| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09171408B2 |
Engine control method of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
An engine control method of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle may include accumulating an EV accumulated driving distance or an EV accumulated driving time. The EV accumulated driving distance or the EV accumulated driving time is compared with each of reference values. An engine is operated for inspection if the EV accumulated driving distance or the EV accumulated driving time is greater than each of the reference values. |
| US09171404B1 |
Augmented reality greeting cards
A computer-implemented method of acquiring electronic content for an augmented reality greeting card includes presenting, on a display screen of a mobile computing device that includes a camera, a camera viewer with an aspect ratio that matches an aspect ratio of a placeholder of a predefined greeting card template. A photograph with an aspect ratio that matches the aspect ratio of the placeholder is captured at a first resolution via the camera. A video is recorded via the camera at a second, lower resolution, where an aspect ratio of the recorded video matches the aspect ratio of the placeholder. The recorded video is uniquely associated with the captured photograph, and the captured photograph, the recorded video, and an indication of the unique association between the captured photograph and the recorded video are transmitted for receipt by a remote computer system via a transmitter of the mobile computing device. |
| US09171401B2 |
Conservative partitioning for rendering a computer-generated animation
A system for partitioning a set of assets, where each asset represents a computer-generated object associated with a computer-generated scene. A dependency graph comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes including an organizer node is accessed. The set of assets identified by an input of a predicate test of the organizer node are accessed. It is determined if the at least one predicate test can be evaluated using the set of assets. If the at least one predicate test can be evaluated, one or more partition assets are identified and passed to a next node. If the at least one predicate test cannot be evaluated, a conservative set of assets is identified and passed to the next node, wherein the conservative set of assets is the same set of assets identified by the input of the predicate test. |
| US09171395B2 |
System and method for displaying guidance symbol
Disclosed are a system and a method of displaying a guidance symbol. The guidance symbol displaying system may include a distance difference calculator to calculate a distance difference between a user location and a guidance symbol location, and a symbol display controller to control display of the guidance symbol by calculating a size of the guidance symbol based on the distance difference. |
| US09171391B2 |
Systems and methods for imaging a volume-of-interest
Systems and methods for imaging a volume-of-interest, which may include an object or point of interest to be analyzed in a display of three-dimensional data. |
| US09171387B2 |
Data visualization system
Apparatus and methods of generating a display representing a number of interactions occurring over a period of time is disclosed. Data defining a set of interactions is processed to determine an ordering for the interacting elements identified by the data based on calculated distance values for relative positions of pairs of interacting elements corresponding to interactions in the set. The determined ordering can then be used to generate display data where individual interactions are displayed as lines connecting co-ordinates corresponding to the positions in the determined ordering of interacting elements and the time value associated with the interaction. The visual clarity of such a display can be enhanced by selecting the criteria for ordering the elements. |
| US09171379B2 |
Hybrid precision tracking
Disclosed herein are through-the-lens tracking systems and methods which can enable sub-pixel accurate camera tracking suitable for real-time set extensions. That is, the through-the-lens tracking can make an existing lower precision camera tracking and compositing system into a real-time VFX system capable of sub-pixel accurate real-time camera tracking. With this enhanced level of tracking accuracy the virtual cameras can be used to register and render real-time set extensions for both interior and exterior locations. |
| US09171376B2 |
Apparatus and method for motion estimation of three dimension video
Disclosed is a 3D video motion estimating apparatus and method. The 3D video motion estimating apparatus may enable a motion vector of a color image and a motion vector of a depth image refer to each other, thereby increasing a compression rate. |
| US09171374B2 |
Method and apparatus to highlight information in complex visual environments
An image processing system is described which is arranged to highlight information in image displays by selectively blurring less important areas of an image. By generating such displays comprising areas which are in focus and areas which are out of focus, a viewer's attention is preferentially drawn towards those areas of an image which appear sharp. By having a display system which is arranged to generate such images a means is provided to direct a viewer's attention towards considering the sharp areas of the image display first. Further the selective blurring portions of an image reduces rather than increases the amount of information presented to a viewer and hence reduces the likelihood that a viewer will become overloaded with information. Display systems of this type are therefore especially applicable to complex control environments as means of directing viewer's attention. |
| US09171371B2 |
Display system and method using hybrid user tracking sensor
Example embodiments of a display system and method using a hybrid user tracking sensor are described. The display system may determine a final location of a user based on information of a face or eyes of a user generated based on information received from a plurality of cameras and posture information generated based on information received from a plurality of sensors. |
| US09171370B2 |
Method, an apparatus and a computer program product for deinterlacing an image having a plurality of pixels
According to example embodiments, a method for deinterlacing an image having a plurality of pixels, the method comprising: calculating a difference between a first pixel of the image and each pixel of at least one pixel pair, each pixel pair comprising one pixel being positioned above the first pixel and another pixel being positioned below the first pixel; and deinterlacing the first pixel only if at least one difference corresponding to a pixel pair exceeds a predefined threshold. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided. |
| US09171364B2 |
Wafer inspection using free-form care areas
Methods and systems for detecting defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes determining characteristics of care areas for a wafer based on wafer patterns. Determining the characteristics includes determining locations of care areas, identifying at least one pattern of interest (POI) in the wafer patterns for each of the care areas, allowing any of the care areas to have a free-form shape, allowing the care areas to be larger than frame images and selecting two or more POIs for at least one of the care areas. The method also includes searching for POIs in images generated for the wafer using an inspection system. In addition, the method includes detecting defects on the wafer by determining positions of the care areas in the images and applying one or more defect detection methods to the images based on the positions of the care areas in the images. |
| US09171360B2 |
Method for determining the luminance of traffic signs and device for implementing same
The method of the invention comprises: obtaining a sequence of at least two images, with different levels of illumination; extracting the region containing the sign in the image; calculating the luminance values of the signs; and obtaining the difference in luminance of the sign corresponding to the two levels of illumination. The value obtained is the luminance of the sign (11) corresponding to an illumination equal to the difference between the illuminations, or additional illumination. This result is based on the additive property of luminance, according to which the luminance of a sign is the sum of the luminance produced by each source of illumination. A basic illumination device (5), an additional illumination device (7), at least one camera for taking images, and image recording, positioning and synchronism systems are required to implement the method. |
| US09171356B2 |
Cyclic noise removal in borehole imaging
A method for removing cyclic noise from a borehole image includes transforming the image into the frequency domain using a two-dimensional (2-D) transform (e.g., using a discrete cosine transform). The cyclic noise components (peaks) are removed from the transformed image which is then inverse transformed back into the spatial domain using an inverse 2-D transform to obtain a corrected image. An automated method enables the cyclic peaks to be identified and removed from the borehole image via downhole processing. |
| US09171353B2 |
Multimodal image reconstruction with zonal smoothing
Computer-implemented methods of reconstructing an image object for a measured object in object space from image data in data space cause a computer system to execute instructions for providing zonal information separating the object space into at least two zones, providing at least two zonal image objects, each zonal image object being associated with one of the at least two zones, performing a zonal smoothing operation on at least one of the zonal image objects, thereby generating at least one smoothed zonal image object, reconstructing the image object on the basis of the at least one smoothed zonal image object, and outputting the image object. |
| US09171352B1 |
Automatic processing of images
Systems and methods for the processing of images are provided. In particular, a candidate image can be obtained for processing. The candidate image can have one or more associated image categorization parameters. One or more pixel groups can then be detected in the candidate image and the one or more pixel groups can be associated with semantic data. At least one reference image can then be identified based at least in part on the semantic data of the one or more pixel groups. Once the at least one reference image has been identified, a plurality of adjustment parameters can be determined. One or more pixel groups from the candidate image can then be processed to generate a processed image based at least in part on the plurality of adjustment parameters. |
| US09171350B2 |
Adaptive resolution DGPU rendering to provide constant framerate with free IGPU scale up
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide novel methods and a system for adaptive resolution rendering via scaling in a multiple graphics processor system. A method is described herein that maintains a constant framerate by reducing the resolution of the graphical output rendered in one graphics processor and using another graphics processor in the same computing system to scale the already-rendered output to its original intended resolution when the framerate drops below a desired threshold. |
| US09171345B2 |
System and method for terminal capacity management
A system and method for determining rail terminal capacity needs. In one embodiment, terminal railcar inventory is determined periodically throughout a specific time interval based on terminal traffic data. Train traffic data is accessed and indexed into discrete time periods, such as daily and hourly intervals. Dwell occupancy indexes are created with periodic intervals, and assigned dwell occupancy values based on said dwell occupancy definitions and traffic data. The railcar inventory of the train terminal at any particular time may then be determined by cross-tabulating the occupancy dwell values, and applying business rules. The number and size of tracks needed to accommodate a rail terminal may be determined by assigning blocks of railcars to terminal tracks. Using the railcar inventory, a list of railcar blocks, railcar block sizes, railcar block classifications, and track classifications is created. After specifying switch parameters, the list of railcar blocks is evaluated based on the list of railcar block sizes and the list of railcar block classifications. The list of railcar blocks is then assigned to the terminal tracks, based on the list of railcar block classifications, the list of track classifications, and the switching parameters. After assigning the blocks to tracks, a final list of tracks that have been assigned blocks is generated. |
| US09171342B2 |
Connecting patients with emergency/urgent health care
A computer network-based service provides search capabilities and mechanisms for connecting potential patients with emergency, urgent, and convenient care facilities. Patients make informed decisions regarding their treatment options by reviewing search results regarding facility wait times, geographic proximities of facilities, quality ratings of facilities for particular specialties, etc. Upon selecting a facility, patients may electronically transmit a notification to the facility indicating their medical condition(s) and estimated arrival time. The facility may approve or deny the treatment request by sending an electronic response. The facility may also request further information to triage the patient before his/her actual arrival and/or may provide instructions to assist the patient while en route. Navigation satellite systems may identify the patient's location for processing search requests and determining the proximity of facilities. Further, contact mechanisms, e.g., phone numbers, for contacting facilities directly may be accessed from the search service and tracked. |
| US09171339B2 |
Behavior change detection
A computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and on which instructions are stored for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes, upon receiving utility consumption data of a group of elements, defining clusters of elements by like geography and like utility consumption, evaluating a significance of each cluster by comparing an average utility consumption within the cluster with utility consumption of elements neighboring the cluster and determining from a result of the evaluating which clusters exhibit significant differences in utility consumption from the neighboring elements and defining those clusters as regional outliers. |
| US09171330B2 |
Transparency data analysis and reporting
An accountability provider is configured to enable specification of queries for data sources of accountable entities. The queries are based on an analysis of transparency goals of the accountable entities and utilize transparency metrics of those entities. The accountability provider is further configured to present representations of the transparency metrics generated responsive to the queries, to enable interaction with the representations, and to update the representations based on at least one of viewer requests or viewer interactions. Also, the accountability provider is configured determine representations of transparency metrics available to viewers based on viewer descriptors and to present the determined representations responsive to logins of the viewers. |
| US09171328B2 |
Method for transferring shopping cart contents to a register from a mobile electronic device
A method is disclosed for allowing a customer to create a digital shopping cart on a mobile electronic device while shopping at a brick and mortar store. The customer may scan barcodes, e.g. UPC variants, from a product with the camera of the mobile electronic device and record these product barcodes into the mobile electronic device. The shopping cart contents may be transferred to a checkout register without a data connection between the register and the device. The mobile electronic device may create one or more 2D barcodes with the item information embedded into the 2D barcode and may display the barcode on the device screen. Multiple 2D barcodes may be displayed in sequence. The 2D barcode may be scanned at the checkout register to read the barcode and thereby transmit the shopping cart information to the checkout register. |
| US09171327B2 |
Systems and methods for in-vehicle navigated shopping
Systems and methods to provide a navigated-shopping service are discussed. In an example, a method for navigated-shopping can include receiving a destination location, accessing a route to the destination, displaying the route with indications of a plurality of items for purchase, receiving selection of a selected item, and purchasing the selected item. The plurality of items for purchase can be within a predefined distance of at least one point along the route. The selection of the selected item can include selection of a retail location of a plurality of retail locations along the route. |
| US09171326B2 |
System and method for making gift recommendations using social media data
Disclosed are methods for evaluating a user's interests and making gift recommendations using social media data. Interests and attributes of a user may be detected from social media content and products corresponding to the interests and attributes may be selected and presented as gift recommendations for the user. Methods are disclosed for resolving ambiguity as to interests reflected by textual data in social media content. Also disclosed are methods for inferring a user's interests from the interests of friends of the user. |
| US09171323B2 |
Organizing data in a virtual computing infrastructure
Organizing data in a cloud computing environment having a plurality of computing nodes is described. An authorization to service a request is received. The request may be from a user for launching an instance. In response to receiving the authorization and based on the request, an image list is determined. The image list includes information corresponding to a plurality of machine images. At least one machine image is identified from the image list associated with a functional requirement of the request. The instance is launched at the at least one computing node. The at least one machine image is updated after the instance has been launched. |
| US09171322B2 |
Methods and systems for routing calls in a marketing campaign
An online and offline communication processing and tracking system using data processing and data/voice networks is described. A phone address from a phone address number pool is automatically assigned to a first customer prospect communication. A call quality rating is determined and recorded. A call from a caller directed to the phone address is received at a call bridging system coupled to at least one network, wherein the call is associated with call signaling information. Based at least in part on the call quality associated with the caller call, the caller call is routed to entity placing a bid on the caller call. An outbound call is generated from the call bridging system and the inbound and the outbound calls are bridged. |
| US09171315B1 |
System and method for negotiating item prices
A system and machine-implemented method for providing a user participating in an online shopping environment with a negotiated price for an item, the method comprising receiving a request to negotiate a price of an item being posted to an online shopping environment and offered at a first price, identify purchase context information corresponding to the item in response to receiving the request, wherein the purchase context information include information regarding the item and information regarding the online shopping environment, determining a negotiated price for the online item based on the purchase context information and providing the negotiated price for display to one or more users. |
| US09171312B2 |
Context information collection management system
A context information collection and distribution system registers read identification information in a computer device that manages and controls an RFID tag reading device and is located in a lowest hierarchy in wide area network topology. The computer device located in the lowest hierarchy in the wide area network topology notifies a computer device located in a higher management domain hierarchy that the computer device located in the lowest hierarchy manages read identification information of a target. Further, the computer device located in the management domain hierarchy notifies a computer device located in much higher ID system hierarchy that the computer device located in the hierarchy just under the management domain hierarchy manages the read identification information of the target. |
| US09171305B2 |
Providing confined space permits and confined space access procedures
For providing confined space access procedures and confined space permits, a synchronization module stores a plurality of confined space permits and a plurality of confined space access procedures in a confined space database. Each confined space permit and each confined space access procedure corresponds to a confined space of a plurality of confined spaces and each confined space is indexed to a space reference code. The synchronization module synchronizes the plurality of confined space permits and the plurality of confined space access procedures to a mobile device. A retrieval module receives a first space reference code at the mobile device and retrieves a first confined space permit and a first confined space access procedure indexed to the first space reference code. |
| US09171304B2 |
Systems and methods for removing point of sale processing from PCI scope
The methods and systems described herein provide for processing payments at a retail location whose infrastructure has been significantly removed from PCI scope. A request for processing payments may be sent from a point of sale lane to a back office server in communication with a credit card terminal. A user may use the credit card terminal to enter in secure payment information which is securely transmitted to a remote authorization service for authorization. Through this method, the credit card terminal and sensitive payment information may be securely isolated from the remaining infrastructure at the retail location. |
| US09171301B1 |
Location aware transaction authorization
A mobile payment network may include a server receiving a request for payment from a device, where the request may include information related to a location for the device. The information related to location information for the device that is included within the request may then be used for deriving location information for the device. Given the location information for the device, a distance between the location information and a geographic area may be determined. The distance between the location information for the device and the geographic area may then serve, at least in part, as the basis for approving the request for payment. |
| US09171298B2 |
Systems and methods for managing access to benefits associated with products
Systems and methods for managing access to electronic products are described. In an embodiment, a system implemented method includes receiving, from a source, a first code associated with an item; receiving, from another source, another first code and a second code associated with the item; evaluating the first code with the another first code; associating the second code with the first code based on a result from the evaluating; identifying an access key, and transmitting the access key to the second source, the access key is for accessing one or more rights associated with the item. |
| US09171283B2 |
Capturing and visualizing data lineage in content management system
Techniques are disclosed for capturing and visualizing data lineage in content management systems. For example, a method comprises the following steps. A plurality of data sets is received. Each of the data sets is associated with a party and comprises a plurality of information. A set of lineage data about one or more of the data sets is received. The lineage data comprises information about the history of a particular data set. A user interface is presented that conveys a representation of one or more of the plurality of received data sets and at least a portion of the lineage data about the history of one or more of the data sets. A command is received at the user interface to merge or unmerge two data sets in the plurality of data sets. Two or more data sets in the plurality of data sets are merged or unmerged based on the received command. |
| US09171272B2 |
Automated generation of analytic and visual behavior
A data marketplace infrastructure allows a data source company or a third party to automate generation of one or more applications in association a data feed. In contrast to custom, manual development of applications, the data marketplace infrastructure constructs applications that suggest applicability to the data feed. Factors suggesting applicability include without limitation similarity of data structures and similarity of subject matter. Based on an applicability determination, patterns of historical visual usage and patterns of historical business logic usage may be used to identify expressions specifying the visuals and business logic that may be copied to and used in a new application in association with the data feed. Furthermore, previewers can provide feedback to help tune which automatically generated applications are maintained in association with the data feed and which are discarded or altered in some way. |
| US09171264B2 |
Parallel processing machine learning decision tree training
Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to generating a decision tree through graphical processing unit (GPU) based machine learning. For example, one embodiment provides a method including, for each level of the decision tree: performing, at each GPU of the parallel processing pipeline, a feature test for a feature in a feature set on every example in an example set. The method further includes accumulating results of the feature tests in local memory blocks. The method further includes writing the accumulated results from each local memory block to global memory to generate a histogram of features for every node in the level, and for each node in the level, assigning a feature having a lowest entropy in accordance with the histograms to the node. |
| US09171250B2 |
Restoration switching analysis with modified genetic algorithm
The method of determining back-feed paths is capable of efficiently solving multi-layer restoration problems by minimizing a fitness function using an iterative genetic algorithm. The method optimizes back-feeding of out-of-service areas by minimizing power loss, switching, unserved loads and voltage/current violations. The efficiency of the algorithm is further increased through the use of a reactive Tabu search to prevent duplicate candidate systems. |
| US09171241B2 |
Image forming apparatus and power supply unit thereof, for controlling conditions of power supply units according to input voltage
The power supply apparatus includes a first power supply unit for outputting a first voltage; a second power supply unit for outputting a second voltage different from the first voltage; a switch unit operating with the first voltage, which is disposed in a power supply path connecting to the second power supply unit, for supplying and shutting down power to the second power supply unit; a detection unit for detecting that a predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the first power supply unit; and a control unit for controlling the switch unit to stop the output of the first voltage from the first power supply unit, when the detection unit detects that the predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the first power supply unit. |
| US09171239B2 |
Processing image data strips in columnar regions
An apparatus and methods for processing image data in which an image pipeline serially processes columnar regions of a multi-row strip of the image data. |
| US09171238B2 |
Image processing system and method generating lane bitmap elements and receiving position data to adjust position of lane images in the printed image
Image processing system for generating control signals for printing means, from source image data from an image source, comprising a raster image processing and layout module configured to convert said source image data into a first lane bitmap element and a second lane bitmap element; a streaming processor arranged to receive said first lane bitmap element and said second lane bitmap element, and position signals comprising position data for said first and/or said second lane image in the printed image; said streaming processor being configured to generate control signals for the printing means based on said first lane bitmap element, said second lane bitmap element, and said position signals in order to be able to adjust the position of said first lane image and/or the position of the second lane image in the printed image. |
| US09171234B2 |
Method of learning a context of a segment of text, and associated handheld electronic device
An improved method of learning a context of a segment of text input enables facilitated text input on an improved handheld electronic device. In response to a series of inputs, segments and other objects are analyzed to generate a proposed character interpretation of the series of inputs. Responsive to detecting a replacement of a segment of the character interpretation with another segment, a combination object comprising the another segment and a preceding object is stored. In response to another series of inputs, the combination object can be employed by a processing algorithm to ascertain a preference for the another segment in the context of the preceding object of the combination object. |
| US09171233B2 |
Biometric information processing device and biometric information processing program
Provided is a small-sized, flat, vein authentication device of high authentication accuracy by photographing a living body several times and thus obtaining as registration data plural images that are picked up at different positions. A biometric information processing device of this invention comprising an image pickup device, which picks up a vein image, an image computing unit, which processes the vein image picked up by the image pickup device, an interface on which a part of a living body to be picked up is placed, and a light source, which emits infrared light. The biometric information processing device is further comprised of a sensor unit, which detects the presence or absence of a subject picked up by the image pickup device, a unit to obtain plural images as registration data, and a unit to select optimum registration data out of images obtained as registration data. |
| US09171232B2 |
Method and system for a selection of a solution technique for a task
A method, system, and computer program product for selecting a solution technique from a plurality of solution techniques for accomplishing a task is provided. The plurality of solution techniques are ranked according to a set of parameters. A first set of solutions are then obtained based on each of the plurality of solution techniques until at least the first predefined number of solutions from the first set of solutions matches with the corresponding solution from the second set of solutions. The second set of solutions corresponds to correct solutions for the task. Thereafter, one of the plurality of solution techniques is selected for which at least the first predefined number of solutions from the first set of solutions matches with the corresponding solution from the second set of solutions. |
| US09171231B2 |
System to compile landmark image search results
This patent discloses a system to compile a landmark image search result. The system may determine a rank of each image within a visual cluster according to at least one of a low-level self-similarity score, a low-level discriminative modeling score, and a point wise linking score. The landmark image search result may be compiled as a function of the rank of each image. |
| US09171227B2 |
Apparatus and method extracting feature information of a source image
Provided is an apparatus and method for extracting feature information of an image using a scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm. The apparatus may include a first interface configured to generate one or more tile images from a first source image stored in a particular memory, such as a high-capacity short-term memory, and a feature information extractor configured to receive the generated one or more tile images and to respectively extract feature information from each of the one or more input tile images, where the first interface may be configured to generate the one or more tile images by selectively dividing the first source image into the one or more tile images based on a horizontal resolution of the first source image. |
| US09171215B2 |
Image processing device
An exposure level determination unit (33) determines, for a region of interest in an original image captured by a camera (2) using a first exposure level in a control cycle at a predetermined time point, a second exposure level which is an exposure level for the next control cycle, by calculating a transparent pixel saturation rate which is a ratio of transparent pixels having a saturated gradation value among transparent pixels in the region of interest, and changing the first exposure level according to the transparent pixel saturation rate. |
| US09171214B2 |
Projecting location based elements over a heads up display
A method including the following steps is provided: generating a three dimensional (3D) model of a scene within a specified radius from a vehicle, based on a source of digital mapping of the scene; associating a position of at least one selected LAE contained within the scene, with a respective position in the 3D model; superimposing the projecting onto a specified position on a transparent screen facing a viewer and associated with the vehicle, at least one graphic indicator associated with the at least one LAE, wherein the specified position is calculated based on: the respective position of the LAE in the 3D model, the screen's geometrical and optical properties, the viewer's viewing angle, the viewer's distance from the screen, the vehicle's position and angle within the scene, such that the viewer, the graphic indicator, and the LAE are substantially on a common line. |
| US09171213B2 |
Two-dimensional and three-dimensional sliding window-based methods and systems for detecting vehicles
Provided is a method and system for efficient localization in still images. According to one exemplary method, a sliding window-based 2-D (Dimensional) space search is performed to detect a parked vehicle in a video frame acquired from a fixed parking occupancy video camera including a field of view associated with a parking region. |
| US09171212B2 |
Automatic detection of swarm attacks
Methods and apparatus for detecting a swarm attack based on a plurality of convergence hypotheses related to correlated movements of entities in an area of interest. Projected tracks for the entities are determined based on position reports received for the entities. At least one of the convergence hypotheses are updated based, at least in part on the projected tracks and a convergence hypotheses is output when a score assigned to the hypothesis exceeds a threshold value. |
| US09171210B2 |
Method and apparatus for object classifier generation, and method and apparatus for detecting object in image
The present invention provides method and apparatus for object classifier generation, and method and apparatus for detecting object in image. The method for generating a two-cell structure feature descriptor of a two-cell structure composed of a center cell and a neighbor cell in an image region, wherein the neighbor cell is one of eight cells around and adjacent to the center cell, the method comprising: calculating step for calculating statistics of gradients in the center cell and the neighbor cell respectively; and comparing step for comparing the calculated statistics of gradients in the center cell and the neighbor cell, so as to obtain a two-cell structure feature descriptor for describing the feature of the two-cell structure, andwherein the two-cell structure feature descriptor is one bit binary value. |
