, coordinating communication resources, especially the direction of exchanging of streamed media, i.e. re-assigning a communication resource to a client when this clients has requested this communication resource, where the clients are symmetrically organized as peers in the communication network, i.e. there is no distinguished (centralized) client but a distributed system of peers (P1, P2, P3), where a peer to peer network among the participating clients is established for coordinating the direction of exchanging of streamed media by electing at least one participating peer (P1, P2, P3) of said group of participating peers (P1, P2, P3) as a source peer; and piping the streamed media originated by the at least one participating peer (P1, P2, P3) to the participating peers via the peer to peer network, and coordinating the mutual exclusive communication resources by initiating an election by a request (1′), and resolving the concurrent request (2′, 4′, 7′, 6′) fair and alive by a distributed election algorithm between the peers using the peer to peer network. The invention also relates to a computer software product, a network client, and a communication system therefor. |
| US09148457B2 |
Establishing a communication session
Parallel communication sessions can be established. A system receives an email communication from a user computer, and sends a reply to the user computer, wherein the reply includes a link allowing the user computer to establish a connection to a server; and wherein the link further includes an identifier. The system then receives from the user computer a connection request based on the link, said connection request including the identifier and specifying a first phone number associated with the user computer. The system then invokes an application for establishing a first voice connection with a first terminal identified by said first phone number, establishing a second voice connection with a second terminal identified by a second phone number indicated as associated with a computer terminal, and interconnecting the first and second voice connections to establish a voice call between the first and second terminals. The system also establishes a data connection with the user computer in response to the connection request, and establishes a data connection with the computer terminal, such that the user computer and the computer terminal can share a multimedia session, such that the voice call and the multimedia session are each associated with the identifier. |
| US09148456B2 |
Context aware help system
A context aware help system generates context data for web sessions. The context data may be used either by a human operator or by an automated response system to help resolve user web session problems. For example, a user may initiate a telephone call to the context aware help during a web session. The context data may be displayed to a telephone operator in response to the telephone call. The telephone operator may use the context data to determine what web pages and user inputs were previously entered during the web session. This allows the telephone operator to quickly analyze web session problems and provide more effective and efficient web session support. The help system may alternatively, or in addition, provide other types of automated audio or data support. |
| US09148455B2 |
Binding multiple addresses to a socket in a network system
A TCP/IP socket extension may bind a single socket to more than one IP address. The socket API extension may allow a user to bind a socket to a list of IP addresses instead of a single IP address. Additional socket APIs may allow applications to bind an existing socket to one or more additional IP addresses. Bind-specific support may enhance a user's capability to specify one or more IPv4 addresses and/or IPv6 addresses or other addresses to bind to a generic server information handling system (IHS). The method may convert a generic server IHS into a bind-specific server IHS that accepts new connections over both the IPv4 and IPv6 network transports and/or other network transports without requiring changes to the server IHS. A modified TCP/IP stack may provide support for multiple sockets. The method may map multiple address/port/protocol tuples to the same socket. |
| US09148454B1 |
System and method for supporting video processing load balancing for user account management in a computing environment
A system and method can support user account management in a computing environment. The computing environment can include a video encoding pool to support load balancing and a managing server, such as a privileged account manager server. The video encoding pool includes a set of nodes that are able to perform one or more video processing tasks for another node. Furthermore, the managing server can receive a request from a managed node in the computing environment for delegating a video processing task, and can select one or more nodes from the video encoding pool to load babalance and to perform the video processing task. |
| US09148451B2 |
Providing circuit switched calls and services over a broadband network
The present invention is directed to a method, a switching server, a terminal device and system for providing circuit switched calls and services to terminal devices connected to a switching server via an IP Multimedia Subsystem. The method comprises a step of providing (S120) a first interworking entity (330) in the terminal device (300) for interworking between circuit switched signalling messages and signalling messages related to packet switched sessions towards the IMS (30). The method further comprises providing (S130) a second interworking entity (230) in the switching server (200) towards the IMS (30). The terminal device (300) is thus capable of accessing circuit switched calls and services directly from the switching server (200). |
| US09148449B2 |
Efficient encryption, escrow and digital signatures
A network server is operated so as to facilitate legal eavesdropping by receiving, from the first user via a network, a session key (SK) encrypted with a second user's public key, kpubU2, and the SK encrypted with an escrow server's (ES) public key, kpubES. The kpubU2 key is the public key of the second user asymmetric private/public key pair kpriU2/kpubU2. The kpubES key is the public key of the ES asymmetric private/public key pair kpriES/kpubES. The received SK encrypted with kpubES is stored. The SK encrypted with kpubU2 is transmitted to the second user via the network. A message encrypted with the SK is received from one of the first and the second users via the network, stored, and transmitted to the other of the first and the second users via the network. |
| US09148447B2 |
Safe services framework
Providing security-related services for enterprise service requests includes receiving a service request from an endpoint, determining the transaction parameter from the received service request, determining a subroutine for execution based on the transaction parameter, communicating with a data server to execute the subroutine, receiving subroutine results from the data server based on the executed subroutine, applying context-specific rules to the request based on instructive data specified in the subroutine results, determining a response based on the subroutine results and the applied context-specific rules, and communicating the response to the endpoint. Some embodiments may also include accessing transaction rules associated with the transaction parameter, determining an additional subroutine for execution based on the transaction rules, communicating with a data server to execute the additional subroutine, receiving additional subroutine results from the data server based on the executed additional subroutine, and communicating the results to the endpoint. |
| US09148444B2 |
Rotation of web site content to prevent e-mail spam/phishing attacks
A method for phishing attack management through Web site content rotation includes receiving a request for a variation of a component to be incorporated into a Web page from a requesting Web page rendering engine from over a computer communications network. The method also includes comparing the requested variation of the component to a currently configured variation of the component. Finally, the method includes returning both the requested variation of the component and an alert indicating a possible phishing attack in response to the request if the requested variation of the component differs from the currently configured variation of the component. |
| US09148442B2 |
Methods and apparatus providing automatic signature generation and enforcement
A system inserts at least one notifying identifier in the computer system. The at least one notifying identifier provides execution information associated with the computer system. The system receives execution information from the at least one notifying identifier, the execution information identifies details associated with a traffic flow on the computer system. The system then generates a signature based on a deterministic link provided by the execution information provided by the at least one notifying identifier. The signature is utilized to prevent further damage caused to the computer system by at least one attack. |
| US09148440B2 |
Coordinated detection and differentiation of denial of service attacks
According to one embodiment, an analyzer module (AM) within a same protected network and on-premise with a web application server (WAS) detects and distinguishes between types of Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. The AM tracks whether test HTTP messages, which include test HTTP request messages that a signal generation module (SGM) is configured to transmit to the WAS and test HTTP response messages that the WAS is expected to transmit in response to the test HTTP request messages, are timely received. The AM is aware of a timeliness that the SGM is expected to transmit the test HTTP request messages and that the WAS is expected to transmit the test response HTTP messages. The AM detects an occurrence of a DoS attack and identifies the type of the DoS attack based upon the result of the tracking indicating that a number of the test HTTP messages have not been timely received. |
| US09148437B1 |
Detecting adverse network conditions for a third-party network site
A network protection service for providing protective assistance to a subscribing host is presented. The network protection service is configured determine a set of rules for filtering network traffic for a subscribing host. The network protection service is further configured to receive network traffic on behalf of the subscribing host, filter the received network traffic according to the set of rules, and forward a portion of the filtered network traffic to the subscribing host. Still further, the network protection service is configured to analyze the received network traffic via the analysis server, and refine the set of rules for filtering the received network traffic based on the analysis of the received network traffic by the analysis server. |
| US09148435B2 |
Establishment of a trust index to enable connections from unknown devices
A method of controlling access to a remote system includes granting a connecting device full access to the system upon determining the device is registered to a user, upon determining the device is not registered, determining whether the device has connected to the system before, granting the device full access to the system if the device has connected before and a trust index based on a trust level for the device and a trust level of a location the device is currently connecting from exceeds a threshold, and granting the device limited access to the system otherwise. |
| US09148434B2 |
Determining populated IP addresses
A service log of a service provider is analyzed to identify IP addresses used by account holders that are populated IP addresses. Existing information about legitimate and malicious accounts of the service provider is leveraged to determine likely good and bad populated IP addresses based on the accounts that use the populated IP addresses. Features of the good and bad populated IP addresses are used to train a classifier that can identify good and bad populated IP addresses based on features of the populated IP addresses. The classifier may be used to provide security services to the same service provider or different service providers. The services include identifying malicious accounts. |
| US09148432B2 |
Range weighted internet protocol address blacklist
Described is a technology by existing IP address blacklist data associated are accessed to statistically determine which IP addresses in the range are spam-related IP addresses. If enough are identified, the rest of the range's IP addresses are considered as likely being spam-related addresses. The entire range may be then added to a range weighted blacklist used to detect spam. Before adding the range to the range weighted blacklist, the addresses may be further processed against known good traffic data and/or safe list data to determine whether an exception exists that indicates a good sender. If there is an exception, the range is not added to the range weighted blacklist; the range may be shrunk and re-processed until added to the weighted blacklist or until the size is too small. |
| US09148431B2 |
Systems and methods for caller identification customization and remote management of communication devices
Methods, devices, systems and computer program products are described for implementing on a communication device customized caller ID and remote functional management of a communication device via shared secret exchange between calling and called parties. Customized caller ID provides for a calling party to identify themself regardless of the device they are using to place to call. In addition, other remote functional management, such as call priority tagging, provides for the calling party to prioritize the call or otherwise customize a call ID message to the called party. By exchanging shared secrets amongst the calling and called parties, the customized caller ID method and remote functional management are secure, thereby eliminating the likelihood of unauthorized tampering by unknown parties. Shared secret exchange also provides for authorized callers to remotely access and manage the communication device, such as, for example, to remotely lock down or place the communication device in an off state. |
| US09148427B2 |
System and method for implementing a robot proof web site
The invention prevents robots from browsing a Web site beyond a welcome page. When an initial request from an undefined originator is received, the Web site responds to it with a welcome page including a challenge. Then, on receiving a further request from the undefined originator, the Web site can check whether the challenge is fulfilled or not. If fulfilled, the undefined originator is assumed to be a human being and authorized to go on. If the challenge is not fulfilled, the undefined originator is assumed to be a robot, in which case site access is further denied.The invention prevents Web site contents from being investigated by robots while not requiring users to have to log on. |
| US09148425B2 |
Second screen mediation
A system authenticates a first session for a first application running on a workstation and a second session for a second application running on a second screen device. The system links the first application to the second application when the first session matches the second session. The system receives data indicating the linked first application was changed at the workstation and provides update data to the second application corresponding to the change in the linked workstation application, causing a display of the second screen device to update based on the update data. |
| US09148421B2 |
Method and system for encryption of messages in land mobile radio systems
A method and system for authentication of sites in a land mobile radio (LMR) system and encryption of messages exchanged by the sites. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a certificate created by a trusted authority by applying a function to a first site public key using the trusted authority's private key to generate a reduced representation, which is encrypted with the trusted authority's private key. Other sites may receive the certificate, decrypt it using the trusted authority's public key, and authenticate the first site. The method may further include generating a session key, encrypting it with the public key of the first site, and transmitting the encrypted session key to the first site. The first site decrypts the encrypted session key with the first site's private key, and transmits a message encrypted with the shared session key to other sites for decryption using the session key. |
| US09148417B2 |
Computerized method and system for managing amendment voting in a networked secure collaborative exchange environment
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for managing amendment voting in a networked secure collaborative computer data exchange environment, the method comprising establishing a secure exchange server-based environment between users of at least two business entities, the secure exchange server environment managed by an intermediate business entity, the users exchanging content, and providing an amendment voting facility when the content relates to a proposed amendment to an agreement wherein the amendment voting facility enables users to vote on the proposed amendment. |
| US09148413B1 |
Secured firmware updates
When providing a user with native access to at least a portion of device hardware, the user can be prevented from modifying firmware and other configuration information by controlling the mechanisms used to update that information. In some embodiments, an asymmetric keying approach can be used to encrypt or sign the firmware. In other cases access can be controlled by enabling firmware updates only through a channel or port that is not exposed to the customer, or by mapping only those portions of the hardware that are to be accessible to the user. In other embodiments, the user can be prevented from modifying firmware by only provisioning the user on a machine after an initial mutability period wherein firmware can be modified, such that the user never has access to a device when firmware can be updated. Combinations and variations of the above also can be used. |
| US09148412B2 |
Secure configuration of authentication servers
Embodiments of the invention are directed to automatically populating a database of names and secrets in an authentication server by sending one or more lists of one or more names and secrets by a network management software to an authentication server. Furthermore, some embodiments provide that the lists being sent are encrypted and/or embedded in otherwise inconspicuous files. |
| US09148407B2 |
Selectively performing man in the middle decryption
An agent on a device within a network receives a request to access a resource outside the network. A first encrypted connection is established between the device and the agent, and a second encrypted connection is established between the agent and the resource, to facilitate encrypted communication traffic between the device and the resource. The agent sends a policy request to a network appliance within the network, the request specifying the resource. The agent receives a policy response indicating that the resource is associated with one or more security policies of the network. Traffic passing between the device and the resource is selectively decrypted and inspected depending on the security policies. |
| US09148406B2 |
Protected media stream source
A media stream source protection system in which a media stream is passed through a gatekeeper before being used by any other software or hardware within the information handling system. In certain embodiments, the video camera encrypts and the gatekeeper decrypts content received from the video camera before the content is provided to the gatekeeper. In certain embodiments, the encryption is performed on the camera device as part of the video encode incorporated the video camera thus providing a bandwidth-saving measure. |
| US09148397B2 |
Messaging object generation for synchronous conversation threads
In particular embodiments, a messaging device or server may be operable to receive a message including a thread identifier or a list of conversation participants; if the message includes a thread identifier, then append the message to a locally-stored conversation thread possessing the same thread identifier; if the message includes a list of participants, then: search a plurality of locally-stored conversation threads for a conversation threads having participants matching the list of participants; and in response to a match, append the message to the matching thread; in response to failing to find a match, generate an offline identifier for the message and storing the message locally. |
| US09148391B2 |
System and method for a pass thru mode in a virtual chassis system
A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. A network node in the virtual chassis system is operable in a pass thru mode. In pass thru mode, the network node receives packets over a VFL and transparently forwards the packet over another VFL to another network node in the virtual chassis system. However, the network node 110 disables other port interfaces, such as port interfaces connected to external nodes from the virtual chassis system. The network node 110 in pass thru mode is operable to receive management commands over one or more VFLs and can still be managed through management commands. |
| US09148390B2 |
System and method for virtual chassis split prevention
A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. The virtual chassis system is operable to provide warnings to help prevent a virtual chassis split event in response to an administrative action. The topology of the virtual chassis system is analyzed to determine the possible impact of one or more administrative actions. Based on this analysis, a warning is generated when an administrative action is requested that may lead directly or indirectly to a virtual chassis split. |
| US09148384B2 |
Posted and unencumbered queues
In one aspect, techniques are provided for adding a packet to a queue. A packet may be received. A determination may be made if the packet is encumbered or unencumbered. The packet may be added to a posted queue, to an encumbered queue, or a unencumbered queue based on the determination. In another aspect, techniques are provided for de-queuing a packet in a posted queue. A posted packet may be de-queued and encumbered queues associated with the packet may be added to unencumbered queues. |
| US09148383B2 |
Transparent middlebox with graceful connection entry and exit
Methods for inserting a middlebox into a network connection include monitoring network state information in a connection between a client and a server. When the connection is idle, a connection entry is created for each device and is initialized using state information gathered by monitoring the network connection. Redirection of the network connection is activated between the client and the server such that the middlebox mediates the connection. Methods for removing a middlebox from a network connection include determining a degree of mismatch between a sequence number in a first connection between the middlebox and a client and a sequence number in a second connection between the middlebox and a server, delaying acknowledgment signals from the middlebox on a connection to decrease the degree of mismatch, and establishing a direct connection between the client and the server without mediation by the middlebox when the degree of mismatch is zero. |
| US09148381B2 |
Cloud computing enhanced gateway for communication networks
A network traffic managing node of a local area network, such as a router or gateway, can monitor network traffic of the local area network. A network event associated with the local area network is detected using the network traffic managing node. The network event is reported from the network traffic managing node to one or more servers of a cloud-based computing network. A network policy update for the network traffic managing node is received from the cloud-based computing network. The network policy update is based, at least in part, on a type of network event reported to the cloud-based computing network. The network policy update is implemented at the network traffic managing node to process and/or resolve the network event. |
| US09148380B2 |
System and method for providing a sequence numbering mechanism in a network environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a plurality of packets associated with a flow; parsing the plurality of packets associated with the flow; executing a first quality of service decision such that a first set of packets within the plurality of packets are not forwarded to their intended destination; receiving a second set of packets, which reflects a retransmission of at least a portion of the first set of packets; executing a second quality of service decision such that the second set of packets is forwarded to their intended destination; and billing the second set of packets in response to forwarding the second set of packets. In more detailed embodiments, the method includes accessing a table in which entries are provided for particular sequence number ranges for the first set of packets. |
| US09148372B2 |
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to manipulate packet routing
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to manipulate packet routing are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a first route advertisement from a first provider edge router, the first route advertisement including next-hop routing information associated with a destination and a label associated with an interface of the first provider edge router; modifying the next-hop routing information to form first modified next-hop routing information, the first modified next-hop routing information to redirect a packet addressed to the destination; and sending a second route advertisement to a second provider edge router, the second route advertisement including the first modified next-hop routing information and the label. |
| US09148371B1 |
Configuring networks using balanced incomplete block designs
Methods for configuring networks and systems including nodes and switches. In one aspect, a method includes selecting a (v, b, r, k, λ) balanced incomplete block design (BIBD), wherein the BIBD includes v elements and b blocks of k elements, each element of the v elements is in r blocks of the b blocks, and each distinct pair of elements of the v elements is in λ blocks of the b blocks. Nodes are connected to switches. Each node is assigned to a different element of the BIBD. Each switch is assigned to a different block of the BIBD. For each switch, the switch is connected to the nodes assigned to the elements included in the block assigned to the switch. |
| US09148369B2 |
Packet routing with analysis assist for embedded applications sharing a single network interface over multiple virtual networks
Techniques are provided for packet routing in a distributed network switch. The distributed network switch includes multiple switch modules operatively connected to one another, and each switch module includes multiple bridge elements and a management controller. In one embodiment, a shared interface routing (SIR) framework is provided that includes an analysis and bifurcation layer, at least one packet interface, and an analysis assist layer. A packet is received over a first logical network and via a physical port, the packet being destined for at least a first application executing on the management controller. The analysis assist layer analyzes the packet to determine a reason code to assign to the packet. The analysis and bifurcation layer then analyzes the packet based at least in part on the reason code. |
| US09148367B2 |
System and method for binding flows in a service cluster deployment in a network environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a first packet of a connection between a client and a server. The first packet is tagged with a tag comprising a member id of a service node in a service cluster that includes a plurality of nodes having distinct member ids. The method can also include mapping the member id to the service node in a tag-to-node map; receiving a second packet of the connection, where the second packet is tagged with the tag comprising the member id; determining the service node from the tag-to-node map; and forwarding the second packet to the service node. |
| US09148355B2 |
System management device, network system, system management method, and program
A first calculator calculates, for each combination of the physical machines, a network distance representing magnitude of load during communication between one of a plurality of physical machines and another physical machine. An acquisition unit acquires communication permission information representing that a newly operated virtual machine is permitted to communicate with which virtual machine among a plurality of virtual machine already operated in any one of the plurality of physical machines. A second calculator calculates, for each of the plurality of physical machines, a network cost representing magnitude of load of the network system during communication between the communication-permitted virtual machine and a new virtual machine, when one of the plurality of physical machines operates the new virtual machine on the basis of the network distance and the communication permission information. A determination unit determines which physical machine is to operate the new virtual machine, using the calculated network cost. |
| US09148352B2 |
Method and system for dynamic repurposing of payload storage as a trace buffer
A method for debugging network activity involving receiving, by HCA, a packet stream comprising multiple packets, comparing a packet header of each of the packets to a trigger condition to determine whether the trigger condition has been met, after the trigger condition has been met, comparing each packet header of the packets to one or more trace filters stored in the HCA to identify matching packets, duplicating one or more portions of the matching packets and storing the duplicated portions of the matching packets in a trace buffer, where the trace buffer is located in the HCA and is dynamically repurposed from a payload RAM to the trace buffer when a corresponding port of the HCA for transmitting or receiving the packet stream is set to trace mode, and stopping the trace and copying the one or more portions of packets from the trace buffer to host memory. |
| US09148349B1 |
Dynamic graphical display of components in a data storage system