| US09171206B2 |
Water tables mapping
Described herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for mapping water table depths. In one implementation, a satellite image of an area of interest may be received. The satellite image may comprise a red spectrum, a green spectrum and a blue spectrum. A first map may be generated that identifies only water features on the satellite image. The first map may be convolved with a digital elevation model of the area of interest to generate a second map. The second map may identify elevations of the water features on the satellite image. An interpolation algorithm may be applied to the second map to generate a third map. The third map may identify water tables and elevations for the water tables on the satellite image. |
| US09171204B2 |
Method of perspective correction for devanagari text
An electronic device and method identify regions that are likely to be text in a natural image or video frame, followed by processing as follows: lines that are nearly vertical are automatically identified in a selected text region, oriented relative to the vertical axis within a predetermined range −max_theta to +max_theta, followed by determination of an angle θ of the identified lines, followed by use of the angle θ to perform perspective correction by warping the selected text region. After perspective correction in this manner, each text region is processed further, to recognize text therein, by performing OCR on each block among a sequence of blocks obtained by slicing the potential text region. Thereafter, the result of text recognition is used to display to the user, either the recognized text or any other information obtained by use of the recognized text. |
| US09171200B2 |
Gestural interaction identification
A method of identifying gestural interaction comprises detecting a user with an imaging device, detecting with the imaging device the depth value at the centroid of the user with respect to the imaging device, detecting with the imaging device the closest distance of the user with respect to the imaging device, and, with a processor, identifying the initiation of a gestural interaction based on the ratio of the closest distance and the depth value at the centroid of the user is above a predetermined threshold. A computer program product for identifying initiation and termination of gestural interaction within a gestural interaction system comprises a computer readable storage medium having computer usable program code embodied therewith, the computer usable program code comprising computer usable program code that identifies the initiation of a gestural interaction by a user depending on whether a virtual bubble around the user has been broken. |
| US09171194B2 |
Diffuse bright field illumination system for a barcode reader
One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode. |
| US09171192B2 |
One touch data collection method and medium
A method for collecting data and a computer-readable medium are provided. The method includes determining, using a data collection unit, that the data collection unit is physically proximal to a machine, and receiving a tag identifier from a tag positioned in, on, or near the machine using a tag reader of the data collection unit. The method also includes taking one or more measurements of one or more operating conditions of the machine using a sensor of the data collection unit. The method also includes storing the one or more measurements, and associating the one or more measurements with the tag identifier. |
| US09171187B2 |
Implementation of an integrity-protected secure storage
An internal but not integrated security token is provided for a device which includes a first integrated circuitry including a secure processor. The security token is provided by a second integrated circuitry separate from the first circuitry. The second integrated circuitry includes a secure non-volatile storage. The secure processor communicates information to the second circuitry in a secure manner for the secure information to be securely stored in the secure non-volatile storage, and the second integrated circuitry communicates information stored in its secure non-volatile storage to the secure processor in a secure manner. Communications is secured by means of cryptography. The first integrated circuitry and the second integrated circuitry are internal parts of the device. An initialization method for distributing a secure key to be shared between the circuitries and to be used in cryptography is also disclosed. |
| US09171179B2 |
System and method for the provision of multimedia materials
A method for enabling the storage, distribution, and use of associated text and media files comprises a webpage interface coupled to an information and support system, an account creation and login system, a user media storage system, a solicitation assistance and user matching system, a solicitation and collaboration agreement system, a media collaboration and project creation system, and a product gallery and sales system. Means are provided for a user to gain access to the inventive systems through an Internet connection on a local user computing device. In accordance with the invention, information is input into a database storage medium coupled to an operator system computing device which then combines the information into an augmented text-media file output. The inventive systems also distribute augmented text-media file output products to users of the inventive systems through a webpage interface system. |
| US09171177B2 |
Information processing method for executing a command included in an installer and a storage medium storing a program therefor
Commands such as installation operation and launch program commands need to be executed after appropriately switching between an administrator account and another account, for each command, when an installer constituting a program for readily performing installation operations collectively for a plurality of pieces of software or the like is launched. When an installer is launched in the present invention, process-to-process communication is secured between the processes of an administrator account and a user account, and an account to execute a command included in the installer is determined in the process of the administrator account. If the determination result indicates that the account to execute the command is the user account, the command is executed in the process of the user account rather than in the process of the administrator account. |
| US09171174B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for verifying user data access policies when server and/or user are not trusted
To verify compliance with a data access policy, a query result including data specified by a requesting entity and a representation of a data access policy is received from a database. Based on the representation of the data access policy included in the query result, it is verified whether the requesting entity is permitted to access the data included in the query result. Transmission of the data included in the query result to the requesting entity is controlled responsive to the verification. Related methods, systems, and computer program products are also discussed. |
| US09171172B2 |
Automated multi-level federation and enforcement of information management policies in a device network
Methods, apparatus, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media for managing a plurality of disparate computer application and data control policies on a computing device, especially a computing device connected to a computer network, are described. In one example, at least one policy distribution point is provided that includes least one policy distribution point including at least one information management policy. A plurality of policy enforcement points, including a first policy enforcement point operating at a first policy enforcement level, and a second enforcement point operating at second policy enforcement level, are also provided. A first policy element to the first policy enforcement point, and a second policy element to the second policy enforcement point, are allocated. A management compartment in computer memory in communication with said computing device including one or more computer applications, data, and metadata specified and controlled by the information management policy is also provided. |
| US09171171B1 |
Generating a heat map to identify vulnerable data users within an organization
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for generating a heat map to identify vulnerable data users within an organization are provided herein. A method includes comparing each of one or more items of data against a set of one or more pre-configured data sensitivity parameters to detect one or more sensitive data operations within the one or more items of data, generating an alert corresponding to each of the one or more sensitive data operations, wherein the alert provides one or more items of information pertaining to the corresponding sensitive data operation, and processing the one or more alerts to generate a heat map representing an association between each of multiple users and the one or more sensitive data operations usage. |
| US09171166B2 |
Data processing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium
Disclosed is a data processing apparatus providing a predetermined function by executing a program for the data processing apparatus, including a first storage unit that stores encoded execution starting data for starting execution of the program; a first decode key storage unit that stores a first decode key capable of decoding the encoded execution starting data; a start up unit that obtains the first decode key from the first decode key storage unit when turning on the power is accepted and decodes the encoded execution starting data by the first decode key to start executing the program; and an authentication confirmation unit that sends a request for authentication to an external apparatus after the start up unit starts executing the program and starts providing the predetermined function when obtaining an authentication result indicating the apparatus is authenticated from the external apparatus. |
| US09171163B2 |
Mutually assured data sharing between distrusting parties in a network environment
An apparatus for sharing information between entities includes a processor and a trusted execution module executing on the processor. The trusted execution module is configured to receive first confidential information from a first client device associated with a first entity, seal the first confidential information within a trusted execution environment, receive second confidential information from a second client device associated with a second entity, seal the second confidential information within the trusted execution environment, and execute code within the trusted execution environment. The code is configured to compute a confidential result based upon the first confidential information and the second confidential information. |
| US09171159B2 |
Performing security operations using binary translation
In an embodiment, a processor includes a binary translation engine to receive a code segment, to generate a binary translation of the code segment, and to store the binary translation in a translation cache, where the binary translation includes at least one policy check routine to be executed during execution of the binary translation on behalf of a security agent. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09171156B1 |
Systems and methods for managing malware signatures
A computer-implemented method for managing malware signatures. The method may include maintaining a set of active malware signatures and maintaining a set of dormant malware signatures. The method may also include providing the set of active malware signatures for use in malware detection more frequently than the set of dormant malware signatures and determining that a first malware signature from the set of dormant malware signatures triggers one or more positive malware detection responses. The method may further include, in response to the determination, moving the first malware signature from the set of dormant malware signatures to the set of active malware signatures. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09171152B1 |
Systems and methods for preventing chronic false positives
A computer-implemented method for preventing chronic false positives may include (1) whitelisting a file based on a challenge notification that challenges a classification of the file as insecure, (2) obtaining attribute information about the file, (3) identifying, by analyzing the attribute information, a primitive that identifies a source of origin for the file, (4) determining, based on an analysis of files that originate from the source of origin, that the source of origin identified by the primitive is trustworthy, and (5) adjusting, based on the determination that the source of origin identified by the primitive is trustworthy, a security policy associated with the primitive to prevent future false positives for other files that originate from the source of origin. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09171151B2 |
Reputation-based in-network filtering of client event information
A policy management system is described herein which generates rules based, at least in part, on reputation information provided by at least one reputation source and client event information forwarded by filtering logic. The policy management system then deploys the rules to the filtering logic. The filtering logic, which resides in-network between clients and at least one service, uses the rules to process client event information sent by the clients to the service(s). In one illustrative environment, the service corresponds to an ad hosting service, which uses the policy management system and filtering logic to help prevent malicious client traffic from reaching the ad host service, or otherwise negatively affecting the ad hosting service. |
| US09171148B1 |
Process for reporting and remediating application development standards
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for a system for monitoring application development standards. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to access application code on a server associated with a network, wherein the application code is installed on the server; scan the application code to identify applications that are integrated into the application code; identify products in the application code based on the scan, wherein the products are identified based on a textual analysis of the application code; compare the products identified in the application code to a list of non-allowed products; identify non-allowed products in the application code based on the comparison of the products to the list; determine an allowed product as an alternative to the non-allowed product; and provide a report to a user comprising the non-allowed product and the alternative allowed product. |
| US09171147B2 |
Process and system for strengthening password security
A process and a system that create and encrypt rich formatted passwords that increase password strength and security in some embodiments are disclosed. The process increases password security by converting a set of password tokens and a set of password appearance alterations into a rich formatted password and then encrypting the rich formatted password. The system of some embodiments includes (i) a data converter for assembling a rich formatted password from a data object comprising a set of password tokens and a set of password appearance alterations received at a password creation user interface (UI) of a computing device and (ii) a data encrypter for encrypting rich formatted passwords and decrypting encrypted rich formatted passwords, and (iii) a database for storing and retrieving encrypted rich formatted passwords. |
| US09171146B2 |
Method and system for monitoring calls to an application program interface (API) function
A method and device for monitoring calls to an application program interface (API) function includes monitoring for a memory permission violation of a computing device caused by the API function call. If a memory permission violation occurs, control of the computing device is transferred to a virtual machine monitor to intervene prior to execution of the API function. The virtual machine monitor may perform one or more actions in response to the API function call. |
| US09171141B2 |
Adaptive virtual keyboard for handheld device
In various embodiments, the size, shape, and arrangement of keys on a virtual keyboard may be determined based on touchscreen contacts made by the user. Further, the actual contact patch made by the user may be analyzed to interpret which point of contact was intended, and other factors such as spelling and context may also be considered. These factors may be determined based on a calibration session and/or on continuing inputs during operation of the keyboard, and applied to future operational interpretations of the touchscreen contacts. |
| US09171140B2 |
System and method for unified passcode processing
A system and method for unified password processing is provided. According to an aspect, a device can receive a unified passcode. The unified passcode can be a passcode for unlocking access to the device, or can be the basis for generating additional passwords or both. The unified passcode can also be used for generating additional passcodes for unlocking additional features of the device. The generated passcodes can also be used for unlocking modules that are connected to a device such as a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In cases where a generated passcode can be used to unlock a UICC, the generated passcode is converted to a personal identification number (PIN). The mobile interface to the UICC can be extended to include alphanumeric passwords, in addition to PINs. |
| US09171127B1 |
Layout generating method
A design layout generating method is provided. A design layout including a first pattern and a second pattern is provided to a computer system, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern meet a design rule of an integrated circuit, respectively. The first pattern and the second pattern are combined into a third pattern. Next, the third pattern is checked if it meets a definition of a weak pattern, wherein the weak pattern is a pattern that meets the design rule but still forms defects. Then, the third pattern is modified and a new design layout is generated. |
| US09171125B2 |
Limiting skew between different device types to meet performance requirements of an integrated circuit
Methods and systems are provided for that are designed to impose an n-type to p-type device skew constraint that is beyond what normal technology limits allow in order to operate semiconductor devices at lower voltages while still achieving a similar performance at a lower power. More specifically, a method is provided for that includes setting device skew requirements for at least one library element, setting device skew test dispositions for the at least one library element based on the set device skew requirements, designing the at least one library element using device skew assumptions, fabricating the at least one library element on a product that includes at least one device skew monitor, determining an actual device skew of the fabricated at least one library element using the at least one device skew monitor, and determining whether the fabricated product meets target specifications. |
| US09171123B2 |
Diagnosis and debug using truncated simulation
Patterns used to detect a failure in a semiconductor chip are analyzed to determine a subset of logic in a design where a semiconductor chip, fabricated based on the design, contains a fault in the subset. Parts of the semiconductor chip can be pre-calculated to identify a key subsection of logic, based on the patterns, with that subsection being stored in a computer readable file. Good-machine simulation is performed on the subsection of logic using truncated rank-ordered simulation. The results are compared to the results of the testing of the physical semiconductor chip. |
| US09171118B2 |
Expert system-based integrated inductor synthesis and optimization
Apparatus and method for designing an electrical component including a processor and a user interface, enabling a user to input a desired characteristic of the electrical component, such as inductance or quality factor at an operating frequency for an integrated spiral inductor. The processor is configured to determine sufficiently optimal characteristics of the electrical component, combining the user desired characteristic with other preset characteristics of the electrical component, to define a first model of the electrical component, to simulate the model having the combined characteristics to determine performance, and to draw on a rule-set of expert knowledge relating to the general dependency of at least one design criterion, such as a physical, geometrical or performance characteristic, with another design criterion in order to enable modification of the model, thereby iteratively to determine a design solution for the electrical component through one or more simulations and modifications using the rule-set. |
| US09171117B2 |
Method for ranking paths for power optimization of an integrated circuit design and corresponding computer program product
The invention pertains to a method for ranking paths for power optimization of an integrated circuit design, comprising identifying a plurality of paths of the integrated circuit design, each path comprising one or more instances of electronic devices providing an instance power estimate for each instance in the identified paths providing, for each identified path, at least one weighted power estimate based on the instance power estimates for instances in the path, and providing a ranking of the paths based on the least one weighted power estimate. The invention also pertains to a corresponding computer program product. |
| US09171114B2 |
Managing the configuration and functionality of a semiconductor design
A method of managing the configuration, design parameters, and functionality of an integrated circuit (IC) design using a hardware description language (HDL). Instructions can be added, subtracted, or generated by the designer interactively during the design process, and customized HDL descriptions of the IC design are generated through the use of scripts based on the user-edited instruction set and inputs. The customized HDL description can then be used as the basis for generating “makefiles” for purposes of simulation and/or logic level synthesis. The method further affords the ability to generate an HDL model of a complete device, such as a microprocessor or DSP. A computer program implementing the aforementioned method and a hardware system for running the computer program are also disclosed. |
| US09171109B2 |
Method to couple fluid-flow and geomechanical models for integrated petroleum systems using known triggering events
Coupling fluid-flow model and geomechanical model for integrated petroleum systems, in one aspect, may comprise analyzing historical data associated with a reservoir to determine one or more triggering events that trigger abrupt changes in the state of stress of the reservoir solid framework and in the pore pressure. One or more time steps are defined based on the determined triggering events. The fluid-flow model and the geomechanical model are coupled at the one or more defined time steps, e.g., one-way or two-way. Number of iterations may be calculated automatically for the two-way coupling to converge. |
| US09171106B2 |
Apparatus and method to collect and condense design violations from output data files
A method includes searching a plurality of lines of a log file for a violation of a defined condition; creating a database of all discovered violations; converting the database of all discovered to a list of output violations grouped by master; and producing a condensed summary of error messages, the producing including: searching for a selected error message; extracting a single instance or error message and load into a master log file; searching for all other examples at all levels of a hierarchical output of the list; writing a count of instances of the violation messages to the master log file; and presenting a single instance of the violations, and the count of that violation. |
| US09171101B2 |
Data converter
A method and apparatus are provided for preparing a data converter between a source apparatus, in which source data items have been stored according to a predetermined specification of source representation, and a user apparatus having a specification of user representation for the utilization of user data items. The method includes: setting up a pair of machine-interpretable source and user descriptors respectively, of the source and user specifications of representation respectively; and comparing between the source descriptor and the user descriptor to set up therefrom a block for data interpretation by a machine. |
| US09171097B2 |
Memoizing web-browsing computation with DOM-based isomorphism
Methods and devices for accelerating webpage rendering by a browser store document object model (DOM) tree structures and computations of rendered pages, and compare portions of a DOM tree of pages being render to determining if portions of the DOM tree structures match. If a DOM tree of a webpage to be rendered matches a DOM tree stored in memory, the computations associated with the match DOM tree may be recalled from memory, obviating the need to perform the calculations to render the page. A tree isomorphism algorithm may be used to recognize DOM trees stored in memory that match the DOM tree of the webpage to be rendered. Reusing rendering computations may significantly reducing the time and resources required for rendering web pages. Identifying reusable portions of calculation results based on DOM tree isomorphism enables the browser to reuse stored webpage rendering calculations even when URLs do not match. |
| US09171091B2 |
Storing a journal of local and remote interactions
An embodiment relates generally to a method of displaying information. The method includes monitoring any user activity within at least one application executing on a computer and detecting a completion of a user activity. The method also includes creating a link to the completed user activity and placing in the link in a time-ordered sequential basis in a journal section of a desktop of the computer. |
| US09171086B1 |
Website duration performance based on category durations
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining duration performance of websites. In one aspect, a method includes, for each of a plurality of websites, obtaining duration measurements of user device session visits to resources of the website, obtaining data describing a plurality of categories to which the website belongs; determining for each of the plurality of categories to which the website belongs, a category duration score based on the duration measurements, each category durations score being proportional to durations of time from the duration measurements; and determining from one or more of the category duration scores, a duration performance score for the website, the duration performance score proportional to the one or more category duration scores from which the duration performance score is determined. |
| US09171082B2 |
Systems, methods, and interfaces for researching contractual precedents
The present inventors, devised among other things, an exemplary method of researching provisions of contracts. The exemplary method entails receiving user selection of one or more predefined queries for contractual precedents, and executing a search of one or more databases containing agreements based on the received user selection. After executing the search, the method entails displaying a subset of the search results based on a predefined filter stored in association with an identifier for the user. The predefined filter may filter based on traits such as jurisdiction, deal size, industry, or a list of companies. |
| US09171081B2 |
Entity augmentation service from latent relational data
The subject disclosure is directed towards providing data for augmenting an entity-attribute-related task. Pre-processing is preformed on entity-attribute tables extracted from the web, e.g., to provide indexes that are accessible to find data that completes augmentation tasks. The indexes are based on both direct mappings and indirect mappings between tables. Example augmentation tasks include queries for augmented data based on an attribute name or examples, or finding synonyms for augmentation. An online query is efficiently processed by accessing the indexes to return augmented data related to the task. |
| US09171080B2 |
Domain constraint path based data record extraction
Described herein are techniques for extracting data records containing user-generated content from documents. The documents may be processed into document trees in which sub-trees represent the data records of the document. Domain constraints may be used to locate structured portions of the document tree. For example, anchor trees may be located as being sets of sibling sub-trees with similar tag paths that contain the domain constraints. The anchor trees may then be used to determine a record boundary (e.g., the start offset and length) of the data records. Finally, the data records may be extracted based on the anchor trees and the record boundaries. |
| US09171076B2 |
Help information for links in a mashup page
A mashup page presents link help information for logical links that pass context between widgets on the mashup page. |
| US09171067B2 |
HLA to XML conversion
A method includes establishing a connection and subscribing to at least one channel of a High Level Architecture (HLA) federation and an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB). The method further includes receiving a text file defining the format of an HLA message; a first extensible Markup Language (XML) document conforming to a first schema that defines data within a first message type; and a second XML document conforming to a second schema that defines data within a second message type. The method further includes receiving a first HLA message over the at least one HLA channel, extracting at least one piece of data from the first HLA message, generating a first XML message, and publishing the first XML message over the at least one ESB channel. The method also includes receiving a second XML message over the at least one ESB channel, extracting at least one piece of data from the second XML message, generating a second HLA message conforming to the text file, and publishing the second HLA message over the at least one HLA channel. |
| US09171064B2 |
Intelligent community based results related to a character stream
Information may be presented to a user by using a first application to receive a character stream of one or more noncompletion characters. The noncompletion characters indicate that additional characters may be received. The character stream is exchanged with a host that analyzes the character stream to generate results that are responsive to the user's predicted interest. Results are received and displayed so that the user may select one of the results to launch a code segment related to the selected result. |
| US09171062B2 |
Real-time search of vertically partitioned, inverted indexes
Provided are techniques for processing a query. A query including constraints for at least two vertically partitioned, inverted indexes is received. The constraints in the query are separated based on the vertically partitioned, inverted indexes. A document identifier iterator is obtained for each of the constraints, wherein each document identifier iterator is associated with a posting list, and wherein each posting list is ordered by document identifier order. A run-time join of the posting lists is performed to obtain a final result set. |
| US09171061B2 |
Local storage and conditioning systems for nutritional substances
Nutritional substance systems and methods are disclosed enabling the tracking and communication of changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values of nutritional substances, and further enabling the adaptive storage and adaptive conditioning of nutritional substances. |
| US09171055B1 |
Content packs for multidimensional data storage cubes
Some embodiments provide a program that defines a set of data source views (DSVs) that each derives data from a subset of a set of data source objects. The program defines a set of dimensions that each derives data from a first DSV in the set of DSVs. The program defines a set of multidimensional data storage (MDDS) cubes that each derives data from a subset of the set of dimensions and a second DSV in the set of DSVs. The program generates a content pack that includes a set of DSV definitions for the set of DSVs, a set of dimension definitions for the set of dimensions, and a set of MDDS cube definitions for the set of MDDS cubes. The content pack for an MDDS system to process in order to provision the set of MDDS cubes to MDDS clients for viewing the set of MDDS cubes. |
| US09171043B2 |
Dynamically determining join order
A weight is determined for each of a plurality of join predicates for a join between one or more first database objects and one or more second database objects based on a join selectivity for each of the plurality of join predicates. The plurality of join predicates are sorted based on the determined weights. The join operation is performed joining the one or more first database objects with the one or more second database objects in accordance with an order of the sorted plurality of join predicates. |
| US09171041B1 |
RLE-aware optimization of SQL queries
SQL queries are optimized to operate directly on compressed data (and obtain the correct result) rather than requiring that the data be first decompressed prior to processing a query. Certain characteristic pattern trees are mapped against a logical input query plan that includes certain logical operators such as a DECOMPRESS that precedes a JOIN or a GROUPBY in association with a COUNT to identify instances in the plan that match a characteristic pattern. Upon locating a match, the input query plan is transformed into a logically equivalent plan that operates correctly on compressed data, by analyzing the interplay of the semantics of logical query operations with the compressed data and substituting less costly structures and operations. DECOMPRESS operations are moved to operate subsequent to a JOIN or eliminated altogether, and COUNT operations are replaced by a different operation, such as SUM, that is logically equivalent for compressed data. |
| US09171040B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing query evaluation and processing in a subscription notification service
A method, system, and computer program product for optimizing query evaluation and processing services in a subscription notification system are provided. The method includes determining hierarchical relationships among a set of subscription queries received from subscription client systems. The hierarchical relationships are determined by identifying subscription queries that are subsets of corresponding other subscription queries in the set. The method also includes creating at least one subscription query at a notification source, the at least one subscription query corresponding to one or more selected subscription queries in the set and including any corresponding subsets. |
| US09171036B2 |
Batching heterogeneous database commands
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for batching heterogeneous database commands. The heterogeneous database commands may include at least two database command types. Further, at least two of the heterogeneous database commands may include host variables. A request to execute the heterogeneous database commands may be received. The heterogeneous database commands may be sent to a database system for execution, responsive to the request. |
| US09171033B2 |
Method and system for allowing access to developed applications via a multi-tenant on-demand database service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for allowing access to developed applications via a multi-tenant on-demand database service, in a controlled environment. These mechanisms and methods for providing such access can enable embodiments to provide additional control over the development process as well as the access of such developed applications. The ability of embodiments to provide such additional control may lead to an improved application development framework, etc. |