In a storage system management device, a method for graphically displaying a component of a data storage system. The method includes mapping, by the storage system management device, each component of a set of components of the data storage system to at least one graphical image of the component, displaying, by the storage system management device, a tree table of the set of components of the data storage system, and outputting, by the storage system management device, at least one graphical image of a component of the set of components selected from the tree table. |
| US09148347B2 |
Network data analysis
Apparatus for use in analyzing network data, the apparatus including an electronic processing device that determines network data representing a network having a number of nodes and links between the nodes, selects a model in accordance with a data type associated with the network data, the model being indicative of at least one trigger for a behavior of interest, selected network metrics and a mathematical relationship relating network nodes to the at least one trigger using the selected network metrics and determines at least one trigger associated with the network data, determines the selected metrics for the network data and uses the mathematical relationship, the selected network metrics and the identified at least one trigger to determine predicted nodes, the predicted nodes being nodes predicted to exhibit behavior of interest. |
| US09148344B1 |
Linking a mesh node
A method of linking a mesh node to a particular physical location is provided which achieves a very high degree of linking accuracy. Linking is authorized to take place only when stringent location verification criteria have been met and utilizes a Linking Application Program in a compatible portable device such as a smartphone. The Linking Application Program takes the installer through a step by step installation and linking process that ensures the maximum possible linking accuracy. The verification criteria requires that the pertinent data be gathered and then utilized to ascertain if indeed a mesh node being installed is in the right location. |
| US09148338B2 |
Base station and method for remote management in a cellular communication network
The present disclosure relates to a base station and a method for Operation and Maintenance, OaM, communication in a communication system. The base station comprises a first interface configured to communicate with a core network, including OaM communication, and a second interface configured for OaM communication. The second interface is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the core network via another base station. The base station and the method facilitates troubleshooting remote management problems in OaM communication. |
| US09148335B2 |
Third party validation of internet protocol addresses
A device can connect to a network over a first interface to configure and obtain an IP address. To communicate with nodes in a second network, over a second interface, the IP address can be validated by a trusted third party. The validation can include conducting a return routability test to validate a Prefix of the IP address. Cryptographically Generated Address verification can be utilized to verify the validity of an Interface Identifier included in the IP address. If the IP address is validated, the trusted third party can include the address in a verification ticket, which can also include a signature of the trusted third party. The device can provide the verification ticket to nodes in the second network as authentication of the device. |
| US09148332B2 |
Content delivery network
A request to store a data object is received at a hosted storage service. The request includes the data object and an associated object reference. The object reference configured to enable retrieval of the data object from the hosted storage service. The data object is stored at the hosted storage service in association with the object reference. The data object is sent from the hosted storage service to a content delivery network node such that the data object is cached in and retrievable from the content delivery network node using the object reference. |
| US09148330B2 |
Method and system for exchanging location content data in different data formats
A method and system for exchanging location content data in different data formats is disclosed. A third-party system makes a request to retrieve, add, modify, or delete location content. The request is made in a first data format. A data exchange system receives the request, converts the request to a second data format supported by a location reference system, and sends the request to the location reference system. The location reference system prepares a response to the request and sends the response to the data exchange system. The data exchange system converts the response to the first data format and sends the response to the third-party system. |
| US09148328B2 |
Digital I/Q imbalance compensation in a quadrature receiver
An apparatus and method reduce distortion in a processed signal. The apparatus includes a first receive path, a second receive path, a summation unit, and a compensation unit. The first receive path is configured to process a received analog signal into a first digital signal. The second receive path is configured to process the received analog signal with a phase shift into a second digital signal. The summation unit is configured to sum the first and second digital signals to form a processed digital signal. The compensation unit is configured to identify a conjugate of the processed digital signal, apply a weighting factor to the conjugate of the processed digital signal to form a weighted signal, and subtract the weighted signal from the processed digital signal to reduce the distortion. |
| US09148327B1 |
Fragmentation channelizer
A fragmentation channelizer has a transmitter channelizing filter bank that fragments a continuous spectral span of a signal input into discrete spectral channels. The discrete spectral channels coincide with available bandwidth segments of a communications channel. A receiver has a receiver filter bank that inputs the discrete spectral channels after transmission over the communications channel and de-fragments the discrete spectral channels into a reconstructed continuous spectral span of the signal input so as to generate a signal output corresponding to the signal input. |
| US09148325B2 |
System and methods for compensation of I/Q imbalance in beamforming OFDM systems
Disclosed are an system and method for compensation of I/Q imbalance in a beamforming OFDM system. The system comprises: a TX beamformer configured at a transmitter end of the beamforming OFDM system; a noise whitener configured at a receiver end of the beamforming OFDM system; and a RX MMSE configured at the receiver end of the beamforming OFDM system. At least one of the TX beamformer, the noise whitener and the RX MMSE receiver, or any combination thereof are capable of jointly processing a carrier and its image subcarrier to compensate the I/Q imbalance in the beamforming system. |
| US09148324B2 |
Daisy-chained ring of remote units for a distributed antenna system
The present disclosure is a novel utility of a software defined radio (SDR) based Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that is field reconfigurable and support multi-modulation schemes (modulation-independent), multi-carriers, multi-frequency bands and multi-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a DAS utilizing one or more Daisy-Chained Rings of Remote Units. The present invention enables a high degree of flexibility to manage, control, enhance, facilitate the usage and performance of a distributed wireless network such as Flexible Simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, network and radio resource optimization, network calibration, autonomous/assisted commissioning, carrier pooling, automatic frequency selection, frequency carrier placement, traffic monitoring, traffic tagging, pilot beacon, etc. As a result, a DAS in accordance with the present invention can increase the efficiency and traffic capacity of the operators' wireless network. |
| US09148322B2 |
High-speed signaling systems with adaptable pre-emphasis and equalization
A signaling system includes a pre-emphasizing transmitter and an equalizing receiver coupled to one another via a high-speed signal path. The receiver measures the quality of data conveyed from the transmitter. A controller uses this information and other information to adaptively establish appropriate transmit pre-emphasis and receive equalization settings, e.g. to select the lowest power setting for which the signaling system provides some minimum communication bandwidth without exceeding a desired bit-error rate. |
| US09148320B1 |
Transceiver front-end for communication over power lines
Various circuits and methods are disclosed for communications over AC power lines. In one example embodiment, a power line communication circuit includes an analog front end having a data-coupling circuit configured to communicatively couple communication signals to and from a set of AC power lines in the power line communication system. The analog front end also includes a noise reduction circuit that is coupled to the data-coupling circuit. The noise reduction circuit is configured to mitigate noise within a communication frequency band of the communication signals by filtering, from the communication signals, at least one frequency that is located outside of the communication frequency band and that has harmonics located within the communication frequency band. A receiver circuit is coupled to the noise reduction circuit and is configured to demodulate data from the communication frequency band of the filtered communication signals. |
| US09148318B2 |
Equalization method and equalizer for received signals in microwave MIMO system
The present invention provides an equalization method and an equalizer for received signals in a microwave MIMO system. By performing vertical spatial filtering on and combining internal sub-signals for n received signals, an initial sliced signal corresponding to a received signal currently to be decoded is obtained; (n−1) ICI signals are generated based on (n−1) initial sliced signals corresponding to other (n−1) received signals; after the (n−1) ICI signals are eliminated from the n received signals, vertical spatial filtering is performed and internal sub-signals are combined to obtain a final sliced signal. |
| US09148317B1 |
Method and apparatus for correcting a mismatch between an in-phase component and a quadrature component of a signal
Briefly, some embodiments of the invention may provide devices, systems and methods of in-phase and quadrature mismatch analysis and correction. For example, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may include re-encoding an estimated symbol of an input signal having an in-phase component and a quadrature component, based on an analysis of a mismatch between said in-phase component and said quadrature component. |
| US09148316B2 |
Decision feedback equalizer
A decision feedback equalizer (DFE) circuit includes a first equalization path and a second equalization path. Each equalization path includes a summing node, a first latch, a second latch, a first feedback path, and a second feedback path. The first latch is configured to latch data received from the summing node. The second latch is configured to latch data received from the first latch. The first feedback path is configured to receive data from the second latch and to provide data to the summing node of the equalization path. The second feedback path is configured to receive data from the first latch and to provide data to the summing node of the other equalization path. The second feedback path provides up to a symbol interval for propagation of data between the summing nodes. |
| US09148313B2 |
Equalizing transmitter and method of operation
A transmitter for providing channel equalization that includes a first driver and second driver having a high pass filter. The first driver generates a first output signal representing a digital input signal. The second driver generates a second output signal representing a high pass filtered version of the digital input signal. The first and second output signals are summed to provide a third output signal that is channel equalized for transmission over a channel. |
| US09148305B1 |
Configurable 10/40 gigabit ethernet switch for operating in one or more network operating modes
A configurable network switch is disclosed. The configurable network switch may include a plurality of network switch chips operatively connected to a plurality of connectors via a programmable crosspoint chip. The programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate in one or more network operating modes. In a first network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at 40 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, whereas in the second network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. The configurable network switch may also include an input interface, such as an I2C interface, that allows an operator of the network switch to select the one or more network operating modes of the configurable network switch. |
| US09148296B2 |
Application module and remote management server with parameter description model
A customer device is configured to allow remote installation of an application module and remote configuration from a remote management server. The application module includes a parameter model with model parameters configured for communication automatically between the remote management client residing in the customer device and the remote management server via a remote management protocol. The parameter model further includes at least one description parameter that formally describes a new model parameter forming part of the parameter model. The description parameter triggers creation of the new model parameter at the remote management server. |
| US09148294B2 |
System and method for switching a communication path based on disaster information
A relay apparatus transfers data sent from a user terminal, to an external network, via any one of paths. A notification apparatus receives first disaster information including area information identifying first areas forecast to be affected by an occurrence of a disaster and prediction information storing, in association with each of the first areas, a predicted intensity value indicating a predicted value of an influence degree of the disaster on the each of the first areas. The notification apparatus generates, based on the first disaster information, second disaster information storing the predicted intensity value in association with each of second areas passed through by the paths. The relay apparatus switches the currently-used path to alternative path when it is determined that the predicted intensity value associated with at least one of third areas passed through by the currently-used path is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value. |
| US09148289B2 |
Method for streaming video data
A method for streaming video data. Video data is received. At least one frame of the video data is segmented into a plurality of regions. Video data corresponding to a first region of the plurality of regions is transmitted over a network. The video data corresponding to a second region of the plurality of regions is modified according to interactive input. The video data corresponding to a modified version of the second region is transmitted over the network. |
| US09148287B2 |
Prioritisation of charging in an IMS network
One aspect provides a method of storing charging data in an IMS network. A message is received at a network entity. A charging priority value of the message relating to charging data associated with the message id identified. The charging priority value is included in a charging request message and the charging request message is forwarded to a charging control system. Other aspects provide IMS network entities configured to implement the method. |
| US09148281B2 |
Random number generation
A system for random number generation may include non-volatile memory, and a random number stored on the non-volatile memory. The system may also include a key linked to the random number. The system may further include a computer-apparatus designed to use the random number based upon the key. |
| US09148277B2 |
Clock reproducing and timing method in a system having a plurality of devices
A system includes a memory controller and a plurality of semiconductor devices that are series-connected. Each of the devices has memory core for storing data. The memory controller provides a clock signal for synchronizing the operations of the devices. Each device includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) that is selectively enabled or disabled by a PLL enable signal. In each group, the PLLs of a selected number of devices are enabled by PLL enable signals and the other devices are disabled. The enabled PLL provides a plurality of reproduced clock signals with a phase shift of a multiple of 90° in response to an input clock signal. The data transfer is synchronized with at least one of the reproduced clock signals. In the devices of disabled PLLs, the data transfer is synchronized with the input clock signal. The enabled PLL and disabled PLL cause the devices to be the source and the common synchronous clocking, respectively. The devices can be grouped. The devices of one group can be structured by multiple chip packages. |
| US09148274B2 |
System and method to detect and communicate loss and retention of synchronization in a real-time data transfer scheme
Systems and methods for handling a loss of message boundary in a real-time data transmission over an interconnect between a source node and a destination node are described. The destination node receives messages including one or more data frames. Each data frame includes an end-of-message flag, which is set when the data frame is last frame of a message, and a message sequence number, which is different for different messages. The destination node determines a loss of message boundary when a new data frame has a message sequence number different from the message sequence number of a previously received message, which did not have the end-of-message flag set. The destination node then transmits a synchronization loss message to the source node, and receives, as response, a status report message. The destination node is able to regain synchronization by determining a lost message boundary according to the status report message. |
| US09148272B2 |
Method and apparatus for transceiving signals
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the method, wherein the method is configured such that a base station, in which cross-carrier scheduling through a first component carrier (CC) is set, transmits a downlink signal in a TDD wireless communication system in which the first CC and a second CC are aggregated, wherein the method comprises a step of transmitting a control channel signal during a specific subframe timing during which the second CC is set as a downlink. The transmitting step involves transmitting the control channel signal through a control channel region of the first CC when the first CC is set as a downlink in the specific subframe timing, and transmitting the control channel signal through a control channel region of the second CC when the first CC is set as an uplink during the specific subframe timing. |
| US09148271B2 |
Methods and devices for transmitting data
The present disclosure provides a method and device for transmitting data. The method comprises: a first user equipment receives downlink data sent from a base station through downlink resources of a special subframe; the first user equipment acquires a position of uplink resources corresponding to the first user equipment in guard period resources of the special subframe, wherein the position of the uplink resources corresponding to the first user equipment in the guard period resources of the special subframe is staggered from a position of downlink resources corresponding to a second user equipment in the special subframe, and a round-trip time of the second user equipment is greater than a round-trip time of the first user equipment; and the first user equipment sends uplink data to the base station through the uplink resources corresponding to the first user equipment in the guard period resources of the special subframe. |
| US09148267B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
Wireless communication wherein channel estimation accuracy is improved while keeping the position of each bit in a frame, even when a modulation system having a large modulation multiple value is used for a data symbol. An encoding operation encodes and outputs transmitting data (bit string) and a bit converting operation converts at least one bit of a plurality of bits constituting a data symbol to be used for channel estimation, among the encoded bit strings, into ‘1’ or ‘0’. A modulating operation modulates the bit string inputted from the bit converting operation by using a single modulation mapper and a plurality of data symbols are generated. |
| US09148258B2 |
Methods of communicating data including shared ACK/NACK messages and related devices
A method of transmitting data from a wireless network node over a MIMO channel to a wireless terminal may include transmitting first and second transport data blocks to the wireless terminal over the MIMO channel using a first time-frequency-resource-element (TFRE). Responsive to receiving a NACK message from the wireless terminal corresponding to the first and second transport data blocks transmitted using the first TFRE, the first and second transport data blocks may be retransmitted to the wireless terminal over the MIMO channel using a second TFRE. |
| US09148256B2 |
Performance based rank prediction for MIMO design
The performance of a Single Code Word (SCW) design with low complexity MMSE receiver & rank prediction is similar to the Multiple Code Word (MCW) design with successive interference cancellation (SIC). A method of rank prediction comprises calculating MIMO channel matrices corresponding to layer transmissions for each tone, calculating signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for each tone based on the MIMO channel matrices, mapping the SNR for each tone to generate effective SNRs for each layer transmission, selecting a highest packet format (PF) with an SNR threshold less than the effective SNR for each layer transmission, maximizing an over-all spectral efficiency based on the selected highest packet formats for each layer transmission, and selecting a rank based on maximizing an over-all spectral efficiency. |
| US09148252B2 |
Methods and systems for 2-dimensional forward error correction coding
A communication system and a method are disclosed. The communication system includes an encoder configured to encode source data and output an encoded frame including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The plurality of rows include a row component code. The plurality of columns include a column component code. The row component code is configured to achieve a lower bit error rate than the column component code in communication channels having a same signal to noise ratio. |
| US09148250B2 |
Methods and arrangements for error correction in decoding data from an electromagnetic radiator
Embodiments may communicate via an electromagnetic radiator, or light source, that can be amplitude modulated such as light emitting diode lighting via receivers that can determine data from light received from the radiator. Some embodiments decode data of a packet transmitted from modulated lighting by means of a device with a low sampling frequency such as a relatively inexpensive camera. Many embodiments determine locations of start frame delimiters in packets. Several embodiments implement repeat decoding on packets of the same data to reduce packet error rates. Some embodiments are intended for indoor navigation via photogrammetry using self-identifying light anchors. In many embodiments, the data signal may be communicated via the light source at frequencies causing flicker that is not perceivable to the human eye. |
| US09148249B2 |
Digital broadcasting receiver
A receiver receives frequency division multiplexing transmission signals of multiple carriers, and includes a difference detection unit, an integration unit, a noise detection unit, a selection unit, and a correction unit. The difference detection unit calculates a difference that is representative of the amount of noise in the frequency division multiplexing transmission signals. The integration unit integrates for each frequency of the multiple carriers the difference output of the difference detection unit. The noise detection unit determines whether or not impulse noise is present in the input signal. When impulse noise is present, the selection unit supplies the integrator output to the correction unit. When impulse noise is not present, the selection unit supplies the calculated difference output to the correction unit. |
| US09148248B2 |
Method and device for feeding back channel information of a plurality of carriers
There is a method and device for scheduling channel information feedback to perform a feedback of channel information of a plurality carriers, wherein the method for feeding back channel information includes: a user equipment measuring channel information over a plurality of downlink carriers; upon reception of an instruction to trigger a feedback of channel information transmitted from a base station, the user equipment transmitting to the base station the measured channel information of corresponding downlink carriers in an obtained set of downlink carriers required to be measured and fed back. |
| US09148228B2 |
Optical signal transmitting device, optical signal transmitting method, frequency fluctuation suppressing device and frequency fluctuation suppressing system
An optical signal transmitting device includes direct modulators configured to be driven using electric signals of channels to generate directly-modulated optical signals of channels, a beat light source configured to generate beat light at a specific frequency spacing, subcarrier converters configured to modulate, using the beat light from the beat light source, the directly-modulated optical signals of the channels from the direct modulators to generate optical subcarrier modulation signals of channels, probe light sources configured to generate probe light of channels having frequencies that are different from frequencies of the directly-modulated optical signals of the channels, multiplexers configured to multiplex, for individual channels, the optical subcarrier modulation signals of the channels with the probe light of the channels, and nonlinear optical media configured to perform, for individual channels, optical cross modulation for the optical subcarrier modulation signals and the probe light, which are multiplexed, and transmit processed signals. |
| US09148226B2 |
Optical module and optical transceiver installing the same
An optical transmitter module installing a thermo-electric controller (TEC) is disclosed. The optical module has a rectangular box portion as a package made of a multi-layered ceramics, within which the TEC is installed. The TEC has electrodes through which a current to driver the TEC electrically is provided. The module has a feature that the electrodes of the TEC is directly in contact with a pad provided in the back surface of the multi-layered ceramic housing. |
| US09148225B2 |
Optical transmitters and receivers for quantum key distribution
An optical receiver for a quantum key distribution system comprises a plurality of optical components mounted or formed in a substrate and optically coupled by one or more hollow core waveguides formed in the substrate. |
| US09148224B2 |
Ethernet passive optical network over coaxial (EPoC) system rate mechanism
An Ethernet passive optical network over coaxial (EPOC) system rate mechanism. A network device is provided that includes a physical layer device (PHY) that is configured for coupling to a coaxial cable, a medium independent interface that facilitates data transmission at 10 Gbit/s or greater, and a reconciliation sublayer that is coupled to the PHY via the medium independent interface. The reconciliation sublayer has a codeword detector that is configured to detect a reserved codeword that is received from the PHY over the medium independent interface. The codeword detector can be configured to forward a rate control signal to a media access control (MAC) based on the detection of the reserved codeword. |
| US09148222B2 |
AFDX network with a passive optical network
The present invention concerns an AFDX network which is extended by a passive optical network or PON. The AFDX network comprises an AFDX switch to which are connected a plurality of equipments. The AFDX switch constitutes the optical line termination and said equipments constitute the optical network terminations of the PON. The PON broadcasts over the downlink, to all said equipments, every AFDX frame output by said AFDX switch. It also multiplexes over the uplink the AFDX frames transmitted by the same equipments. The invention also concerns an μAFDX network using a PON. |
| US09148220B2 |
Optical signal transmission device applying alternative and selectable transmission paths
An optical signal transmission device is used for transmitting optical light rays from a number of light emitters to a number of light receivers, and includes a substrate, a number of first optical waveguide elements, a number of second optical waveguide elements, a number of reflectors, and an integrated circuit. The substrate has a first side surface for positioning the light emitters, and a second side surface for positioning the light receivers. The light emitters and the light receivers are corresponding to the first optical waveguide elements. The second optical waveguide elements intersect with the first optical waveguide elements to form a number of hollow junctions for receiving the reflectors. Each reflector can rotate around a rotating shaft thereof in the corresponding hollow junction to change the optical transmission path of light rays from the light emitters. The integrated circuit controls rotating angles of the reflectors. |
| US09148214B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing a relayed wireless communication path between cells
A first apparatus at a first base station changes directivity of a first antenna connected in a direction of a cell of a second base station adjacent to the first base station, where directivity of some antennas of a second apparatus at the second base station is changed to a cell of the first base station and some radio resources are assigned to wireless communication with the first apparatus. The first apparatus receives a signal of a first frequency from the second apparatus via the first antenna, converts the received signal into a signal of a second frequency, demodulates the signal of the second frequency, corrects a delay of the demodulated signal caused by propagation of a radio wave and frequency conversion, and modulates the corrected signal to a signal of a third frequency which is transmitted to a cell of the first base station via a second antenna. |
| US09148213B2 |
System and method for radio frequency repeating
In one embodiment, a method for relaying frames including receiving, by a repeater from a first station, a first frame, where the first frame has a first header having a first indicator and determining whether the first frame will be relayed in accordance with the first indicator. The method also includes transmitting, by the repeater to an access point, the first frame when the first frame is determined to be relayed. |
| US09148209B2 |
Transmission method and device for uplink control channel
A transmission method for uplink control channel is provided, and the method comprises the following steps: a base station configures a transmission mode for the uplink control channel of a user equipment (UE) via high signaling; according to the transmission mode, the base station receives the uplink control channel sent by the UE via a transmit diversity or a single antenna port. A device for implementing the transmission for uplink control channel is also provided. With the present solution, according to the operation state of the system the base station flexibly configures the UE having multiple transmitting antennas to transfer uplink control channel by using different modes, so as to improve the reliability and efficiency of the system and enhance the performance of the system effectively. |
| US09148203B2 |
Software configurable distributed antenna system and method for reducing uplink noise
A distributed antenna system includes a master unit including a downlink RF input operable to receive an RF input signal from a downlink port of a base station, a first optical port, and a second optical port. The distributed antenna system also includes a first remote unit coupled to the first optical port. The first remote unit comprises a downlink antenna port and a first uplink antenna port and a second remote unit coupled to the second optical port of the master unit. The second remote unit comprises a downlink antenna port and a second uplink antenna port. The master unit is operable to transmit a first RF signal associated with the first RF uplink signal to a first uplink port of the base station and transmit a second RF signal associated with the second RF uplink signal to a second uplink port of the base station. |
| US09148199B2 |
Prequalification of vectoring before implementation
A prequalification determination is made on a DSL line to predict the bit rate improvement that might be accomplished by implementation of vectoring, providing information to use in determining whether or not to implement vectoring. Overall noise is measured on the line, along with FEXT noise, and the FEXT noise is subtracted from the overall noise, and the resulting value is employed to determine a predicted bit rate, providing an indication of the potential bit rate if vectoring is implemented. |
| US09148195B2 |
Mode hopping spread spectrum modulation
A method and apparatus for data modulation in an antenna array include: storing input data comprising of a plurality of data bits, in a buffer; generating a pseudo random number; computing a transmission mode from the pseudo random number; based on the computed transmission mode and the number of antenna elements in the antenna array, computing a particular phase offset for each antenna element; sequentially providing the stored input data, one bit at a time, to each antenna element; and transmitting the input data from each antenna element according to the computed particular phase offset for said each antenna element. |
| US09148194B2 |
Radio-frequency switch system having improved intermodulation distortion performance
Radio-frequency (RF) switch circuits are disclosed providing improved switching performance. An RF switch system includes a switch having a stack of field-effect transistors (FETs) connected in series between first and second nodes. A capacitor connected in series with the switch is configured to inhibit a low-frequency blocker signal from mixing with a fundamental-frequency signal in the switch. |
| US09148192B1 |
Transceiver for providing a clock signal
An apparatus relating generally to a transmitter-side of a transceiver or a transmitter used to provide a clock signal is disclosed. In this apparatus, a first signal source is to provide a first periodic signal. A second signal source is to provide a second periodic signal. A first multiplexer is coupled to receive the first periodic signal and the second periodic signal to provide a selected one thereof as a first selected output. A phase interpolator is coupled to the first multiplexer to receive the first selected output. The phase interpolator includes a second multiplexer. The second multiplexer is coupled to receive the first selected output and a phase-interpolated version of the first selected output to output a selected one thereof as a second selected output. A divider is coupled to the second multiplexer to receive the second selected output to provide the clock signal. |
| US09148189B2 |
Quality adjustment of a receiving circuit
A receiving circuit for a communication unit of an access device has a resonance circuit (1) with a receiving coil (L) for converting a magnetic induction into electrical current, and a capacitor (C). The receiving circuit (10) further has a first resistor (R1) and a switching element (3) designed for controllably connecting and disconnecting the first resistor (R1) to the resonance circuit (1). The receiving circuit electrically connects the resonance circuit (1) to the first resistor (R1) when the circuitry of the resonance circuit (1) changes from a first circuitry (7) to a second circuitry (8), and electrically disconnects the first resistor (R1) from the resonance circuit (1) when the circuitry of the resonance circuit (1) changes from the second circuitry (8) to the first circuitry (7). |
| US09148183B2 |
Optimal low power complex filter
The optimal low power complex filter, as a second order complex filter, is based on current amplifiers (CAs) and is utilized to implement a 4th order current-mode filter that can be used for intermediate frequency (IF) applications, such as, for example, low-IF Bluetooth receivers. Fabricated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology, experimental results show that the present design offers improved characteristics over the existing solutions in terms of power consumption and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR). The 4th order filter exhibits in-band SFDR of 65.8 dB while consuming only 1 mW. |
| US09148179B2 |
RF processing circuit and wireless communication device using the same
A radio-frequency (RF) processing circuit used in a wireless communication device is disclosed. The RF processing circuit comprises an RF front-end circuit, coupled to a first antenna, a second antenna, a first wireless communication module and a second wireless communication module, for switching couplings between the first antenna and the second antenna, and the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module according to a control signal; and a control unit, for generating the control signal to the RF front-end circuit according to operation frequency bands and operation conditions of the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module. |
| US09148172B2 |
Data compression and management
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for data compression and management. A number of methods include receiving a number of data segments corresponding to a managed unit amount of data, determining a respective compressibility of each of the number of data segments, compressing each of the number of data segments in accordance with its respective determined compressibility, forming a compressed managed unit that includes compressed and/or uncompressed data segments corresponding to the number of data segments corresponding to the managed unit amount of data, and forming a page of data that comprises at least the compressed managed unit. |
| US09148166B2 |
Adding predefined offset to coarse ADC residue output to SAR
A successive approximation register analog to digital converter (SAR ADC) receives an input voltage and a plurality of reference voltages. The SAR ADC includes a charge sharing DAC. The charge sharing DAC includes an array of MSB (most significant bit) capacitors and an array of LSB (least significant bit) capacitors. A zero crossing detector is coupled to the charge sharing DAC. The zero crossing detector generates a digital output. A coarse ADC (analog to digital converter) receives the input voltage and generates a coarse output. A predefined offset is added to a residue of the coarse ADC. A successive approximation register (SAR) state machine is coupled to the coarse ADC and the zero crossing detector and, generates a plurality of control signals. The plurality of control signals operates the charge sharing DAC in a sampling mode, an error-correction mode and a conversion mode. |
| US09148164B1 |
Multi-path analog front end and analog-to-digital converter for a signal processing system
A processing system may include multiple selectable processing paths for processing an analog signal in order to reduce noise and increase dynamic range. Techniques are employed to transition between processing paths and calibrate operational parameters of the two paths in order to reduce or eliminate artifacts caused by switching between processing paths. |
| US09148163B2 |
Versatile detection circuit
A versatile detection circuit is optimized for low sensor voltages and contains a microprocessor. The microprocessor contains an integrated analog-to-digital converter with an input pin. The integrated analog-to-digital converter is configured to rely on a reference voltage of no more than 2 volts. The detection circuit also has a transformation circuit for transforming a sensor signal, the transformation circuit being connected to the input pin of the integrated analog-to-digital converter. The transformation circuit contains an impedance converter and with the exception of the impedance converter relies only on passive electric elements. |
| US09148161B2 |
Pipelined ADC having error correction
A stage of a pipelined analog-to-digital converter can include first and second pluralities of digital-to-analog converters (DACs), the first plurality sufficient in number to produce a residue from the stage, the second plurality having their outputs added into an analog output of the stage. A mapping circuit can exchange inputs between selected ones of the first and second pluralities of DACs, and a calibration circuit can provide first and second calibration signals to the selected one of the first plurality and another of the second plurality of DACs. The calibration signals can correlate to each other, but be uncorrelated to an analog input and digital output of the stage, and have unequal and partially offsetting effects on the stage's residue. A correction circuit can correct the digital output of the stage for circuit path errors based on a correlation between the calibration signals and an output of a succeeding stage. |
| US09148160B2 |
Dynamic power switching in current-steering DACs
Methods and systems are provided for dynamic power switching in current-steering digital-to-analog converters (DACs). A DAC circuit may be configured to apply digital-to-analog conversions based on current steering, and to particularly incorporate use of dynamic power switching during conversions. The DAC circuit may comprise a main section, which may connect a main supply voltage to a main current source. The main section may comprise a positive-side branch and a negative-side branch, which may be configured to steer positive-side and negative-side currents, such as in a differential manner, to effectuate the conversions. The dynamic power switching may be applied, for example, via a secondary section connecting a main current source in the DAC circuit to a secondary supply voltage. The secondary supply voltage may be configured such that it may be less than the main supply voltage used in driving the current steering in the DAC circuit. |
| US09148159B1 |
Dual comparator-based error correction scheme for analog-to-digital converters
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes a first comparator, a second comparator, and a decision timing comparison logic unit. The first comparator is configured to output a first output voltage and the second comparator is configured to output a second output voltage during a same binary algorithmic iteration of the ADC. The decision timing comparison logic unit is configured to identify a first polarity of the first output voltage and a second polarity of the second output voltage and, if the first polarity is equivalent to a second polarity, to insert at least one redundant capacitor for a next binary algorithmic iteration of the ADC. |
| US09148158B2 |
Signal processing device
There is provided a signal processing device comprising a combination unit (3) configured to combine plural element signals based on plural physical quantity signals including signal components in accordance with desired physical quantities, respectively, by the number of times equal to or greater than a number of the plural physical quantity signals, and to output combined signals different from each other; a measuring unit (4) configured to sequentially receive the combined signals output from the combination unit (3); and a computing unit (5) configured to compute signal components based on the desired physical quantities from signals that are generated based on the combined signals sequentially output from the measuring unit. |
| US09148151B2 |
Configurable storage elements
A low power sub-cycle reconfigurable conduit is provided. The low power reconfigurable conduit is a clocked storage element that consumes less power when performing low-throughput operations that do not require sub-cycle rate. The low power conduit includes a first configurable routing multiplexer that is reconfigurable to select one of several inputs at a first clock rate. The low power conduit also includes an array of storage elements for storing output data from the configurable routing multiplexer at the first clock rate. Each storage element in the array of storage elements operate at a second clock rate that is slower than the first clock rate. Each storage element receives a different phase of a clock that operates at the second clock rate. The low power conduit also includes a second configurable routing multiplexer that is reconfigurable to select from the array of storage elements at the first clock rate. |
| US09148148B2 |
Gate driving circuit and display apparatus having the same
Provided is a gate driving circuit including cascade-connected stages that output gate signals. An n-th one of the stages (“n” is a natural number) includes a pull-up part, a pull-up controller, a first pull-down part, a second pull-down part, and a pull-down controller. The pull-up part outputs a first clock signal as an output signal of the n-th stage. The pull-up controller selectively applies first and second powers to a control electrode of the pull-up part. The first pull-down part pulls down a voltage applied to the control electrode of the pull-up part to an off voltage. The second pull-down part pulls down a voltage applied to an output electrode of the pull-up part to the off voltage. The pull-down controller selectively applies the first and second powers to control electrodes of the first and second pull-down parts. |
| US09148147B2 |
Programmable mixed-signal input/output (IO)
Techniques are described for providing highly integrated and configurable IO ports for integrated circuits that can be individually configured for a variety of general purpose digital or analog functions, such as multiple channel analog-to-digital converters (ADC), multiple channel digital-to-analog converters (DAC), multiplexers, GPIOs, analog switches, switch and multiplexers, digital logic level translators, comparators, temperature sensors and relays, and so forth. The configurations of individual ports can be set by a configuration register that can, for instance, designate the function and voltage range of the port without impacting the other ports. In embodiments, logic mapping of a port order sequence can be defined. A data register can also be included for handling microcontroller commands and storing conversion results from, for instance, a port functioning as an ADC input port. These capabilities can be combined with its multi-range, high voltage and high current capability to increase functionality. |
| US09148146B1 |
Scalable high-swing transmitter with rise and/or fall time mismatch compensation
Disclosed is a high-swing voltage-mode transmitter or line driver. The transmitter can operate over a wide range of supply voltages. Increasing the available output swing merely involves increasing the supply voltage; the circuit adapts to maintain the desired output impedance. This allows for a tradeoff between output amplitude and power consumption. Another advantage of the proposed architecture is that it compensates for process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) and mismatch variations so as to keep rise and fall times matched. This feature reduces common-mode noise and hence EMI in systems in which the transmitter is used. |
| US09148145B2 |
Low power clock gating circuit
A clock gating circuit for generating a clock enable signal with respect to a clock input signal and a logic enable signal includes: a first plurality of transistors coupled in series between a power supply and ground, for receiving at least the logic enable signal and generating a first output; a second plurality of transistor coupled in series between the power supply and ground, for receiving at least the first output and generating a second output; a third plurality of transistors coupled in series between the power supply and ground, for receiving at least the second output and an inverted second output; and an AND gate circuit, for receiving the second output and generating the clock enable signal. |
| US09148142B2 |
Capacitive touch keyboard
A capacitive touch keyboard includes a soft shielding layer, a soft intermediate layer, and a one dimensional sensor layer where the soft intermediate layer is interposed between the other two to form a capacitor structure. The soft shielding layer includes a ground plane, a dielectric material covering on the ground plane, and plural key areas at its outer surface. The one dimensional sensor layer includes plural sensing cells which correspond to the key areas, and respective cells are electrically connected to a capacitance sensing circuit. Therefore, features of more compact size, simplified structure design, and tactile feel are provided in a capacitive keyboard. |
| US09148139B2 |
Monolithically integrated cascode switches
Disclosed inventions are directed to advanced high-voltage switches with improved performance characteristics, increased reliability, and better compatibility with conventional gate drivers. The inventions disclosed herein implement a hybrid switch, comprising a high-voltage normally-on SiC VJFET, controlled via a low-voltage Si MOSFET in a cascode (Baliga-pair) configuration. The SiC VJFET and Si MOSFET are integrated monolithically at a wafer level, with the Si MOSFET fabricated on the Si layer that is directly adjacent to a dielectric layer on top of the SiC VJFET. Methods of making and operating these switches are also provided. |
| US09148138B2 |
Connection apparatus
A connection apparatus for controlling the supply of electrical power to a load, the connection apparatus comprising first and second electrically controllable devices connected in parallel to each other and in series with the load; wherein the first and second electrically controllable devices are dissimilar, and where a safe operating area product of voltage, current and safe operating area time for the first device is greater than the product of voltage, current and the same safe operating area time for the second device, and an on state resistance for the second device is less than an on state resistance for the first device, and where a controller is provided to use the first device for a first period of time to power up the load, and thereafter the second device is used to maintain power to the load. |
| US09148136B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and duty cycle correction method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus includes a duty cycle correction block and a delay locked loop. The duty cycle correction block generates a duty corrected clock by correcting a duty cycle of an internal clock, adjusts a phase of a rising edge of the duty corrected clock when a delay locked loop is reset, and adjusts a phase of a falling edge of the duty corrected clock when the delay locked loop is locked. The delay locked loop receives an external clock to output the internal clock, and delays the external clock by a variable delay amount to output the internal clock when the adjustment of the phase of the rising edge of the duty corrected clock by the duty cycle correction block is completed. |
| US09148127B1 |
Multi-carriage impedance tuner with single lead screw
An impedance tuner having an RF transmission line, with a single lead screw extending along the RF transmission line. A plurality of movable carriages are engaged with the lead screw, wherein each of the plurality of movable carriages is configured for independent movement relative to other carriages. A motorized drive system drives the plurality of movable carriages independently along the lead screw. |
| US09148116B2 |
Piezoelectric laminate, surface acoustic wave device, thin-film piezoelectric resonator, and piezoelectric actuator
A piezoelectric laminate including a base and a first piezoelectric layer formed above the base and including potassium sodium niobate. The first piezoelectric layer is shown by a compositional formula (KaNa1-a)xNbO3, “a” and “x” in the compositional formula being respectively 0.1 |
| US09148115B2 |
Filter and duplexer
A filter includes: a filter circuit connected between a first terminal and a second terminal; and a matching circuit connected between the filter circuit and the second terminal, wherein an impedance viewed from the second terminal toward the matching circuit is less than an impedance viewed from a node between the filter circuit and the matching circuit toward the filter circuit. |
| US09148114B2 |
Monolithic power splitter for differential signal
A monolithic power splitter is used to split a pair of input differential signals into two pairs of output differential signals in the present invention. The monolithic power splitter has two input terminals to receive a pair of input differential signals, and it has two one-by-two power splitters integrated in one single chip to split a pair of input differential signals into two pairs of output differential signals with equal power. And, the monolithic power splitter has four output terminals to output two pairs of output differential signals. In one embodiment, the first one-by-two power splitter and the second one-by-two power splitter are made on the same surface of the substrate. In another embodiment, the first one-by-two power splitter and the second one-by-two power splitter are made on opposite surfaces of the substrate. The monolithic power splitter can be used as a power combiner based on the reciprocal property of the power splitter circuit. |
| US09148112B2 |
Matching circuit system
A matching circuit system includes a first inductor, a first capacitor, a second inductor, a second capacitor, a third inductor, and a third capacitor. The first inductor has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first capacitor has a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first inductor, and a second terminal. The second inductor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor, and a second terminal coupled to ground. The second capacitor has a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first capacitor, and a second terminal. The third capacitor has a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the second capacitor, and a second terminal. The third inductor has a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second capacitor, and a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the second capacitor. |
| US09148110B2 |
Transmission module
As a capacitor Cj is connected in parallel to a non-reciprocal circuit 3, in a predetermined frequency band in which a power amplifier 2 is used, or in other words, in a predetermined frequency band used in communication, an input impedance of the non-reciprocal circuit 3 is adjusted and the length of an impedance curve (reflection coefficient S11) at an input terminal P2 of the non-reciprocal circuit 3 can thus be reduced. In addition, an output impedance of the power amplifier 2 and an input impedance of the non-reciprocal circuit 3 can be matched in a broad band through an interstage matching circuit 7 (input matching circuit 6) provided between an output terminal P1 of the power amplifier 2 and the input terminal P2 of the non-reciprocal circuit 3. |
| US09148109B2 |
Monolithic ceramic electronic component
A monolithic ceramic electronic component includes at least two types of stacked ceramic layers having different dielectric constants and also includes internal electrodes partially disposed along boundaries between the ceramic layers having different dielectric constants. The internal electrodes include an additive component common to a component included in at least one of the ceramic layers adjacent to each other with the internal electrodes placed therebetween. |
| US09148108B2 |
Band pass filter
Provided is a band pass filter constituted by a printed circuit board (PCB) and a multi-layer ceramic chip (MLCC) to be mounted in a circuit, without additional parts such as a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) based filter, and so on, and it is an object to produce a band pass filter constituted by an inductor formed of a PCB pattern and a capacitor formed of an MLCC to implement a high performance and compact band pass filter. The band pass filter includes an inductor pattern part formed of a plurality of PCB patterns and having inductance; an MLCC part constituted by a plurality of MLCCs mounted in a lower end side of the inductor pattern part and having a capacitance; and a port part formed of a plurality of PCB patterns and connected to the PCB patterns extending from the inductor pattern part. |
| US09148107B2 |
Method for manufacturing acoustic wave device
A method for manufacturing an acoustic wave device includes: bonding a piezoelectric substrate to a first surface of a first support substrate; thinning the piezoelectric substrate after the bonding to thus form a piezoelectric layer; forming a first electrode on a first surface of the piezoelectric layer; forming holes in the first support substrate located below the first electrode; and bonding a second support substrate to a second surface of the first support substrate opposite to the first surface after the forming of holes. |
| US09148106B2 |
Acoustic wave device
An acoustic wave device includes: an acoustic wave filter chip that is mounted on a multilayered substrate including wiring layers; a first wiring that is electrically coupled to an internal circuit of the acoustic wave filter chip and formed in a first wiring layer of the multilayered substrate; a second wiring that is formed in a second wiring layer separate from the first wiring layer; and a via wiring that penetrates at least a part of the multilayered substrate and connects the first wiring to the second wiring; wherein the first wiring, the second wiring, and the via wiring forms a first inductor of which a direction of magnetic flux intersects with a stacking direction of the multilayered substrate. |
| US09148104B2 |
Reproduction apparatus, reproduction method, provision apparatus, and reproduction system
A reproduction apparatus includes: a reproduction unit which reproduces sound data; and a volume correction unit which correct a volume of the sound data reproduced by the reproduction unit on the basis of a relationship between a volume characteristic value of each of a plurality of pieces of sound data and a volume characteristic value of the sound data. |
| US09148098B2 |
Differential amplifier circuit
A differential amplifier circuit includes a differential amplification unit suitable for amplifying difference between signals of an input terminal and a complementary input terminal, receiving the same voltage level through the input terminal and the complementary input terminal at a measurement period, and receiving an input signal and a complementary input signal through the input terminal and the complementary input terminal, respectively, at an operation period, an offset control unit suitable for generating offset information using an output of the differential amplification unit at the measurement period, and an offset compensation unit suitable for compensating for an offset of the differential amplification unit in response to the offset information. |
| US09148097B2 |
Electronic system—radio frequency power amplifier and method for dynamic adjusting bias point
A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier is disclosed. The RF power amplifier includes a bias circuit, an output stage circuit and dynamic bias controlling circuit. The bias circuit receives a first system voltage and provides a working voltage accordingly. The output stage circuit receives the working voltage so as to work at an operation bias point. The dynamic bias controlling circuit detects a RF input signal and outputs a compensation voltage to the bias circuit according to variation of the RF input signal, wherein the dynamic bias controlling circuit is an open loop configuration. When an input power of the RF input signal increases and makes the working voltage decreases so as to shift the operation bias point, the bias circuit adjusts the working voltage upward so as to recover or enhance the operation bias point according to the compensation voltage received. |
| US09148092B1 |
Monolithic integration of field-plate and T-gate devices
A method of fabricating amplifiers, includes monolithically integrating a field-plate transistor and T-gate transistor on a single wafer. A device includes a monolithically integrated field-plate transistor and T-gate transistor on a single wafer. |
| US09148091B2 |
Amplifier and wireless communication device
In a power amplifier including an amplifier circuit unit for high power mode and an amplifier circuit unit for low power mode provided in parallel thereto between input and output of the amplifier and where, when one amplifier circuit unit is in an operating state, the other amplifier circuit unit is in a non-operating state, a cross-coupled capacitor is provided between a drain of one of two transistors in output side and a gate of the other transistor in the amplifier circuit unit for high power mode, and a series circuit where a switch and a capacitor are coupled in series is coupled between a drain of the transistor of output side in the amplifier circuit unit for low power mode and a ground, the switch being in a conducting state in high power mode operation and being in a non-conducting state in low power mode operation. |