| US09171031B2 |
Merging index nodes of a hierarchical dispersed storage index
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to merge two data object level index nodes and merging the two nodes into a temporarily merged data object level index node. The method continues with the DS processing module initiating updating of a hierarchical ordered index structure by identifying an address for storing the temporarily merged data object level index node, setting up deletion of the two data object level index nodes, setting up linking the temporarily merged data object level index node to a next level node of the hierarchical ordered index structure, and determining whether a change has occurred to at least one of one or more of the two data object level index nodes and the next level node. When the change has not occurred, the method continues with the DS processing module commencing the updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure. |
| US09171028B1 |
Method of maintaining a large set of taint labels
A method of maintaining a large set of taint labels for tracking a flow of data through a program is provided, including identifying at least a first data and a second data, associated with a first taint storage element and a second taint storage element, respectively; joining the first taint storage element and the second taint storage element to generate at least one joined taint storage element commonly associated with the first data and the second data; processing the first data and the second data associated with the at least one joined taint storage element through the program from the entry point to an egress point; and defining a condition based on the joined taint storage element at the egress point. |
| US09171023B2 |
Mechanism for updates in a database engine
A method for database processing includes allocating primary, secondary and tertiary data structures for each column. Columnar content is written into the primary data structure. Updated values are written into the tertiary data structure. Storage keys indicate correspondence to the primary data structure. Query responses involve first reading updated values from the tertiary data structure, sorting by storage keys, storing into the secondary data structure, and clearing the tertiary data structure. Then the primary and secondary data structures are consulted to respond to the query, reading the value for each row from the secondary data structure where present, otherwise from the primary data structure. A commit phase produces a new version of the primary data structure by merging the secondary data structure and an old version of the primary data structure, consulting them in a similar manner. |
| US09171020B2 |
Deleting records in a multi-level storage architecture
Deleting a data record from the second level storage or main store is disclosed. A look-up is performed for the data record in the first level storage, where the data record is defined by a row identifier. If the row identifier is found in the first level storage, a look-up is performed for an updated row identifier representing an update of the data record in the second level storage and the main store, the update of the data record being defined by an updated row identifier. If the updated row identifier is found in the second level storage, an undo log is generated from the first level storage to invalidate a row identifier of the row identifier. A flag is generated representing an invalid updated row identifier, and a redo log is generated to restore the data record in the first level storage. |
| US09171012B2 |
Facial image search system and facial image search method
According to one embodiment, a facial image search system including, search module configured to calculate degree of similarity between facial features extracted by feature extraction module and facial features contained in database and output search result based on calculated degree of similarity, measuring module configured to measure amount of search result output by search module, and selection module configured to sort out search result output by search module if amount of search result measured by measuring module is equal to or more than preset threshold. |
| US09171011B1 |
Building search by contents
Aspects of the invention relate generally to identifying and providing 3D models in response to a search request. More specifically, a server may access a database of 3D models, at least some of which include geolocation information such as an address, intersection, or geolocation coordinates. The server may select a particular model and identify points of interest. For example, the server may use detailed map information to identify points of interest located at or near the geolocation information associated with the particular model. Once a point of interest has been identified, a corresponding system tag may be generated and associated with the 3D model. Tags may be used to index, search, and retrieve 3D models in response to a search request. For example, when a request for a 3D model is received, the server identifies the search terms and searches the tags to identify relevant 3D models. |
| US09171008B2 |
Performing data storage operations with a cloud environment, including containerized deduplication, data pruning, and data transfer
Various systems and methods may be used for performing data storage operations, including content-indexing, containerized deduplication, and policy-driven storage, within a cloud environment. The systems support a variety of clients and cloud storage sites that may connect to the system in a cloud environment that requires data transfer over wide area networks, such as the Internet, which may have appreciable latency and/or packet loss, using various network protocols, including HTTP and FTP. Methods for content indexing data stored within a cloud environment may facilitate later searching, including collaborative searching. Methods for performing containerized deduplication may reduce the strain on a system namespace, effectuate cost savings, etc. Methods may identify suitable storage locations, including suitable cloud storage sites, for data files subject to a storage policy. Further, the systems and methods may be used for providing a cloud gateway and a scalable data object store within a cloud environment. |
| US09171003B2 |
Shared media crawler database method and system
The embodiments relate to transcoding, cataloging, and extracting metadata about files stored in a storage device. In one embodiment, a crawler runs on the storage device and maintains a database that is stored in the volume with the data that has been cataloged by the crawler. The crawler may discover files of any type and extract associated metadata about the files. The crawler can extract metadata about client interaction with various files, such as edits, play counts, etc. The crawler may discover files of any type and extract associated metadata about the files automatically during a scan or at the request of a client. In one embodiment, the crawler may be responsive to file system events that indicate changes to the file system, such as additions, deletions, or other types of changes. In addition, the crawler may synchronize the database with the file system so that they indicated the same state for a particular file. Furthermore, the crawler may provide notifications to various entities regarding the state of a file. |
| US09170998B2 |
Generating simulated containment reports of dynamically assembled components in a content management system
A content management system (CMS) uses a simulated containment report generation mechanism to generate a simulated containment report for elements in the repository based on logged properties that represent potential use of the element during dynamic content delivery that are not represented in formal relationships in the content management system. Properties such as probability, popularity, and recent usage that are not explicit relationships between parent documents and child elements are logged and used to determine which document maps may potentially reuse a selected element. In this manner a simulated containment report can be created for an element that allows the user to see the document maps that are most likely to include the element. |
| US09170989B2 |
System and method for facilitating posting of public and private user comments at a web site
A software system and method that allows web site operators to adapt web pages for posting of public and private user comments. An administrator accesses a web site to enter data for creating reader comment areas. HTML code for the reader comment areas is generated for insertion into web pages. When the web page containing the code is posted to a web site, the code results in a reader comment display page where web site visitors can comment on the content of the particular web page where the reader comment area appears. Comments are saved at a remote web site accessible to the administrator. The administrator may review and manage the reader comments. A reader who makes a comment on a web page has the option of creating a personal journal comprising all comments entered by the reader at any web page enabled according to the invention. |
| US09170988B2 |
Method for causing computer to display page view on display area by converting HTML page into new HTML pages, and non-transitory computer readable media recording program
A simple and easy-to-use method is provided for dividing an html page at positions intended by the designer in accordance with the type of display device on which the page is to be displayed. A controller searches an html page for comment statements that have been formed according to predetermined grammatical rules and inserted in advance into the html page coding, divides the html page at positions at which the comment statements are found to have been inserted, restores to each divided html page the attribute data lost due to the division process, and generates the new html pages. |
| US09170985B1 |
Bidirectional fast fourier transform in an integrated circuit device
Methods and systems for performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations are disclosed. A plurality of cascaded stages compute a selectable one of a forward decimation-in-frequency (DFT) FFT operation in a forward direction from an ith stage to a jth stage, and a reverse DFT FFT operation in a reverse direction from the jth stage to the ith stage. The reduction in time and resource usage from employing the disclosed bidirectional DIF FFT architectures may significantly increase performance of DIF applications, for example, ones that involve streaming FFTs. |
| US09170982B2 |
Machinery fingerprinting
Disclosed are various embodiments for a fingerprinting application. Data and optionally additional metadata for an operational automobile are captured by an application executed on a mobile device inside the automobile. An fingerprinting application matches the data to known data profiles to confirm the identity or type of the automobile. Diagnostics of the automobile can be determined by variations in the data with respect to a defined standard. The data can include one or more of audio data, accelerometer data, vibration, data and orientation data. |
| US09170980B2 |
Ground-referenced single-ended signaling connected graphics processing unit multi-chip module
A system of interconnected chips comprising a multi-chip module (MCM) includes a processor chip, a system functions chip, and an MCM package configured to include the processor chip, the system functions chip, and an interconnect circuit. The processor chip is configured to include a first ground-referenced single-ended signaling interface circuit. A first set of electrical traces manufactured within the MCM package and configured to couple the first single-ended signaling interface circuit to the interconnect circuit. The system functions chip is configured to include a second single-ended signaling interface circuit and a host interface. A second set of electrical traces manufactured within the MCM package and configured to couple the host interface to at least one external pin of the MCM package. In one embodiment, each single-ended signaling interface advantageously implements ground-referenced single-ended signaling. |
| US09170976B2 |
Network efficiency and power savings
A mechanism is provided for resource management. A first network interface card in a set of network interface cards receives network data from one or more servers in a set of servers. Responsive to the first network interface card determining that a first threshold has been met indicating that an overload condition is imminent in the first network interface card, the first network interface card sends a resume signal to a second network interface card in the set of network interface cards. Responsive to the first network interface card determining that a second threshold is being met indicating that the overload condition has been met in the first network interface card, the first network interface card delegates the network data that caused the overload condition to be met to the second interface card. |
| US09170969B2 |
Cached PHY register data access
Ethernet physical sublayer (PHY) devices each provide PHY register data. One or more of the Ethernet PHY devices are connected to each of one or more management data input/output (MDIO)/management data clock (MDC) interfaces to which a number of MDIO/MDC controllers are connected. Each MDIO/MDC controller polls a corresponding MDIO/MDC interface to receive the PHY register data from the one or more Ethernet PHY devices connected thereto. The MDIO/MDC controllers store portions of the PHY register data received from the Ethernet PHY devices to a memory to which an interface is connected. A processor connected to the interface accesses the portions of the PHY register data stored to the memory. The processor can retrieve the portions of the PHY register data over the interface more quickly than the MDIO/MDC controllers can retrieve the PHY register data over the MDIO/MDC interfaces. |
| US09170965B2 |
Interrupt assigning method, interrupt control method, and system therefor
A multicore processor system includes core configured to detect a process assignment instruction; acquire a remaining time obtained by subtracting a processing time of interrupt processing assigned to an arbitrary core of a multicore processor from a period that is from a calling time of the interrupt processing to an execution time limit of the interrupt processing, upon detecting the process assignment instruction; judge if the remaining time acquired at the acquiring is greater than or equal to a processing time of processing defined to limit an interrupt in the process; and assign the process to the arbitrary core, upon judging that the remaining time is greater than or equal to the processing time of the processing defined to limit an interrupt in the process. |
| US09170963B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating interrupt signal that supports multi-processor
A method for generating an interrupt signal in a memory controller and supporting a multi-processor is provided. Whether an access for a determined memory region occurs is determined. When the access for the determined memory region occurs, whether the access for the determined memory region has a right is determined. When the access for the determined memory region has the right, a core that will generate an interrupt signal is determined. The determined core is requested to generate the interrupt signal. |
| US09170962B2 |
Dynamic designation of retirement order in out-of-order store queue
A method, system and processing device for retiring data entries held within a store queue (STQ). The STQ of a processor cache is modified to receive and process several types of data entries including: non-synchronized (non-sync), thread of execution synchronized (thread-sync), and all thread of execution synchronized (all-thread-sync). The task of storing data entries, from the STQ out to memory or an input/output device, is modified to increase the effectiveness of the cache. The modified STQ allows non-sync, thread-sync, and all-thread-sync instructions to coexist in the STQ regardless of the thread of execution. Stored data entries, or stores are deterministically selected for retirement, according to the data entry type. |
| US09170959B2 |
Method and device for configuring storage system connection
A method for configuring a connection in a storage system is provided. A configuring device determines that the configuring device cannot communicate with a first control board; searches a route information table for route information related to the first control board, wherein the route information is route information between an adapter card and the first control board, wherein the adapter card is connected to a north bridge of the first control board through a PCIe bus; modifies the searched out route information by changing an address of the first control board in the route information to an address of a second control board, and stores the modified route information in the route information table. |
| US09170958B2 |
False power failure alert impact mitigation
Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include copying, by a storage system having a volatile memory configured as a write cache, write cache data from the volatile memory to a solid state device, upon receiving a signal indicating a loss of power to the storage system. Subsequent to copying the write cache data, the solid state device is configured as the write cache. |
| US09170948B2 |
Cache coherency using die-stacked memory device with logic die
A die-stacked memory device implements an integrated coherency manager to offload cache coherency protocol operations for the devices of a processing system. The die-stacked memory device includes a set of one or more stacked memory dies and a set of one or more logic dies. The one or more logic dies implement hardware logic providing a memory interface and the coherency manager. The memory interface operates to perform memory accesses in response to memory access requests from the coherency manager and the one or more external devices. The coherency manager comprises logic to perform coherency operations for shared data stored at the stacked memory dies. Due to the integration of the logic dies and the memory dies, the coherency manager can access shared data stored in the memory dies and perform related coherency operations with higher bandwidth and lower latency and power consumption compared to the external devices. |
| US09170943B2 |
Selectively enabling write caching in a storage system based on performance metrics
According to a method of cache management in a data storage system including a write cache and bulk storage media, a storage controller of the data storage system caches, in the write cache, write data of write input/output operations (IOPs) received at the storage controller. In response to a first performance-related metric for the data storage system satisfying a first threshold, the storage controller decreases a percentage of write IOPs for which write data is cached in the write cache of the data storage system and increases a percentage of write IOPs for which write data is stored directly in the bulk storage media in lieu of the write cache. In response to a second performance-related metric for the data storage system satisfying a second threshold, the storage controller increases the percentage of write IOPs for which write data is cached in the write cache of the data storage system. |
| US09170940B2 |
Techniques to prelink software to improve memory de-duplication in a virtual system
Techniques to prelink software to improve memory de-duplication in a virtual system are described. An apparatus may comprise a processor circuit, a memory unit coupled to the processor circuit to store private memory pages for multiple virtual machines, and a dynamic linker application operative on the processor circuit to link a binary version of a software program with associated program modules at run-time of the binary version on a virtual machine. The dynamic linker application may comprise a master prelink component operative on the processor circuit to relocate a first set of program modules for a first binary version of the software program for a first virtual machine using a first set of virtual memory addresses from a first private memory page allocated to the first virtual machine, and store relocation information for the first set of program modules in a global prelink layout map for use by a second virtual machine. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09170934B2 |
Server and drive control device
According to one embodiment, a drive control device includes a monitor, data memory and a controller. The monitor monitors an operating state of a solid-state drive and detects whether the solid-state drive is busy. The data memory is capable of holding temporarily a write target data which should be written to the solid-state drive or a read target data which was read from the solid-state drive and should be transmitted to a requestor. The controller which writes the write target data to the data memory when the controller receives a write request and the monitor detects that the solid-state drive is busy, and which writes the write target data held in the data memory to the solid-state drive after the solid-state drive becomes not busy. |
| US09170932B1 |
System data storage mechanism providing coherency and segmented data loading
A data storage subsystem is disclosed that implements a process for storing and/or reconstructing system data, such as a system mapping table. In certain embodiments, table pages are systematically copied, or flushed, to non-volatile memory in a progressive manner, according to a fixed ratio of flushed table pages per table update trigger, thereby facilitating write and/or load efficiency. Full or partial reconstruction of a table may be performed within a bounded number of operations based on the size of the table, the ratio implemented, and/or other characteristics. |
| US09170931B2 |
Partitioning a memory into a high and a low performance partitions
Examples disclose partitioning a volatile memory into a high performance partition and a low performance partition. Further the example discloses retrieving an application with a high performance data and a low performance data from a non-volatile memory to place the high and the low performance data in the high and low performance partitions, respectively. Additionally, the example also discloses receiving a request to decrease power and in response, reduce an amount of power to the high performance partition and maintaining an amount of power provided to the low performance partition. |
| US09170930B1 |
Method for achieving sequential I/O performance from a random workload
Methods, computer media encoding instructions, and that receive write requests directed to non-sequential logical block addresses and writing the write requests to sequential disk block addresses in a storage system include an overprovision of a storage system to include an increment of additional storage space such that it is more likely a large enough sequential block of storage will be available to accommodate incoming write requests. |
| US09170925B1 |
Generating test scenario templates from subsets of test steps utilized by different organizations
System, method, and non-transitory medium for generating a test scenario template from runs of test scenarios that include a subset of test steps. Executing the method involves the steps of identifying runs of test scenarios run by users on software systems that belong to different organizations; identifying subsets of test steps that are frequently described in the runs; receiving a profile of a user and selecting, based on the profile, a certain subset, from among the subsets, which is appropriate for the user; selecting, from among the identified runs, a first run and a second run; the first and second runs include test steps that are essentially identical to the test steps in the certain subset; and generating a test scenario template based on the first and second subsets of test steps. |
| US09170924B2 |
Ecosystem certification of a partner product
Exemplary systems and methods certify a partner product for use with an originally developed product. A certification agent within a partner computing system transmits, to a certification server that is external to the partner computing system, an indication that the certification agent is ready to run a certification test of a partner product. The certification agent is configured to run the certification test. The certification agent is communicatively coupled to a testbed operating within the partner computing system and in which the partner product is to be tested. The certification agent receives, from the external certification server, an instruction to implement at least a portion of the certification test. In response to receiving the instruction, the certification agent initiates the portion of the certification test within testbed. |
| US09170921B2 |
Application testing automation
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a test for an application is created. An application is identified with functionality applied through a graphical user interface. A determination is made of expected characteristics of an application object that will be included in a version of the application once the version of the application becomes available for testing through the graphical user interface. A virtual object is created according to the expected characteristics of the application object. A step associated with the virtual object is incorporated into a test case to be used on the version of the application. The test case that includes the virtual object is executed on the version of the application when the version of the application becomes available for testing through the graphical user interface. |
| US09170920B2 |
Identifying and tagging breakpoint instructions for facilitation of software debug
A processor stores an address of a first instruction of a first instruction set into a first register. The processor determines that a first instruction set location of the first instruction address matches a breakpoint instruction set location of a breakpoint instruction address stored in a second register, wherein the second register includes a state bit. The processor retrieves the first instruction. The processor determines that a breakpoint instruction offset of the breakpoint instruction address identifies the first instruction as the breakpoint. The processor sets the state bit of the second register. The processor removes the first instruction based on the state bit being set and then re-retrieves the first instruction. The processor tags the first instruction and generates an interrupt based on either the tagged first instruction being next to completion or the tagged first instruction being completed. |
| US09170916B2 |
Power profiling and auditing consumption systems and methods
Systems and methods for estimating power consumption in a network of computing devices are described. Operational information of a target server is periodically received and compared to benchmark data of a model of the target server. The operational information comprises performance data of the target server during a predefined time interval. Power consumption of the target server is estimated using the performance and benchmark data. The benchmark data is recalibrated if an error in the estimated power consumption is detected. An agent installed on the target server for collecting performance data is described. The target server can be a virtualized server, in which case, the agent acquires at least some of the performance data from a hypervisor of a physical server that hosts the target server. |
| US09170914B2 |
Interface monitoring device for an interface port and use of an interface monitoring device
An interface monitoring apparatus for an interface port for connecting a peripheral device to an interface chip by at least one first data line includes a capacitive element arranged between the interface chip and the interface port and which capacitively couples the first data line to the interface chip, a first monitoring circuit coupled to the first data line at the interface port and which monitors at least one device-end termination of the first data line and provides a first control signal in the event of it being identified that a termination for the first data line is not present, and a first deactivation circuit that permanently stops data traffic via the first data line of the interface port until the interface monitoring apparatus is reset when the first control signal has been provided by the first monitoring circuit. |
| US09170911B1 |
Protocol error monitoring on an interface between hard logic and soft logic
Techniques and mechanisms detect deviations from a protocol being used to communicate between devices, for example, in hard logic (e.g., implemented as an ASIC or fixed circuitry) and soft logic (e.g., implemented in configurable logic of an FPGA). Techniques and mechanisms are described for detecting a variety of deviations from a protocol. |
| US09170900B2 |
Error injection into the leaf functions of call graphs
A computer identifies a target for an injection of an error. The computer monitors the call graph, of a program being tested, for instances of the target. The computer identifies an instance of the target in the call graph. The computer determines if the instance of the target satisfies two or more parameters required for error injection. If the computer determines that the instance of the target does satisfy two or more parameters required for error injection, then the computer injects a first instance of an error into a leaf function of the call graph. The execution of the first instance of the injected error results in a first code path, of the program being tested, to be followed. |
| US09170899B2 |
Reliability scheme using hybrid SSD/HDD replication with log structured management
In one embodiment, a method of managing data includes managing a first copy of data in a solid state memory using a controller of the solid state memory, and managing a second copy of the data in a hard disk drive memory using the controller. In another embodiment, a system for storing data includes a solid state memory, at least one hard disk drive memory, and a controller for controlling storage of data in both the solid state memory and the hard disk drive memory. Other methods, systems, and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments. |
| US09170897B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for managing solid-state storage reliability
A storage controller may be configured to assess the reliability of a solid-state storage medium. The storage controller may be further configured to project, forecast, and/or estimate storage reliability at a future time. The projection may be based on a currently reliability metric of the storage and a reliability model. The portions or sections of the solid-state storage media may be retired in response the projected reliability metric failing to satisfy a reliability threshold. The reliability threshold may be based on data correction and/or reconstruction characteristics. The projected reliability metrics of a plurality of erase blocks of a storage division may be combined, and one or more of the erase blocks may be retired in response to determining that the combined reliability metric projection fails to satisfy the reliability threshold. |
| US09170895B2 |
Memcached server replication
According to an example, data for a memcached server is replicated to a memcached replication server. Data operations for the memcached server may be filtered for backing up data to the memcached replication server. |
| US09170892B2 |
Server failure recovery
A metadata server configured to maintain storage assignment mappings in non-persistent storage is described herein. The tract storage assignment mappings associate servers with storage assignments, the storage assignments representing the data stored on the servers. Responsive to a failure, the metadata server receives the storage assignments from the servers and rebuilds the storage assignment mappings from the storage assignments. The metadata server is also configured to enable clients to operate during a recovery process for a failed server by providing the storage assignment mappings to the clients during the recovery process. Also during the recovery process, the replacement server for the failed server conditionally overwrites stored data with other data received from other servers as part of the recovery process. The replacement server conditionally overwrites based on version information associated with the data and version information associated with the other data, the version information being associated with one or more versions of the storage assignment mappings. |
| US09170891B1 |
Predictive upload of snapshot data
A snapshot of a volume is taken by proactive uploading of scheduled snapshot data before the scheduled snapshot time has arrived. A volume snapshot schedule of once a day may be set up to a service provider using a speed-limited network connection. Using a determined upload speed of the network connection and a list of changes to the volume since a prior snapshot, a snapshot system may determine an appropriate time to start uploading volume data so that the snapshot may be completed at or after the scheduled snapshot time. By using the list of changes and available bandwidth of the network connection, the snapshot may be completed earlier than had it been started at the time of the snapshot and the available bandwidth of the network connection may be more efficiently used. |
| US09170889B2 |
Recovery from the loss of synchronization with finite state machines
The invention is a method of operating a system having multiple finite state machines and a controller. Each finite state machine enters an offline state upon detection of anomalous operation. The controller detects whether all finite state machines are offline. The controller transmits an online activation event signal to each finite state machine when all are offline. Each finite state machine evaluates entering the online state if current conditions permit. Reentering the online state includes loading a predetermined set of operating parameters. The finite state machines are responsive only to a reset event and an online activation event when in the offline state. |
| US09170884B2 |
Utilizing cached encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network
A method begins with a processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) executing a write operation to write a plurality of sets of encoded data slices to DSN memory, where the write operation includes temporarily storing encoded data slices in cache memory. The processing module receives a read request for a portion of the data object and determines whether a decode threshold number of encoded data slices of a set is stored in the cache memory. When less than the decode threshold number of encoded data slices is stored in the cache memory, the processing module retrieves encoded data slices from the DSN memory to obtain the decode threshold number of encoded data slices, decodes the decode threshold number of encoded data slices to recover a corresponding data segment, and outputs the recovered corresponding data segment. |
| US09170882B2 |
Retrieving data segments from a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a processing module receiving a file retrieval request for a file, wherein the file includes one or more data regions, and wherein a data region of the one or more data regions is divided into a plurality of data segments and stored as a plurality of sets of encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module retrieving a segment allocation table (SAT), wherein a SAT entry of a plurality of SAT entries includes information regarding storing the data region in the DSN memory and a segmentation scheme regarding the dividing of the data region into the plurality of data segments. The method continues with the processing module identifying the plurality of sets of encoded data slices and retrieving at least a sufficient number of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices to regenerate the data region. |
| US09170878B2 |
Memory buffer with data scrambling and error correction
A method for operating a DRAM device. The method includes receiving in a memory buffer in a first memory module hosted by a computing system, a request for data stored in RAM of the first memory module from a host controller of the computing system. The method includes receiving with the memory buffer, the data associated with a RAM, in response to the request and formatting with the memory buffer, the data into a scrambled data in response to a pseudo-random process. The method includes initiating with the memory buffer, transfer of the scrambled data into an interface device. |
| US09170877B2 |
Resolving trapping sets
Apparatuses and methods for resolving trapping sets are provided. One example method can include attempting to decode a codeword using initial values for confidence levels associated with digits of the codeword. For a trapping set, the confidence levels associated with the digits corresponding to a failed parity check are adjusted. The method further includes attempting to decode a codeword using the adjusted value for the confidence levels of the digits corresponding to the failed parity check. |
| US09170873B2 |
Diagnosing distributed applications using application logs and request processing paths
A system for supporting a distributed application includes a plurality of servers, where each of the plurality of servers includes a thread that processes a request received by the distributed application and a monitoring agent that constructs a transaction path for the request and annotates the transaction path in accordance with a writing action to a log of the distributed application to produce an annotated transaction path. In another embodiment, a system for monitoring a distributed application for errors includes a processor and a computer readable storage medium that stores instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform operations including constructing a transaction path for each request received by the distributed application, detecting a writing action to a log of the distributed application, and annotating the transaction path in accordance with the writing action to produce an annotated transaction path. |
| US09170867B2 |
Server system
An exemplary system server includes a first server, a second server, and a bridge board. The bridge board includes a printed circuit board and a power input positioned on the printed circuit board. The power input receives power from a power source. The first server includes a first controller and a first ground end connected to ground. The first controller includes a first detecting end connected to the power input. The second server includes a second controller and a second ground end. The second ground end connects the first detecting end to ground via the bridge board. The first controller determines whether the second server functions according to a voltage of the first detecting end. |
| US09170864B2 |
Data processing in a hybrid computing environment
Data processing in a hybrid computing environment that includes a host computer, a plurality of accelerators, the host computer and the accelerators adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module, the host computer having local memory shared remotely with the accelerators, the accelerators having local memory for the plurality of accelerators shared remotely with the host computer, where data processing according to embodiments of the present invention includes performing, by the plurality of accelerators, a local reduction operation with the local shared memory for the accelerators; writing remotely, by one of the plurality of accelerators to the shared memory local to the host computer, a result of the local reduction operation; and reading, by the host computer from shared memory local to the host computer, the result of the local reduction operation. |
| US09170863B2 |
Dynamic location search suggestions based on travel itineraries
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for retrieving local information on a user device include detecting itinerary information stored by a first application on a user device, and identifying a travel destination based on the detected itinerary information. The travel destination is communicated to a second application executable on a user device, and the travel destination is stored in association with the second application. The second application is adapted to retrieve local information based on an identified geographic location, and local information for the travel destination is provided through the second application in response to a user interaction with the second application and based on a triggering threshold associated with the itinerary information. |
| US09170860B2 |
Parallel incident processing
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for parallel incident processing are provided. Embodiments include an incident analyzer identifying a pool of incidents and distributing the incidents across a plurality of threads of the incident analyzer. One or more threads of the plurality of threads of the incident analyzer generate a tuple indicating a rule identification and a rule state. The incident analyzer also identifies from the generated tuples, tuples that have the same rule identification and generates a merged tuple by merging the rule state of each of the identified tuples that have the same rule identification. |
| US09170859B2 |
Targeted memory pressure event notifications
Systems, methods, and computer program products for target memory pressure event notifications are disclosed. Processes running on a device can register to receive memory pressure event notifications from a memory management system, which are sent while memory pages are being reclaimed. Active processes running on a device processor can be assigned a priority that ranges from low to high. Responsive to a memory pressure event occurring on the device, the memory management system determines whether less than a threshold number of high priority processes are active on the device. If so, the memory management system sends a memory pressure event notification to the registered process with the lowest priority among the active processes. |
| US09170856B2 |
Message traffic interception system
The present invention is a message traffic interception system including a computer-readable medium, a protocol independent execution manager module stored on the medium, the execution manager module having one or more scenario modules which can process an array of predetermined rules for intercepted message traffic, and an interface communication emulator module communicatively coupling protocol-specific message traffic to the execution manager. |
| US09170851B2 |
Connection distribution for load balancing in a distributed database
An information processing system includes a number of database servers deployed onto a number of physical nodes in a distributed manner. Among the database servers, at least two servers taking care of data different from one another are deployed onto the same physical node and at least one server taking care of the same data as any of the at least two servers are deployed onto at least one other physical node. A distribution section distributes connections by monitoring load on each of the physical nodes and moving a connection with a client from a database server on a physical node with load heavier than a target to a database server on a physical node with load lighter than the target so that the connections are distributed to balance the load. |
| US09170850B2 |
Minimizing workload migrations during cloud maintenance operations
A method, system and computer program product for minimizing workload migrations during cloud maintenance operations. Upon receiving an indication that a scheduled maintenance operation is to be performed, a cloud controller uploads the maintenance binaries associated with the scheduled maintenance operation and analyzes the maintenance binaries so as to evaluate the requirements of the maintenance packages and dependencies associated with the scheduled maintenance operation. A matrix is then generated by the cloud controller to identify the classes of hardware that will be disrupted by the scheduled maintenance operation based on the analysis. The workloads running on the classes of hardware identified in the matrix will then be consolidated prior to the scheduled maintenance operation. By consolidating the workloads onto a fewer number of hardware components, a fewer number of workload migrations will need to be performed during the cloud maintenance operation. |
| US09170849B2 |
Migration of task to different pool of resources based on task retry count during task lease
Systems and methods are presented for providing resources by way of a platform as a service in a distributed computing environment to perform a job. Resources of the system, job performing on the system, and schedulers of the jobs performing on the system are decoupled in a manner that allows a job to easily migrate among resources. It is contemplated that the migration of jobs from a first pool of resource to a second pool of resource is performed by the system without human intervention. The migration of a job may utilize different schedulers for the different resources. Further, it is contemplated that a pool of resources may automatically allocate additional or fewer resources in response to a migration of a job. |
| US09170848B1 |
Parallel processing of data
Parallel processing of data may include a set of map processes and a set of reduce processes. Each map process may include at least one map thread. Map threads may access distinct input data blocks assigned to the map process, and may apply an application specific map operation to the input data blocks to produce key-value pairs. Each map process may include a multiblock combiner configured to apply a combining operation to values associated with common keys in the key-value pairs to produce combined values, and to output intermediate data including pairs of keys and combined values. Each reduce process may be configured to access the intermediate data output by the multiblock combiners. For each key, an application specific reduce operation may be applied to the combined values associated with the key to produce output data. |
| US09170847B2 |
Real time verification of web applications
A software verification system including a cloud service, a plurality of test nodes, a client manager, and an expediter is disclosed. The cloud service is a commercially available shared resource service having two or more physical machines, each of which is configured to host a plurality of virtual machines. Each test node is one virtual machine running a platform. The client manager manages a verification session between one of the clients and the verification system. The expediter recognizes the available platforms for use by the test nodes in a cloud service pool of servers and a local pool of servers. When a clients requests the verification session to use a specific platform, the expediter obtains a network address of an available test node running the specified platform and connects the requesting client to the available test node running the requested platform. If the requested platform is not available, a new virtual machine, located in the local pool of servers, having the requested platform is started and connected with the requesting client. |
| US09170844B2 |
Prioritization for conflict arbitration in transactional memory management
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for software prioritization of concurrent transactions for embedded conflict arbitration in transactional memory management. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for software prioritization of concurrent transactions for embedded conflict arbitration in transactional memory management can include setting different hardware registers with different priority values for correspondingly different transactions in a transactional memory system configured for transactional memory management according to respective priority values specified by priority assignment logic in external software support for the system. The method also can include detecting a conflict amongst the transactions in the system. Finally, the method can include applying conflict arbitration within the system based upon the priority values specified by the priority assignment logic in the external software support for the system. |
| US09170843B2 |
Data handling apparatus adapted for scheduling operations according to resource allocation based on entitlement
Embodiments of a data handling apparatus is adapted to facilitate resource allocation, allocating resources upon which objects execute. Embodiments of a data handling apparatus can include resource allocation logic and a scheduler. The resource allocation logic can be operable to dynamically set entitlement values for a plurality of resources comprising physical/logical and operational resources. The entitlement values are specified as predetermined rights wherein a process of a plurality of processes is entitled to a predetermined percentage of operational resources. The scheduler can be operable to monitor the entitlement values and schedule the processes based on priority of the entitlement values. |
| US09170840B2 |
Duration sensitive scheduling in a computing environment
Duration sensitive scheduling in a computing environment, the computing environment including a computer configured to support a virtual machine, including: identifying, by a duration sensitive scheduler, a processing job to be executed by the virtual machine, wherein the virtual machine includes an entitlement specification that identifies physical resources of the computer that are designated for exclusive use by the virtual machine; determining, by the duration sensitive scheduler, a duration required to complete the processing job; identifying, by the duration sensitive scheduler, a time slot at which the physical resources of the computer that are identified in the entitlement specification are available for use by the virtual machine; scheduling, by the duration sensitive scheduler, the processing job for execution on the virtual machine during the time slot at which the physical resources of the computer that are identified in the entitlement specification are available for use by the virtual machine. |
| US09170834B2 |
Metadata-based virtual machine configuration
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for associating one or more of a plurality of metadata collections with one or more respective identifiers, wherein each metadata collection includes one or more pairings of metadata attributes with metadata values, and wherein each identifier is one of a project identifier, a tag identifier or an instance identifier; identifying, based on identifier information associated with a virtual machine instance, one or more metadata values to be provided to the virtual machine instance, wherein the identifier information specifies one or more of a project identifier, a tag identifier and an instance identifier, and wherein each identified metadata value belongs to a metadata collection associated with an identifier that is specified in the identifier information; and providing, to the virtual machine instance, the identified one or more metadata values. |
| US09170832B2 |
Virtual machine control apparatus and virtual machine control method
A virtual machine control apparatus 100 controls execution of a first type virtual machine A210 and a second type virtual machine 220. The first type virtual machine A210 includes a start detection unit 261 which detects an operation in the first type virtual machine A210 to start usage of a device (external storage device 160). The first type virtual machine A210 also includes a start signal output unit 262 which outputs a start signal when the start detection unit 261 detects the operation to start usage of the device. The second type virtual machine 220 includes a control unit (external storage device driver 272) which, when the start signal output unit 262 outputs the start signal while the device is in set in a low power mode (electrical power set to off), sets the device in a normal mode (electrical power set to on). |
| US09170831B2 |
Cloning virtual machines
While current solutions for cloning virtual machines can involve copying and duplicating files associated to a virtual machine (VM), systems and techniques can be devised to create thin clones of a VM using the VM's associated storage system to copy and deduplicate storage for the VMs. One can create a base VM in a directory of a storage container attached to a hypervisor, and then map the storage container to a volume on a storage system. One can clone the base VM using a snapshot of respective files associated to the base VM, which can comprise creating metadata that identified a physical storage location of the files. Further, the metadata can then be copied to a desired location on the storage container, to create a VM clone. Once copied, the cloned VM can be customized and registered within the hypervisor. |
| US09170830B2 |
Method for controlling program execution
An execution-target program is executed, via a program-execution control program, by converting a byte code in the execution-target program into a native code based on a predetermined condition. Upon activating the execution-target program, it is determined whether the execution-target program is an optimization-completed program having a past record of having been converted into an optimized state of the execution-target program, based on a profile including information identifying the optimization-completed program and optimized-code information indicating an optimized code for the optimization-completed program, where the profile is updated at a timing of executing the program-execution control program or another program-execution control program, and the optimized code is generated by converting a byte code into a native code. When the execution-target program is the optimization-completed program, upon activating the execution-target program, a byte code corresponding to the optimized-code information from among byte codes of the execution-target program is converted into a native code. |
| US09170822B1 |
Smart limited functionality mode manager
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage media, for entering a limited functionality mode on a mobile device. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, at a portable electronic device, a first signal instructing the portable electronic device to enter a limited functionality mode, in which one or more transmission functionalities associated with the portable electronic device are disabled, determining whether the portable electronic device has received a second signal instructing the device to immediately enter the limited functionality mode, in response to receiving the first signal, waiting until one or more tasks that use the transmission functionalities are completed or until the second signal is determined to have been received, and entering the limited functionality mode after waiting until the one or more tasks that use the transmission functionalities are completed or until the second signal is determined to have been received. |
| US09170816B2 |
Enhancing processing efficiency in large instruction width processors
A processor includes one or more processing units, an execution pipeline and control circuitry. The execution pipeline includes at least first and second pipeline stages that are cascaded so that program instructions, specifying operations to be performed by the processing units in successive cycles of the pipeline, are fetched from a memory by the first pipeline stage and conveyed to the second pipeline stage, which causes the processing units to perform the specified operations. The control circuitry is coupled, upon determining that a program instruction that is present in the second pipeline stage in a first cycle of the pipeline is to be executed again in a subsequent cycle of the pipeline, to cause the execution pipeline to reuse the program instruction in one of the pipeline stages without re-fetching the program instruction from the memory. |
| US09170815B2 |
Bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction. The method of one embodiment comprises determining whether any unprocessed data bits for a partial variable length symbol exist in a first data block is made. A shift merge operation is performed to merge the unprocessed data bits from the first data block with a second data block. A merged data block is formed. A merged variable length symbol comprised of the unprocessed data bits and a plurality of data bits from the second data block is extracted from the merged data block. |
| US09170812B2 |
Data processing system having integrated pipelined array data processor
A data processing system having a data processing core and integrated pipelined array data processor and a buffer for storing list of algorithms for processing by the pipelined array data processor. |
| US09170811B2 |
Structured control instruction fetch unit
The structured control instruction fetch unit is a structured instruction stream controller that processes expand (XP), expand register indirect (XPR), loop (LOOP), and break (BRK) instructions for structured control. The fetch unit processes stop bits that mark the end of instruction blocks. Any instruction can be marked with a stop bit to indicate that it is the last one in an instruction block. All instructions are encoded with a predicate to reduce the use of control instructions and to simplify the control. A control stack guides instruction fetching by storing return addresses, loop block addresses, loop predicates, and loop counters. Control instructions and stop bits manage operation of the control stack. An instruction unit feeds execution units and includes a set-associative instruction cache, a control stack, an instruction buffer that decouples instruction fetching from execution, instruction decoders, and program counter (PC) control logic. |
| US09170803B2 |
Runtime patching of an operating system (OS) without stopping execution
Techniques for runtime patching of an OS without stopping execution of the OS are presented. When a patch function is needed, it is loaded into the OS code. Threads of the OS that are in kernel mode have a flag set and a jump is inserted at a location of an old function. When the old function is accessed, the jump uses a trampoline to check the flag, if the flag is set, processing returns to the old function; otherwise processing jumps to a given location of the patch. Flags are unset when exiting or entering the kernel mode. |
| US09170800B2 |
Application wrapping for application management framework
Methods and systems for developing, modifying, and distributing software applications for enterprise systems are described herein. A software component, such as a native mobile application or a template application, may be modified into a managed mobile application, and metadata associated with the managed mobile application may be generated. The managed application and associated metadata may be provided to one or more application stores, such as public application stores and/or enterprise application stores. Managed applications and/or associated metadata may be retrieved by computing devices from public application stores and/or enterprise application stores, and may be executed as managed applications in an enterprise system. |
| US09170799B2 |
Accurately estimating install time
Timing parameters that influence an install time interval for installing a product on computing machines in a test environment in accordance with an installation configuration option are identified. A test value of the timing parameter and a test value of the install time are determined for each of the computing machines. The test values of the timing parameter and the install time determined for the sample computing machines are analyzed to determine an install time calculation expression for the installation configuration option. For installation in accordance with the installation configuration option in a normal operating environment, a current value of each of the timing parameters of the predetermined install time calculation expression for the installation configuration option. The install time interval in the normal operating environment is estimated based on the current value of the timing parameters and the install time calculation expression. |
| US09170798B2 |
System and method for customizing a deployment plan for a multi-tier application in a cloud infrastructure
A deployment system enables a developer to customize a deployment plan generated according to a logical, multi-tier application blueprint for deploying multiple applications in a cloud infrastructure. Using the deployment system, the developer inserts a custom script or task in a sequence of tasks to be performed to deploy an application component in different phases (e.g., installation, configuration, start-up) on a virtual machine. The deployment system anchors the custom script to the different phases of the application component's deployment such that the customizations to the deployment plan are maintained through changes to the underlying application blueprint. |
| US09170795B2 |
Digital item ingestion process
Disclosed are various embodiments for an ingestion process modifying digital items. A computing system receives an uploaded digital item configured to communicate with a testing server application when executed. The ingestion process reconfigures the digital item to communicate with a production server application when executed. |
| US09170790B2 |
Replacing annotated program code in a networked computing environment
An approach for replacing one program code library (or method(s) thereof) with another program code library (or method(s) thereof) during execution is provided. Specifically, an annotation (e.g., comprising a runtime optimization request and associated performance/measurement criteria) within a program code file will be detected, analyzed, and used to monitor/assess the performance of a running set of methods of the program code file or the like (e.g., a set of initial/original methods). As this is occurring, a set of substitute methods will be identified from a program code library (e.g., based on similarities to the original set of methods) and likewise monitored/assessed. Based on the monitored performance, one or more alternate method(s) may be substituted for the original method(s) in the program code file. Such a capability allows for methods to be evaluated during runtime, and for performance to be optimized by utilizing the highest performing methods. |
| US09170788B2 |
Analysis of dynamic elements in bounded time
A code analysis system is described herein that provides code completion for programming languages that include elements that are not statically discoverable and that provides results in a predictable period that is acceptable for an interactive user interface. The system compiles each file into an intermediate state that can be stored and cached to speed later analysis of files. In addition, when executing a particular file, the system monitors a time-based threshold and/or a recursion depth so that if the compilation time is exceeding the threshold or a function is exceeding the recursion depth the system can stop the execution and use the intermediate results obtained up to that point to provide as much information as possible within a bounded execution time. When dynamic analysis fails, the system falls back to static analysis. |
| US09170781B2 |
Method and system for generating object code to facilitate predictive memory retrieval
A method and system are described for generating reference tables in object code which specify the addresses of branches, routines called, and data references used by routines in the code. In a suitably equipped processing system, the reference tables can be passed to a memory management processor which can open the appropriate memory pages to expedite the retrieval of data referenced in the execution pipeline. The disclosed method and system create such reference tables at the beginning of each routine so that the table can be passed to the memory management processor in a suitably equipped processor. Resulting object code also allows processors lacking a suitable memory management processor to skip the reference table, preserving upward compatibility. |
| US09170766B2 |
Method of displaying virtual information in a view of a real environment
A method of displaying virtual information in a view of a real environment comprising the following steps: providing a system for displaying of virtual information in a view of a real environment, determining a current pose of at least one part of the system relative to at least one part of the real environment and providing accuracy information of the current pose, providing multiple pieces of virtual information, and assigning a respective one of the pieces of virtual information to one of different parameters indicative of different pose accuracy information, and displaying at least one of the pieces of virtual information in the view of the real environment according to the accuracy information of the current pose in relation to the assigned parameter of the at least one of the pieces of virtual information. |
| US09170764B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a motor unit configured to give a rotary drive force to rotary members for conveying a recording medium; a switch circuit provided in a power supply line connecting a power source and the motor unit to supply electric power, connecting the motor unit to the power source upon closure of the body cover, and disconnecting the motor unit from the power source upon opening of the body cover; a power-off detecting section; a rate-of-voltage-change calculating section; and a control section. The control section deactivates each of mechanisms in the image forming apparatus when the power-off detecting section detects shutoff of power supply from the power source, and reactivates each of the mechanisms, provided that the rate of change of voltage calculated by the rate-of-voltage-change calculating section has reached a predetermined threshold, when the power-off detecting section detects electric power is supplied from the power source. |
| US09170761B2 |
Mechanism for automatically disabling printer separator pages
A computer generated method disclosed. The method includes receiving a print job, analyzing the print job data stream, determining if the print job data stream includes a command matching one or more pre-defined criteria and disabling generation of a separator page for the print job if the print job data stream includes a command matching one or more pre-defined criteria. |
| US09170756B2 |
Method and system for dynamic storage tiering using allocate-on-write snapshots
System and method for dynamic storage tiering are disclosed. A storage hot-spot in a first storage pool is detected. A first point-in-time copy of a virtual volume including the storage hot-spot is created in a second storage pool according to the detecting. Write requests directed to the virtual volume are redirected to the second storage pool. When decreased I/O activity directed to the storage hot-spot in the second storage pool is detected, the point-in-time copy in the second storage pool is reintegrated into at least one of a second point-in-time copy or the virtual volume. |
| US09170750B2 |
Storage apparatus and data copy control method
A storage apparatus comprises a storage controller and multiple storage devices. The storage controller sends, to either a storage device which is a copy source of copy-target data, or a storage device which is a copy destination of the copy-target data, a copy indication showing areas of the copy source and the copy destination, and the storage device, which receives the copy indication, copies data of the copy-source area to the copy-destination area based on the copy indication without going through the storage controller. |
| US09170743B2 |
Management method of virtual storage system and remote copy system
Exemplary embodiments provide techniques of managing storage systems including remote copy systems and improving the manageability by automating complicated operations. In one embodiment, a computer comprises a memory and a controller. The controller is operable to: manage a virtual volume to be provided for a server; manage a plurality of logical volumes provided from a plurality of storage systems; manage a condition to be required of the virtual volume, the condition relating to a location in which data to be sent to the virtual volume is stored; manage location information of each of the plurality of logical volumes, the location information of a logical volume being defined based on a location of the logical volume; and control to map the virtual volume to a logical volume of the plurality of logical volumes, based on the condition of the virtual volume and the location information of the logical volumes. |
| US09170741B2 |
Information processing system and control method for information processing system
An information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus coupled to a first magnetic-disk-device groups including first magnetic disk devices whose motors rotate, a second information processing apparatus coupled to a second magnetic-disk-device group including one or more second magnetic disk devices whose motors rotate and a plurality of third magnetic disk devices whose motors are in a stop state. A management apparatus which included in the system is configured to manage the first and second information processing apparatuses, wherein, when data is to be written, the management apparatus outputs a write request to any of the plurality of first magnetic disk devices and any of the one or more second magnetic disk devices, and when data is to be read, the management apparatus outputs a read request to any of the plurality of first magnetic disk devices. |
| US09170734B2 |
Multiple-input handwriting recognition system and measure thereof
Disclosed is a handwriting recognition system with a plurality of input modes, including a storage unit, a touch screen display unit, and a processing unit. The storage unit stores character fonts; each of the character fonts corresponds to at least one of the input modes. The touch screen display unit includes an input panel having at least two input areas located thereon; each of the areas inputs data in one of the input modes. The processing unit judges an input set of touch signals to recognize a character input by handwriting in one of the input modes, according to a position on which one of the input areas, which position corresponds to at least one of the set of touch signals. The character is represented by the set of touch signals. A handwriting recognition method applicable to an electronic apparatus with a plurality of input modes is also provided. |
| US09170731B2 |
Insertion point bungee space tool
A computer system and method for providing user feedback when creating, modifying, or editing electronic documents. An insertion point icon is placed in a document at a position for insertion and/or deletion of text, graphics, data, etc. Upon receiving a user input indicating movement, the insertion point icon is divided into two icons, one stationary at the position, and one moving with user input. When movement is complete, space contained between the icons may be deleted or inserted. The system may be used to shift handwritten text to subsequent lines on an electronic document containing handwritten text, and may be used to bring two groups of text together, deleting space in between. A connection line may be displayed between the icons to provide feedback regarding the action to be taken. |
| US09170730B2 |
Method for executing private mode in mobile terminal and mobile terminal using the same
Disclosed is a method for executing a private mode in a mobile terminal, including sensing a multi-touch applied over a display part, determining whether the multi-touch is identical with a touch code for entering to the private mode preset in a storage part, and turning off the display part or controlling a screen brightness when the multi-touch is identical with the touch code. |
| US09170721B2 |
Displaying scroll bar on terminal
A method and a mobile terminal for scrolling data on a screen. The method includes storing scroll bar information, displaying at least one data file and a scroll bar for scrolling a screen displaying the data file, and selectively changing a characteristic of the scroll bar. Changing the characteristic of the scroll bar includes changing at least one of the scroll bar size, shape, display location, and color. |