| US09148090B2 |
Power supply device for high frequency power amplification circuit and high frequency power amplification device
In a power supply device, bidirectional converters that are each capable of supplying or regenerating an electric charge are provided between an input section for an input voltage and an output section for an output voltage. An amplitude change monitor circuit detects an envelope of an RF input signal. A converter switching circuit controls supply and regeneration of electric charges by the bidirectional converters so that the output voltage follows an amplitude change of the input signal. An output capacitor capacitance estimation unit estimates the capacitance of an output capacitor from its voltage and current. A delay time detection circuit grasps a delay time of a power supply device for a high frequency power amplification circuit and makes an adjustment through a delay adjustment circuit. |
| US09148081B2 |
Motor driver control device
A position-command-pulse generation unit generates a position command pulse to be output to a motor driver by advancing an initial phase thereof by a phase indicated by initial phase information preset in a device. The initial phase information indicates an arbitrary phase in a period of a half cycle of a first pulse of the position command pulse. |
| US09148080B2 |
Power generation apparatus
An apparatus including an alternator that is drivable by an engine for producing a first AC electric current, a rectifier in electrical communication with the alternator for producing a DC electric current, an inverter in electrical communication with the rectifier for producing a second AC electric current where the second AC electric current having an acceptable frequency and/or voltage, and the inverter in electrical communication with one or more electric loads responsive to the second AC electric current, and an energy storage device that is able to electrically couple to the alternator, rectifier, and/or inverter. |
| US09148078B2 |
Switch driving circuit
A switch driving circuit has: a switch signal generator adapted to generate switch signals to complementarily turn on and off switches connected in parallel between a node to which an input voltage is applied and a node to which a ground voltage is applied; drivers adapted to generate gate signals in response to the switch signals; and a dead time setter adapted to set dead times during which the switches are both kept off. At least one of the drivers includes a slew rate setter adapted to vary the slew rate of the gate signals according to a slew rate setting signal. The dead time setter controls to vary at least one of the dead times according to at least one of the slew rate setting signal and the input voltage. |
| US09148077B2 |
Magnetic levitation of a stationary or moving object
A magnetic lifting device is described. The magnetic lifting device can be configured to generate magnetic lift using a moving magnetic field to generate an eddy current effect in conductive substrate beneath the device. In one embodiment, the moving magnetic field can be generated by a rotor with arrangement of permanent magnets which is driven by a motor. In operation, the rotor can be spun up from rest to above a threshold velocity, which causes the magnetic lifting device to rise up from the conductive substrate, hover in place in free flight and move from location to location. In free flight, the magnetic lifting device can be configured to carry a payload, such as a person. |
| US09148074B2 |
Apparatus for use as a motor or generator
Apparatus (10) for use as a motor or generator, comprising: a capacitor assembly (20) comprising: a first conductor part (36) defining a first conductor region (38) and a second conductor part (37) defining a second conductor region (39), the first and second conductor parts (36, 37) being spaced apart to define opposed sides of a passageway (40) extending between the first and second conductor regions (38, 39); and an inner part (50) moveable relative to at least one of the conductor parts along the passageway (40) extending between the first and second conductor regions (38, 39). |
| US09148067B2 |
Switched power converter
The present invention relates to a switched power converter including a base plate on which at least one heat sink is arranged. The converter further includes at least one power transistor arranged on a side of the at least one heat sink. Further, at least one spring element is arranged to press against the power transistor arranged on a side of the at least one heat sink and an oppositely facing side of either an adjacent heat sink or a base plate end face parallel to the at least one heat sink. |
| US09148063B2 |
Reset voltage circuit for a forward power converter
An example method includes controlling a duty ratio of a switch to regulate an output of a forward power converter and storing a first voltage. The first voltage is equal to an input voltage of the forward power converter when the input voltage is at a steady-state value. The method also includes resetting a transformer of the forward power converter when the switch is in an OFF state by setting a voltage across a primary winding of the transformer to the stored first voltage in response to a drop in the input voltage to below the steady-state value. Further included in the method is increasing the duty cycle of the switch to greater than fifty (50) percent in response to the drop in the input voltage to maintain regulation at the output of the forward power converter. |
| US09148058B2 |
High frequency series AC voltage regulator
A bidirectional AC series voltage regulator that regulates an output AC voltage level regardless of the varying AC input voltage utilizing high frequency series inductors that only process a proportion of the total output power. The AC series voltage regulator detects the power inductor current direction data signal and can generate power inductor current direction data signals for its control to determine the AC input voltage polarity at all time; wherein the determination of the AC input voltage polarity is unambiguous during the AC input voltage zero crossover and near zero points; and wherein the determination of the AC input voltage polarity allows normal switching sequence of the AC bidirectional switches during the AC input voltage zero crossover and near zero points to prevent power “shoot-through.” |
| US09148054B2 |
Voltage regulators with kickback protection
The subject matter of this document can be embodied in a method that includes a voltage regulator having an input terminal and an output terminal. The voltage regulator includes a high-side transistor between the input terminal and an intermediate terminal, and a low-side transistor between the intermediate terminal and ground. The voltage regulator includes a low-side driver circuit including a capacitor and an inverter. The output of the inverter is connected to the gate of the low-side transistor. The voltage regulator also includes a controller that drives the high-side and low-side transistors to alternately couple the intermediate terminal to the input terminal and ground. The controller is configured to drive the low-side transistor by controlling the inverter. The voltage regulator further includes a switch coupled to the low-side driver circuit. The switch is configured to block charge leakage out of the capacitor during an off state of the low-side transistor. |
| US09148049B2 |
Discharge circuits for EMI filters capacitors and methods thereof
A discharge circuit for an EMI filter capacitor, wherein the EMI filter capacitor is coupled between input terminals of a switching converter. The discharge circuit has a detecting circuit and a current source. The detecting circuit is configured to detect whether an electrical source is coupled to the input terminals of the switching converter. The current source is coupled between the input terminals of the switching converter and a power supply capacitor, and is configured to provide a power supply voltage across the power supply capacitor. When the electrical source is uncoupled from the input terminals of the switching converter, the EMI filter capacitor is discharged by the current source. |
| US09148048B2 |
Damping resonance in a converter including a coupling capacitor
A converter circuit includes an input filter including an input capacitor configured to filter electromagnetic interference from an input voltage. The converter circuit includes an output capacitor, a first inductor coupled to the input capacitor, a switch coupled to the first inductor and configured to control a level of current flowing in the first inductor, a coupling capacitor connected to the first inductor, and an output rectifier coupled between the coupling capacitor and the output capacitor. A damping circuit that is configured to damp a resonant frequency of the converter circuit is coupled in parallel with the coupling capacitor. |
| US09148047B2 |
Coil assembly having separation plates for iron less linear motor
A coil unit and coil assembly for iron-less liar motor and the coil unit includes two vertical function sides and two axial non-function sides. The multiple units are alternatively connected to each other by inserting the vertical function side of one coil unit into the hollow portion of the adjacent coil unit so as to form a coil assembly. The width of the vertical function side is D1 and the distance between two respective insides of the two vertical function sides is D2. D2=m×D1+ΔL, wherein m representing the number of the vertical function sides of other coil units received in the vertical direction of the hollow portion. The ΔL is the width of the gap which receives a separation plate between the two adjacent vertical function sides to increase the efficiency of dissipating heat or insulation when current passes through the coil assembly. |
| US09148045B2 |
Method and device for testing the tightness of an electric machine stator core
A method is provided for testing the tightness of an electric machine stator core includes: introducing a test instrument that is connected to a movable support into an air gap between a stator core and a rotor, locally placing the test instrument and locally testing defined zones of the generator stator core. A device for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US09148042B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of drive misconfiguration in a multi-axis configuration
A system for detecting a mismatch between how a motor drive is connected electrically and how it is configured for operation is disclosed. The motor drive may either be connected in a stand-alone mode to control operation of a motor from an AC source without connection to another motor drive or be connected electrically to other motor drives, for example, in a paralleled mode, shared DC bus mode, or a combination thereof. A parameter identifies the expected electrical configuration of the motor drive. The power transferred to the DC bus is compared to the power transferred from the DC bus in the motor drive. If the difference between the power transferred to the DC bus and the power transferred from the DC bus exceeds a predetermined threshold, the motor drive detects the mismatch between how a motor drive is connected electrically and how it is configured for operation. |
| US09148040B2 |
Electromagnetic component for a stator segment of an electrical machine
An electromagnetic component for mounting in a framework 47 so as to provide a stator segment 20 of an electrical machine 12. The component comprises a magnetic flux guide 32 and an electrical winding 34 for electromagnetic interaction with the magnetic flux guide 32. The component further comprises electrical terminals 52 for connecting the electrical winding 34 to an electrical network 61, at least one fluid pathway 42 for receiving a flow of cooling fluid in normal use, and at least one fluid connector 54 for coupling the fluid pathway 42 to a source of cooling fluid. |
| US09148035B2 |
Superconducting electrical machine having a connection device for axial expansion compensation of a winding former
A superconducting electrical machine includes a rotor with a rotor outer housing surrounding a winding support having a superconducting winding. The rotor has on a torque-transmitting side a first, rigid connection device between the winding support and the rotor outer housing and on the opposite side a second connection device which compensates for axial expansion of the winding support. The second connection device has an axially extending connection element which is on one end connected rigidly to the winding support and which has on the opposite free end an axially moving, radially force-fitting connection to a centering holding element of the rotor outer housing. The holding element includes a bushing through the rotor outer housing, through which the free end of the connection element of the second connection device passes. The superconducting winding is cooled and thermally insulated. |
| US09148033B2 |
System of securing a wide-range of devices during wireless charging
A system for securing and wirelessly charging a chargeable device on a charger, particularly in a vehicle, is provided. The system includes at least one transmitting coil in proximity to a charging surface and an adjustable retaining assembly configured to substantially engage at least a portion of a perimeter of the chargeable device to position the chargeable device on the charging surface. |
| US09148032B1 |
Estimating power consumption of an electronic circuit
Approaches for estimating power consumption of an electronic circuit from values of configuration parameters. A user is prompted for values of a first subset of the configuration parameters in a first user interface window that is separate from a second user interface window that provides default values of a second subset of the configuration parameters. An estimated level of power consumption of the electronic circuit is determined by a computer as a function of the user-entered values of the first subset of parameters and the default values of the second subset of parameters. The estimated level of power consumption, the user-entered values of the first subset of parameters, and the default values of the second subset of parameters are simultaneously displayed in a third user interface window. The values of both the first subset and second subset of parameters are editable in the third user interface window. |
| US09148031B2 |
Apparatus and method for varying usable band range of battery
The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for varying a usable band range of a battery. The apparatus for varying a usable band range of a battery according to the present invention comprises a sensor for measuring and outputting an electrical characteristic value of the battery; and a controller for calculating the amount of charged or discharged energy of the battery from the electrical characteristic value and varying a usable band range of the battery that is charged and discharged, to maintain the pre-established amount of usable energy depending on the degradation degree of the battery. In accordance with the present invention, a usable band range of a battery can be established depending on the degradation degree of the battery, thereby improving the life time thereof. |
| US09148024B2 |
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a monotonic transfer function in wireless power transfer systems
A wireless power-transfer system includes a power-transmitting device and a power-receiving device. A frequency generator generates a power-transmit frequency to stimulate transmit coil and transmit resonance adjuster, which generate a near-field electromagnetic radiation at an adjustable coupling frequency. The power-receiving device includes a receive coil and a receive resonance adjuster for receiving the near-field electromagnetic radiation when the receive coil is within a coupling region of the transmit coil. The receive resonance frequency may be modified by the receive resonance adjuster. In the wireless power-transfer system, one or both of the transmit resonance adjuster and the receive resonance adjuster is configured to adjust its corresponding frequency to be sufficiently less than the power-transmit frequency such that a monotonic transfer function is developed between the power-transmit frequency and the receive resonance frequency. |
| US09148017B2 |
Power demand management apparatus and power demand management system
A power demand management apparatus comprising a power demand acquiring section acquiring a predicted power demand; a consumer house information holding section that, for each of a plurality of request methods or request conditions, and for each of a plurality of consumer houses, holds a sensitivity indicating a probability that the consumer house will comply with a request; a consumer house selecting section that, when the predicted power demand exceeds a target value, selects a first consumer house whose sensitivity for a first request method or request condition is no less than a first reference value and selects a second consumer house whose sensitivity for a second request method or request condition is no less than a second reference value; and a restriction requesting section that issues requests for power demand restriction to the first and second consumer houses respectively using the first and second request methods or request conditions. |
| US09148013B1 |
Control methods for over voltage protection and relevant power controllers
Disclosure includes a control method for over voltage protection, suitable for a power converter. The power converter has a rectifier for rectifying an alternative-current voltage into a direct-current input voltage. The direct-current input voltage is sensed and determined whether it locates in a valley. A detection voltage is provided, capable of representing the direct-current input voltage. The detection voltage is compared with a predetermined reference voltage. When the detection voltage exceeds the predetermined reference voltage and the direct-current input voltage is in the valley, an OVP signal is provided to stop the power conversion of the power converter. |
| US09148012B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for evaluating a signal
Circuit arrangement including an interface, a protection circuit and a measurement circuit. The interface is configured to receive a signal. The protection circuit is coupled to the interface. The protection circuit is configured to limit a voltage provided by the interface to a protection voltage. The measurement circuit is coupled to the protection circuit and configured to provide at least one of a signal of a first measurement type and a signal of a second measurement type if a voltage provided by the interface is higher than the protection voltage and configured to provide a signal of a second measurement type if the voltage provided by the interface is lower than the protection voltage. |
| US09148011B2 |
Apparatus arranged to break an electrical current
An apparatus is arranged to break an electrical current. The apparatus includes: a mechanical switch leg including a first winding of a mutual inductor and a mechanical switch connected in series; a semiconductor switch leg including a second winding of the mutual inductor and a semiconductor switch connected in series; and an overvoltage protection circuit. The mechanical switch leg and the semiconductor switch leg are connected in parallel and a self inductance of the second winding is lower than a self inductance of the first winding. A corresponding DC circuit breaker and AC current limiter are also presented. |
| US09148010B2 |
Residual current device (RCD) with earth current sensing
Safety apparatus is disclosed for use with a load circuit connectable to a power supply via an Active conductor and a Neutral return conductor and including an Earth return conductor. The apparatus comprises means for detecting a difference in load current flowing between an energized Active conductor and the Neutral return conductor; and means for disconnecting the load circuit from the power supply in response to the difference in load current, wherein the means for detecting includes means for sensing a leakage current flowing between the Earth return conductor and the Neutral return conductor. A method of operating a load circuit connectable to a power supply via an active conductor and a neutral return conductor is also disclosed. |
| US09148008B2 |
Over current protection apparatus
Provided is an over-current protection apparatus including a current sensor configured to transform input current into a voltage signal, and output the voltage signal; an over-current sensing unit driven according to the voltage signal output from the current sensor; and an over-current determination unit configured to generate a switching unit driving signal, the logic level of which is determined according to a duration of an output signal of the over-current sensing unit. |
| US09148001B1 |
Intelligent cable mechanism
Provided are cables for transmitting media data from media transmitters to receivers and methods of using such cables for charging the transmitters. In certain embodiments, power for such charging may be obtained by the cable from the media receiver during media data transmission and may be recycled back to the transmitter. In other embodiments, charging may be performed while no media data is transmitted. Power may be supplied by a media receiver still connected to the cable, by an external power source, or both devices simultaneously. A cable may be configured to prevent an automatic shutdown of the media receiver due to lack of media data transmission and to, thereby, maintain the receiver as a power source. Specifically, a cable may generate screen saver data and transmit this data to the receiver. The cable may include a converter board for providing various functions. |
| US09147996B2 |
Laser module for homogeneous line-shaped intensity profiles
The present invention relates to a laser module comprising several sub-modules (1) arranged side by side along a first axis (10) on a common carrier. Each of said sub-modules (1) comprises a laser area (8) formed of one or several arrays of semiconductor lasers arranged on a surface of the sub-module (1). Laser radiation emitted by each of said semiconductor lasers (2) forms an intensity distribution in a working plane facing said surface of the sub-modules (1). The sub-modules (1) and laser areas (8) are designed and arranged such that the laser areas (8) of adjacent sub-modules (1) partly overlap in a direction perpendicular to said first axis (10). With such a laser module a thin laser line focus can be generated having a homogeneous intensity distribution along the length of the laser line independent on the distance between the module and the working plane. The individual semiconductor lasers (2) may be VCSEL with a rectangularly shaped emission. |
| US09147993B2 |
Master oscillator system and laser apparatus
A master oscillator system may include a grating that functions as one of a plurality of resonator mirrors in an optical resonator, an optical element disposed within an optical path between the plurality of resonator mirrors, and an attitude control mechanism that adjusts an angle at which laser light traveling within the optical resonator is incident on the grating by adjusting the attitude of the optical element. |
| US09147992B2 |
High efficiency amplification of pulsed laser output for high energy ultrafast laser systems
Systems and methods of high efficiency amplification of pulsed laser output for high energy ultra-short pulse laser systems are provided herein. According to some embodiments, methods for amplifying pulsed laser output for high energy ultra-short pulse laser systems include receiving pulsed laser output and amplifying the pulsed laser output by propagating the pulsed laser output through a non-silica based gain medium that has been doped with a concentration of rare earth ions, wherein the concentration of the rare earth ions within the gain medium is approximately greater than one percent by weight. |
| US09147991B2 |
Solid-state laser system
A laser system includes a laser-active solid and a heat sink. The heat sink is thermally coupled with the laser-active solid. The laser-active solid and the heat sink are joined together by at least one of direct bonding or laser welded with one another via at least one weld location. |
| US09147989B2 |
Femtosecond laser processing system with process parameters controls and feedback
A femtosecond laser based laser processing system having a femtosecond laser, frequency conversion optics, beam manipulation optics, target motion control, processing chamber, diagnostic systems and system control modules. The femtosecond laser based laser processing system allows for the utilization of the unique heat control in micromachining, and the system has greater output beam stability, continuously variable repetition rate and unique temporal beam shaping capabilities. |
| US09147984B2 |
Power device having rotating outlet unit
A power device (10) includes a housing (12), a power input interface provided on the housing, and a rotating outlet unit (30) coupled to the housing. The rotating outlet unit has a plurality of power outlets (38) to distribute power from the power input interface. The rotating outlet unit is configured to rotate between a first position in which the power outlets are disposed on one side of the housing and a second position in which the power outlets are disposed on another side of the housing. A method for providing power to electrical components is further disclosed. |
| US09147980B2 |
Electrical connector with shield frame
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a number of walls formed with passageways thereof. An insulative cover defines a plurality of windows corresponding to the passageways. A shield frame has openings corresponding to the passageways and shield walls formed with the openings. A number of contacts are disposed in the passageways and have spring portions at upper portions. The shield frame is located between the insulative housing and the insulative cover. The spring portions of the contacts extend upwardly out of the openings and the windows. |
| US09147976B2 |
Connector and signal line structure
The present invention provides a connector including a body having insulation properties and a terminal group. The terminal group includes a pair of first signal terminals, a second signal terminal, and a third terminal that are arrayed in a row along a first direction in the body. The first signal terminals are adjacent to each other in the first direction. The third terminal is disposed between one of the first signal terminals and the second signal terminal. The third terminal includes a shielding portion extending in a direction crossing the first direction. |
| US09147974B2 |
Cable tamper prevention
Apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are provided for prevention of tampering with cables and associated systems. In one aspect, an anti-tamper adapter is provided that can inhibit or prohibit cable tampering for existing cables. In a further aspect, dummy plugs or blocking plugs can employ disclosed anti-tamper adapters to facilitate blocking ports or outlets that are intended to remain undisturbed for a period of time. The provided embodiments can economically and flexibly facilitate cable tamper prevention in a wide array of cable technologies. |
| US09147965B2 |
Magnetic-enabled connector device
An electrical connector, which may be a multi-pin connector, includes magnetic elements and mechanical alignment elements which provide connective forces and precision alignment and orientation. The magnetic elements permit a user to bring male and female connector portions only into “rough” alignment before magnetic forces bring the portions into the correct position. Pin contacts on the connector portions extend only a small amount beyond respective protective annular openings and are thereby protected. Spring-biased pin elements may be included on one of the connector portions to bias the contact pins into engagement and create conductive paths when the portions are in a connected position. Paramagnetic or non-magnetic sheaths may surround the magnetic elements to focus, or distribute, magnetic forces. |
| US09147964B2 |
Connector assembly
A fixing bracket inserted into a cassette type insertion section of a male housing extends to the outside from an opening formed in a hood of a female housing under a state where the male connector is engaged with a female connector. A side face, a bottom face and a side face of the cassette type insertion section extending in the insertion direction of the male housing into the female housing come into face contact with inner faces provided for the hood, respectively. |
| US09147959B2 |
Connector
A connector is connectable with a sheet-like or plate-like object having an end. The connector comprises a base member, a contact and an actuator. The contact is held by the base member. The actuator is supported by the base member so as to be openable and closable. The actuator is selectively locatable at a contact guard position, an open position and a keep position. When the actuator is closed to the contact guard position under a state where the object is not mounted on the mount surface, the guard portion is, at least in part, located under the mount surface in the up-down direction while the guard portion hides the contact point so that the contact point is unable to be seen when the connector is viewed from the front thereof in the front-rear direction. |
| US09147956B2 |
Helical spring, connector, electrode and electrometer
A helical spring includes cylindrical portions and a widened portion disposed between the cylindrical portions. The cylindrical portions are disposed at both ends of the helical spring in the axis direction and have a constant outside diameter. In the widened portion, from the both ends of the helical spring toward a center of the helical spring in the axis direction, a diameter of the helical spring increases as a pitch of the helical spring increases. The helical spring can be used as part of a connector, an electrode or an electrometer. |
| US09147954B2 |
Connector
A connector connecting a main circuit board and a sub circuit board has two bases, two electrical contacting sets, two resilient bar sets and two mounting brackets. The bases are mounted on the main circuit board. The electrical contacting sets are mounted respectively in the bases and each electrical contacting set has multiple electrical contacting elements. The resilient bar sets are mounted respectively on the bases. The mounting brackets are mounted respectively on the bases and cover the electrical contacting sets and the resilient bar sets. Circuit-board-receiving channels are defined between the bases and the mounting brackets for receiving the sub circuit board such that combination of the main circuit board and the sub circuit board are parallel and flat. |
| US09147951B2 |
Card connector