| US09170710B1 |
Method and apparatus for notification on an electronic handheld device using an attention manager
A method and system for notification in a palm-sized computer system. Specifically, the present invention discloses an Attention Manager that manages application demand for a user's attention. The Attention Manager receives multiple attention requests from varying applications. With each new attention request received that indicates a record needs a user's attention, the Attention Manager stores the request in memory and determines if are other outstanding attention requests that have not been cleared. Depending on number of outstanding requests, the Attention Manager sends a request for record information in list or detail format. If there are multiple outstanding attention requests, the Attention Manager displays a notification dialog in a list format. If there is only one outstanding attention request, the Attention Manager displays the notification dialog in detail format. Additionally, a simple user interface to navigate to the application and record entry requiring attention is provided. |
| US09170701B2 |
Suggesting contextually-relevant content objects
Techniques for providing contextually-relevant content include monitoring interaction with content objects accessed through a portal by a user, at least a portion of the content objects presented to the user in a list through a graphical user interface (GUI); determining that the interaction with a particular content object of the content objects by the user exceeds a threshold interaction criteria; and updating the list of content objects presented to the user through the GUI with the particular content object based, at least in part, on the interaction with the particular content object exceeding the threshold interaction criteria. |
| US09170697B2 |
Touch unit and flat panel display
In a flat panel display, two direction sensing electrodes, respectively representing an X-axis sensor and a Y-axis sensor, are disposed on both sides of a substrate of a color filter of the flat panel display. One direction sensing electrode is disposed in the black matrix on one side of the substrate and the other direction sensing electrode is disposed on the other side of the substrate locating farther from the black matrix. The configuration provides a much thinner dimension for the flat panel display with touch function while the touch function is less interfered by the display panel. |
| US09170696B2 |
Display device with touch detecting function and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detecting function includes: a display area in which pixels each composed of a plurality of color areas are arranged in a matrix; a touch detection electrode including a first conductive thin wire extending in a first direction; and a dummy electrode including a plurality of second conductive thin wires; a drive electrode having capacitance for the touch detection electrode. Each of the second conductive thin wires includes a plurality of thin wire pieces extending in a direction different from the first direction and is divided by a slit between the thin wire pieces. A color area in the display area with which the slit overlaps has a different color from a color area in the display area with which a slit closest to the slit in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction overlaps. |
| US09170690B2 |
Waterproof housing for digital devices having capacitive touch screen and its actuator mechanism
An actuator mechanism for actuating a capacitive touch screen of a digital device held in a waterproof housing includes an actuator shaft extending through an opening formed on the housing, a press button connected to an outer end of the shaft, a probe head connected to an inner end of the shaft, and a biasing member adapted to urge the probe head away from the touch screen, whereby pushing the press button against the biasing force moves the probe head towards and in contact with the touch screen. A waterproof housing having actuator mechanisms is also disclosed. |
| US09170689B2 |
Touch panel and display device including the same
A touch screen of a touch panel includes plural detection column wirings and plural detection row wirings that cross the detection column wirings. Dummy column wirings having a similar configuration to that of the detection column wirings are arrayed at further outer sides of outermost detection column wirings out of the plural detection column wirings. Dummy row wirings having a similar configuration to that of the detection row wirings are arrayed at further outer sides of outermost detection row wirings out of the plural detection row wirings. |
| US09170686B2 |
Multi-transducer waveguide arrays
Systems and related methods providing for touch sensors having segmented reflective arrays including waveguide cores are discussed herein. A touch sensor may include a substrate configured to propagate surface acoustic waves. The substrate may include two or more segmented reflective arrays. A segmented reflective array may include a major reflective array configured to propagate surface acoustic waves and a waveguide core configured to concentrate acoustic energy of the surface acoustic waves. Two segmented reflective arrays may further include adjacent portions that define an overlap region of the substrate. In some embodiments, the segmented reflective array may further include a beam dump configured to decrease intensity of surface acoustic wave propagation past the end of the segmented reflective array. |
| US09170685B2 |
Object location determination
An apparatus for determining a position of an object on a planar surface is provided. The apparatus includes a conical mirror having an axis that is perpendicular to the planar surface and a time-of-flight sensor array having a spatial relationship to the conical mirror such that a field of view of the time of flight sensor array is reflected radially from the conical mirror in a plurality of directions across the planar surface. The apparatus also includes electrical circuitry configured to receive a ranged image captured by the time-of-flight sensor array through the conical mirror, process the ranged image to determine the position of the object on the planar surface by determining an angle and a radius of the object relative to the axis of the conical mirror, and transmit the position of the object to a display system. |
| US09170681B2 |
Noise reduction method and system of capacitive multi-touch panel
A noise reduction system includes a driving device, a sensing device, a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The driving device has a plurality of drivers for generating touch driving signals. The sensing device has a plurality of sensors for detecting whether there is an external object approached and generating touch sensing signals. The first switch is provided for electrically connecting the plurality of drivers and the plurality of sensors to the capacitive touch panel. The second switch is provided for electrically connecting the plurality of drivers and the plurality of sensors to the capacitive touch panel. The controller configures the first switch and the second switch to perform a first direction driving and second direction sensing, and configuring the first switch and the second switch to perform a second direction driving and first direction sensing. |
| US09170674B2 |
Gesture-based device control using pressure-sensitive sensors
Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward controlling electronic devices based on hand gestures detected by detecting the topography of a portion of a user's body. For example, pressure data indicative of a user's bone and tissue position corresponding to a certain movement, position, and/or pose of a user's hand may be detected. An electromyographic (EMG) sensor coupled to the user's skin can also be used to determine gestures made by the user. These sensors can be coupled to a camera that can be used to capture images, based on recognized gestures, of a device. The device can then be identified and controlled. |
| US09170670B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a touch panel and a vibration unit. The touch panel being capable of detecting at least a distance between a pointer and the touch panel when the pointer is not in contact with the touch panel. The vibration unit vibrates when the distance between the pointer and the touch panel is not larger than a first distance and then reaches a second distance or more. |
| US09170669B2 |
Electronic device and method of controlling same
A method includes displaying information on a touch-sensitive display and displaying an indicator at a first location in the information, detecting, on the touch-sensitive display, a first touch input associated with the indicator, in response to detecting the first touch input, moving the indicator from the first location to a second location in the information, wherein the second location is based on an increment level of the indicator, detecting, on the touch-sensitive display, a second touch input associated with the indicator, increasing the increment level of the indicator, and moving the indicator from the second location to a third location, wherein the third location is based on the increased increment level. |
| US09170658B2 |
Self-centering tactile thumb joystick for use on a touch screen
The present invention provides a self-centering, tactile thumb joystick for use to control a virtual directional pad displayed on a touch screen of an electronic gadget. The thumb joystick is removeably mounted on the touch screen so that movement of a puck via a stem and a button operates the virtual directional pad to control a software running in the electronic gadget. A resilient member, in the form of an annular spring or garter spring, biasing inwardly against a wall element formed around an opening of a hollow housing of the thumb joystick centers the puck when a user releases activating the button. |
| US09170657B2 |
Angle measurement by use of multiple oriented light sources
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a relative angular motion measurement system that includes a remote device used to control operations of a host device. The remote may include a plurality of light sources with predetermined light distribution patterns and angles of orientation with respect to a major axis of the remote. The host device may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor may detect light emitted from the remote (via the light sources) and generate output signals that may be interpreted by the controller. The controller may interpret the output signals from the sensor to estimate received intensity from each light source and calculate the orientation of the remote device based on data representing the light sources' light distribution patterns with fixed angles of orientation. |
| US09170653B1 |
Motion recognition method
A motion recognition method includes: a light detecting step of detecting light reflected by the reflective body to measure a luminous intensity of the light by the light receiving element; a first coordinate setting step of setting a planar coordinate (X1, Y1) of the reflective body; a second coordinate setting step of setting a planar coordinate (X2, Y2) of the reflective body; and a direction determining step of obtaining an angle (θ) between a line segment connecting the origin and the planar coordinate (X1, Y1) in the first position and a line segment connecting the planar coordinate (X1, Y1) in the first position and the planar coordinate (X2, Y2) in the second position and determining that the reflective body moves in a direction passing through a ½ point of the angle (θ) in the first position by the data processing unit. |
| US09170652B2 |
Electronic device and portable terminal provided with same
According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a detecting unit, a first housing, an operation unit, a vibrating body, and a flexible portion. The detecting unit detects an input position. The first housing includes a base disposed opposite the detecting unit and a frame body positioned on the base so as to surround the detecting unit in plan view. The operation unit is positioned at a front surface side of the detecting unit so as to cover the detecting unit in plan view. The vibrating body is provided to the operation unit. The flexible portion is provided over a whole circumference of the frame body and supporting the operation unit. |
| US09170651B2 |
Tactile sensation providing apparatus and control method for tactile sensation providing apparatus
By dual chips exchanging a signal indicating a pressing load detected for providing the tactile sensation, application process based thereon is performed. A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a touch sensor, a load detection unit for detecting the pressing load on the sensor for providing the sensation, a tactile sensation providing unit for vibrating a surface the sensor, a provision control unit for controlling drive of the providing unit, and a main control unit for controlling an application. The main control unit determines whether a predetermined area of the surface is touched based on an output of the sensor and, when touched, transmits an instruction to the provision control unit. The provision control unit, upon receiving the instruction from the main control unit, detects the pressing load and transmits the detected load to the main control unit. The main control unit, based on the load, performs the application process. |
| US09170650B2 |
EMP actuators for deformable surface and keyboard application
A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology, keyboard, braille display, and audio speakers. |
| US09170644B2 |
Method and system for controlling mobile device by tracking the finger
A method and system controls a mobile device by tracking the movement of a finger. A finger mode in which the mobile device is controlled by tracking a movement of a finger is activated. The finger is detected and the movement of the detected finger is tracked via a camera. And when the tracked movement of the detected finger corresponds to a preset motion, a function corresponding to the preset motion pattern is performed. A number of application programs can be controlled respectively by tracking the movement of fingers, via one of a number of input means. |
| US09170638B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing early bypass detection to reduce power consumption while reading register files of a processor
A method and apparatus are described for reducing power consumption in a processor. A micro-operation is selected for execution, and a destination physical register tag of the selected micro-operation is compared to a plurality of source physical register tags of micro-operations dependent upon the selected micro-operation. If there is a match between the destination physical register tag and one of the source physical register tags, a corresponding physical register file (PRF) read operation is disabled. The comparison may be performed by a wakeup content-addressable memory (CAM) of a scheduler. The wakeup CAM may send a read control signal to the PRF to disable the read operation. Disabling the corresponding PRF read operation may include shutting off power in the PRF and related logic. |
| US09170637B2 |
Data processing device and data processing system with wide voltage range operation mode
A data processing device, includes a central processing unit configured to operate in accordance with a program; a register capable of setting a first mode and a second mode; a non-volatile memory; a sequencer configured to control the non-volatile memory; and a first clock circuit for supplying a first clock to the central processing unit and the non-volatile memory, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the central processing unit is operated within a first range of an external supply voltage, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the central processing unit is operated within a second range of the external supply voltage, the second range includes the first range and a relatively low voltage lower than the lower limit voltage of the first range. |
| US09170635B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for management of a memory system
Methods, devices, and systems for a memory management system within an electronic device are disclosed, such as those wherein the memory management system is external to and compatible with architectures of currently existing operating systems. One such memory management system may include a power savings manager configured to be invoked by a memory allocation manager. The power savings manager may also be configured to determine whether physical memory blocks should be active or inactive. Furthermore, the memory management system may include a driver configured to activate or deactivate a memory block in response to a system call from the power savings manager. |
| US09170630B2 |
Server executing instances of client applications in order to allow power saving by the client device
The present invention provides a service processing method and a server, which belong to the field of mobile terminals. The method includes: installing, on a server, a service application same as that of a mobile terminal; running the service application on the server, and executing, in place of the mobile terminal, a service corresponding to the service application; determining, by the server according to a result of executing the service, whether the mobile terminal needs to be woken up; and when the service needs to wake up the mobile terminal, instructing the mobile terminal to process the service. The server executes a service in place of a mobile terminal, and when the mobile terminal needs to be woken up, instructs the mobile terminal to process the service, thereby reducing the power consumption of the mobile terminal, and extending the standby time and service life of the mobile terminal. |
| US09170628B2 |
Energy-savings control system for showcases, refrigerators and freezers
An energy-savings control system can control the showcase, refrigerator and freezer so that they can run with the reduced energy consumption by responding to the electric current values flowing in each respective one of the showcase, etc. A freezing-machine is provided in each respective one of the showcase, refrigerator and freezer in which the electric current values flowing in the freezing-machine may be detected at time intervals of every one minute, and the average electric current values during the continuous time period of 30 minutes may be computed from the electric current values as detected above. If it is determined that the freezing-machine's operating rate as computed above is greater than the freezing-machine's predetermined operating rate, the freezing-machine installed therein may be controlled so that the electromagnetic valve can be switched to its opened position. |
| US09170627B2 |
Power management for PCIE switches and devices in a multi-root input-output virtualization blade chassis
A method for managing the power of a chassis includes receiving a plurality of modular information handling systems into the chassis, receiving a plurality of information handling resources into the chassis, virtualizing access of one of the modular information handling resources to two or more of the plurality of modular information handling systems, the modular information handling systems sharing the modular information handling resource, and, upon initialization of one of the information handling systems, determining power requirements of the shared information handling resource, receiving power requirements from the information handling systems, determining whether the power requirements from the information handling system includes power requirements of the shared information handling resource, subtracting the power requirements of the shared information handling resource from the power requirements of the information handling system to determine resultant power requirements, comparing the resultant power requirements with available power, and allowing operation of the information handling system. |
| US09170625B1 |
Selective electrical coupling based on environmental conditions
An environmental monitoring device that includes a switching mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the switching mechanism such as a switch) selectively electrically couples a first electrical-connection node and a second electrical-connection node. For example, using the switching mechanism, an electronic device that is electrically coupled to the first electrical-connection node may be selectively electrically coupled to a second electronic device that is electrically coupled to the second electrical-connection node. The selective electrical coupling may be based on one or more measurements of an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Moreover, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on the one or more measurements. Alternatively, an antenna and an interface circuit in the environmental monitoring device may receive the sensor data from a third electronic device. |
| US09170623B2 |
Electronic systems and power management methods thereof
An electronic device is provided, including an input output expander, at least one electronic device and a control module. The input output expander outputs a power source to a peripheral device by at least one output terminal The electronic device is coupled to the input output expander in a daisy chain configuration. The control module adjusts current powers of the electronic device and the peripheral device according to real time powers of the electronic device and the peripheral device, a maximum output power and parameters, thereby preventing power outputted by the input output expander from being larger than the maximum output power. |
| US09170621B2 |
Power supply devices and control method thereof
A power supply device is provided. The power supply device provides a maintenance voltage at an output terminal to a system chip of a system and includes a first battery, a capacitor, a charging circuit, and a monitoring circuit. The first battery provides a battery voltage. The capacitor stores a capacitor voltage. The charging circuit is coupled to the capacitor. The monitoring circuit detects whether the battery voltage is less than a first threshold and whether the capacitor voltage is larger than a second threshold and generates a control signal according to the determination result. When the monitoring circuit detects that the battery voltage is less than the first threshold and the capacitor voltage is not larger than the second threshold, the monitoring circuit asserts the control signal to control the charging circuit to charge the capacitor. |
| US09170620B2 |
Power supply unit
A power supply unit includes a shell, a handle, and a latching assembly. The shell includes an end wall defining a receiving slot and a sidewall perpendicularly extending forward from a side of the end wall. The handle includes a rotating member rotatably installed in the receiving slot. The rotating member includes an operation portion. The latching assembly includes a resilient latching member received in the shell and a sliding member. A front end of the latching member is mounted to the sidewall. The sliding is slidably connected to a rear end of the latching member. The sliding member is capable being received in the latching member. The sidewall defines a through hole. A piece protrudes out from the latching member to extend through the through hole. The rotating member is rotatable such that the operation portion is received in the shell. |
| US09170614B2 |
Touch input device
A touch input device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a body, a conductive net and an elastic member. The body includes a conductive area with one open end. The conductive net covers a conductive area of the body and intersected with a plurality of conductive lines in a mesh shape. The elastic member is received in the body and supports the conductive net. |
| US09170613B2 |
Connecting assembly and electronic device having the same
A connecting assembly between first and second bodies of an electronic device is provided. The connecting assembly includes a guiding member fixed to the second body and pivoted on a side of the first body along an axis, a guiding portion, an engaging member fixed to the first body, an engaging portion fixed to the second body, and a restoring member between the guiding member and the first body. When the second body is assembled to the first body, engagement between the guiding member and the guiding portion allows the guiding member to rotate relative to the first body along the axis from a first to a second position. The restoring member restores the position of the guiding member to the first position relative to the first body to establish engagement between the engaging member and the engaging portion. An electronic device having the connecting assembly is also provided. |
| US09170610B2 |
High density docking station
Disclosed is a docking station for holding an electronic device having a main body, a first channel in the main body, a back side of the first channel, a front side of the first channel, a first plug in the first channel, a first port electronically connected to the first plug, and an extraction force associated with the first plug. A normal force of the main body is greater than an extraction force associated with the first plug. The main body is formed primarily from a first material and a net density of the main body is greater than half of the density of the first material. |
| US09170608B2 |
Apparatus for electrically connecting to a portable electronic device
An apparatus including a support configured to receive a portable electronic device including a door and a first electrical connector; and a member, moveable relative to the support and configured to provide force to the door to open the door and expose the first electrical connector, the apparatus defining a cavity configured to receive the opened door. |
| US09170603B2 |
Time-correlation of data
Test and measurement instrumentation collects time information independently in each clock domain using a device that monotonically changes state with the passage of time according to a local clock domain. The device under test therefore has a unique state for each synchronous time period. The instrumentation periodically samples the devices under test, collects the state of each device, and records the state of the devices in conjunction with any data collected in clock domains that are synchronous with the devices. The periodic samples are transformed into numeric values using an isomorphic or linear model. These values are then fitted to an assumed frequency model that relates the state of devices in otherwise unrelated clock domains. |
| US09170602B1 |
Calibrating a high-speed clock signal generated using a processor internal to the electronic authentication device without using a crystal oscillator
A method is used in calibrating an internal clock generator. An electronic device is instructed to output a high-speed clock signal which is communicated to an external calibration system. The high-speed clock signal is measured using measurement equipment associated with the external calibration system. One or more calibration values based on the measured clock signal value are calculated. The calculated calibration values are communicated to the electronic device. The electronic device is instructed to generate a calibrated clock signal by applying the one or more calibration values to an internally generated clock signal. |
| US09170601B2 |
Command decoding method and circuit of the same
A decoding circuit includes a pre-trigger signal generating unit, a comparing unit, and a starting signal generating unit. The pre-trigger signal generating unit receives the former encoded data and generates a pre-trigger signal when the former encoded data of the received command matches the corresponding former encoded data of a predetermined command. The comparing unit generates a match signal when the latter encoded data of the received command is the same with the latter encoded data of the predetermined command. The starting signal generating unit outputs a starting signal according to the pre-trigger signal and the match signal. The starting signal starts a corresponding operation of the predetermined command. |
| US09170600B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing synchrony group status information
An audio processing device comprising: a network interface configured to connect the audio processing device to a network; an audio information channelization device connected to the network interface and configured to receive audio via the network interface; an audio reproduction device interface configured to output audio to a playback device; a user interface module interface configured to transmit, via the network interface to a user interface module, status information pertaining to the status of a synchrony group, wherein the audio processing device is a member of the synchrony group with at least one additional audio processing device. |
| US09170596B2 |
Integrated circuits having cascode transistor
An integrated circuit includes a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first transistor having a first dopant type. The first circuit further includes a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit includes a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of at least one of the first cascode transistor or the second cascode transistor. |
| US09170595B2 |
Low power reference generator circuit
A PTAT circuit includes a first, second, third, and fourth transistors plus a resistor. The first and second transistors have control terminals coupled to each other. The third and fourth transistors have control terminals coupled to each other. The third transistor sources a first current to the first transistor and the fourth transistor sources a second current to the second transistor. The resistor is coupled at a node to the second transistor. A current source circuit sources additional current into the node that is derived from the first and second currents. In one implementation, the additional current is a scaled mirror of the second current. In another implementation, the additional current is a scaled mirror of the sum of the first and second currents. An output current is obtained by mirroring one of the first-third currents. A band-gap output voltage is obtained by applying the additional current across a resistance. |
| US09170594B2 |
CC-CV method to control the startup current for LDO
Methods and circuits for linearly controlling a limited, constant current during startup of LDOs, amplifiers, or DC-to-DC converters independent of load capacitor size and controlling a clean transition without glitches from a constant current (CC) mode during startup to a constant voltage (CV) mode during normal operation (CC-CV method) are disclosed. The constant current control loop and the constant voltage control loop are implemented in such a way that at the end of startup the voltage loop has taken over control and the current loop is moved far away from its active transistor region, allowing a switch of modes to occur without any nasty transitions on the output. |
| US09170590B2 |
Method and apparatus for load adaptive LDO bias and compensation
An adaptive low dropout (LDO) regulator includes a load-based bias controller that generates a bias control signal based on the output load current, and has a differential amplifier with a bias adjustment that receives the bias control signal and responds by adjusting a bias of a transistor within the adaptive LOD regulator. Optionally, the bias control signal is generated according to a hysteresis rule. Optionally, the adaptive LOD regulator includes an adaptive load-based compensation network having a zero, the zero having a location based, at least in part, one more of an adjustable resistance or capacitance value controlled by the load-based bias controller. |
| US09170585B2 |
Remote climate control device including electrical heater for a hybrid vehicle and associated methods
A remote climate control system is for a hybrid vehicle having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical heater selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical heater and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical heater responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter. |
| US09170582B2 |
Path based power generation control for an aerial vehicle
Methods and systems described herein relate to power generation control for an aerial vehicle. An example method may include operating an aerial vehicle in a crosswind-flight orientation substantially along a first flight path to generate power. The first flight path may include a substantially circular path that allows the aerial vehicle to generate the power. While the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight orientation the method may include determining to reduce the power being generated by the aerial vehicle, and responsive to the determination, determining a second flight path that will reduce the power generated by the aerial vehicle when operating on the second flight path. Once determined, the aerial vehicle may operate substantially along the second flight path. |
| US09170576B2 |
Energy conservation diagnosis system
An energy conservation diagnosis system manages electrical device K which consumes electricity to operate based on control schedule information, and includes acquiring unit 14a, rule information generation unit 14b, operating determination unit 14c and display unit 12. Acquiring unit acquires operating information obtained by relating an operating condition of electrical device to a clock time. Rule information generation unit generates rule information by relating a rule on use of electrical device to a clock time, based on one or more predetermined time slots depending on a benefit of electricity consumed by electrical device. Operating determination unit acquires control schedule information of electrical device, and generates an image data by superimposing acquired control schedule information and rule information onto operating information so that each clock time is fitted to a clock time of operating information. Display unit displays the image data. |
| US09170575B2 |
Facilities control system and operating method of the same
A system and method for controlling one or more facilities based on one or more operation logic parameters is provided. An operation scenario is generated, taking into consideration actual operation of one or more facilities of a particular system, actual control orders, a time interval between data inputs, and other such factors. Operation logic parameters, or algorithms, are then tested based on the generated operation scenario. This system and method may reduce testing time and costs, and may prevent abnormal operation of the facilities of the system. |
| US09170574B2 |
Systems and methods for configuring a building management system
Described herein are systems and methods for configuring a BMS. In general terms, the present technology is focused on approaches for arranging and modeling building information data, particularly in terms of equipment categories and relationships between pieces of equipment, for example in the context of an HVAC system. This is advantageous in the sense that the likes of visualization, application creation, and reporting are able to be significantly streamlined. Various embodiments make use of an “equipment model”, being a model which defines items for each piece of equipment in a building system based on predefined standards, thus allowing for predictable descriptions (for example in terms of data points and relationships). Some embodiments combine this with a facility model, which describes a building in spatial terms. |
| US09170572B2 |
Dynamic model generation for implementing hybrid linear/non-linear controller
A method of dynamic model selection for hybrid linear/non-linear process control includes developing a plurality of process models including at least one linear process model and at least one non-linear process model from inputs including dynamic process data from a processing system that runs a physical process. At least two of the plurality of process models are selected based on a performance comparison based on at least one metric, wherein the selected process models number less than a number of the plurality of process models received. A multi-model controller is generated that includes the selected process models. The physical process is simulated using the multi-model controller by applying the selected process models to obtain closed loop performance test data for each of the selected models. The performance test data is compared. A selected process model is then selected. |
| US09170571B2 |
Position controller
A position controller sets a variable friction compensation value which varies in accordance with a change in sliding characteristics by providing a variable friction compensation value calculation unit that includes a sliding torque normalization calculation unit that normalizes a sliding torque at a predefined speed; a compensation value amplifying ratio calculation unit that calculates a compensation value amplifying ratio based on the sliding torque at the normalized speed; and multipliers. |
| US09170566B2 |
Watch including a flange
Watch comprising a middle part which, with a crystal, delimits a watch case. The crystal includes a top face facing the user and an opposite bottom face facing the watch case. An electronic device is arranged on the bottom face of the crystal. A printed circuit board is disposed inside the watch case, underneath and remote from the electronic device. The watch includes a flange which is disposed between the crystal and the printed circuit board. The flange carries an electrical connection between the electronic device and the printed circuit board. |
| US09170560B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a main body including a fixing portion, a cartridge including a photosensitive member, a transfer unit disposed facing the photosensitive member of the cartridge, and a separation member configured to separate the photosensitive member from the transfer unit and including a fixing portion. The cartridge is configured to be disposed in a first position in the main body where the photosensitive member is separated from the transfer unit and in a second position in the main body where the photosensitive member contacts the transfer unit. When the separation member is fixed in the main body by engagement of the fixing portion of the separation member to the fixing portion of the main body, the cartridge is disposed in the first position, and when the separation member is removed from the main body, the cartridge is disposed in the second position. |
| US09170552B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; a conveyor belt arranged opposite to the plurality of photoconductor drums and configured to convey a recording sheet; a cleaning unit having a cleaning member positioned in contact with the conveyor belt to collect substance adhering to the conveyor belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the conveyor belt; and a positioning member configured to cause the cleaning member to be positioned at a contacting position where the cleaning member contacts with the conveyor belt and at a spaced-apart position where the cleaning member is away from the conveyor belt. |
| US09170549B2 |
Torque receiving assembly, photosensitive drum and process cartridge
A torque receiving assembly, a photosensitive drum and a process cartridge having such torque receiving assembly. The torque receiving assembly having a body having an axis and having an accommodating chamber; a driven shaft disposed coaxially with the body, the driven shaft including a guide stem and a coupling head provided at one axial end of the guide stem, the guide stem having a pair of output arms which extend outwardly in a radial direction, the coupling head having a plurality of projections; wherein a pair of input arms are provided at an inner wall of the accommodating chamber and configured for abutting with the output arms; the guide stem is movable in the axial direction relative to the body, the torque receiving assembly further comprises a distance-limiting mechanism that defines a maximum distance the driven shaft is able to move relative to the body in the axis direction. The photosensitive drum and process cartridge according to the present invention both include the torque receiving assembly. |
| US09170548B2 |
Sheet discharge device, and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A sheet discharge device includes a sheet discharge path, a discharge portion for discharging the sheet, and a pressing member. The pressing member is shiftable between a hanging posture, in which the pressing member hangs from an axis of pivotal movement thereof above the discharge path in such a manner as to block the discharge path, and a retracted posture, in which the pressing member is pivotally moved about the axis of pivotal movement in the sheet discharge direction for opening the discharge path. The pressing member has a side portion protruding into the discharge path in the hanging posture thereof, and a bottom portion continuing to a lower end of the side portion and extending toward downstream in the sheet discharge direction. The bottom portion includes an inclined surface inclined upwardly toward a middle part of the sheet in the sheet width direction in the hanging posture. |
| US09170547B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body, at least one photosensitive drum, a transfer belt provided in the main body to form a conveying surface; a fixing unit; and an antistatic member configured to suppress detachment discharge caused when a sheet-like medium is detached from the transfer belt, wherein the antistatic member is situated in the main body at a position on a downstream side of the at least one photosensitive drum and on an upstream side of the fixing unit along the conveying path, wherein the at least one photosensitive drum is held on a photosensitive drum holding body configured to be detachably attachable to the main body; and the antistatic member is provided for the at least one photosensitive drum holding body on a downstream side with respect to a contact position between the at least one photosensitive drum and the sheet-like medium. |
| US09170546B2 |
Image forming apparatus for performing an adjustment based on detected image data
Image forming apparatus includes a movable image bearing member, a first image forming unit, a second image forming unit, a detection member, an execution unit and an adjustment unit. A toner image for adjustment formed on an upstream photoreceptor is made to pass a photoreceptor while facing an area exposed by a downstream image forming unit and is detected by a detection unit. |
| US09170544B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on each of recording media includes an optical sensor to irradiate each of the recording media with light to detect smoothness of each of the recording media according to a strength of specularly reflected light of the light with which each of the recording media is irradiated, and a processor to compare the smoothness of the recording media to determine whether a normal image can be formed on one of the recording media having a smoothness detected last. |
| US09170541B2 |
Image forming apparatus and density unevenness correcting method
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a conveyed recording medium; a density detecting unit configured to detect a density of the image formed on the recording medium; a phase detecting unit configured to detect a phase of a predetermined periodic member; a control unit configured to instruct the image forming unit to form a pattern on the recording medium, and to prepare correction data for one period of the periodic member from density data obtained by detecting the density of the pattern; and a density unevenness correcting unit configured to correct image data by repeatedly applying the correction data for one period so as to match with the phase of the periodic member, and to correct the density unevenness in the conveying direction, which is caused due to the periodic member. |
| US09170539B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an object and a power-supply control unit. The power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to a second power state, in response to a lapse of a predetermined time following no detection of the object, when a job has not been executed until the detection unit detects no object, after the power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to the first power state. The power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to the second power state before a lapse of the predetermined time, when a job has been executed until the detection unit detects no object, after the power-supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to the first power state. |
| US09170537B2 |
Fuser and image forming apparatus
A fuser for fixing an unfixed toner image on a recording material includes: an endless belt body heated by a heat source; a pressing body moved to be connected to and disconnected from an inner peripheral surface of the belt body; a pressure roller member making pressure-contact with the pressing body through the belt body; a tension body moved to be connected to and disconnected from the inner peripheral surface of the belt body, contrary to the connection and disconnection movement of the pressing body; and a rotation transmitting unit configured to transmit a rotational force of the pressure roller member to the belt body using the tension body, while the pressing body is separated from and the tension body makes contact with the inner peripheral surface of the belt body. |
| US09170535B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
In a fixing device thermally fixing toner images on recording sheets of various sizes, (i) a conductive heat generating rotational body configured to heat toner images, (ii) an excitation coil positioned along a part of an outer circumferential surface of the heat generating rotational body and configured to generate a magnetic flux to heat the heat generating rotational body by electromagnetic induction, and (iii) a demagnetization coil positioned close to the excitation coil so as to cover a part of the excitation coil and configured to cancel, when a toner image is being fixed on a smaller-sized recording sheet, a part of the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil so that overheating is prevented in a non sheet-passing region, are provided. The demagnetization coil has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the excitation coil in an axis direction of the coils. |
| US09170534B2 |
Fixing device provided with temperature detection unit
A fixing device may include: a nip member; an endless belt; a heater; a temperature detection unit; and a biasing member. The endless belt may circularly move such that an inner peripheral surface thereof may move in a sliding direction at a position in sliding contact with the nip member. The temperature detection unit may include: a temperature sensor and a holder. The temperature sensor may detect a temperature of the inner peripheral surface and may include: a base and a sensor element supported at the base. The holder may support the base and may have a guide surface for guiding the inner peripheral surface. The guide surface may be disposed on at least one of first and second sides of the temperature sensor in a first direction extending along an axis of the endless belt. The biasing member may bias the holder toward the inner peripheral surface. |
| US09170530B2 |
Powder container and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A powder container includes a cylindrical container body to contain a powder, having an opening in one end thereof, to convey the powder contained in the container body to the opening with rotation of the container body, and having a container-body projection provided on an outer circumferential surface of the container body; and a cylindrical holder, into which the end of the container body having the opening is inserted, to hold the container body rotatably, having a powder outlet through which the powder is discharged from the holder and a holder projection provided on an inner circumferential surface thereof. The container-body projection repetitively contacts and separates from the holder projection with rotation of the container body to vibrate the container body and the holder. |
| US09170518B2 |
Method and system for closed-loop control of nip width and image transfer field uniformity for an image transfer system
Disclosed is a closed-loop control method and system to control the nip width and transfer field uniformity associated with an image marking apparatus. According to an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system senses the uniformity of the image transfer field and applies forces to a transfer nip based on the sensed field to provide a more uniform field. |
| US09170517B2 |
Electrophotographic method
An electrophotographic apparatus and method that can effect favorable transfer of a toner image onto a medium under a nip pressure between a transfer roller and a backup roller and a potential difference between the transfer and backup rollers even if the medium has a high insulating property, such as due to its being thick. |
| US09170511B2 |
Toner, development agent, and image forming apparatus
Toner contains a binder resin containing one or more kinds of crystalline resin and one or more kinds of non-crystalline resin. The non-crystalline resin located at the surface portion of the toner forms a shell structure of a continuous phase of the non-crystalline resin and the toner has an amount of melting heat of 30 J/g or more in a second temperature rising as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). |
| US09170509B2 |
Toner for developing electrostatic images
Disclosed is a toner for developing electrostatic images comprising a colored resin particle containing a binder resin, a colorant and a softening agent, and an external additive, wherein the colored resin particle contains a diester compound represented by the following general formula (1) as the softening agent, and a content of the diester compound is in the range from 1 to 15 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the colored resin particle, and the toner has a softening temperature “Ts” of 55 to 70° C., a flow starting temperature “Tfb” of 80 to 100° C. and a glass transition temperature of 40 to 70° C. in a flow tester: wherein, R1 is an ethylene group or a trimethylene group; and each of R2 and R3 is independently a linear alkyl group having 11 to 25 carbons. |
| US09170502B2 |
Method of optimizing a lithographic process, device manufacturing method, lithographic apparatus, computer program product and simulation apparatus
A method of optimizing a lithographic process for imaging a pattern, including a plurality of features, onto a substrate using a lithographic apparatus, the lithographic apparatus having a controllable illumination system to illuminate a patterning device and a controllable projection system to project an image of the patterning device onto the substrate, the method including selecting a feature from the plurality of features, determining an illumination setting for the illumination system to optimize imaging of the selected feature, and determining a projection setting for the projection system to optimize imaging of the selected feature taking account of the illumination setting. |
| US09170494B2 |
Antireflective compositions and methods of using same
The present invention relates to a novel antireflective coating composition comprising a polymer obtained from a reaction product of at least one amino compound chosen from the group consisting of a polymer with repeat unit of structure (1), structure (2) and mixtures thereof reacted with a hydroxy compound chosen from the group consisting of structure (3), structure (4) and mixtures thereof, and, a thermal acid generator. The invention also relates to a process for using the novel composition in lithography. |
| US09170493B2 |
Resist underlayer film-forming composition, pattern-forming method and resist underlayer film
A resist underlayer film-forming composition includes a polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0 to 180° C. The resist underlayer film-forming composition is used for a multilayer resist process. The multilayer resist process includes forming a silicon-based oxide film on a surface of a resist underlayer film, and subjecting the silicon-based oxide film to wet etching. |
| US09170487B2 |
Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, and polymeric compound
A resist composition which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, the resist composition including a base component that exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, the base component containing a resin component having a structural unit represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below: in which R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and X represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms which may contain an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. |
| US09170486B2 |
Method of manufacturing black column spacer, black column spacer, and color filter
Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a black column spacer that includes preparing a substrate; forming a first organic layer on the substrate; forming a second organic layer on the first organic layer; performing exposure on the substrate on which the first organic layer and the second organic layer are formed using a half-tone mask; and developing the substrate and curing the resultant product, a black column spacer manufactured using the manufacturing method, and a color filter including the black column spacer. |
| US09170483B2 |
Photomask, photomask set, exposure apparatus and exposure method
There is provided a photomask capable of improving alignment accuracy with respective photomasks disposed on the front and rear faces of a substrate. A photomask has a drawing pattern for exposure formed on one face opposing a substrate, a first alignment mark for alignment with a substrate side mark formed on the substrate, the first alignment mark being provided in a region of the one face, the region opposing the substrate when the substrate is retained and the drawing pattern is not formed in the region, and a second alignment mark for alignment with a third alignment mark provided on another photomask, the second alignment mark being provided in a region which does not oppose the substrate when the substrate is retained. |
| US09170482B2 |
Trimming of dummy fill shapes holes to affect near-neighbor dummy fill shapes with built-in optical proximity corrections for semiconductor applications
Near-neighbor trimming of dummy fill shapes with built-in optical proximity corrections (OPCs) for semiconductor applications is provided. A method for the near-neighbor trimming includes adding one or more hole shapes onto a semiconductor design layout comprising a plurality of design shapes. The method further includes trimming adjacent ones of the plurality of which are covered by the one or more hole shapes. |
| US09170477B2 |
Light emitting device and super-luminescent diode having layer with first, second and third waveguides
A light emitting device includes a first layer that generates light by an injection current, the first layer is provided with a first optical waveguide extending from a first light emitting section disposed on a first side surface to a first light reflecting section disposed on a second side surface, a second optical waveguide extending from the first light reflecting section to a second light reflecting section disposed on a third side surface, and a third optical waveguide extending from the second light reflecting section to a second light emitting section disposed on the first side surface, and an element of the group II or the group XII is diffused in the first light reflecting section and the second light reflecting section. |
| US09170476B2 |
Projector
A projector includes a solid-state light source, a diffuser member, an excitation light source, a phosphor, a light modulator, a projection system, a first and a second light blocking members. When the area, viewed in the direction of the optical axis of diffused light, of an opening of the first light blocking member and the area of a portion over which the first light blocking member blocks the diffused light are defined as A1 and A2, respectively; the area, viewed in the direction of the optical axis of fluorescence, of an opening of the second light blocking member and the area of a portion over which the second light blocking member blocks the fluorescence are defined as B1 and B2, respectively, the ratio A2/A1 is greater than the ratio B2/B1. |
| US09170470B1 |
Non-planer, image rotating optical parametric oscillator
An Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) that includes optical elements located and oriented to form a non-planer, image-rotating ring cavity. To provide a high quality well shaped output beam, the OPO comprises a plurality of reflecting surfaces, designed to rotate the resonating beam by 90 degrees for each round trip in the cavity. Preferred embodiments include a first non-linear crystals and a similar second non-linear crystal mounted side-by-side on a single rotating stage. To minimize the adverse effects of walk-off, reflecting unit is positioned to cause the output of the first crystal to be reflected into the second crystal. The two crystals are aligned so as to cause walk-off in the first of the two crystals to be cancelled by opposite walk-off in the second crystal. |
| US09170464B2 |
Electric-field exposure method and display panel manufactured by the electric-field exposure method
An electric-field exposure method includes forming a display cell. The display cell comprises a pixel electrode electrically connected to a data line and a gate line. A guard-ring line surrounds a display area on which the pixel electrode is disposed. A common electrode overlaps the guard-ring line. A resistance division part is connected to a node which is connected to a data pad and a gate pad. A first electrode and a second electrode are provided with first and second electronic signals, respectively. The first electrode is connected to the guard-ring line. The second electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode. The node is provided with a divided signal obtained by dividing the first and second signals through the resistance division part. |
| US09170462B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal display panel
An array substrate comprises a first metal layer in which first signal lines are disposed; a second metal layer in which second signal lines are disposed; an insulation layer provided between the first and second metal layers. A repairing line is provided in edge regions of the second metal layer and insulated from the second signal lines, and the repairing line comprises a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, the first longitudinal portion is electrically connected to the second longitudinal portion by the transverse portion. A projection of the first longitudinal portion in a plane of the first metal layer intersects with one end of each of the first signal lines, and a projection of the second longitudinal portion in the plane of the first metal layer intersects with the other end of each of the first signal lines. |
| US09170460B2 |
In-plane-switching mode liquid crystal panel, manufacturing process and display device thereof
The present invention provides to an in-plane-switching (IPS) mode liquid crystal panel, which comprises: a first substrate, a second substrate, a coplanar transparent electrode layer and a liquid crystal layer. The first and second substrates have a first alignment film and a second alignment film, respectively. The coplanar transparent electrode layer is disposed onto the second alignment film. The liquid crystal layer is disposed in a space between the first alignment film of the first substrate and the coplanar transparent electrode layer of the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer comprises dual-frequency liquid crystal molecules and dual-frequency reactive mesogens/monomers. The liquid crystal panel of the present invention can overcome the problems of pollution and static electricity generated from the rubbing alignment in the in-plane-switching (IPS) mode, so as to simplify the manufacturing process and provide the advantages of high contrast, high response speed and wide viewing angle. |
| US09170458B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having an alignment film produced via polyamide acid ester and polyamide acid as precursors
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate having a first alignment film and an opposing substrate having a second alignment film with liquid crystals sandwiched therebetween. One of the first and second alignment films, comprises a first polyimide produced via polyamide acid ester containing cyclobutane as a precursor and a second polyimide produced via polyamide acid as a precursor. The polyamide acid has a higher polarity than that of the polyamide acid ester. The one of the first and second alignment films is responsive to photo-alignment. A first side of the one of the first and second alignment films is adjacent to the liquid crystals, and a second side thereof is closer to one of the TFT substrate and the counter substrate than the first side. The first side contains more of the first polyimide and less of the second polyimide than the second side. |
| US09170454B2 |
Displays
In one embodiment of the invention, a display is provided. The display includes a light-emitting system including a plurality of light-emitting units, wherein each light-emitting unit emits light independently, a lens array including a plurality of lenses disposed on the light-emitting system, and a first liquid crystal display cell including a plurality of pixels disposed on the lens array, wherein the number of the light-emitting units of the light-emitting system is larger than that of the pixels of the first liquid crystal display cell. |
| US09170451B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus including an image display panel that includes: a first color filter for passing light of a first primary and first auxiliary pixels for displaying the first primary; a second color filter for passing light of a second primary and second auxiliary pixels for displaying the second primary; a third color filter for passing light of a third primary and third auxiliary pixels for displaying the third primary; and fourth auxiliary pixels for displaying a fourth color; the first auxiliary pixels, the second auxiliary pixels, the third auxiliary pixels, and the fourth auxiliary pixels being arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a light shielding region disposed at least partly around the peripheral edge of each of the fourth auxiliary pixels. |
| US09170440B2 |
Polymer optical isolator
Various optical isolators are disclosed. One embodiment provides an optical isolator comprising a waveguide that includes polymer magneto-optical media. In a particular embodiment, the waveguide is dimensioned for single mode operation in the selected isolation range. A cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of magneto-optical materials. Polymer magneto-optical material is a part of the optical waveguide structure. The inhomogeneity induces the propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent. An embodiment is characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves; the dimensions and direction of magnetization of the waveguide can be tailored so that, in a particular embodiment, the cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves is lower than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves. |
| US09170429B2 |
Optical apparatus and image capturing apparatus, and method of controlling the same and storage medium
An optical apparatus includes an imaging optical system, an image capturing unit, a focal length detection unit, an object distance detection unit, a walking shooting determination unit, a sensitivity generation unit configured to generate sensitivity of the correction optical system, a correction amount calculation unit configured to calculate a correction amount of the correction optical system based on the shake amount and the sensitivity, and a control unit configured to drive the correction optical system based on the correction amount. The sensitivity generation unit generates the sensitivity by limiting the object distance or the focal length, or a range of the sensitivity when it is determined that the user of an image capturing apparatus is walking. |
| US09170426B2 |
Array substrate for liquid crystal display device and three-dimensional image display device including the same
An array substrate includes: a substrate; first and second gate lines on the substrate; first and second common lines parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second gate lines; first and second data lines crossing the first and second gate lines and the first and second common lines; first and second thin film transistors in the pixel region; a first pixel electrode and a first common electrode alternately disposed in the first area, at least one of the first pixel electrode and the first common electrode having a bent part; and a second pixel electrode and a second common electrode alternately disposed in the second area. |
| US09170425B1 |
Multi-focal augmented reality lenses
A lens includes a reflective inside surface including a first inside surface portion having an optical surface which focuses an incident beam of a first image so that objects in the first image appears at a first virtual distance, and at least a second inside surface portion having an optical surface which focuses an incident beam of a second image so that objects in the second image to appear at a second virtual distance that is further than the first virtual distance. The lens is a passive lens. The lens can be used in an optical see-through head mounted display (HMD) apparatus to allow a user of the HMD to focus on nearby virtual objects coming from the first inside surface portion while viewing nearby external-world objects and to focus on more distant virtual objects coming from the second inside surface portion while viewing more distant external-world objects. |
| US09170423B2 |
Light module for a projection apparatus and method for generating the blue component in a light module for a projection apparatus
A light module for a projection apparatus, comprising a laser apparatus adapted to emit linearly polarized radiation in the blue wavelength range, a luminous wheel arranged in the beam path of the radiation emitted by the laser apparatus, a first beam splitter arranged in the beam path of the radiation emitted by the laser apparatus between the laser apparatus and the luminous wheel, a focusing apparatus arranged in the beam path of the radiation emitted by the laser apparatus between the first beam splitter and the luminous wheel, and at least one polarization manipulation apparatus, adapted to rotate the polarization of radiation that has passed through it twice in different directions through 90°, wherein the first beam splitter is arranged such that it is also located in the beam path of radiation in the blue wavelength range which has passed twice through the polarization manipulation apparatus in different directions. |
| US09170421B2 |
Display apparatus incorporating multi-level shutters
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing multi-level multi-state shutter assemblies. The shutter assembly includes at least a first shutter at a first height over a substrate and a second shutter at a second height over the substrate. Both the first shutter and the second shutter can be operated in an open or closed state for passing or partially blocking light propagating through an aperture. In some implementations, the shutter assembly can operate in four states: a fully transmissive state, a fully obstructive state and two partially transmissive states based on the open or closed states of the first and second shutters. |
| US09170413B2 |
Microscope objective lens
A microscope objective lens has an aspheric-surface lens, and a first lens nearest to an object side is a negative lens. It is desirable that at least any one surface of the first lens nearest to the object side is an aspheric surface. Moreover, it is desirable that the microscope objective lens satisfies the following conditional expression (1) −20 |
| US09170412B2 |
Objective lens changer mechanism suitable for use in a compact microscopy system
There is disclosed an apparatus for magnifying and capturing images of one or more samples, as well as an apparatus for changing objective lenses. Methods of using the apparatuses, and other embodiments, are also disclosed. |
| US09170403B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens is constituted by: a first lens having a positive refractive power and is of a meniscus shape with a convex surface toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power; a third lens having a positive refractive power and a convex surface toward the object side; a fourth lens having a positive refractive power and a convex surface toward the object side; and a fifth lens having a negative refractive power, a concave surface toward the image side on the surface thereof toward the image side in the vicinity of the optical axis, and an inflection point on the surface thereof toward the image side, provided in this order from the object side. |
| US09170401B2 |
Wide angle lens and imaging apparatus
A wide angle lens includes: a positive first lens group, a second lens group, constituted by two or fewer lenses, that moves during focusing operations, and a third lens group that includes at least one positive lens, provided in this order from the object side. The first lens group includes at least a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface toward the object side, a negative meniscus lens with a convex surface toward the object side, a lens having a concave surface with a radius of curvature having a smaller absolute value toward the image side, a negative lens, a cemented lens formed by a positive lens and a negative lens, and an aperture stop provided adjacent to the cemented lens toward the image side thereof, provided in this order from the object side. The wide angle lens satisfies a predetermined conditional formula. |
| US09170391B2 |
Slidable fiber optic connection module with cable slack management
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes a frame and a fiber optic module. The fiber optic module includes a main housing portion defining fiber optic connection locations for connecting cables to be routed through the frame and a cable management portion for guiding cables between the main housing portion and the frame. The main housing portion of the fiber optic module is slidably mounted to the frame, the main housing portion slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in a sliding direction. The cable management portion of the fiber optic module includes a radius limiter slidably coupled to both the main housing portion and the frame, wherein movement of the main housing portion with respect to the frame slidably moves the radius limiter with respect to the main housing portion along the sliding direction. |
| US09170390B2 |
Armored fiber optic assemblies and methods of forming fiber optic assemblies
Cables have dielectric armors with armor profiles that provide additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein, while retaining flexibility to aid during installation. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads. |
| US09170387B2 |
Optical component assemblies
In one embodiment, an optical component assembly includes an active component substrate, an active component positioned on the active component substrate, a collar and a fiber securing device. The collar is coupled to the active component substrate, and the fiber securing device is configured to mate with the collar such that a signal surface of the fiber securing device is located at a predetermined distance from the surface of the active component substrate, and a signal aperture of the fiber securing device is substantially located at a predetermined optical coupling location with respect to the active optical component. In another embodiment, an optical transceiver assembly includes an optically transmissive fiber securing device coupled to and aligned with a surface of the active component substrate using first and second alignment apertures that are aligned with first and second alignment locations of the active component substrate, respectively. |