A card connector includes a body, multiple terminals accommodated and positioned in the body, a housing covering the body, and a containing space is defined by the housing and the body and extending along a length direction of the body, a card holder with a cooperating portion positioned in the containing space, and the card holder is capable of moving forward and backward in the containing space, and an adjusting element located at the front of the card connector, including a positioning portion arranged for positioning the adjusting element to the card connector, an actuating portion corresponding with the cooperating portion, and an operation portion. When the operation portion is driven, the actuating portion actuates the cooperating portion, thereby the card holder exiting from the containing space. The structure is simple, and takes up less space, which improves miniaturization progress of the card connector. |
| US09147948B2 |
Busbar connection assembly
Various embodiments of a busbar connection assembly comprise a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate. A slot is formed between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate, and the slot receives a busbar plate of a datacenter power bus. A power cable electrically couples to the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. |
| US09147947B2 |
Plug-in connector housing
The invention relates to a plug connector housing consisting of at least one housing upper part and at least one housing lower part which together form a plug connector housing. The housing upper part and the housing lower part each have a contact surface, said contact surfaces being at least partly in contact with each other when the housing upper part and the housing lower part are connected to each other. The housing upper part and the housing lower part are made of an electrically conductive material, said housing upper part and lower part having a surface coating that protects against corrosion for example, and the contact between the two contact surfaces is formed along an edge. |
| US09147946B1 |
Electrical cable connector
An electrical cable connector has a body having first and second body members that are movable between open and closed positions of the body, and first and second conductors supported by the first and second body members, respectively. The two conductors have respective ends protruding from the respective body members. When the body members are moved to the closed position of the body, the ends of the conductors simultaneously cut through insulation and come into electrical connection with two cores of a first cable. A connecting element electrically connects the conductors to respective cores of a second electrical cable. |
| US09147939B2 |
Broadside antenna systems
At least one example embodiment discloses an antenna system. The antenna system includes a single printed circuit board (PCB) substrate and an antenna integrated with the single PCB substrate, the antenna being a broadside low-profile microstrip antenna. |
| US09147938B2 |
Low frequency differential mobile antenna
An antenna which is advantageous for low frequency communications and suitable for use in a portable electronic device comprises an antenna resonator element and a grounding line. The resonator element is configured to resonate at a frequency f, and comprises a first port and a second port that are configured to be differentially fed. The grounding line couples a virtual node of the resonator element to ground, where the virtual node defines a negligible current when the resonator element is resonant at the frequency f. In the specific examples the antenna could be a folded monopole, a folded dipole, a loop, or other type of differential antennas. Radiation efficiency is quantified for a long folded monopole implementation which shows a marked improvement over an identical antenna without such a grounding line, particularly when used with a radio receiver. |
| US09147937B2 |
Multiple-antenna system
An antenna system is disclosed herein which includes a frontend portion, a backend portion and a feed line which connects frontend portion and backend portion with each other. The frontend portion comprises at least two antennas, a combiner connected downstream of the antennas and upstream of the feed line and antenna connectors that electrically connect through antenna plugs, the antennas to the combiner. The backend portion includes an electrical power source connected to the feed line and a resistance evaluation circuit connected between the electrical power source and the feed line and that measures the resistance of the frontend portion through the feed line. At least one of the antenna connectors is in mechanical contact with a jumper having jumper plugs between which a high resistance connection and a low resistance connection is provided that depends on whether the corresponding antenna is connected to the combiner or not. |
| US09147934B2 |
Antenna structure configured to RF shieldings
An antenna configured to an RF shielding, comprising: an RF shielding having a feed-in signal open terminal; an antenna coupled to the RF shielding, and the RF shielding and the antenna are integrated, and the antenna comprising: a ground connection terminal coupled to the RF shielding; an impedance matching block coupled to the ground connection terminal; an radiation body coupled to the ground connection terminal, and the radiation body having a feed-in signal terminal corresponding to the feed-in signal open terminal, and expanding forward to the feed-in signal open terminal; and a radiation body expended terminal coupled to the radiation body. |
| US09147932B2 |
Tunable multiband antenna with dielectric carrier
Antenna structures for an antenna may be formed from a dielectric carrier with metal structures. The metal structures may be patterned to cover all sides of the dielectric carrier. The dielectric carrier may have a shape with six sides or other shape that creates a three-dimensional layout for the antenna structures. The antenna structures may have a tunable circuit that allows the antenna to be tuned. The tunable circuit may have first and second terminals coupled to one of the sides of the carrier. The metal structures may be configured to form an inverted-F antenna resonating element. Portions of the metal structures may form a first arm for an inverted-F antenna and portions of the metal structures may form a second arm for the inverted-F antenna. The antenna may operate in multiple communications bands. The tunable circuit may tune one band without significantly tuning other bands. |
| US09147918B2 |
Effective recovery of lithium from lithium ion battery waste
A process for recovering Li-ions can include: providing a composition having Li-ions to be extracted therefrom; removing materials from the Li-ions; introducing one or more cyclic siloxane to the Li-ions so as to form one or more cyclic siloxane-Li-ion complexes; extracting the one or more cyclic siloxane-Li-ion complexes by one or more liquid-liquid extraction steps; separating an organic phase having the cyclic siloxane-Li-ion complexes from an aqueous phase; removing water from the organic phase; filtering the organic phase to obtain a filtrate; and obtaining one or more Li-ions (e.g., Li salts) from the filtrate. |
| US09147915B2 |
Portable computer battery indicator
A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing. |
| US09147913B2 |
Diagnosis system and diagnosis method for lithium ion secondary battery
Manufacturing management information relating to a module battery and single battery mounted therein which are obtained in a battery manufacturing process (1) is collected by a manufacturing quality information collection processing unit (4) and stored in a database (6). In a battery diagnosis system (3), when the module battery (2) under a usage environment is charged, an operation result processing unit (5) collects operation result information relating to the module (2) and stores the operation result information in a database (7). An operation result monitoring processing unit (8) determines whether the operation result information is abnormal, and supplies the result of the determination to a manufacturing/usage environment factor classification processing unit (9). When the result of the determination indicates that the operation result information is abnormal, the manufacturing/usage environment factor classification processing unit (9) diagnoses, on the basis of the manufacturing management information relating to the module battery in the database (6), whether the abnormality of the operation result information is caused by a manufacturing factor or a usage environment factor, and the result of the diagnosis is created and displayed by the diagnosis result creation processing unit (10). |
| US09147912B2 |
Method of producing an electrical potential
A method of producing an electrical potential by way of a rechargeable battery with a positive electrode of lead and a negative electrode of highly pure zinc. The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal bisulfate. Upon discharge, lead dioxide is reduced to lead sulfate, zinc is oxidized to zinc oxide, and the electrolyte is converted to an alkali metal hydroxide. The reactions are reversed when the battery is charged. |
| US09147911B2 |
Method of extending the shelf-life of a coin cell in an application requiring high pulse current
A system is provided for extending the shelf life capacity of a coin cell, the system utilizing a coin cell; a voltage step up converter/regulator, configured to step up the voltage of output from the coin cell and the storage capacitor; and a storage capacitor receiving output from the voltage step up converter/regulator. |
| US09147910B2 |
Method and system for controlling energy storage device
A system and method of use including a controller responsive to a deviation in absolute value or relative slope and operable to terminate a discharge operation in an energy storage device is provided. The absolute value or relative slope is determined at sampling frequency based upon a combination of measured operating parameters, for example, potential and current. Any deviation in the absolute value or relative slope indicates that a threshold limit in the available energy of the system has been reached, for example when active materials in the device are at a point of depletion, indicating a need to cease the discharge operation. The system and method operate on a real-time basis, providing instantaneous SOH information with regard to the device. |
| US09147905B2 |
Lithium composite metal oxide and positive electrode active material
A lithium mixed metal oxide, shown by the following formula (A): Lix(Mn1−y−z−dNiyFezMd)O2 (A) wherein M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ti, Ca, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, Mo, Si, Sn, Nb and V; x is 0.9 or more and 1.3 or less; y is 0.3 or more and 0.7 or less; z is more than 0 and 0.1 or less, and d is more than 0 and 0.1 or less. A positive electrode active material, including the lithium mixed metal oxide. A positive electrode, including the positive electrode active material. A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, including the positive electrode. |
| US09147902B2 |
Microbial fuel cell stack
The present invention discloses a microbial fuel cell stack, which comprises a plurality of microbial fuel cells and is characterized in that the microbial fuel cell includes a perforated frame, a cathode and an anode, and that the cathode wraps the perforated frame to form an anode chamber, and that the anode is arranged inside the anode chamber. Wires are respectively extended from the cathode and the anode. The microbial fuel cells are connected head to tail sequentially via pipes, and thus the anode chambers thereof interconnect each other. The first microbial fuel cell of the cell stack has a feeding port, and the last one has a discharging port. |
| US09147901B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system (1) with a fuel cell unit (2) including at least one fuel cell (3), as well as an anode gas feed (11) including a reformer (12). A reduced deposit of hydrocarbons on an anode (5) of the fuel cell (3), especially in case of a cold start of the fuel cell system (1), is achieved when the anode gas feed (11) has a reduction device (14), which is arranged between the reformer (12) and the anode (5). |
| US09147900B2 |
Fuel cell apparatus and fuel cell system
The present invention reduces deterioration in the output of a fuel cell caused by a high moisture concentration at an oxidant electrode. A control apparatus for a fuel cell comprising an electrolyte membrane, an oxidant electrode provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel electrode provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, in which electric power is generated from an oxidant gas supplied to the oxidant electrode and a fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode, wherein when the current-voltage characteristics of the fuel cell fall below a predetermined reference level, and the electrolyte membrane has not dried beyond a predetermined reference level, the control apparatus executes a control operation that increases the gas pressure at the oxidant electrode. |
| US09147891B2 |
Fuel cell stack
In a fuel cell stack, coolant supply passages are provided on both sides in the width direction of a coolant flow field. At an inlet of the coolant flow field, a substantially triangular inlet buffer is provided. A recess protruding inward of the substantially triangular shape is provided adjacent to a vertex of the inlet buffer protruding in a horizontal direction. |
| US09147888B2 |
Fuel cell system with interconnect
The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons. |
| US09147883B2 |
Method for producing a carbon-coated lithium sulfide and use thereof
The invention relates to a novel method for producing a carbon-doped lithium sulfide powder, according to which elementary lithium is reacted with elementary sulfur and/or a sulfur-containing compound selected from the group containing CS2, COS, SO2 and SO, in a liquid state, in a hydrocarbon solvent except naphthalene. The products of the method according to the invention are used to produce lithium battery electrodes or a lithium-ion-conducting solid. |
| US09147877B2 |
Process for the preparation of crystalline lithium-, iron- and phosphate-comprising materials
The present application relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) Lia-bM1bFe1-cM2cPd-eM3eOx (I), wherein M1, M2, M3, a, b, c, d, e and x: M1: Na, K, Rb and/or Cs, M2: Mn, Mg, Ca, Ti, Co, Ni, Cr, V, M3: Si, S, a: 0.8-1.9, b: 0-0.3, c: 0-0.9, d: 0.8-1.9, e: 0-0.5, x: 1.0-8, depending on the amount and oxidation state of Li, M1, Fe, M2, P, M3, wherein compounds of general formula (I) are neutrally charged, comprising the following steps (A) providing an essentially aqueous mixture comprising at least one lithium-comprising compound, FeOOH as iron-comprising compound and at least one M1-comprising compound, if present, and/or at least one M2-comprising compound, if present, and/or least one M3-comprising compound, if present, at least one compound comprising at least one phosphorous atom and at least one reducing agent, (B) drying the mixture provided in step (A), in order to obtain a solid compound and (C) calcining the solid compound obtained from step (A) or (B) at a temperature of 300 to 950° C. |
| US09147875B1 |
Interconnect for battery packs
Provided are interconnect circuits for interconnecting arrays of battery cells and methods of forming these interconnect circuits as well as connecting these circuits to the battery cells. An interconnect circuit may include a conductive layer and one or more insulating layers. The conductive layer may be patterned with openings defining contact pads, such that each pad is used for connecting to a different battery cell terminal. In some embodiments, each contact pad is attached to the rest of the conductive layer by a fusible link formed from the same conductive layer as the contact pad. The fusible link controls the current flow to and from this contact pad. The insulating layer is laminated to the conductive layer and provides support to the contacts pads. The insulating layer may also be patterned with openings, which allow forming electrical connections between the contact pads and cell terminals through the insulating layer. |
| US09147870B2 |
Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery having excellent heat resistance, pressure resistance, and airtightness is provided by using a crimping technique to connect a metal exterior body and an electrode terminal. The rechargeable battery comprises an electrode group which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode; an exterior container which includes an exterior canister for housing the electrode group, and a sealing plate for sealing an open part of the exterior canister; a pair of electrode terminals crimp-joined to the exterior container from inside the exterior container; and an electrolyte solution filled into the exterior container. |
| US09147865B2 |
System and method for closing a battery fill hole
A battery module includes a hermetically sealed battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly includes a housing and an electrochemical cell disposed in the housing, wherein the housing includes a fill hole configured to receive electrolyte into the battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly also includes a seal disposed over the fill hole and ultrasonically welded to an annular portion of the housing around the fill hole. |
| US09147860B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the light emitting device, and display unit
A light emitting device having a stacked structure is provided. The stacked structure includes, in recited order: a first electrode layer; an organic layer including a light emitting layer; a second electrode layer; a consecutive conductive sealing layer; and a third electrode layer. |
| US09147859B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method for manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates to an organic light emitting display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The present disclosure suggests an organic light emitting display device including an organic layer; a display element layer including a display area representing video data and a pad area extended from the display area, on the organic layer; film elements formed on the display element layer; a film type printed circuit board connected to the pad area; and a reinforcing adhesive filling a space between the film type printed circuit board and the film elements. |
| US09147858B2 |
Flat panel display apparatus and organic light-emitting display apparatus
A flat panel display apparatus and an organic light-emitting display apparatus. The flat panel display apparatus includes: a substrate; a display unit which is disposed on the substrate to realize an image; a metal sheet which is disposed opposite to the substrate, covers at least a part of the display unit, and includes a central part at which uneven wrinkles are formed and an edge part which is formed in a flat shape in which wrinkles are not formed; and a sealing material which fills a whole space formed between the substrate and the metal sheet and seals the substrate and the metal sheet. |
| US09147857B2 |
OLED display panel
An OLED display panel and manufacturing method of the panel are provided in which a terminal electrode is exposed by performing etching with fixed etching conditions without performing step processing. A terminal region comprised from a plurality of metal electrodes 2 conducting with an organic light emitting element of a display part is formed above a substrate 1. Next, a stacked sealing film comprised from a first SI contained inorganic layer, an organic resin layer and a second Si contained inorganic layer is formed above a surface of the display part and the terminal region 6. Next, etching is performed using etching conditions suitable for the first and the second SI contained inorganic layer while the display part is masked, the first and the second SI contained inorganic layer above the metal electrode 2 are removed and a surface of the metal electrode 2 is exposed. |
| US09147853B2 |
Electrode
Photovoltaic cells containing a novel electrode, as well as related systems, methods, modules, and components, are disclosed. |
| US09147851B1 |
DNA-conjugated polymer varactors
A variable capacitor includes a first metal layer. The variable capacitor further includes a deoxyribonucleic acid-based (DNA-based) biopolymer layer including an organic component and a surfactant. The DNA-based biopolymer layer is adjacent the first metal layer. The variable capacitor further includes a conjugated polymer layer adjacent the DNA-based biopolymer layer and a second metal layer adjacent the conjugated polymer layer. |
| US09147847B2 |
Anthracene derivative and organic electroluminescent element using the same
An anthracene derivative represented by the following formula (1): In the formula (1), Z is a structure represented by the following formula (2). In the formula (2), at least one pair of adjacent two substituents of R11 to R18 form a ring represented by the following formula (3) or (4): |
| US09147839B2 |
Memory cells with recessed electrode contacts
Memory cells with recessed electrode contacts and methods of forming the same are provided. An example memory cell can include an electrode contact formed in a substrate. An upper surface of the electrode contact is recessed a distance relative to an upper surface of the substrate. A first portion of a memory element is formed on an upper surface of the electrode contact and the upper surface of the substrate. |
| US09147837B1 |
Resistive memory cell and method for forming a resistive memory cell
A resistive element of a resistive memory cell. The resistive element includes a contact in communication with a substrate. A bottom electrode is formed on the contact. A transitional metal oxide layer is formed on the bottom electrode. The transitional metal oxide layer includes oxygen vacancies configured to receive donor oxygen atoms. A transition layer formed on the transitional metal oxide layer includes donor oxygen atoms. A reactive metal layer is formed on the transition layer. A top electrode is formed on the transitional metal oxide layer. The transition layer is configured to provide the donor oxygen atoms to the transitional metal oxide layer in response to a voltage being applied to the top electrode. |
| US09147831B2 |
Crystal unit and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a crystal unit, including a preparing step, a bonding step, and a separating step, is provided. The preparing step prepares a quartz plate and a supporting substrate with a recess that is larger than the vibrating region on a surface of the supporting substrate. The recess corresponds to a vibrating region in the crystal unit. The bonding step bonds the quartz plate to the surface of the supporting substrate such that the quartz plate is separated from the supporting substrate in the recess. The separating step separates the quartz plate into the vibrating region and the framing portion by performing dry etching on the quartz plate such that the quartz plate has a shape that connects the vibrating region to the framing portion via a supporting beam. The framing portion surrounds the vibrating region. |
| US09147830B2 |
Oriented piezoelectric ceramic, piezoelectric element, liquid discharge head, ultrasonic motor, and dust removing device
Provided is an oriented piezoelectric ceramic of satisfactory piezoelectricity, which includes a metal oxide represented by (1−x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3. Also provided are a piezoelectric element using the oriented piezoelectric ceramic which includes the metal oxide represented by (1−x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3, and a liquid discharge head, an ultrasonic motor, and a dust removing device which use the piezoelectric element. An oriented piezoelectric ceramic includes as a main component a metal oxide represented by the following general formula (1), in which the oriented piezoelectric ceramic has a lead content and a potassium content that are each 1,000 ppm or less: (1−x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3 . . . General formula (1), where a relationship of 0 |
| US09147828B2 |
Piezoelectric drive element and piezoelectric drive unit
A piezoelectrically actuated element includes a composite ceramic to which an alternating electric field is applied through external electrodes that are orthogonal to the polarization direction, wherein the composite ceramic is formed from a first piezoelectric ceramic having soft spring characteristics such that the elastic constant decreases with increasing vibration velocity, and a second piezoelectric ceramic having hard spring characteristics such that the elastic constant increases with increasing vibration velocity. Even when the applied electric field is intensified to increase the vibration velocity of the piezoelectrically actuated element, the overall change in the elastic constant is minimized, and fluctuations in the resonance frequency is suppressed. |
| US09147819B2 |
Curable composition
A curable composition and use thereof are provided. The composition can be useful in exhibiting excellent processability and workability, and providing a cured product which exhibits superior light extraction efficiency, crack resistance, hardness, thermal shock resistance, and adhesive properties, has superior reliability under severe conditions for a long period of time and prevents opacity and stickiness onto a surface thereof when cured. Also, the curable composition capable of preventing precipitation of an additive such as a fluorescent material or a photoconversion material and being formed into a cured product having excellent transparency even when the additive is added to the curable composition can be provided. |
| US09147815B2 |
Light emitting diode
A light emitting diode (LED) and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The disclosed LED comprises a first substrate, an epitaxy layer, and a plurality of bumps. The first substrate is doped with YAG: Ce and is for converting a first light with a first range of wavelength to a second light with a second range of wavelength. The epitaxy layer is disposed on the first substrate and is for emitting the first light. The plurality of bumps are disposed on the epitaxy layer. With the first substrate doped with YAG: Ce, the disclosed LED does not need additional phosphor to convert the first light with the first range of wavelength to the second light with the second range of wavelength. |
| US09147813B2 |
High thermal conductivity and low degradation die attach with dual adhesive
A package for a light source, a semiconductor device, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In particular, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) dice is attached to a bonding pad of the light source package by two discrete types of different adhesives. One of the adhesives may be curable under exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light and the other adhesive may be cured under thermal radiation, but is stable when exposed to UV light. |
| US09147812B2 |
Methods of assembly for a semiconductor light emitting device package
Methods of assembly for a semiconductor light emitting device package may include positioning a submount on a mounting substrate with a flux material therebetween and at least substantially free of solder material therebetween. The submount has a metal bonding layer facing the mounting substrate. A semiconductor light emitting device is positioned on a top side of the submount with a flux material therebetween to provide an assembled stack. The assembled stack is reflowed to attach the metal bonding layer of the submount to the mounting substrate and to attach the light emitting device to the submount. |
| US09147810B2 |
Light emitting diode and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a base, an LED die grown on the base, a transparent electrically conductive layer formed on a side of the LED die, a protecting layer covering the transparent electrically conductive layer, and a phosphor layer formed on the protecting layer. Through holes extend through the phosphor layer and the protecting layer to make part of light emitted from the LED die directly traveling out from the through holes to illuminate. A method for manufacturing the LED is also provided. |
| US09147804B2 |
Nitride semiconductor light-emitting element and light source including the nitride semiconductor light-emitting element
A nitride semiconductor light-emitting element includes: n-side and p-side electrodes; n-type and p-type nitride semiconductor layers; and an active layer arranged between the n- and p-type nitride semiconductor layers. The p-type nitride semiconductor layer has a projection having a height of 30 nm to 50 nm. The projection is formed of a p-type nitride semiconductor including magnesium and silicon. The p-type nitride semiconductor has a silicon concentration of 1.0×1017 cm−3 to 6.0×1017 cm−3. The projection projects from the active layer toward the p-side electrode. On a plan view of the nitride semiconductor light-emitting element, the p-side electrode overlaps with the projection. The projection includes a dislocation. The projection is surrounded with a flat surface which is formed of the p-type nitride semiconductor. And the projection has a higher dislocation density than the flat surface. |
| US09147802B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel includes a substrate, a thin film transistor array, a circuit, and a dummy circuit. One surface of the substrate is divided into a display region and a wiring region. The thin film transistor array is formed on the display region. The circuit and the dummy circuit are formed on the wiring region, the dummy circuit is adjacent to the circuit, and the circuit and the dummy circuit protrude from the substrate. |
| US09147801B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer formed between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer, and emitting light. The device further includes a p-electrode contacting to the p-type semiconductor layer, and including a first conductive oxide layer having an oxygen content lower than 40 atomic % and a second conductive oxide layer contacting to the first conductive oxide layer and having a higher oxygen content than the oxygen content of the first conductive oxide layer. The device also includes an n-electrode connecting electrically to the n-type semiconductor layer. |
| US09147798B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting element includes a light emitting element includes a semiconductor stacked body including a light emitting layer, a reflection layer, a support substrate, a first bonding electrode and a second bonding electrode. The reflection layer is made of a metal and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The semiconductor stacked body is provided on a side of the first surface of the reflection layer. The first bonding electrode is provided between the second surface and the support substrate and includes a convex portion projected toward the support substrate and a bottom portion provided around the convex portion in plan view. The second bonding electrode includes a concave portion fitted in the convex portion of the first bonding electrode and is capable of bonding the support substrate and the first bonding electrode. |
| US09147795B2 |
Method of forming emitters for a back-contact solar cell
Methods of forming emitters for back-contact solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a first solid-state dopant source above a substrate. The first solid-state dopant source includes a plurality of regions separated by gaps. Regions of a second solid-state dopant source are formed above the substrate by printing. |
| US09147794B2 |
Three terminal thin film photovoltaic module and their methods of manufacture
Thin film photovoltaic devices are generally provided having three terminals. In one embodiment, the thin film photovoltaic device can include a first submodule defined by a first plurality of photovoltaic cells between a first dead cell and a first terminal cell; a second submodule defined by a second plurality of photovoltaic cells between a second dead cell and a second terminal cell; and a joint bus bar electrically connected to the first dead cell and the second dead cell. The first dead cell is adjacent to the second dead cell, with the first dead cell being separated from the second dead cell via a separation scribe. Methods are also generally provided for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. |
| US09147793B2 |
CdTe devices and method of manufacturing same
A method of producing polycrystalline CdTe materials and devices that incorporate the polycrystalline CdTe materials are provided. In particular, a method of producing polycrystalline p-doped CdTe thin films for use in CdTe solar cells in which the CdTe thin films possess enhanced acceptor densities and minority carrier lifetimes, resulting in enhanced efficiency of the solar cells containing the CdTe material are provided. |
| US09147791B1 |
Method for fabrication pattern of nano material
The present invention provides a method for fabricating nano material pattern comprising the steps of forming a perfluorinated polymer pattern on top of the substrate (step 1); spreading a dispersion containing the dispersed nano material on the substrate patterned in step 1) (step 2); and eliminating the perfluorinated polymer pattern formed on the substrate of step 2) (step 3). The method for fabricating nano material pattern of the present invention has advantages over the conventional lift-off method for the fabrication of nano material pattern, which are easiness in eliminating the perfluorinated polymer pattern after forming the nano material pattern with it and no chance of damaging the substrate, suggesting that the method of the invention is excellent in fabricating an excellent nano material pattern. |
| US09147790B2 |
Method and apparatus for an optical frequency rectifier
The present invention is a method and apparatus for receiving and converting incident radiation into DC current. The method begins with selection of an antenna having a terminal tip with a sharp edge. The antenna is layered with a substrate and a first coating. A first electrode and a metallic/mCNT antenna are layered on the first coating, and a plasmonic layer is then added. A gap is formed which is bounded on one side by the terminal ends of the plasmonic layer and the first coating, and a second electrode and a second coating on the other. The second electrode is layered upon the second coating which is layered upon the substrate. A set of AC currents is induced along the length of the antenna. The method then calculates whether or not the induced AC currents are large enough to create voltages for field emission. If the voltages are large enough, then a forward bias and a reverse bias are initiated. Due to the asymmetry in these tunneling barriers, a positive net DC current is delivered to an external circuit. |
| US09147786B2 |
Photovoltaic device assembly and method
The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV arrays and/or locate these arrays upon a building or structure. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the serviceability of the array. |
| US09147784B2 |
Sealing material sheet for solar-cell module
The present invention provides a crosslinked polyethylene sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module offering exceptional heat resistance, wherein the sealing material sheet is provided with high metal-adhesion performance. A sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module comprises a sealing material sheet composition for a solar-cell module containing a polyethylene resin in a concentration of 0.900 g/cm3 or less, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), a radical polymerization initiator, and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), wherein the GMA content of the sealing material sheet is 0.15 to 3.0% by mass, the TAIC content of the sealing material sheet is 0.15 to 3.0% by mass, and the radical polymerization initiator content of the sealer is 0.01 to 2.5% by mass. |
| US09147783B2 |
Apparatus and method for hybrid photovoltaic device having multiple, stacked, heterogeneous, semiconductor junctions
A photovoltaic (PV) device has at least one lower PV cell on a substrate, the cell having a metallic back contact, and a I-III-VI absorber, and a transparent conductor layer. An upper PV cell is adhered to the lower PV cell, electrically in series to form a stack. The upper PV cell has III-V absorber and junction layers, the cells are adhered by transparent conductive adhesive having filler of conductive nanostructures or low temperature solder. The upper PV cell has no substrate. An embodiment has at least one shape of patterned conductor making contact to both a top of the upper and a back contact of the lower cells to couple them together in series. In an embodiment, a shape of patterned conductor draws current from excess area of the lower cell to the upper cell, in an alternative embodiment shapes of patterned conductor couples I-III-VI cells not underlying upper cells in series strings, a string being in parallel with at least one stack. In an embodiment, the bonding agent is a polymeric adhesive containing conductive nanostructures. In an embodiment the III-V absorber is grown on single crystal, substrate. A method for forming the device is described. |
| US09147782B2 |
Optoelectronic transmission system and method
An optoelectronic transmission system has a photoemitter semiconductor component and a photodetector semiconductor component. The photoemitter semiconductor component has a radiation source for converting a first electrical signal into a first electromagnetic radiation and a first polarization filter having a first polarization direction for filtering the first electromagnetic radiation. The photodetector semiconductor component has a second polarization filter having a second polarization direction for filtering a second electromagnetic radiation and a sensor element for converting a second electromagnetic radiation which has been polarized by the polarization filter into a second electrical signal. In this case, the first polarization direction of the first polarization filter is identical to the second polarization direction of the second polarization filter. |
| US09147781B2 |
Light receiving element with offset absorbing layer
A light receiving element includes a core configured to propagate a signal light, a first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type, the first semiconductor layer being configured to receive the signal light from the core along a first direction in which the core extends, an absorbing layer configured to absorb the signal light received by the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. |
| US09147779B2 |
Solar cell by-pass diode with improved metal contacts
The present disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for a solar cell by-pass diode with improved metal contacts. The method involves depositing a dielectric layer (e.g., SiO2 layer) on the metal contacts, and etching off a portion of the dielectric layer after sintering the metal contacts. The dielectric layer prevents the contact metal from oxidation during sintering. The unetched portion of the dielectric layer is used as the P-N junction passivation by the by-pass diode. |
| US09147777B2 |
Tetra-lateral position sensing detector
The present invention is directed to a position sensing detector made of a photodiode having a semi insulating substrate layer; a buffered layer that is formed directly atop the semi-insulating substrate layer, an absorption layer that is formed directly atop the buffered layer substrate layer, a cap layer that is formed directly atop the absorption layer, a plurality of cathode electrodes electrically coupled to the buffered layer or directly to the cap layer, and at least one anode electrode electrically coupled to a p-type region in the cap layer. The position sensing detector has a photo-response non-uniformity of less than 2% and a position detection error of less than 10 μm across the active area. |
| US09147769B2 |
Thin film transistor having silicon-containing light absorption layer
A thin film transistor structure including a substrate, a gate, an oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulation layer, a source, a drain, a silicon-containing light absorption layer and an insulation layer is provided. The gate insulation layer is disposed between the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate. The oxide semiconductor layer and the gate are stacked in a thickness direction. The source and the drain contact the oxide semiconductor layer. A portion of the oxide semiconductor layer without contacting the source and the drain defines a channel region located between the source and the drain. The oxide semiconductor layer is located between the substrate and the silicon-containing light absorption layer. The silicon-containing light absorption layer has a band gap smaller than 2.5 eV. The insulation layer is disposed between the oxide semiconductor layer and the silicon-containing light absorption layer, and in contact with the silicon-containing light absorption layer. |
| US09147766B2 |
Semiconductor device having fin-type channel and method for forming the same
A method for forming a semiconductor device having a fin-type channel is provided. The method may include the following operations: forming a first buffer layer over a substrate; forming a first dielectric layer over the first buffer layer; patterning the first dielectric layer over the first buffer layer; forming a barrier layer over the first buffer layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the barrier layer; patterning the second dielectric layer over the barrier layer; forming a channel layer over the barrier layer; and patterning the second dielectric layer, such that at least a portion of the channel layer protrudes to form the fin-type channel. |
| US09147765B2 |
FinFET semiconductor devices with improved source/drain resistance and methods of making same
Disclosed herein are various FinFET semiconductor devices with improved source/drain resistance and various methods of making such devices. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a plurality of spaced-apart trenches in a semiconducting substrate, wherein the trenches at least partially define a fin for the device, an etch stop layer positioned above a bottom surface of each of the trenches, and a metal silicide region formed on all exposed surfaces of the fin that are positioned above an upper surface of the etch stop layer. |
| US09147760B2 |
Transistors with isolation regions
A transistor device is described that includes a source, a gate, a drain, a semiconductor material which includes a gate region between the source and the drain, a plurality of channel access regions in the semiconductor material on either side of the gate, a channel in the semiconductor material having an effective width in the gate region and in the channel access regions, and an isolation region in the gate region. The isolation region serves to reduce the effective width of the channel in the gate region without substantially reducing the effective width of the channel in the access regions. Alternatively, the isolation region can be configured to collect holes that are generated in the transistor device. The isolation region may simultaneously achieve both of these functions. |
| US09147758B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a front surface electrode, a back surface electrode and a semiconductor substrate in which an IGBT and a diode are formed. An outer peripheral back surface p-type region, an outer peripheral back surface n-type region, and an outer peripheral low concentration n-type region are formed in an outer peripheral region. The outer peripheral back surface n-type region is formed on an end surface side of the semiconductor substrate with respect to the outer peripheral back surface p-type region. The outer peripheral low concentration n-type region separates the outer peripheral back surface p-type region and the outer peripheral back surface n-type region from a contact outer peripheral edge p-type region. A p-type impurity concentration in the outer peripheral back surface p-type region decreases toward the end surface. An n-type impurity concentration in the outer peripheral back surface n-type region increases toward the end surface. |
| US09147756B2 |
Electronic device and method for increasing reliability of bipolar transistors under high voltage conditions
The invention relates to an electronic device with a bipolar transistor having an emitter, a base and a collector. The base has a first region of a first concentration of the first dopant for forming an electrically active region of the base and a second region of a second concentration of the first dopant close to the surface of the base region. The first region is separated from the second region by a region of a third concentration of the first dopant and the third concentration is lower than the first and the second concentration. |
| US09147755B1 |
Nanostructure-based vacuum channel transistor
A vacuum field effect, nanostructure-based transistor (VFET) that operates at pressures as high as 101 kPa, with an operating voltage magnitude as low as about 2 Volts and has a cutoff frequency as high as 0.46 THz, and has an electrode separation gap distance of about 150 nm or less. |
| US09147751B2 |
Methods of manufacturing superjunction devices
Superjunction semiconductor devices having narrow surface layout of terminal structures and methods of manufacturing the devices are provided. The narrow surface layout of terminal structures is achieved, in part, by connecting a source electrode to a body contact region within a semiconductor substrate at a body contact interface comprising at least a first side of the body contact region other than a portion of a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09147750B2 |
Process for fabricating a transistor comprising nanoscale semiconductor features using block copolymers
A process for fabricating one transistor, comprising a semiconductor region, comprising a source region, a drain region, and a channel region covered with a gate, comprises: production of an primary etching mask on the surface of the semiconductor region, said mask containing at least one primary aperture; depositing in said primary aperture a block copolymer containing, in alternation, at least first polymer domains and second polymer domains; removing either a series of first polymer domains or a series of second polymer domains in order to create a secondary mask containing secondary apertures; etching said active region through said secondary apertures in order to define nanoscale self-aligned semiconductor features; producing said gate on the surface of said self-aligned semiconductor features. |
| US09147749B2 |
Transistors and fabrication method thereof
A method is provided for fabricating a transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and forming a trench in the semiconductor substrate by etching the semiconductor substrate. The methods also includes forming a threshold-adjusting layer doped with a certain type of threshold-adjusting ions to adjust the threshold voltage of the transistor on the semiconductor substrate in the trench; and forming a carrier drifting layer on the threshold-adjusting layer. Further the method includes forming a gate structure on the carrier drifting layer corresponding to the trench. |
| US09147747B2 |
Semiconductor structure with hard mask disposed on the gate structure
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a semiconductor structure, comprising the following steps. First, a substrate is provided, a first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, a metal gate is disposed in the first dielectric layer and at least one source/drain region (S/D region) is disposed on two sides of the metal gate, a second dielectric layer is then formed on the first dielectric layer, a first etching process is then performed to form a plurality of first trenches in the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, wherein the first trenches expose each S/D region. Afterwards, a salicide process is performed to form a salicide layer in each first trench, a second etching process is then performed to form a plurality of second trenches in the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, and the second trenches expose the metal gate. |
| US09147743B2 |
High electron mobility transistor structure with improved breakdown voltage performance
A method comprises epitaxially growing a gallium nitride (GaN) layer over a silicon substrate, epitaxially growing a donor-supply layer over the GaN layer, and etching a portion of the donor-supply layer. The method also comprises depositing a passivation layer over the donor-supply layer and filling the etched portion of the donor-supply layer, forming a source and a drain on the donor-supply layer, and forming a gate structure between the source and the etched portion of the donor-supply layer. The method further comprises depositing contacts over the gate structure, the source, and the drain. |
| US09147739B2 |
Method of forming polysilicon in a trench
Disclosed herein are methods for forming polysilicon in a trench. The sacrificial layer having a high etching rate is applied on the surface of polysilicon after polysilicon is formed on the surface of the substrate and in the trench. The sacrificial layer can provide a flat surface. With the sacrificial layer as a sacrificial mask layer, polysilicon can be etched as having a flat surface. The present disclosure avoids using the CMP process, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces the production cost. Moreover, the oxide layer formed thereafter can meet the requirement of current applications. |
| US09147738B2 |
High electron mobility transistor including plurality of gate electrodes
According to example embodiments, a high electron mobility transistor includes: a channel layer including a first semiconductor material; a channel supply layer on the channel layer and configured to generate a 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the channel layer, the channel supply layer including a second semiconductor material; source and drain electrodes spaced apart from each other on the channel layer, and an upper surface of the channel supply layer defining a gate electrode receiving part; a first gate electrode; and at least one second gate electrode spaced apart from the first gate electrode and in the gate electrode receiving part. The first gate electrode may be in the gate electrode receiving part and between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The at least one second gate electrode may be between the source electrode and the first gate electrode. |
| US09147737B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method
Various embodiments provide semiconductor devices including high-K dielectric layer(s) and fabrication methods. An exemplary high-K dielectric layer can be formed by providing a semiconductor substrate including a first region and a second region, and forming a first silicon oxide layer on the semiconductor substrate in the first region. The semiconductor substrate can then be placed in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber to repeatedly perform a selective ALD process. The selective ALD process can include an etching process and/or a purging process in the ALD chamber. By repeatedly performing the selective ALD process, a first high-K dielectric layer can be selectively formed on the first silicon oxide layer in the first region, exposing the semiconductor substrate in the second region. |
| US09147736B2 |
High-K film apparatus and method
Disclosed herein is a method forming a device comprising forming a high-k layer over a substrate and applying a dry plasma treatment to the high-k layer and removing at least a portion of one or more impurity types from the high-k layer. The dry plasma treatment may be chlorine, fluorine or oxygen plasma treatment. A cap layer may be applied on the high-k layer and a metal gate formed on the cap layer. An interfacial layer may optionally be formed on the substrate, with the high-k layer is formed on the interfacial layer. The high-k layer may have a dielectric constant greater than 3.9, and the cap layer may optionally be titanium nitride. The plasma treatment may be applied after the high-k layer is applied and before the cap layer is applied or after the cap layer is applied. |
| US09147733B2 |
Method for the reuse of gallium nitride epitaxial substrates
A method for the reuse of gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxial substrates uses band-gap-selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching to remove one or more epitaxial layers from bulk or free-standing GaN substrates without damaging the substrate, allowing the substrate to be reused for further growth of additional epitaxial layers. The method facilitates a significant cost reduction in device production by permitting the reuse of expensive bulk or free-standing GaN substrates. |
| US09147731B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes the following steps. A silicon carbide substrate is prepared. A first heating step of heating the silicon carbide substrate in an atmosphere of oxygen is performed. A second heating step of heating the silicon carbide substrate to a temperature of 1300° C. or more and 1500° C. or less in an atmosphere of gas containing nitrogen atoms or phosphorus atoms is performed after the first heating step. A third heating step of heating the silicon carbide substrate in an atmosphere of a first inert gas is performed after the second heating step. Thus, the silicon carbide semiconductor device in which threshold voltage variation is small, and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided. |
| US09147730B2 |
Methods of forming fins for FinFET semiconductor devices and selectively removing some of the fins by performing a cyclical fin cutting process
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a plurality of initial fins in a substrate, wherein at least one of the initial fins is a to-be-removed fin, forming a material adjacent the initial fins, forming a fin removal masking layer above the plurality of initial fins, removing a desired portion of the at least one to-be-removed fin by: (a) performing a recess etching process on the material to remove a portion, but not all, of the material positioned adjacent the sidewalls of the at least one to-be-removed fin, (b) after performing the recess etching process, performing a fin recess etching process to remove a portion, but not all, of the at least one to be removed fin and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the desired amount of the at least one to-be-removed fin is removed. |
| US09147728B2 |
Semiconductor nanostructure
The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor nanostructure. The semiconductor nanostructure includes a substrate and at least one ridge. The substrate includes a first crystal plane and a second crystal plane perpendicular to the first crystal plane. The at least one ridge extends from the first crystal plane along a crystallographic orientation of the second crystal plane. A width of cross section at a position of half the height of the at least one ridge is less than 17 nm. The semiconductor nanostructure is a patterned structure which can lead to generate a quantum confinement effect, such that the impurity scattering phenomenon is reduced. |
| US09147724B2 |
Large area organic light emitting diode display
A large area organic light emitting diode display is provided. The organic light emitting diode display comprises a substrate including a display area defining a plurality of pixel areas in a matrix manner and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a thin film transistor disposed in each pixel area; an auxiliary cathode electrode disposed at the same layer with an element of the thin film transistor; a planar layer on the thin film transistor and the auxiliary cathode electrode; an anode electrode connected to the thin film transistor and disposed in each pixel area on the planar layer; an organic light emission layer disposed on the anode electrode; a cathode electrode covering the whole surface of the display area on the organic light emission layer; and a protective electrode covering the auxiliary cathode electrode exposed through a cathode contact hole and contacting the cathode electrode. |
| US09147723B1 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of repairing the same
Provided are an organic light emitting display (OLED) device and a method of repairing the same. The OLED device includes: a first pixel including: a first thin-film transistor (TFT) including a source electrode, a second TFT, and a third TFT including a top gate electrode, a second pixel including an OLED including a first electrode, a repair line extending over: the first electrode of the OLED of the second pixel, the source electrode of the first TFT of the first pixel, and the top gate electrode of the third TFT of the first pixel, an insulating layer between at least a portion of: the top gate electrode of the third TFT of the first pixel, and the repair line. |
| US09147721B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatuses and methods of manufacturing organic light emitting display apparatuses
An organic light emitting display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an organic light emitting device, a thin film transistor, a wiring pattern and a seal. The first substrate includes a first region, a second region and a third region. The third region surrounds the first region. The second region is between the first region and the third region, and is partially overlapped with the third region. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The organic light emitting device is disposed on the first substrate in the first region. The thin film transistor is disposed on the first substrate in a region where the second region and the third region overlap. The wiring pattern is disposed on the first substrate in the second region. The seal is disposed in the third region, between the first substrate and the second substrate in the third region. |
| US09147719B2 |
Thin film transistor array substrate, organic light-emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the thin film transistor array substrate
A thin film transistor array substrate includes: a substrate; a bottom gate electrode including a gate area doped with ion impurities and undoped areas on left and right sides of the gate area; an active layer on the bottom gate electrode with a first insulating layer therebetween and including a source contact region, a drain contact region, and an oxide semiconductor region; a top gate electrode on the active layer with a second insulating layer therebetween; and a source electrode in contact with the source contact region and a drain electrode in contact with the drain contact region, the source electrode and the drain electrode being on the top gate electrode with a third insulating layer therebetween. The oxide semiconductor region is between the source contact region and the drain contact region. |
| US09147714B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device
An organic EL device having a red light emitting area and a green light emitting area is provided. Each of the red light emitting area and the green light emitting area has a structure such that a first electrode having a light transmitting characteristic and an organic layer formed on the first electrode are stacked, and a second electrode having a light reflecting characteristic is disposed on the organic layers of the red and green light emitting areas. Reflectance of green light by the second electrode in the red light emitting area is smaller than reflectance of green light in the second electrode of the green light emitting area. Reflectance of red light by the second electrode of the red light emitting area is larger than reflectance of red light by the second electrode of the green light emitting area. |
| US09147711B1 |
Camera module including flip chip image sensor
Various embodiments are directed to a camera module, image sensor die, and methods for manufacturing the same. The image sensor die comprises a thinned wafer portion, a photosensor portion adjacent the thinned wafer portion and a carrier wafer. Vias may be formed through the carrier wafer to connect the photosensor portion to die contacts. A first side of the image sensor die opposite the die contacts may be bonded to a first side of the rigid substrate. Wire bonds may be formed between the die contacts and substrate-sensor contacts positioned on the first side of the rigid substrate. |
| US09147707B2 |
Color imaging element and imaging device
According to a color imaging element and an imaging device of the present invention, it is possible to simplify processing in a subsequent stage compared to the case of a random array, improve reproduction precision of de-mosaic processing in a high frequency range, facilitate de-mosaic processing as a result of increase in types of peripheral colors, discern a direction with high correlation between a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, and suppress aliasing upon de-mosaic processing. |
| US09147697B2 |
Manufacturing method of array substrate, array substrate, and display apparatus
The present disclosure relates to an array substrate and the manufacturing method thereof, and a display apparatus. The manufacturing method of the array substrate comprises following step. A gate insulating layer and an active layer is formed on the substrate with said gate electrode and said common electrode formed thereon. A source drain layer is formed on the substrate with said gate insulating layer and said active layer formed thereon. A passivation layer is formed on the substrate with said source drain layer formed thereon, and a through hole is formed in the passivation layer; a pixel electrode is formed on the substrate with said passivation layer formed thereon with said through hole. The pixel electrode is connected to the drain electrode in the source drain layer through said through hole. The process for forming the pixel electrode comprises first etching, ashing and second etching. |