| US09170384B2 |
Optical coupling lens with plugs
An optical coupling lens includes a main body and two plugs. The main body includes a front surface, a back surface opposite to the front surface, a first optical surface, a second optical surface perpendicular to the first optical surface, a reflecting surface obliquely facing the two optical surfaces, first converging lenses formed on the first optical surface, and second converging lenses formed on the second optical surface. The plugs extend from the front surface and sandwich the first converging portions. Each plug includes a cylindrical body portion having a flat end surface, a bowl-shaped protruding portion extending from the end surface and having a top surface away from the end surface, and a buffering portion formed in the top surface. The diameter of the protruding portion decreases from the end surface to the top surface. |
| US09170382B2 |
Connector with built-in module
A connector incorporating a module, in which an incorporated electrical component may be cooled efficiently and reliably, is provided. A transmission apparatus disposed inside a main body cover of a module-incorporating connector is provided with a ceramic board at which an electrical component and such are mounted. A metal cover touches an upper face of the electrical component. A portion of the metal cover is disposed in an insertion portion of the main body cover. Heat generated by the electrical component is propagated via the metal cover to the insertion portion of a first cover member. When the module-incorporating connector is connected to a socket of a device, the insertion portion is disposed inside an exterior case, in which temperature is controlled by an air conditioner, and cooling is performed reliably and efficiently. |
| US09170381B2 |
Optoelectronic socket connector
An electrical connection system for an optoelectronic socket comprises an optoelectronic socket (1), an OE package (2) assembled to the optoelectronic socket (1), and a circuit board (4). The optoelectronic socket (1) comprises a plurality of passageways (104) embedded with an optical member (12) respectively, and a number of electrical contacts. The OE package (2) comprises a plurality of lenses (20) located at bottom portion thereof and a plurality of electrical pads (22) located at peripheral of the bottom portion. Bottom end of the lens (20) of the OE package (2) are received in the passageway (104) and the electrical pads (22) contact with the electrical contacts (14). The optical member (12) is received in recess on upper face of the circuit board (4) and connects with a waveguide (40) positioned in the recess. The electrical contact is soldered to the circuit board. |
| US09170379B2 |
Optical fiber connector and assembly method therefor
Disclosed are an optical fiber connector an assembly method therefor. The connector is used for matching with an optical fiber adapter, and comprises a connector casing, a ceramic ferrule (2), a spring (4) and a boot (8), wherein the connector casing has a lateral width of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, is formed by inserting and locking a front casing (1) and a rear casing (5) and forms a cavity; the tail of the connector casing is connected to the boot (8), the external front end of the connector casing contains a guiding block (101) and a combined elastic arm successively in the rearward direction, and a retaining convex block (104) is arranged on the combined elastic arm; the tail end of the ceramic ferrule (2) is fixed to a tailstock (3) of the ceramic ferrule and penetrates through a through hole at the front end of the connector casing; and the spring is compressed between the tailstock (3) of the ceramic ferrule and a stop block (501) formed by the inner walls of the connector casing. The connector greatly reduces the overall dimensions of the connector, and increase the installation density of the connector. |
| US09170375B2 |
TM-polarization splitter based on photonic crystal waveguide
A photonic crystal waveguide TM-polarization splitter, comprising a photonic crystal waveguide with a completely forbidden band; after the input end (1) of the photonic crystal waveguide inputs an incident wave in any polarization direction into the polarization splitter, a TM wave is outputted from the output end (2) of the polarization splitter, and a TE wave is reflected back from the input end (1) of the polarization splitter. The TM-polarization splitter has a small size, high polarization, and high light transmission efficiency, facilitates integration and has high efficiency, is suitable for large scale optical path integration, and achieves the functions of polarizing and beam splitting for different wavelengths. |
| US09170371B2 |
Micro-ring optical resonators
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for micro-ring optical resonators are provided. An example of a micro-ring optical resonator apparatus includes an array of input waveguides with each input waveguide optically coupled to an array of micro-rings, an output waveguide operatively associated with each of the micro-rings, and a scattering object operatively associated with each of the micro-rings, wherein the scattering object is connected to the output waveguide. |
| US09170370B2 |
Optical printed circuit board, apparatus and method for manufacturing same
An optical printed circuit board includes a substrate, a first cladding layer, a core layer, and a second cladding layer. The first cladding layer is formed on the substrate and defines a receiving groove. The core layer is received in the receiving groove. The second cladding layer is formed on the core layer. The refractive index of the core layer is greater than that of the first cladding layer and that of the second cladding layer. The core layer includes a bottom surface, a first refractive surface, and a second refractive surface. An included angle between the bottom surface and the first refractive surface is about 135 degrees. An included angle between the bottom surface and the second refractive surface is about 135 degrees. |
| US09170365B2 |
Illumination apparatus, display apparatus, and electronic device
An illumination apparatus includes: a light guiding plate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed along a side-end surface of the light guiding plate that serves as a light-entry portion, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements having a light-emitting surface facing toward the side-end surface; a light source substrate that extends along the light-entry portion and has the plurality of light-emitting elements disposed thereon on one surface side that faces the light-entry portion; and a connector member, held on another surface side of the light source substrate that opposes the one surface side, for supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting elements. |
| US09170359B2 |
Wave guide
A wave guide that can be deformed into a required shape and fixed in that shape by polymerization of the material. The wave guide substrate comprises a flexible monomer or oligomer material that is polymerized to form a rigid polymer and fix the shape of the wave guide. Light sources, such as LED's, and/or photo voltaic cells may be embedded within the substrate of the wave guide so that the wave guide is a luminaire or solar concentrator, respectively. |
| US09170357B2 |
Illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and exposure method with optical integrator and polarization member that changes polarization state of light
An illumination optical apparatus illuminates a pattern on a mask with illumination light. The illumination optical apparatus includes an optical integrator arranged in an optical path of the illumination light, and a polarization member made of optical material with optical rotatory power, which is arranged in the optical path on an incidence side of the optical integrator, and which changes a polarization state of the illumination light. The illumination light from the polarization member is irradiated onto the pattern through a pupil plane of the illumination optical apparatus. |
| US09170356B2 |
Beam transforming optical system, illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and exposure method with optical member with optical rotatory power having different thicknesses to rotate linear polarization direction
An illumination optical apparatus illuminates a pattern on a mask with illumination light. The illumination optical apparatus includes an optical integrator arranged in an optical path of the illumination light, and a polarization member made of optical material with optical rotatory power, which is arranged in the optical path on an incidence side of the optical integrator, and which changes a polarization state of the illumination light. The illumination light from the polarization member is irradiated onto the pattern through a pupil plane of the illumination optical apparatus. |
| US09170352B2 |
Compound optical film
A compound optical film includes an unitary two-layer structure with of a light guide layer and a light reflective layer attached on the light guide layer. A number of light scattering particles are dispersed in the light guide layer adjacent to an interface between the light guide layer and the light reflective layer. The compound optical film can reduce the thickness of backlight module while the compound optical film is used in backlight module. |
| US09170350B2 |
Lens with broadband anti-reflective structures formed by nano island mask and method of making the same
The present invention provides a lens having broadband anti-reflective nanostructures formed using nano-island masks and a method for making the same, in which nanostructures having a size and period equal to or smaller than the light wavelength are formed on the surface of a lens to obtain a lens having decreased reflectance, increased transmittance and high efficiency. The lens having broadband anti-reflective nanostructures formed using nano-island masks comprises: a lens having a planar shape or a predetermined curvature; and anti-reflective nanostructures formed on one surface of the lens using nano-island masks, in which the horizontal and vertical cross-sections of the anti-reflective nanostructures have a size equal to or smaller than the light wavelength. |
| US09170345B2 |
Near-offset extrapolation for free-surface multiple elimination in shallow marine environment
The invention is a method for extrapolating missing near-offset seismic data (101) so that the data may be used, for example, in SRME or another multiple-reflection elimination method. The invention uses the reciprocity principle (102) to relate two seismic states (acoustic or elastic) that can occur in a time-invariant, bounded domain in space. One of these states represents the physical experiment for the acquisition of the actual seismic data where near-offset traces are missing, and the other state represents a synthetic experiment with no missing near offset traces, computer-generated on a much simpler earth model. The reciprocity relationship used to relate these two states is iteratively inverted for the missing near-offset traces (103), preferably using only part of the synthetic data (102) so as to reduce inversion artifacts. The reference model acts as a constraint on the near-offset extrapolation. |
| US09170344B2 |
System and method for deployment of seismic data recorders
A system and method for deployment of a plurality of seismic recorder assemblies from a survey vessel on the ocean bottom is disclosed. The seismic recorder assemblies are self contained, autonomous nodal devices which are capable of receiving and recording reflected seismic energy and storing the data locally while operating for an extended period of time. The assemblies each have two or more attachment points for the connection of separate connecting cable segments. |
| US09170343B2 |
Quasi-impulsive displacement source
The invention is an electric seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons that creates a quasi-impulsive burst of seismic energy onto the ground and into the earth. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground. All of the linear electric motors are driven against the ground in a high power pulse that delivers a band-limited spectrum of seismic energy over a very brief period of time that would like a “pop” and be measured in milliseconds. A quasi-impulsive seismic pulse would create a wave field that resembles the seismic data acquired using dynamite or other explosive seismic systems without the ultrahigh frequencies of a true explosive pulse. The quick burst or several quick bursts may further speed up the survey by minimizing the time that a vibe spends on a source point. |
| US09170342B2 |
Active isolation apparatus
The invention is an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. The seismic source further includes an active isolation system that provides for significant weight on the ground through the rods of the linear electric motors, but protects the vehicle body and the remainder of the systems on the seismic source to be insulated from the harshest vibration related to the acoustic energy being applied to the ground. The active isolation system may include reactive elements such as pneumatic and hydraulic shock absorbers, but also includes active elements such as linear motors operated to counteract the impulsive forces from conveying through the frame of the seismic source. |
| US09170338B2 |
Charge sensors using inverted lateral bipolar junction transistors
A method for forming a sensor includes forming a base-region barrier in contact with a base substrate. The base-region barrier includes a monocrystalline semiconductor having a same dopant conductivity as the base substrate. An emitter and a collector are formed in contact with and on opposite sides of the base-region barrier to form a bipolar junction transistor. The collector, the emitter and the base-region barrier are planarized to form a level surface opposite the base substrate such that when the level surface is exposed to charge, the charge is measured during operation of the bipolar junction transistor. |
| US09170329B2 |
Object detection apparatus for vehicle
A roadside object present at the side of a subject vehicle travel path and a preceding vehicle at a speed equal to or greater than a predetermined speed are detected based on points derived by transmitting an electromagnetic beam forward of the subject vehicle and projecting reflection points obtained onto a two-dimensional plane, a determination is made when the preceding vehicle passes near the roadside object as to whether it moved toward the travel path within a predetermined time before and after the passage, and the roadside object is not determined to be the obstacle when it is determined to have moved toward the travel path, thereby preventing the roadside object from being misidentified as the obstacle owing to erroneous recognition of it having intruded into the travel path of the subject vehicle when detecting the object using an electromagnetic beam. |
| US09170328B2 |
Systems and methods for improving bearing availability and accuracy
Systems and methods for improving bearing initialization for a pair of two-element antennas. An exemplary system includes two-element antennas mounted on the bottom and top of an aircraft fuselage, an output device, and a processing device. The processing device receives phase-difference information based on phase of signals received at each element of a two-element antenna, determines if the received phase-difference information is within a predefined low-confidence region, and initializes bearing if the phase-difference information is not within the low-confidence region or the phase-difference information from a predefined number of consecutively received signals meets a predefined consistency requirement. |
| US09170324B2 |
Statistical movement analysis
Statistical movement analysis method that includes defining one or more movement signature types, wherein a movement signature type includes a set of movement parameters and values for the set of movement parameters and receiving data for objects monitored by a radar system at a plurality of times, the data including values acquired for the set of movement parameters. The method also includes discriminating the data for the monitored objects by comparing movement signatures of two or more of the monitored objects for a difference of statistical significance and characterizing the monitored objects based on the movement signatures of the monitored objects. The method also includes identifying one or more of the monitored objects by comparing the received data for a monitored object with the movement signature type to determine if any of the objects monitored by the radar system are moving consistent with the movement signature type. |
| US09170323B2 |
Pulse radar range profile motion compensation
A pulse radar range profile motion compensation method (10) comprises: acquiring receiver samples (12); acquiring an estimate of the range rate of a target (14); removing an additional phase acquired by the echo signals; removing a shift in range cells of the receiver samples (18); applying a pulse Doppler filter (22); identifying the peak Doppler frequency and calculating a shift from zero of the peak Doppler frequency (24); calculating a range rate correction (26); adding the range rate correction to the estimate of the range rate and repeating the removal of the additional phase (16) and the shift in range cells (18), and using the new range rate estimate to obtain motion compensated receiver samples (28); and generating an output signal indicative of the motion compensated receiver samples for generating a range profile (30). |
| US09170320B1 |
Transmitter pushing compensation for radar stability enhancement
A method of compensating for transmitter instability of a radar system is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting at least one electromagnetic pulse and directly measuring at least one characteristic of the transmitted pulse. A comparison is made between the at least one measured characteristic of the transmitted pulse to a reference pulse characteristic. The results of this comparison are used to generate a complex weight for the at least one electromagnetic pulse. The weight is applied to the received return of the at least one electromagnetic pulse. |
| US09170319B2 |
Determining position of underwater node
A method of determining the position of an underwater node. The positions of three or more transmitters are determined. Each transmitter transmits at least four pulses, wherein a time difference between each pulse and a previous one of the pulses is proportional to a respective co-ordinate of the position of the transmitter. The pulses are received at the underwater node and decoded by measuring the delays between them, thereby determining the co-ordinates of the transmitters. The range of each transmitter relative to the underwater node is also determined. Finally the position of the underwater node is determined in accordance with the co-ordinates and ranges. Any errors in the measurements of the delays between the pulses only translate into small errors in the determined position because of the proportionality between the delays and the coordinates. Therefore if there is a gradual decrease of signal-to-noise ratio then the accuracy of the position estimate also degrades gradually. Also, the use of pulse position modulation provides a low computation overhead in decoding and encoding. |
| US09170317B1 |
Aligning a radio frequency antenna bore sight
Processes for determining imperfection offsets between an antenna and the platform to which the antenna is coupled, where the imperfection offsets are unknown offsets due to imperfections such as manufacturing imperfections. The platform can include an orientation mechanism that provides the orientation of the platform, and the imperfection offsets can be between the antenna and the orientation mechanism. The processes can include determining two different relative pointing vectors that correspond to a detected peak strength of a test signal transmitted between one or more targets and the antenna. The processes can further include utilizing an optimization process to determine the heading, pitch, and roll of the imperfection offsets from the two different relative pointing vectors. |
| US09170316B2 |
Systems and methods for improving bearing availability and accuracy for a tracking filter
Systems and methods for improving bearing availability and accuracy in a traffic collision-avoidance system (TCAS). In an exemplary method, if only a single phase-difference value is received for one of two two-element antennas, a processor determines an expected maximum antenna element phase-difference value for the elements of the two-element antenna that did not receive a phase-difference value for a target signal source; estimates a phase-difference value for the two-element antenna that did not include a phase-difference value, based on the expected maximum antenna element phase-difference value and a previously determined predicted bearing value; and calculates bearing based on the estimated phase-difference value and a phase-difference value received from the other two-element antenna. The determination is based on previously received signals associated with the target signal source and based on elevation information of the target signal source and a predefined maximum antenna element phase-difference value for the respective antenna element pair. An output device outputs information associated with the calculated bearing. |
| US09170311B2 |
Nuclear quadrupole resonance system
A Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance detection system with features that include: a) slab radiating structure for the transmit path; b) reduced impedance transmit radiator; c) portal-embedded stripline couplers for receive path; d) wideband chirps each encompassing multiple simultaneous resonances; e) chirp sequencing enabling three channel architecture; f) magnetic amplification effect of ferrite-based directional couplers; g) determining position of substance within portal. |
| US09170309B2 |
Through bias pole for IGMR speed sensing
One embodiment relates to a sensing system that includes a magnetic encoder wheel having alternating pole magnetic domains along a circumference thereof. The magnetic encoder wheel is configured to rotate about a first axis. The sensing system further includes a magnetic field sensing element in spatial relationship with the magnetic encoder wheel that is oriented to sense magnetic field components extending generally in a direction parallel to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensing system also includes a magnetic flux influencing element configured to influence magnetic field components associated with the alternating pole magnetic domains of the magnetic encoder to reduce magnetic field components associated with the first axis. |
| US09170307B2 |
Hall sensors and sensing methods
Embodiments relate to multi-terminal sensor devices and operating methods thereof that can reduce or eliminate offset error. In embodiments, sensor devices can comprise three or fewer terminals, and multiple such sensor devices can be combined. The sensor devices can comprise Hall sensor devices, such as vertical Hall devices, or other sensor devices in embodiments. Operating modes can be implemented for the multi-terminal sensor devices which offer improvements over conventional spinning current techniques, including reduced residual offset. |
| US09170303B2 |
System and method to determine electric motor efficiency using an equivalent circuit
A system and method for determining electric motor efficiency includes a monitoring system having a processor programmed to determine efficiency of an electric motor under load while the electric motor is online. The determination of motor efficiency is independent of a rotor speed measurement. Further, the efficiency is based on a determination of stator winding resistance, an input voltage, and an input current. The determination of the stator winding resistance occurs while the electric motor under load is online. |
| US09170302B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and test method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus includes first and second chips sharing first and second data channels. The first chip compresses first test data of the first chip and outputs the compressed first test data through the first data channel in a first test mode, and the second chip compresses second test data of the second chip and outputs the compressed second test data through the second data channel in the first test mode. |
| US09170296B2 |
Semiconductor device defect monitoring using a plurality of temperature sensing devices in an adjacent semiconductor device
An arrangement of semiconductor devices to monitor semiconductor defects. There is a first semiconductor device arranged in proximity to a second semiconductor device, the second semiconductor device having a plurality of temperature sensing devices at locations in the second semiconductor device; a plurality of through silicon vias extending between the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device to electrically connect the first semiconductor device to the second semiconductor device; and a testing program to cause the plurality of temperature sensing devices in the second semiconductor device to sense the temperature at a plurality of corresponding locations in the first semiconductor device such that a predetermined rise in temperature at one location of the plurality of temperature sensing devices in the second semiconductor device is indicative of a defect in the corresponding location in the first semiconductor device. Methods of monitoring defects are also disclosed. |
| US09170291B2 |
Remote monitoring system
A remote monitoring system provides a real-time monitoring of conditions of an apparatus, such as a power line. The remote monitoring system includes an apparatus that generates electrical signals, a remote monitoring module that is remote from the apparatus, and a transmission module. The transmission module is provided adjacent to the apparatus and transmits data that correspond to the electrical signals via a cellular network to the remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring module receives the signal and determines a condition of the apparatus based on the received electrical signal. |
| US09170283B2 |
Current detector
A current detector includes a magnetic core that is molded by sintering powder made from a magnetic material, and a current detection busbar. The current detection busbar is a conductor including a penetrating portion that penetrates a hole portion of the magnetic core in a first direction in which a current flows, and terminal portions that are in connection with the penetrating portion on both sides in the first direction. The width of the terminal portions is larger than the maximum width of the hole portion, and the minimum width of the cross-sectional contour of the penetrating portion is larger than the thickness of the terminal portions. An insulating casing holds the magnetic core, the current detection busbar, and the Hall element, while keeping them from coming into contact with each other. |
| US09170280B2 |
Indirect non-contact high voltage measurement on electrical power line
A non-contact electrical power line voltage measurement device comprises a probe including an insulated shield supporting an electrode to sense electrostatically induced voltage from the power line. The shield houses a high voltage resistor connected in series with the electrode. A meter comprises a housing operatively associated with the shield and enclosing a measurement circuit electrically connected to the high voltage resistor for measuring induced electrode voltage. A calibration circuit correlates measured electrode voltage to power line voltage. A display is driven by the measurement circuit for displaying actual power line voltage responsive to the electrode being a select distance from the power line. |
| US09170279B2 |
State monitoring or diagnostics system
The present disclosure concerns a state monitoring or diagnostics system, and also a method for monitoring the state of devices or for diagnosing devices, in particular for overvoltage protection devices, as well as a method for transmitting measured values. Each of the devices comprises a functional component to be monitored and a monitoring and transmitting apparatus, wherein the monitoring and transmitting apparatus consists solely of a resonator circuit made of passive electrical components with no microchip, in particular with no RFID transponder. The information to be interrogated resides in the resonant frequency of the resonator circuit. |
| US09170278B2 |
Superconducting probe card
A system may include first and second qubits that cross one another and a first coupler having a perimeter that encompasses at least a part of the portions of the first and second qubits, the first coupler being operable to ferromagnetically or anti-ferromagnetically couple the first and the second qubits together. A multi-layered computer chip may include a first plurality N of qubits laid out in a first metal layer, a second plurality M of qubits laid out at least partially in a second metal layer that cross each of the qubits of the first plurality of qubits, and a first plurality N times M of coupling devices that at least partially encompasses an area where a respective pair of the qubits from the first and the second plurality of qubits cross each other. |
| US09170276B2 |
Coaxial cable member coupled to a signal terminal, a ground terminal and an auxiliary ground conductor with an elastically-deformable piece
In a cable assembly, when auxiliary ground conductor is provided so as to face the lower surface of supporting insulating member, elastically-deformed piece in an elastically deformed status comes in contact with the tip of ground terminal protruding from the lower surface of supporting insulating member. |
| US09170272B2 |
Scanning mechanism and scanning probe microscope
A scanning mechanism includes a cantilever, an XY movable portion movable in X and Y directions parallel to an X-Y plane, an XY actuator to scan the XY movable portion in the X and Y directions, a Z actuator to scan the cantilever in a Z direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane, and a light condensing portion to cause light for detecting a displacement of the cantilever to enter the cantilever. The Z actuator and the light condensing portion are held by the XY movable portion and arranged side by side in projection to the X-Y plane. |
| US09170271B2 |
Accelerometer and its fabrication technique
An accelerometer has E-shaped resilient beams to isolate stress and reduce deformation. A top cap silicon wafer and a bottom cap silicon wafer are both coupled with a measurement mass to form a capacitor. The measurement mass has a mass, range-of-motion stops, and resilient beams located within a support frame. The range-of-motion stops are coupled to the support frame by connection beams, and the mass is coupled with the range-of-motion stops by groups of E-shaped resilient beams. The ends of each resilient beam are connected to the range-of-motion stops, and the middle of each resilient beam is connected to the mass. |
| US09170265B2 |
Electrode, electrochemical sensor and apparatus, and methods for operating the same
A method for amperometric detection of proteins, especially haemoglobin in faeces, using an electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor includes: a working electrode having an electrically conductive matrix holding a first reagent and/or a second reagent, the second reagent being an oxidizing agent, or a precursor thereof, for the first reagent; a counter electrode and optionally a reference electrode; wherein a reaction between the first reagent and the oxidizing agent is catalyzed by the protein to provide a detectable signal at the working electrode. The electrically conductive matrix is an electrically conductive carbon- or graphite-containing matrix or an electrically conductive porous matrix. |
| US09170264B2 |
Methods of monitoring for adherence to aripiprazole therapy
Methods for helping to monitor subject adherence with a prescribed antipsychotic drug treatment regimen are disclosed. |
| US09170259B2 |
Serological methods and diagnostic tests for syphilis antibodies
A method of detecting antibodies to syphilis antigens includes providing a syphilis detection kit having a screening solid-phase platform with a screening portion coated with non-treponemal syphilis antigens. The screening portion is fabricated by initially dissolving cholesterol in an organic solvent and further diluting the dissolved cholesterol in an ethanol solution comprising cardiolipin and lecithin to form an antigen solution, permitting the antigen solution to evaporate at the screening portion and at least partially coating the screening portion with an antigen coating, and stabilizing the antigen coating into a syphilis antigen complex by overcoating the antigen coating with an overcoat solution comprising an inert protein. |
| US09170258B2 |
Portable apparatus for improved sample analysis
The present invention is an improved apparatus for sample analysis. The apparatus employs an assay component containing a membrane having one or a plurality of analyte-specific binding agents attached thereto, a means for absorbing liquid, and a piston means for drawing analytes through said membrane into said means for absorbing liquid. The apparatus is configured to be portable and provide a detector for detecting binding of an analyte to an analyte-specific binding agent, a plurality of data acquisition components, and a computer for integrating, analyzing and storing the detected analyte specific binding and acquired data. |
| US09170255B2 |
Cell analysis apparatus and method
Devices and methods that measure one or more properties of a living cell culture that is contained in liquid media within a vessel, and typically analyzes plural cell cultures contained in plural vessels such as the wells of a multiwell microplate substantially in parallel. The devices incorporate a sensor that remains in equilibrium with, e.g., remains submerged within, the liquid cell media during the performance of a measurement and during addition of one or more cell affecting fluids such as solutions of potential drug compounds. |
| US09170254B2 |
Identification of bitter ligands that specifically activate human T2R receptors and related assays for identifying human bitter taste modulators
The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds. Also, the invention relates to the discovery of specific hT2R9 alleles and their disparate activity in functional assays with the same biter ligands. The invention further relates to the use of these T2R receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by specific bitter ligands and related compounds. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages, cosmetics and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. Also T2R ligands may be used as therapeutics to treat and modulate T2R associated gastrointestinal and metabolic functions as well as treat gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases such as eating disorders, food sensing, food absorption, obesity, diabetes, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, et al. |
| US09170252B2 |
Assay for assessment of endosomal transport
The invention provides an assay and corresponding kit for assessing the delivery efficiency of a molecule into a eukaryotic cell (basic assay). The present invention also provides an assay and corresponding kit for assessing the inhibitory effect of a test molecule in relation to the before-mentioned basic assay. |
| US09170251B2 |
Analyte-testing instruments
An instrument configured to determine the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display, a user-interface mechanism, and a body portion. The body portion houses a test-sensor cartridge and includes an opening configured to receive a test sensor from the test-sensor cartridge. The body portion further includes an indexer and an excise mechanism positioned within the body portion. The indexer includes an indexer face, a retention pin, a flexible pawl, and a user-accessible tab. The indexer is configured to rotate about the retention pin, which extends through a first aperture in the indexer face. The excise mechanism includes a push rod configured to extend through a second aperture in the indexer face and a bar coupled with and generally parallel to the push rod. |