| US09147695B2 |
Device with FD-SOI cell and insulated semiconductor contact region and related methods
An integrated cell may include an nMOS transistor, and an pMOS transistor. The cell may be produced in fully depleted silicon-on-insulator technology, and it is possible for the substrates of the transistors of the cell to be biased with the same adjustable biasing voltage. |
| US09147693B2 |
Memory array with a pair of memory-cell strings to a single conductive pillar
An array of memory cells has a conductive pillar and a plurality of first and second memory cells coupled in series by the conductive pillar. Each first memory cell has a respective portion of a first charge trap adjacent to the conductive pillar and a respective first control gate adjacent to the respective portion of the first charge trap. Each second memory cell has a respective portion of a second charge trap adjacent to the conductive pillar and a respective second control gate adjacent to the respective portion of the second charge trap. Each first control gate is electrically isolated from each second control gate. A single select transistor may selectively couple the plurality of first memory cells and the plurality of second memory cells to one of a source line and a data line. |
| US09147690B2 |
Erasable programmable single-ploy nonvolatile memory
An erasable programmable single-poly nonvolatile memory includes a substrate structure; a first PMOS transistor comprising a select gate, a first source/drain region, and a second source/drain region, wherein the select gate is connected to a select gate voltage, and the first source/drain region is connected to a source line voltage; a second PMOS transistor comprising the second source/drain region, a third source/drain region, and a floating gate, wherein the third source/drain region is connected to a bit line voltage and the first, second and third source/drain regions are constructed in a N-well region; and an erase gate region adjacent to the floating gate, wherein the erase gate region comprises a n-type source/drain region connected to an erase line voltage and a P-well region; wherein the N-well region and the P-well region are formed in the substrate structure. |
| US09147686B2 |
Method for forming semiconductor device
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes the following processes. A first interlayer insulating film is formed over a cell transistor and a peripheral transistor. A cell contact hole is formed in the first interlayer insulating film, the cell contact hole reaching the cell transistor. A lower contact plug is formed at a bottom of the cell contact hole. A peripheral contact hole is formed in the first interlayer insulating film, the peripheral contact hole reaching the peripheral transistor. A first peripheral contact plug is simultaneously formed in the peripheral contact hole and an upper contact plug in the cell contact hole, the upper contact plug being disposed on the lower contact plug. |
| US09147684B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a bit line; two or more word lines; and a memory cell including two or more sub memory cells that each include a transistor and a capacitor. One of a source and a drain of the transistor is connected to the bit line, the other of the source and the drain of the transistor is connected to the capacitor, a gate of the transistor is connected to one of the word lines, and each of the sub memory cells has a different capacitance of the capacitor. |
| US09147680B2 |
Integrated circuits having replacement metal gates with improved threshold voltage performance and methods for fabricating the same
Integrated circuits having replacement metal gates with improved threshold voltage performance and methods for fabricating such integrated circuits are provided. A method includes providing a dielectric layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer has a first and a second trench. A gate dielectric layer is formed in the first and second trench. A first barrier layer is formed overlying the gate dielectric layer. A work function material layer is formed within the trenches. The work function material layer and the first barrier layer are recessed in the first and second trench. The work function material layer and the first barrier layer form a beveled surface. The gate dielectric layer is recessed in the first and second trench. A conductive gate electrode material is deposited such that it fills the first and second trench. The conductive gate electrode material is recessed in the first and second trench. |
| US09147677B2 |
Dual-tub junction-isolated voltage clamp devices for protecting low voltage circuitry connected between high voltage interface pins and methods of forming the same
Dual-tub junction-isolated voltage clamp devices and methods of forming the same are provided herein. The voltage clamp device can provide junction-isolated protection to low voltage circuitry connected between first and second high voltage interface pins. In certain implementations, a voltage clamp device includes a PNPN protection structure disposed in a p-well, a PN diode protection structure disposed in an n-well positioned adjacent the p-well, a p-type tub surrounding the p-well and the n-well, and an n-type tub surrounding the p-type tub. The p-type tub and the n-type tub provide junction isolation, the p-type tub can be electrically floating, and the n-type tub can be electrically connected to the second pin. The first and second pins can operate at a voltage difference below the junction isolation breakdown, and the second pin can operate with higher voltage than the first pin. |
| US09147674B2 |
Closed cell configuration to increase channel density for sub-micron planar semiconductor power device
A semiconductor power device supported on a semiconductor substrate that includes a plurality of transistor cells, each cell has a source and a drain region disposed on opposite sides of a gate region in the semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is formed as an electrode layer on top of the gate region for controlling an electric current transmitted between the source and the drain regions. The gate electrode layer disposed on top of the semiconductor substrate is patterned into a wave-like shaped stripes for substantially increasing an electric current conduction area between the source and drain regions across the gate. |
| US09147667B2 |
Semiconductor device with face-to-face chips on interposer and method of manufacturing the same
A method of making a semiconductor device with face-to-face chips on interposer includes the step of attaching a chip-on-interposer subassembly on a heat spreader with the chip inserted into a cavity of the heat spreader so that the heat spreader provides mechanical support for the interposer. The heat spreader also provides thermal dissipation, electromagnetic shielding and moisture barrier for the enclosed chip. In the method, a second chip is also electrically coupled to a second surface of the interposer and an optional second heat spreader is attached to the second chip. |
| US09147666B2 |
Semiconductor device
Disclosed is a semiconductor device having a structure capable of reducing the self-inductance of internal wiring. The semiconductor device includes: a lower board having a lower conductor layer formed on the surface thereof; a switching element bonded to the lower conductor layer in an element bonding area; a terminal bonded to the lower conductor layer in a terminal bonding area; an upper board stacked on the lower board in a board bonding area between the element bonding area and the terminal bonding area, and having an upper conductor layer on the surface thereof; and a switching element connecting member which connects the switching element with the upper conductor layer. |
| US09147665B2 |
High bond line thickness for semiconductor devices
Die attach methods used in making semiconductor devices and the semiconductor devices resulting from those methods are described. The methods include providing a leadframe with a die attach pad, using a boundary feature(s) containing a bond wire to define a perimeter on the die attach pad, depositing a conductive material (such as solder) within the perimeter, and then attaching a die containing an integrated circuit device to the die attach pad by using the conductive material. The boundary feature(s) allow an increased thickness of conductive material to be used, resulting in increased bond line thickness and increasing the durability and performance of the resulting semiconductor package. Other embodiments are described. |
| US09147663B2 |
Bridge interconnection with layered interconnect structures
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards techniques and configurations for layered interconnect structures for bridge interconnection in integrated circuit assemblies. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a substrate and a bridge embedded in the substrate. The bridge may be configured to route electrical signals between two dies. An interconnect structure, electrically coupled with the bridge, may include a via structure including a first conductive material, a barrier layer including a second conductive material disposed on the via structure, and a solderable material including a third conductive material disposed on the barrier layer. The first conductive material, the second conductive material, and the third conductive material may have different chemical composition. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09147661B1 |
Solder bump structure with enhanced high temperature aging reliability and method for manufacturing same
Implementations described herein generally relate to chip packaging, and in particular, to solder bump structures for a semiconductor device and methods of fabricating the same. In one implementation, a solder bump assembly is provided. The solder bump assembly comprises a conductive bond pad formed on a substrate. A conductive pillar is formed on the conductive bond pad. A plating layer is formed on the conductive pillar, wherein the plating layer comprises copper and nickel. A solder bump is formed on the plating layer in electrical communication with the plating layer. The plating layer may be a bi-layer structure comprising a nickel layer formed on the conductive pillar and a copper layer formed on the nickel layer in electrical communication with the solder bump. The plating layer may be a copper-nickel alloy. |
| US09147657B2 |
Memory cell repair
A repairable memory cell in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a storage element positioned between a first and a second electrode, and a repair element positioned between the storage element and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09147656B1 |
Semiconductor device with improved shielding
A shielding structure for use with semiconductor devices. The shielding structure has a base with fingers that are sized and shaped to extend within the space between pairs of adjacent leads. The base extends within the space between the die flag and the leads. The shielding structure is further connected to one of the grounded leads. |
| US09147654B2 |
Integrated circuit system employing alternating conductive layers
An integrated circuit system that includes: providing a substrate including front-end-of-line circuitry; forming a first conductive level including a first conductive trace over the substrate; forming a second conductive level spaced apart from the first conductive level and including a second conductive trace; and connecting the first conductive level to a third conductive level with a viabar that passes through the second conductive level without contacting the second conductive trace. |
| US09147645B2 |
Semiconductor device
There is provided a semiconductor device having excellent moisture resistance and high temperature storage properties. The semiconductor device includes a lead frame that has a die pad and an inner lead, as a substrate, a semiconductor element that is mounted on the die pad, an electrode pad that is provided in the semiconductor element, a copper wire that connects the inner lead provided on the substrate and the electrode pad, and an encapsulant resin that encapsulates the semiconductor element and the copper wire. A region of the electrode pad disposed within a range of at least equal to or less than 3 μm from a junction surface with the copper wire in a depth direction includes a metal, which is less likely to be ionized than aluminum, as a main component, and a content of sulfur in the copper wire is equal to or more than 15 ppm and equal to or less than 100 ppm with respect to a total amount of the copper wire. |
| US09147635B2 |
Contact-based encapsulation
An electrical connection between two chips includes an IC pad on a first chip, an IC pad on a second chip, a first barrier metal over the IC pad of the first chip, a second barrier metal over the IC pad of the second chip, a malleable electrically conductive metal, different from the barrier metals, trapped between the first barrier metal and the second barrier metal, the first barrier metal, the malleable conductive metal and the second barrier metal forming a complete electrically conductive path between the IC pad of the first chip and the IC pad of the second chip. |
| US09147632B2 |
Semiconductor device having improved heat dissipation
A semiconductor device having improved heat dissipation is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a semi-insulating substrate and epitaxial layers disposed on the semi-insulating substrate wherein the epitaxial layers include a plurality of heat conductive vias that are disposed through the epitaxial layers with the plurality of heat conductive vias being spaced along a plurality of finger axes that are aligned generally parallel across a surface of the epitaxial layers. The semiconductor device further includes an electrode having a plurality of electrically conductive fingers that are disposed along the plurality of finger axes such that the electrically conductive fingers are in contact with the first plurality of heat conductive vias. |
| US09147630B2 |
Power semiconductor assembly and module
A method and apparatus for assembling a power semiconductor is provided. A device includes a printed circuit board, a heat sink, and a semiconductor chip package. The semiconductor chip package is located between the printed circuit board and the heat sink. A heat-generating surface of the semiconductor chip package is oriented such that the heat-generating surface faces the heat sink. |
| US09147629B2 |
Extremely thin package
Techniques for achieving extremely thin package structures are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device comprises an integrated circuit connected to a leadframe or substrate via connections and EMC (Epoxy Molding Compound) surrounding the integrated circuit except at a backside of the integrated circuit and connecting areas via which the integrated circuit is connected to the leadframe or substrate. |
| US09147628B2 |
Package-in-packages and methods of formation thereof
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a leadframe having a plurality of leads and a die paddle and a semiconductor module attached to the die paddle of the leadframe. The semiconductor module includes a first semiconductor chip disposed in a first encapsulant. The semiconductor module has a plurality of contact pads coupled to the first semiconductor chip. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of interconnects coupling the plurality of contact pads with the plurality of leads, and a second encapsulant disposed at the semiconductor module and the leadframe. |
| US09147627B2 |
Flip chip MLP with conductive ink
A flip chip molded leadless package (MLP) with electrical paths printed in conducting ink. The MLP includes a pre-molded leadframe with the electrical paths printed directly thereon. The present invention also provides a method of fabricating the semiconductor package. |
| US09147625B2 |
Thermosetting resin sheet for sealing electronic component, resin-sealed type semiconductor device, and method for producing resin-sealed type semiconductor device
A thermosetting resin sheet for sealing an electronic component, that is excellent in adhesiveness, onto the electric component; a resin-sealed type semiconductor device high in reliability; and a method for producing the device are provided. The present invention relates to a thermosetting resin sheet for sealing an electronic component, comprising one or more resin components, one of the components being allowable to be a thermoplastic resin, and having a content by percentage of the thermoplastic resin of 30% or less by weight of all of the entire resin components. |
| US09147622B2 |
Power module semiconductor device
There is provided a power module semiconductor device allowing reduction in size and weight of a thin type SiC power module. The power module semiconductor device (1) includes: a ceramic substrate (10); a first pattern (D (K4)) of a first copper plate layer (10a) disposed on a surface of the ceramic substrate; a first semiconductor chip (Q4) disposed on the first pattern; a first pillar connection electrode (18o) disposed on the first pattern; and an output terminal (O) connected to the first pillar connection electrode. |
| US09147621B2 |
Semiconductor device component and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device component includes a first portion having a first hole usable as a nut insertion hole, and a second portion having a second hole adjacent to the first hole with a wall interposed therebetween. The first hole includes a first surface facing the wall, a second surface adjacent to the first surface, a third surface adjacent to the second surface, a fourth surface adjacent to the third surface and facing the first surface, a fifth surface adjacent to the fourth surface and facing the second surface, and a sixth surface adjacent to the fifth surface and the first surface and facing the third surface. A distance between the first and fourth surfaces is greater than a distance between the second and fifth surfaces, and greater than a distance between the third and sixth surfaces. |
| US09147618B2 |
Method for detecting defects in a diffusion barrier layer
A method of providing a semiconductor structure comprising a diffusion barrier layer and a seed layer, the seed layer comprising an alloy of copper and a metal other than copper, depositing an electrically conductive material on the seed layer, performing an annealing process, wherein at least a first portion of the metal other than copper diffuses away from a vicinity of the diffusion barrier layer through the electrically conductive material, and wherein, in case of a defect in the diffusion barrier layer, a second portion of the metal other than copper indicative of the defect remains in a vicinity of the defect, measuring a distribution of the metal other than copper in at least a portion of the semiconductor structure, and determining, from the measured distribution of the metal other than copper, if the second portion of the metal other than copper is present. |
| US09147617B2 |
Resin coating device and a resin coating method
In a resin coating which is used in the manufacture of an LED package which is made by covering an LED element with resin that includes fluorescent substance, a light-passing member (43) on which the resin (8) is test coated for light emission characteristic measurement is carried on a light-passing member carrying unit (41), a deviation between a measurement result obtained after the light emission characteristic of the light that the resin (8) emits, when an light source unit (45), which is placed above, emits excitation light which excites the fluorescent substance, and irradiates the excitation light from above to the resin (8) which is coated on the light-passing member (43), is measured and the light emission characteristic prescribed beforehand is obtained, and an appropriate resin coating quantity with which the resin should be coated on the LED element is derived for practical production based on the deviation. |
| US09147615B2 |
Ambipolar synaptic devices
Device architectures based on trapping and de-trapping holes or electrons and/or recombination of both types of carriers are obtained by carrier trapping either in near-interface deep ambipolar states or in quantum wells/dots, either serving as ambipolar traps in semiconductor layers or in gate dielectric/barrier layers. In either case, the potential barrier for trapping is small and retention is provided by carrier confinement in the deep trap states and/or quantum wells/dots. The device architectures are usable as three terminal or two terminal devices. |
| US09147612B2 |
Method for forming a semiconductor structure
The present invention provides a manufacturing method for forming a semiconductor structure, in which first, a substrate is provided, a hard mask is disposed on the substrate, the hard mask is then patterned to form a plurality of fin hard masks and a plurality of dummy fin hard masks, afterwards, a pattern transferring process is performed, to transfer the patterns of the fin hard masks and the fin hard masks into the substrate, so as to form a plurality of fin groups and a plurality of dummy fins. Each dummy fin is disposed on the end side of one fin group, and a fin cut process is performed, to remove each dummy fin. |
| US09147611B1 |
Using a single mask for various design configurations
Techniques and design methodologies for using a single mask set to create devices of different sizes are disclosed. A mask with a plurality of tiles is disclosed. Each of the tiles has a number of fixed resource blocks, multiple logic blocks and is surrounded by a scribe region. The tiles may be connected to one or more adjacent tiles through interconnect lines that enable the fixed resource blocks and logic blocks in one tile to communicate with the fixed resource and logic blocks in an adjacent tile. The mask set may be used to produce devices of different sizes. Using a mask set that can handle a variety of design sizes with varying resources may in turn reduce mask cost. |
| US09147610B2 |
Monitor structures and methods of formation thereof
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an electronic device includes forming a first opening and a second opening in a workpiece. The first opening is deeper than the second opening. The method further includes forming a fill material within the first opening to form part of a through via and forming the fill material within the second opening. |
| US09147605B2 |
Thin film devices and low temperature process to make thin film devices
A method for preparing a device having a film on a substrate is disclosed. In the method, a film is deposited on a substrate. The film includes a first and a second metal. The first and the second metals in the film are converted to an intermetallic compound using microwave radiation. One example device prepared by the method includes a silicon substrate and a film on the substrate, wherein the film includes semiconducting copper germanide as the intermetallic compound. |
| US09147598B2 |
Double-side process silicon MOS and passive devices for RF front-end modules
A method for forming integrated circuit includes providing a first semiconductor substrate having a front surface and a back surface that is opposite to the front surface. One or more first trenches are in the first semiconductor substrate from the front surface side, the first trenches being characterized by a first depth. One or more second trenches are formed in the first semiconductor substrate from the front surface side, the second trenches being characterized by a second depth which greater than the first depth. A horizontal isolation layer is formed parallel to the front surface and at a third depth from the front surface. The method also includes forming a first recessed region extending in the first semiconductor substrate from the back surface side to the horizontal isolation layer that results in a thinned semiconductor region having a thickness substantially equal to the third depth. The method further includes forming a bulk dielectric layer covering the back surface side of the first semiconductor substrate. |
| US09147597B2 |
Method for isolating active regions in germanium-based MOS device
Disclosed herein is a method for isolating active regions in a germanium-based MOS device. A surface of a germanium-based substrate is covered by a thin polysilicon layer or a poly-SiGe layer, and an isolation structure of germanium dioxide covered by a silicon dioxide layer or a SiGe oxide layer on top is formed by means of two steps of oxidation in a case of the active regions are protected. Such two steps of oxidation using the polysilicon layer or the poly-SiGe layer as a sacrificial layer is advantageous to improve the isolation quality of a fabricated germanium dioxide and to reduce a beak effect occurred during a local field oxygen oxidation so as to dramatically elevate the performance of the germanium device. |
| US09147594B2 |
Method for fabricating a strained structure
A field effect transistor including a substrate which includes, a fin structure, the fin structure having a top surface. The field effect transistor further including an isolation in the substrate and a source/drain (S/D) recess cavity below the top surface of the substrate disposed between the fin structure and the isolation structure. The S/D recess cavity includes a lower portion, the lower portion further includes a first strained layer, a first dielectric film and a second dielectric film, wherein the first strained layer is disposed between the first dielectric film and the second dielectric film. The S/D recess cavity further includes an upper portion including a second strained layer overlying the first strained layer, wherein a ratio of a height of the upper portion to a height of the lower portion ranges from about 0.8 to about 1.2. |
| US09147593B2 |
Apparatus for liquid treatment of wafer shaped articles
Apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a chuck adapted to hold a wafer-shaped article of a predetermined diameter during a processing operation to be performed on the wafer-shaped article. The chuck comprises a chuck body having an outer surface that faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the chuck. The outer surface comprises a first electrically conductive material and the chuck body further comprises a first conductive pathway between the first conductive material and ground. |
| US09147592B2 |
Linked vacuum processing tools and methods of using the same
In some embodiments, a linked processing tool system is provided that includes (1) a first processing tool having at least a first transfer chamber configured to couple to a plurality of processing chambers; (2) a second processing tool having at least a second transfer chamber configured to couple to a plurality of processing chambers; (3) a third transfer chamber coupled between the first and second processing tools and configured to transfer substrates between the first and second processing tools; and (4) a single sequencer that controls substrate transfer operations between the first processing tool, the second processing tool and the third transfer chamber of the linked processing tool system. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US09147591B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of vacuum transfer modules including transfer mechanisms for transferring a substrate between a plurality of process modules arranged near the vacuum transfer modules that are configured to process the substrate under a reduced-pressure atmosphere; one or more load lock modules provided at each of the vacuum transfer modules; a first atmosphere transfer mechanism that transfers the substrate that is fed from outside to one load lock module; and a second atmosphere transfer mechanism that receives the substrate from the first atmosphere transfer mechanism and transfers the received substrate to another load lock module. The second atmosphere transfer mechanism is arranged above or below the vacuum transfer module that is provided with the one load lock module, and the vacuum transfer modules are arranged in series along a substrate transfer direction of the second atmosphere transfer mechanism. |
| US09147589B2 |
Systems and methods for at least partially converting films to silicon oxide and/or improving film quality using ultraviolet curing in steam and densification of films using UV curing in ammonia
A processing system includes a chamber and a steam source that supplies steam in the chamber. A UV source directs UV light onto a deposited layer of a substrate in the presence of the steam from the steam source for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially convert the deposited layer. |
| US09147585B2 |
Method for fabricating a plurality of semiconductor devices
A number of semiconductor chips each include a first main face and a second main face opposite to the first main face. A first encapsulation layer is applied over the second main faces of the semiconductor chips. An electrical wiring layer is applied over the first main faces of the first semiconductor chips. A second encapsulation layer is applied over the electrical wiring layer. The thickness of the first encapsulation layer and the thicknesses of the first semiconductor chips is reduced. The structure can be singulated to obtain a plurality of semiconductor devices. |
| US09147584B2 |
Rotating curing
A system for and a method of curing a material is provided. A material, such as an underfill material, is rotated during a curing process. The curing system may include a chamber, a holder to support one or more workpieces, and a rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism rotates the workpieces during the curing process. The chamber may include one or more heat sources and fans, and may further include a controller. The curing process may include varying the rotation speed, continuously rotating, periodically rotating, or the like. |
| US09147583B2 |
Selective die electrical insulation by additive process
Additive processes are employed for electrically insulating selected surface regions on a stack of die; and methods for electrically interconnecting die in a stack of die, include additive processes for electrically insulating selected surface regions of the die. Regions that are not insulated according to the invention are available for electrical connection using electrically conductive material applied in flowable form to make electrically conductive traces. |
| US09147582B2 |
Manufacturing methods for semiconductor devices
A method of manufacturing semiconductor assemblies is provided. The manufacturing method includes thermally processing a first semiconductor assembly comprising a first semiconductor layer disposed on a first support and thermally processing a second semiconductor assembly comprising a second semiconductor layer disposed on a second support. The first and second semiconductor assemblies are thermally processed simultaneously, and the first and second semiconductor assemblies are arranged such that the first semiconductor layer faces the second semiconductor layer during the thermal processing. |
| US09147580B2 |
Plasma etching method and plasma processing apparatus
A plasma etching method for plasma etching, in a processing chamber, an antireflection film laminated on an organic film formed on a substrate by using an etching mask made of a resist film formed on the antireflection film, the plasma etching method includes: depositing a Si-containing compound on the etching mask made of the resist film by using plasma of Si-containing gas in the processing chamber; and etching the antireflection film in a state where the Si-containing compound is deposited on the etching mask. |
| US09147578B2 |
Contact clean by remote plasma and repair of silicide surface
Embodiments provide methods for treating a metal silicide contact which includes positioning a substrate having an oxide layer disposed on a metal silicide contact surface within a processing chamber, cleaning the metal silicide contact surface to remove the oxide layer while forming a cleaned silicide contact surface during a cleaning process, and exposing the cleaned silicide contact surface to a silicon-containing compound to form a recovered silicide contact surface during a regeneration process. In some examples, the cleaning of the metal silicide contact surface includes cooling the substrate to an initial temperature of less than 65° C., forming reactive species from a gas mixture of ammonia and nitrogen trifluoride by igniting a plasma, exposing the oxide layer to the reactive species to form a thin film, and heating the substrate to about 100° C. or greater to remove the thin film from the substrate while forming the cleaned silicide contact surface. |
| US09147575B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, includes: a stacked structural unit including a plurality of insulating films alternately stacked with a plurality of electrode films in a first direction; a selection gate electrode stacked on the stacked structural unit in the first direction; an insulating layer stacked on the selection gate electrode in the first direction; a first semiconductor pillar piercing the stacked structural unit, the selection gate electrode, and the insulating layer in the first direction, a first cross section of the first semiconductor pillar having an annular configuration, the first cross section being cut in a plane orthogonal to the first direction; a first core unit buried in an inner side of the first semiconductor pillar, the first core unit being recessed from an upper face of the insulating layer; and a first conducting layer of the first semiconductor pillar provided on the first core unit to contact the first core unit. |
| US09147572B2 |
Using sacrificial oxide layer for gate length tuning and resulting device
Methods for controlling the length of a replacement metal gate to a designed target gate length and the resulting device are disclosed. Embodiments may include removing a dummy gate from above a substrate forming a cavity, wherein side surfaces of the cavity are lined with an oxidized spacer layer and a bottom surface of the cavity is lined with a gate oxide layer, conformally forming a sacrificial oxide layer over the substrate and the cavity, and removing the sacrificial oxide layer from the bottom surface of the cavity and the substrate leaving sacrificial oxide spacers lining the side surfaces of the cavity. |
| US09147570B2 |
Electrodeless lamp
An electrodeless discharge lamp suitable for the use in solar simulators, with an emission spectrum following, as much as possible, the AM1.5G standard. According to a preferred embodiment the lamp has a quartz bulb is filled with a composition comprising an inert gas, for example N2, He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe or a mixture thereof, and a first and a second active components, the first active component being an antimony or bismuth halide or a mixture of antimony halides; while the second component is SnI2 a mixture of halides of: In, Sn, Ag, Bi, Cu. Preferably, the halides are bromides or iodides or chlorides due to their favorable volatilities. |
| US09147562B2 |
Systems and methods for using variable mass selection window widths in tandem mass spectrometry
Systems and methods are used to analyze a sample using variable mass selection window widths. A tandem mass spectrometer is instructed to perform at least two fragmentation scans of a sample with different mass selection window widths using a processor. The tandem mass spectrometer includes a mass analyzer that allows variable mass selection window widths. The selection of the different mass selection window widths can be based on one or more properties of sample compounds. The properties may include a sample compound molecular weight distribution that is calculated from a molecular weight distribution of expected compounds or is determined from a list of molecular weights for one or more known compounds. The tandem mass spectrometer can also be instructed to perform an analysis of the sample before instructing the tandem mass spectrometer to perform the at least two fragmentation scans of the sample. |
| US09147560B2 |
Mass spectrometry method of phosphorylated peptides and sugar chains
The present invention provides a method for mass spectrometry of phosphorylated peptides or sugar chains, which suppresses the desorption of an unstable site during ionization and achieves high sensitivity (i.e., detects molecular-related ions at a high ionic strength and at a relatively higher ionic strength than other ion species derived from the desorption of an unstable site). A method for mass spectrometry of phosphorylated peptides or sugar chains, the method comprising using, as a liquid matrix, an ionic liquid comprising a 3-aminoquinoline ion and a p-coumaric acid ion. The liquid matrix comprises 3-aminoquinoline and p-coumaric acid, for example, in a molar ratio of 5:1 to 20:1. Ammonium phosphate may be used as an additive. |
| US09147559B2 |
Photomultiplier and its manufacturing method
The present invention relates to a photomultiplier having a structure for making it possible to easily realize high detection accuracy and fine processing, and a method of manufacturing the same. The photomultiplier comprises an enclosure having an inside kept in a vacuum state, whereas a photocathode emitting electrons in response to incident light, an electron multiplier section multiplying in a cascading manner the electron emitted from the photocathode, and an anode for taking out a secondary electron generated in the electron multiplier section are arranged in the enclosure. A part of the enclosure is constructed by a glass substrate having a flat part, whereas each of the electron multiplier section and anode is two-dimensionally arranged on the flat part in the glass substrate. |
| US09147555B2 |
Arc extinction arrangement and method for extinguishing arcs
In a method for extinguishing an arc in a gas discharge chamber in which power is supplied to a gas discharge chamber and in which both with a current flow in a first direction and with a current flow in a second inverse direction there is produced a gas discharge, when an arc is identified, the power supply to the gas discharge chamber is interrupted, and residual energy which is in a supply line to the gas discharge chamber and/or in the gas discharge chamber is supplied to an energy store. |
| US09147554B2 |
Use of beam scanning to improve uniformity and productivity of a 2D mechanical scan implantation system
An ion implantation system includes a beamline configured to direct an ion beam toward an end station configured to hold or support a workpiece, and a scanning system. The scanning system is configured to scan the end station past the ion beam in a two-dimensional fashion comprising a first scan axis along a first direction and a second scan axis along a second direction that is different than the first direction. The system further includes a supplemental scanning component operably associated with the scanning system, and configured to effectuate a scanning of the ion beam with respect to the end station along a third scan axis having a third direction that is different than the first direction. |
| US09147553B2 |
Method for acquiring settling time
A method for acquiring a settling time includes forming, using a deflector, a reference pattern so that a deflection movement amount of the beam may be smaller than an evaluation deflection movement amount; forming, while variably setting the settling time of the DAC amplifier, an evaluation pattern such that both ends of the width dimension of the evaluation pattern being the same design width dimension as that of the reference pattern, for each of times set variably, such that a deflection movement amount of a second beam shot of two beam shots successively shot is equivalent to the evaluation deflection movement amount; calculating a difference between the width dimension of the evaluation pattern concerned and that of the reference pattern, for each of the times set variably; and acquiring a settling time of the DAC amplifier necessary for the deflection movement amount, using the difference. |
| US09147550B2 |
Gas mixture method and apparatus for generating ion beam
A gas mixture method and apparatus of prolonging lifetime of an ion source for generating an ion beam particularly an ion beam containing carbon is proposed here. By mixing the dopant gas and the minor gas together to generate an ion beam, undesired reaction between the gas species and the ion source can be mitigated and thus lifetime of the ion source can be prolonged. Accordingly, quality of ion beam can be maintained. |
| US09147548B2 |
Reinstallable circuit interrupting device with vibration resistant miswire protection
A GFCI device includes a latch assembly provided with a rigid electrically conducting bar connected thereto such that when a user presses a reset button the latch assembly is moved toward a pair of contacts provided as part of a reset circuit to initiate a reset operation. When the electrically conducting bar on the latch assembly connects the pair of contacts, the reset circuit is closed and an actuator is activated to place the GFCI device in the latched, reset, condition. If the GFCI device is correctly wired, the latch assembly enters the latched state. If the device is not properly wired no power is provided to the actuator and the device remains in the tripped, or open, state. |
| US09147544B2 |
Electromechanical switching circuit with memory
An electromechanical switching circuit comprises an integrated circuit (IC) having an input terminal, an output terminal and a control terminal. The IC is arranged based on a voltage transition at the control terminal, sampling the voltage level at the input terminal and supplying it at the output terminal. The output voltage level is maintained at the output terminal until a voltage transition at the control terminal. A control circuit connected to the control terminal includes a first monostable switch whose actuation causes a voltage transition at the control terminal so the voltage level applied at the input terminal is supplied at the output terminal. An output circuit includes a second, electromechanical, monostable switch whose contacts are moved to their unstable state in response to a first voltage level at the output terminal and allowed to resume their stable state in response to a second voltage level at the output terminal. |
| US09147543B2 |
Gas circuit breaker
An arc extinguishing device of a gas circuit breaker includes: an arc chamber in which an arc generated between a movable electrode and a fixed electrode is formed; a heat puffer chamber disposed so as to surround the arc chamber; a blow port in which the arc chamber communicates with the heat puffer chamber in the circumferential direction of the arc chamber; hydrogen absorbents which are disposed on an inner wall of a pressure chamber; an exhaust port which passes to the outside of an arc extinguishing chamber; and a hydrogen absorbent disposed at a position surrounding the movable electrode. Deterioration of insulation due to a product formed by decomposition of arc extinguishing gas by the arc during a contact opening operation can be suppressed. |
| US09147541B2 |
Circuit breaker comprising ventilation channels for efficient heat dissipation
A circuit breaker includes a housing equipped with a first switchgear region, in which a quenching chamber device and a sliding contact device having movable contacts are located, the contacts lying opposite fixed contacts, and equipped with a second switchgear region, in which a current release assembly consisting of a short-circuit release and an overload release are located. In an embodiment, a continuous ventilation channel is formed within opposing housing walls along the fixed contacts, the channel acting as a first convective air-flow through the circuit breaker in order to dissipate the heat. |
| US09147536B2 |
Keyboard
A keyboard includes a keyboard shell, a supporting panel, a plurality of keycaps, a plurality of keycap supports between the supporting panel and the corresponding keycaps; a plurality of elastomers through the corresponding elastomer holes; and a key signal pad substrate with a plurality of key signal pad corresponding to the elastomer hole; the elastomer includes a top part, an elastic supporting part, the elastomer is arranged on the key signal pad substrate; and a conductive layer arranged on the bottom surface of the pressure enhancing protrusion; the pressure enhancing protrusions are corresponding to the key signal pad, respectively, when pressure is supplied on the keycap, the corresponding pressure enhancing protrusion is pressed and make the conductive layer electrically connect to the key signal pad, the pressure enhancing protrusion is supported on the key signal pad substrate by the elastic supporting part. |
| US09147535B2 |
Keyswitch and keyboard thereof
A keyswitch includes a base, a keytop, and first and second support members rotatably intersecting with each other. The keytop has an engaging slot having a rotation space and an opening. The first support member has a first pivot shaft pivoted to the engaging slot and a first connecting mechanism movably connected to the base. When the first pivot shaft is passing through the opening, the engaging slot squeezes the first pivot shaft to cause deformation of a groove of the first pivot shaft so as to make the first pivot shaft have a first size. When the first pivot shaft enters the rotation space, the amount of deformation of the groove decreases to make the first pivot shaft have a second size greater than the first size and a gap of the opening, so that the first pivot shaft could be constrained in the engaging slot. |
| US09147533B2 |
Button mechanism and related electronic device
A button mechanism includes a base, a button and two resilient components. The base includes an accommodating slot structure and two guiding pillars, the pillars are disposed by sides of the accommodating slot structure. The button includes a pressing portion and two supporting portions. The pressing portion is movably disposed inside the accommodating slot structure. The supporting portions are respectively disposed by opposite sides of the pressing portion. A first end of the supporting portion is connected to the pressing portion, and a second end of the supporting portion is slidably disposed on the guiding pillar. Two ends of the resilient component respectively contact against an optical disk driver and the supporting portion. The supporting portion slides relative to the guiding pillar to compress the resilient component, and a resilient recovering force of the resilient component drives the supporting portion to slide relative to the guiding pillar inversely. |
| US09147532B2 |
Emergency stopping device
The invention relates to an emergency stopping device, comprising a body (10), a control button (11) that is movable in translation along a control axis (X), at least one normally closed electrical contact unit (13), an actuation member (12) which can be actuated by said control button (11) so as to translate between a inoperative position and an actuated position, and which engages with the contact unit (13), a holding member (121) engaging with the actuation member (12) and capable of assuming a locking position for maintaining the actuation member in the actuated position thereof, and an unlocking ring (15) which is separate from the control button and which can be rotatably actuated, and which engages with the actuation member (12) so as to release the latter with a view to driving same toward the inoperative position thereof. |
| US09147531B2 |
Electrical switching apparatus and movable contact arm assembly therefor
A movable contact arm assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The movable contact arm assembly includes a first member, and a second member attached to the first member. The first member is made from a first material, such as steel, and the second member is made from a second different material, such as copper. The first and second members each include first and second ends. The first end of the first member cooperates with the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The first end of the second member is attached to the second end of the first member. A movable contact is disposed on the second end of the second member. |
| US09147529B2 |
Energy storage device and method thereof
The present disclosure is related to hybrid capacitors specifically to PbO2/Activated Carbon hybrid capacitors. The hybrid super capacitor of the present disclosure is simple to assemble, bereft of impurities and can be fast charged/discharged with high faradiac-efficiency. |
| US09147526B2 |
Protector for electrochemical element
A system for protecting an electrochemical element from an external shock includes an electrochemical element, a bag-shaped aluminum laminate film configured to receive and entirely cover the electrochemical element, and a protector configured to cover the electrochemical element and the bag-shaped aluminum laminate film. The protector includes a frame having corners and a plurality of recesses disposed at an inner surface of the corners. When the electrochemical element is received in the bag-shaped aluminum laminate film and an interior of the bag-shaped aluminum laminate film is vacuumed, a plurality of wrinkled portions are formed at corners of the bag-shaped aluminum laminate film. The plurality of recesses of the protector are configured to receive the plurality of wrinkled portions of the bag-shaped aluminum laminate film such that portions of the protector other than the plurality of recesses are in intimate contact with the bag-shaped aluminum laminate film. |
| US09147521B2 |
Reactor
To provide a reactor whose number of components is small and that exhibits excellent assemblability. A reactor 1 includes a coil 2 having a pair of coil elements 2a and 2b, and a core unit 3 having a pair of intermediate core portions 30 around which the coil elements 2a and 2b are respectively disposed. The core unit 3 is formed to be annular by a combination of intermediate core pieces 31 that structure intermediate core portions 30, a pair of end core pieces 32 that clamps a pair of intermediate core portions 30 disposed in parallel to each other, and gap members 3g each disposed between each ones of the core pieces. The end core pieces 32 respectively include clamping faces 321 for clamping the intermediate core portions 30, each structured with a single plane. An installed face 320l of each of the end core pieces 32 projects further than the installed face 31l of the intermediate core pieces 31. One gap member 3g is interposed between the end core piece 32 and the intermediate core portion 30, and relative permeability of the gap member 3g is greater than 1. This structure simplifies the shape of the core pieces, and allows the number of components to be small despite the core unit 3 partially projects. |
| US09147520B2 |
Dry-type transformer
A dry-type transformer comprises a winding with a tapping zone, the tapping zone being the zone wherein at least two connections can be made, allowing to change the number of turns of the winding and thus change the turn ratio of the transformer, and with at least a first non-tapping zone, wherein the winding comprises a conductor having, in at least part of the tapping zone, a first width in the axial direction of the winding, and having, in at least part of the first non-tapping zone, a second width in the axial direction of the winding, the first width being smaller than the second width. |
| US09147515B2 |
Method for making magnetic components with M-phase coupling, and related inductor structures
An M phase coupled inductor includes a magnetic core including a first end magnetic element, a second end magnetic element, and M legs disposed between and connecting the first and second end magnetic elements. M is an integer greater than one. The coupled inductor further includes M windings, where each winding has a substantially rectangular cross section. Each one of the M windings is at least partially wound about a respective leg. |
| US09147514B2 |
Wire-wound inductor
A small wire-wound inductor has a drum-shaped core member constituted by an assembly of soft magnetic alloy grains, a coil conductive wire wound around the core member, a pair of terminal electrodes connected to the terminals of the coil conductive wire, and an outer sheath member covering the wound coil conductive wire and constituted by a magnetic powder-containing resin having a specified magnetic permeation ratio, wherein the soft magnetic alloy grains are fixedly bonded together via oxidized layers, and the core member contains 2 to 15 percent by weight of chromium (Cr). |
| US09147513B2 |
Series inductor array implemented as a single winding and filter including the same
There are provided a series inductor array implemented as a single winding capable of decreasing a layout area for providing a plurality of inductors, and a filter including the same, the series inductor array including a winding structure having both ends, and one or more terminal parts electrically connected to a region between the both ends of the winding structure to form an external electrical connection, wherein the winding structure has a structure in which a plurality of inductors having inductance formed in regions of the winding structure disposed between the both ends thereof and the terminal parts or between the terminal parts are connected in series. |
| US09147512B2 |
Coil parts and method of fabricating the same
A coil part is provided. The coil part includes a coil layer including a core and a first coil and a second coil disposed on and under the core, a lower magnetic layer bonded under the coil layer, and an upper magnetic layer bonded on the coil layer. Accordingly, it is possible to improve process and productivity and cut fabrication costs by preventing process defects that occur during the fabrication process of a coil part using a ferrite substrate. |
| US09147510B2 |
Overvoltage protection element
An overvoltage protection element is disclosed that includes a housing, connections for electrically connecting the overvoltage protection element to a current path or a signal path to be protected The overvoltage protection element further includes two varistors arranged inside the housing and electrically connected in parallel, and a center electrode arranged at least partially between the varistors. The housing has two housing halves made of metal and electrically connected to each other, wherein the center electrode is isolated from the housing halves and is electrically connected at the opposite sides of the electrode to a first connection area of a varistor and wherein the two varistors and the center electrode are sandwiched between the two housing halves. The overvoltage protection element includes an arrester between one terminal of the overvoltage protection element and the parallel connection of the two varistors. |
| US09147509B2 |
Radial-leaded over-current protection device
A radial-leaded over-current protection device includes a PTC device, first and second electrode leads and an insulating encapsulation layer. The PTC device has first and a second conductive layers and a PTC material layer therebetween. The PTC material layer has a resistivity less than 0.18 Ω-cm and includes crystalline polymer and conductive ceramic filler. The ceramic filler has a resistivity less than 500 Ω-cm and is 35-65% by volume of the PTC material layer. The first electrode lead has an end connecting to the first conductive layer, whereas the second electrode lead has an end connecting to the second conductive layer. The insulating encapsulation layer wraps the PTC device and the ends of the conductive layers. The radial-leaded over-current protection device at 25° C. has a value of hold current thereof divided by an area of the PTC device ranging from 0.027-0.3A/mm2. Each electrode lead has a cross-sectional area of at least 0.16 mm2. |
| US09147508B2 |
Wire holding device and wire harness
A wire holding device includes a seal holding member provided with an insertion hole into which an electric wire is inserted and which is provided with an opening, the seal holding member being configured to be housed in an attachment hole formed on an attachment target, an outer periphery sealing member for sealing a gap between an inner surface of the attachment target inside the attachment hole and the seal holding member, an inner periphery sealing member for sealing a gap between the electric wire and the seal holding member, and a wire holder aligned with the seal holding member along the electric wire. The seal holding member and the wire holder are relatively movable in a circumferential direction of the electric wire. The opening has such a diameter as to allow an end face of the inner periphery sealing member to be seen through the opening. |
| US09147507B2 |
NbTi superconductor with reduced weight
A superconducting wire (12), containing NbTi superconducting material and Cu, comprising a multiplicity of hexagonal elements, which, as seen in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the superconducting wire (12), have an at least approximately hexagonal outside contour is characterized in that at least a portion of the hexagonal elements is constituted as Cu—Al composite elements (3), wherein, in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the superconducting wire (12), the Cu—Al composite elements (3) are each constituted with an Al core (4) and a Cu sheath (5) that surrounds the Al core (4). The NbTi superconducting wire is thereby stabilized and has low weight as well as a reduced risk of crack formation during manufacturing, especially during wire drawing. |
| US09147501B2 |
Retention logic for non-volatile memory
An integrated circuit memory device includes an array of non-volatile, charge trapping memory cells, configured to store data values in memory cells in the array using threshold states, including a higher threshold state characterized by a minimum threshold exceeding a selected read bias. A controller includes a stand-by mode, a write mode and a read mode. Retention check logic executes on power-up, or during the stand-by mode, to identify memory cells in the higher threshold state which fail a threshold retention check. Also, logic is provided to reprogram the identified memory cells. |
| US09147500B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having resistive memory cells and method of testing the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a mode register set and a test circuit. The memory cell array includes a plurality of wordlines, a plurality of bitlines, and a plurality of spin-transfer torque magneto-resistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) cells, and each STT-MRAM cell disposed in a cross area of each wordline and bitline, and the STT-MRAM cell includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a cell transistor. A gate of the cell transistor is coupled to a wordline, a first electrode of the cell transistor is coupled to a bitline via the MTJ element, and a second electrode of the cell transistor is coupled to a source line. The mode register set is configured to set a test mode, and the test circuit is configured to perform a test operation by using the mode register set. |
| US09147496B2 |
Display device
A driving circuit of a display device includes first to third output signal lines which are continuously arranged, a first transistor that has a source connected to the second output signal line and a drain connected to a first clock signal line, and a second transistor that provides a non-active potential to a gate of the first transistor when a second clock signal becomes the active potential, wherein a circuit that outputs the active potential to the first output signal line and the third output signal line is disposed at an opposite side to a circuit that outputs the active potential to the second output signal line with a display region interposed therebetween, and wherein the gate of the first transistor is connected to the first output signal line and the third output signal line via rectifying circuits. |
| US09147493B2 |
Shielded vertically stacked data line architecture for memory
Apparatuses and methods include an apparatus that includes first and second strings of vertically stacked memory cells, and first and second pluralities of vertically stacked data lines. A data line of the first plurality of data lines is coupled to the first string through a first select device. A data line of the second plurality of data lines is coupled to the second string through a second select device and is adjacent to the data line coupled to the first string. Such an apparatus can be configured to couple the data line coupled to the first string to a shield potential during at least a portion of a memory operation involving a memory cell of the second string. |
| US09147489B2 |
High voltage switch and a nonvolatile memory device including the same
A high voltage switch of a nonvolatile memory device includes a depletion type NMOS transistor configured to switch a second driving voltage in response to an output signal of the high voltage switch; at least one inverter configured to convert a voltage of an input signal of the high voltage switch into a first driving voltage or a ground voltage, wherein the first and second driving voltages are received from an external device; and a PMOS transistor configured to transfer the second driving voltage provided to a first terminal of the PMOS transistor from the depletion type NMOS transistor to a second terminal of the PMOS transistor as the output signal in response to an output of the at least one inverter, wherein the output of the at least one inverter is transferred to a gate terminal of the PMOS transistor. |