| US09170250B2 |
Oilfield chemicals with attached spin probes
Detecting a spin probe in an oilfield fluid may indicate or determine the amount of the particular chemicals within an oilfield fluid. The detection of the spin probe may also indicate at least one property of the oilfield fluid, such as but not limited to pH, dielectric constant, rotational freedom of the spin probe, at least one chemical, the concentration of at least one chemical, residue of at least one chemical in the fluid, the speciation of coupled chemistry between the spin probe and the chemical, and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spin probe may be attached to at least one chemical. The oilfield fluid may be or include, but is not limited to, a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid, a servicing fluid, and combinations thereof. |
| US09170247B2 |
Concentration measuring device
A concentration measuring device with which the concentration measurement of a test substance can be facilitated as compared to a conventional technique is provided. The concentration measuring device includes: first to third pipes together forming a circulation path through which a gas can circulate; a pump for flowing the gas in a circulating direction in the circulation path; a sample disposed in the circulation path; and a concentration measuring mechanism for measuring a concentration of a target substance from the sample in the circulation path. The concentration measuring mechanism includes, for example, a sample heater, a catalyst, a catalyst heater, a detection chamber, a concentration sensor, and a control unit. |
| US09170246B2 |
Fluid storage and dispensing system including dynamic fluid monitoring of fluid storage and dispensing vessel
A monitoring system for monitoring fluid in a fluid supply vessel during operation including dispensing of fluid from the fluid supply vessel. The monitoring system includes (i) one or more sensors for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid supply vessel or the fluid dispensed therefrom, (ii) a data acquisition module operatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive monitoring data therefrom and responsively generate an output correlative to the characteristic monitored by the one or more sensors, and (iii) a processor and display operatively coupled with the data acquisition module and arranged to process the output from the data acquisition module and responsively output a graphical representation of fluid in the fluid supply vessel, billing documents, usage reports, and/or resupply requests. |
| US09170230B2 |
MSP nanopores and related methods
Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression. |
| US09170229B2 |
Method for diagnosing an electrical contact connection of an exhaust gas sensor
A method diagnoses an electrical contact connection of an exhaust gas sensor, in which two current sources are used to impress currents into a pump cell and a reference cell of the exhaust gas sensor. If a line is faulty, the relevant current cannot flow and a voltage on the relevant current source assumes a high value. If a second line is faulty, measurement of the voltage on the second connection, which is connected to the connecting point between the two cells, provides a low value when the relevant second connection is isolated from the reference-ground potential by a second switch, since the cell capacitances have not been able to charge to the reference-ground potential. |
| US09170224B2 |
Multiple-excitation multiple-receiving (MEMR) capacitance tomography
A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes. |
| US09170223B2 |
Thermal conductivity measuring device and method of measuring the thermal conductivity
The inventive concept relates to a thermal conductivity measuring device and a method of measuring the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity measuring device may include a first structure which is connected to one side end of a sample and receives heat from a heat source; a second structure connected to the other side end of the sample; a first stage connected to the first structure while supporting the first structure; a second stage connected to the second structure while supporting the second structure; a connection unit connected between the first stage and the second stage; and a measuring unit measuring temperatures of the first and second structures and the first and second stages. Since the thermal conductivity measuring of the inventive concept correct a temperature change of a stage due to heat transmission emitted from the stage considering a measurement environment, reliability of measurement may be improved. |
| US09170222B2 |
Detecting thermal interface material (‘TIM’) between a heat sink and an integrated circuit
Detecting TIM between a heat sink and an integrated circuit, the heat sink including TIM detection points, each TIM detection point adapted to receive TIM upon installation of the heat sink, each TIM detection point including a TIM detection device configured to be activated upon contact with TIM, including: receiving, upon installation of the heat sink on the integrated circuit and the TIM, TIM in one or more of the TIM detection points; activating, by the TIM in each of the one or more TIM detection points receiving the TIM, a TIM detection device; and determining, by a TIM detection module in dependence upon the activations of the TIM detection devices, sufficiency of the TIM between the heat sink and the integrated circuit. |
| US09170220B2 |
X-ray analyzer
The X-ray analyzer repeats scanning of a sample by an electron beam from an electron gun (beam source), detects a characteristic X-ray from the sample by an X-ray detector, generates an element distribution image of the sample by a signal processor every scanning, and stores a plurality of element distribution images in a sequential order. Temporal changes of the element distribution image of the sample are obtained. Moreover, by moving a stage by a moving unit concurrently with the scanning, an element distribution image of the sample where the scanning position is varied is obtained. By generating the element distribution image while varying the scanning position, positioning of the range where the element distribution image is to be obtained on the sample can be quickly performed based on the element distribution image itself. |
| US09170218B2 |
Nitrogen detection in bulk samples using a D-D reaction-based portable neutron generator
A D-D portable neutron generator-based PGNAA setup is designed and tested for nitrogen concentration measurements in bulk samples. The PGNAA set up response was tested through 2.50 MeV and 2.52 MeV nitrogen prompt gamma ray yield measurements and indicates that the excellent performance of the portable neutron generator-based PGNAA setup can be used for detection of elements with low thermal neutron capture cross-section. |
| US09170198B2 |
Crosstalk reduction
Techniques are disclosed relating to analysis and reduction of crosstalk between signals. These techniques may be applicable in many fields, such as single-tube PCR or DNA melt analysis, PCR or melt data from neighboring wells of a multi-well plate, capillary electrophoresis data (e.g., DNA sequencing), gas chromatography, multispectral imaging, dual-color fluorescence correlation spectrometry, electrical crosstalk, etc. According to one embodiment, crosstalk between fluorescence signals from different species may be determined based on a correlation between the time derivatives of the fluorescence signals from the fluorescent species. |
| US09170196B2 |
Optical measuring device
In an optical measuring device, the visual observation section includes: a white light source which emits white light; a first objective lens arranged between the white light source and measurement object, through which the white light emitted from the white light source and return light from the measurement object transmit; a plurality of tube lenses which change a magnification of the return light passing through the first objective lens to a predetermined magnification; and a lens switching mechanism which can selectively switch the tube lenses so as to select one of the tube lenses to be arranged on the return light, and the special observation section includes: a special light source which emits special light; and a second objective lens arranged between the special light source and measurement object, through which the special light emitted from the special light source and return light from the measurement object transmit. |
| US09170192B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying materials utilizing multivariate analysis techniques
Described are a system and method for identifying a material. A spectrum is received. A barcode is generated from a sign of a second derivative of the spectrum. Multivariate data analysis tools and techniques are applied based on the barcode. The material is identified from results of the multivariate data analysis based on the barcode. |
| US09170190B2 |
Sensor device and image forming apparatus
A sensor device is disclosed, including a database, and a processing apparatus. The database includes, for multiple different first types of objects, a first output data which are output data of an optical system acquired beforehand for each of the first objects in a case in which a surface of one side of the first object is set as the detection surface; and a second output data which are output data of the optical detection system acquired beforehand for each of the first objects in a case in which a surface of an other side opposite to the one side of the first object is set as the detection surface. The processing apparatus matches measurement data with the database, the measurement data being the output data of the optical detection system which is acquired with respect to a second object, and determines a type of the second object. |
| US09170187B2 |
Flow cytometer and fluidic system thereof
A flow cytometer and a fluid system are provided. The fluid system comprises a flow cell, a sample providing unit, a waste container, a sheath container, a negative pressure source, a quantitative unit and a sample flow monitoring unit, the negative pressure source, the waste container and the flow cell are connected, a negative pressure source, which provides a negative pressure relative to the sample providing unit for the flow cell so that the sample providing unit causes the sample to flow into the flow cell under the negative pressure, a sample flow monitoring unit monitors a flow of the sample fluid transported from the sample providing unit to the flow cell and outputs a feedback signal reflecting flow changes of the sample fluid in real-time; wherein the controller receives the feedback signal and controls the quantitative unit to adjust a flow of the sheath fluid according to the feedback signal. |
| US09170185B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium, simulation method, and simulation device
A simulation program, simulation method, or simulation device simulates the temporal shape change in a fluid. The simulation program, simulation method, and simulation device are characterized in that with respect to a fluid model representing the fluid as a collection of particles, a surface tension of an interface against another phase which is different from the phase of the fluid is calculated using a function to calculate a surface energy of the interface, and the shape change in the fluid is calculated on the basis of the calculated surface tension. |
| US09170176B2 |
Control system and method for detecting the rotational speed of an internal combustion engine
A method for detecting rotational speeds (n) of an internal combustion engine having a signal wheel having marks (M1 through M7) for signaling on a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is described. The marks (M1 through M7) on the signal wheel are detected with the aid of a sensor and evaluated by a detection and evaluation device. To implement high-precision detection of a rotational speed, the rotational speeds (n) are evaluated using a sector section of approximately 6° to 35° to increase the accuracy on the basis of a reduced sector section of the signal wheel. |
| US09170171B2 |
Method and device of measuring wavefront aberration, method of manufacturing optical system, and recording medium
A wavefront aberration measuring method forms a plurality of spot images by causing light, which is transmitted through a test optical system, to be incident on a lenslet array, and measures positions of the spot images. Optical paths from the positions of the measured spot images toward a light source are calculated, parameters of the test optical system when light rays from the positions of the spot images converge at the light source are specified, and a wavefront aberration of the test optical system corresponding to the parameters of the test optical system is calculated. |
| US09170169B2 |
Open area platform for wind tunnel testing
An open area platform for supplementing operation of a wind tunnel balance, comprises a platform body and platform adapters. The platform adapter members have first ends and second ends. The first ends are configured to contact the platform body and the second ends are designed to be operatively coupled with the wind tunnel's balance. As a result, any load on the platform body is configured to be transmitted through the platform adapter members and measured by the wind tunnel balance. Methods of using the open area platform, including for the testing of athletes and their equipment, are also disclosed. |
| US09170161B2 |
Image capture device, pixel output level compensation method for same, infrared camera system, and interchangeable lens system
An image capture device and method for correcting output levels thereof, made up of an image shifter for moving an image position on a light receiving surface, having a differential calculating section for calculating the differential between the output levels of pixels receiving light from the same part of an image on a light-receiving surface before and after moving the image position; an offset amount calculating section for calculating the amount of offset to the output levels of pixels in a pixel line by sequentially adding the differences in output levels in pixel lines arrayed in the direction of image position movement; and a correcting section for correcting pixel output levels by equalizing the variability in output levels between pixels in a pixel line based on the amount of pixel offset in the pixel line. |
| US09170157B2 |
Tunable interference filter, optical module, photometric analyzer, and manufacturing method of tunable interference filter
A tunable interference filter comprising a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a first reflection film formed on the first substrate, a second reflection film formed on the second substrate, the second reflection film facing the first reflection film by interposing a gap, and a gap adjustable-part that adjusts the gap, wherein the second substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface, wherein the second substrate includes a first groove on the first surface, and wherein the second substrate includes a second groove on the second surface, the second groove facing the first groove. |
| US09170156B2 |
Normal-incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter containing reference beam and optical measurement system
Disclosed is a normal-incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter containing reference beam, comprising a light source, a first reflecting unit, a first concentrating unit, a second concentrating unit, a polarizer, a first curved mirror, a first planar mirror, a second reflecting unit and a probing unit. Also disclosed is an optical measurement system, comprising the normal-incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter containing reference beam. The normal-incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter containing reference beam achieves an integral combination of the light beams after splitting, can maintain the polarization state of the light beams while increasing the light transmission efficiency, and has a low complexity. |
| US09170154B2 |
Data validation and classification in optical analysis systems
A method of classifying information in an optical analysis system includes obtaining calibration data defining a plurality of data points, each data point representing values for two or more detectors when sampling a material used to construct a multivariate optical element. Based on the calibration data, one or more validation models can be developed to indicate one or more ranges of expected results. Validation data comprising the models can be used to compare data points representing values for two or more detectors when performing a measurement of a material to determine if the data points fall within an expected range. Classification data can be generated based on the comparison and, in some embodiments, one or more indicators, such as a confidence level in a measurement, can be provided. |
| US09170150B2 |
Optical fiber assembly with prism to detect light intensity of light beam entering optical fiber
An optical fiber assembly includes a prism, four first collimating portions, four second collimating portions, two third collimating portion, two light emitting elements, two light receiving elements, four optical fibers, and two light intensity detectors. The prism includes an incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a first emergent surface, a second reflecting surface, and a second emergent surface. The first collimating portions are positioned on the incident surface. The second collimating portions are positioned on the first emergent surface. The third collimating portions are positioned on the second emergent surface. Each light emitting element faces one of the first collimating portions for emitting light beams. Each light receiving element faces one of the first collimating portions. Each optical fiber faces one of the second collimating portions. Each light intensity detector faces one of the third collimating portions for detecting light intensity of a corresponding light emitting element. |
| US09170149B2 |
Distributed fiber optic sensor system with improved linearity
A fiber optic sensor system includes an optical source to output a first optical signal to launch into an optical fiber, and a coherent detector to mix a coherent Rayleigh backscatter signal generated by the optical fiber in response to the first optical signal with a second optical signal output by the optical source and to generate a mixed output signal. A phase detection and acquisition system determines a phase difference between first and second locations along the optical fiber based on phase information extracted from the mixed output signal and combines the phase information extracted from multiple acquisitions to detect strain on the optical fiber sensor. |
| US09170147B2 |
Parabolic antenna with an integrated sub reflector
A sensor for a fill level measuring device for determining the fill level in a container by determining the delay time of high-frequency signals, comprising a main reflector having an edge region and an inner region, a sub reflector, which is connected to the edge region of the main reflector via a radome, an inner space, which is encompassed by the radome and the main reflector, and a hollow waveguide which is connected to the main reflector and has a front end, which is oriented toward the sub reflector for coupling electromagnetic waves in and/or out, wherein the radome and the sub reflector are embodied as integral or unitary in formation. |
| US09170143B2 |
Vibrating flow meter having a predetermined resistance ratio to a temperature ratio between the curved tube and the balanced structure
A vibrating flow meter (205) is provided. The vibrating flow meter (205) includes a single curved flow conduit (210), a conduit temperature sensor T1 (291) affixed to the single curved flow conduit (210), a balance structure (208) affixed to and opposing the single curved flow conduit (210), and a balance temperature sensor T2 (292) affixed to the balance structure (208). A conduit temperature sensor resistance of the conduit temperature sensor T1 (291) and a balance structure temperature sensor resistance of the balance temperature sensor T2 (meter2) are selected to form a predetermined resistance ratio. |
| US09170141B2 |
Device for measuring droplet mass flux distributions to test spray injection system and the measuring method
A technology to measure the mass flux distribution of liquid spray to evaluate droplet dispersion of a spray device for liquids such as fuel, paints, or coating agents, is provided. The apparatus for measuring spray mass flux to evaluate the droplet dispersion of the spray device includes a liquid spraying part including a spray nozzle to spray liquid, a spray collecting part to collect the liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying part, a transfer tube to transfer the liquid collected in the spray collecting part, a multi-cylinder part including a plurality of cylinders to receive the liquid collected in the spray collecting part, a movable mass measurement part to measure a mass of each cylinder of the multi-cylinder part, and a mass flux calculating part to calculate a distribution graph of mass flux of the sprayed liquid. |
| US09170132B2 |
Replaceable probe head having an operational amplifier
A detachable, replaceable, and/or disposable probe head connectable to a probe body containing electronics, a probe that includes the probe head and the probe body, and the combination of a sonde and the probe are described herein. The probe head includes a housing that has a coupling member for detachably connecting the housing to the probe body, in particular to the electronics in the probe body. The probe head also includes a sensor and an electrical connector at least partially housed within the housing, and an operational amplifier electrically coupling the sensor to the electrical connector. |
| US09170128B2 |
Motion sensor, method, and computer-readable storage medium providing a motion sensor with a vibration processor to set a state of a flag in response to selected ones of a plurality of test results being indicative of a passing conditions
A motion sensor has a vibration processor to set a flag in response to a plurality of test results provided by a plurality of tests being indicative of a passing condition. A corresponding method and computer-readable storage medium can be used by the motion sensor. |
| US09170127B2 |
AMR/AMI pit lid antenna bracket
An RF antenna bracket for placement through and under a utility meter pit lid for use in an AMR or AMI system that includes a transmitter bracket cap for placement in a hole disposed in a meter pit lid; a cylindrical threaded neck disposed under and depending downwardly from said cap; a female threaded collar threadably disposed on said threaded neck; first and second elongate parallel slide posts connected to and depending downwardly from said female threaded collar, said first slide post having teeth disposed linearly along the length of an interior side of said first slide post; and an antenna mount slidably affixed to said first and second slide posts, said antenna mount engaging said teeth on said first slide post for vertical adjustment and positioning. |
| US09170126B2 |
Avionics navigation power range indicator
An electronic device is described that includes a range indicator for conveying a range of travel until the electronic device ceases operation due to loss of power. In implementations, the electronic device includes a display device, a memory operable to store one or more modules, and at least one processor coupled to the display device and the memory. The processor is operable to execute the one or more modules to cause display of navigation information at the display device. The navigation information includes a map graphic representing an area an aircraft is traversing. The navigation information also includes an end of use situation that represents a range of travel for the aircraft until the electronic device ceases operation due to a loss of power. |
| US09170125B2 |
Presenting weather information on a display
A method is present for presenting weather information. A number of weather conditions for a geographic region is identified from weather data for the geographic region. A geometry is selected for a weather condition based on a type of the weather condition to form a number of geometries. Each geometry within the number of geometries has a level of transparency within a corresponding border allowing another geometry to be identified when displayed in an overlapping manner. A spatial extension is selected for the each geometry within the number of geometries based on an extent of an associated weather condition to form the number of geometries. The number of geometries is displayed on a map of the geographic region in which the number of geometries is displayed in locations on the map corresponding to locations of the number of weather conditions in the geographic region. |
| US09170119B2 |
Method and system for dynamically adapting user interfaces in vehicle navigation systems to minimize interaction complexity
A method adapts a user interface of a vehicle navigation system. Based on an input vector representing a current state related to the vehicle, probabilities of actions are predicted to achieve a next state using a predictive model representing previous states. Then, a subset of the actions with highest probabilities that minimize a complexity of interacting with the vehicle navigation system are displayed in the vehicle. |
| US09170115B2 |
Method and system for generating road map using data of position sensor of vehicle
A method and a system for generating a map using data of a position sensor of a vehicle are provided which are used to generate a map by collecting data of a position sensor disposed within a vehicle. The method includes collecting, by a controller, data from the position sensor disposed within the vehicle to sense the position of the vehicle and analyzing the collected data of the position sensor. In addition, the method includes automatically generating, by the controller, the map using the analyzed data. |
| US09170114B2 |
Geographic data collection using game play
A method is disclosed for collecting geographic data during game play. A game scenario includes an activity for the game player to perform. The game player may be given an incentive within the context of the game for performing the activity. The incentive may be of non-monetary, monetary or in-game value. Performing the activity within the context of the game directly or indirectly results in the generation of data that is collected and used for the purpose of updating, adding to or supplementing a geographic database. |
| US09170107B2 |
Micromachined gyroscope including a guided mass system
A gyroscope comprises a substrate and a guided mass system. The guided mass system comprises proof masses and guiding arms disposed in a plane parallel to the substrate. The proof masses are coupled to the guiding arm by springs. The guiding arm is coupled to the substrate by springs. At least one of the proof-masses is directly coupled to the substrate by at least one anchor via a spring system. The gyroscope also comprises an actuator for vibrating one of the proof-masses in the first direction, which causes another proof mass to rotate in the plane. Finally, the gyroscope also includes transducers for sensing motion of the guided mass system in response to angular velocities about a single axis or multiple input axes. |
| US09170105B1 |
System and method for improved accuracy gyro rate sensing
The present invention addresses performance limitation of gyros (e.g., MEMS gyros) by significantly reducing common-mode noise and bias effects. In one embodiment, an array of gyros, which may comprise four or more gyros, is configured so that common-mode error effects can be separated from the sensed rotational motion of the gyros and therefore removed. Removing the common-mode effects increases attitude estimation and spacecraft pointing accuracy, particularly during periods when the gyros must solely provide the attitude reference. |
| US09170104B2 |
Level vial and method of manufacturing same
A level vial is provided that includes an outer structure disposed over the outer surface of an inner structure. The inner structure has an outer surface and interior surface. An internal cavity is defined by the interior surface. Laser markings are present in the inner structure on the outer surface and/or between the outer surface and interior surface of the inner structure. A liquid is sealed within the internal cavity. A method for manufacturing a level vial is also provided. The method includes providing an inner structure and molding a second structure over the outer surface of the inner structure. Radiation is transmitted through the second structure to form a marking on the inner structure. A liquid is sealed within the internal cavity. |
| US09170102B2 |
Method for estimating road surface condition
A method capable of estimating a snowy road surface condition during vehicular travel in finer classification. In this method, tire vibrations in the circumferential direction, road surface temperature (T), and tire-generated sound are detected by an acceleration sensor, a road surface thermometer, and a microphone, respectively. Then band values P11, P12 and P13 for a pre-leading-edge region (R1), band values P21, P22 and P23 for a leading-edge region (R2), band values P31, P32 and P33 for a pre-trailing-edge region (R3), band values P41 and P42 for a trailing-edge region (R4), and band values P51, P52 and P53 for a post-trailing-edge region (R5) are calculated from the tire vibration data. A sound pressure level ratio (Q)=(PA/PB), which is the ratio of a band power value (PA) of a low frequency band to a band power value (PB) of a high frequency band, is calculated from data on the tire-generated sound. And a road surface condition is estimated, using the band values (Pij), road surface temperature data (T), sound pressure level ratio (Q), and wheel speed data. |
| US09170099B2 |
Laser positioner for punching machines
Laser positioner for punching machines made up of two laser emitters (6) joined to a support (8) solidly fixed to the punching machine, wherein each laser emitter (6) emits a planar light beam, and has a rotational movement enabled in the direction of the emitted light beam (7), in such a way that the intersection of the two planar light beams (7) forms a line of intersection coinciding with the axis of action of the punch (4) of the punching machine. |
| US09170095B1 |
Distance detection device and method including dynamically adjusted frame rate
A device including an emitter that transmits light in a series of frames, wherein each frame in the series includes at least one pulse. The device includes a receiver that receives, for each frame in the series, the at least one pulse reflected from a target, and generates, in response to receiving the at least one pulse in a current frame, an output for calculating a distance between the target and the device for the current frame. The device includes circuitry that calculates, for each frame in the series, the distance between the target and the device based on the receiver output. The circuitry dynamically controls a frame rate for each frame in the series based on the distance calculated in a frame immediately preceding the current frame, and controls the emitter such that the at least one pulse is emitted in the current frame at the calculated frame rate. |
| US09170085B2 |
Device for detecting the position of an actuator
A device for detecting the position of an actuator has a conductor arrangement, which detects magnetic fluxes flowing therethrough and converts same into a voltage signal that is dependent on the position, at which the magnetic flux penetrates the conductor arrangement. The induced voltage signal is proportional to the position of the magnetic flux, measured along a predetermined axis starting from a predetermined starting point. A position-determining unit is connected to the conductor arrangement for determining the position of a magnetic flux generated by the actuator and passing though the conductor arrangement. A transmission unit, by way of which the determined position is transmitted to a receiver, is arranged downstream of the position-determining unit. |
| US09170082B2 |
Tape measure holder
A tape measure holder includes a holder body having a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, a first top portion, a second top portion, a forward-edge portion, a rearward-edge portion, a back end panel and a front strap. A securing mechanism has a first securing portion and a second securing portion connected to or integrally-formed with the first top portion and a second securing portion for interlocking the first top portion to the second top portion. The front strap extends between the forward-edge portion of the first side panel and the forward-edge portion of the second side panel and is positioned adjacent to but spaced a predefined distance from the bottom panel. The holder body is sized and configured to receive a tape measure in a snug manner with the first top portion overlapping the second top portion. |
| US09170078B2 |
Expandable broadhead
An expandable broadhead includes a number of fixed blades cumulating in a point, with each of the fixed blades having a channel for receiving a cammable deployable expansion blade, with the expansion blade having a slot which cooperates with a fixed retaining pin transverse to the channel that cams the deployable blade outwardly when a forward impact shoulder of the deployable blade strikes a target. This moves the blade relative to the fixed retaining pin and thus cams the deployable blade out to an expanded position for maximum blade cutting edge contact to effectuate maximum damage to the target and a quick kill. |
| US09170076B2 |
Method for performing exo-atmospheric missile's interception trial
An inflatable dummy target fittable into a carrier missile capable of being released from the carrier missile during exo-atmospheric flight; upon release, the dummy target or portion thereof is capable of being inflated and manifest characteristics that resemble GTG missile characteristics, wherein the GTG missile characteristics include IR signature, RF signature and GTG missile. |
| US09170074B2 |
Projectile interceptor mountable on a firearm
Ballistic projectile protection devices, and methods for their use, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a gun-mounted ballistic protection device is provided, comprising multiple interception media launchers that cover and protect a user's vital organs from incoming projectiles. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using a microphone or other sensors, with multiple sampling points in a forward location, determine the location and trajectory of an incoming projectile, and deploy interception media to intercept the incoming projectile. In a preferred embodiment, a user may activate the projectile protection device with a partial trigger pull, or a button placed within reach of a user's trigger finger. |
| US09170072B1 |
Easy access ballistic shield with vehicle door mount
A portable ballistic shield and mount combination includes a mounting plate for attachment to a vehicle door and a ballistic shield removably engaged with the mounting plate. The ballistic shield has a handle extending outwardly therefrom. When a user of the portable ballistic shield grasps the handle and applies force away from the mounting plate, the ballistic shield detaches from the mounting plate. |
| US09170068B2 |
Locking adjustment device
A locking adjustment device for changing an adjustable setting of a device such as a riflescope locks in a baseline position to provide expedient feedback regarding an adjustment position of the adjustable setting. The device includes a guideway extending around an axis and a knob mountable over the guideway for rotation about the axis. The guideway includes a notch and a curved slide surface sized to slidably receive a guide tab carried by the knob. The guide tab is biased so as to urge at least a portion of the guide tab into the notch when the knob is rotated to a locked position, thereby preventing inadvertent rotation of the knob from the locked position. A button carried by the knob is depressible to urge the guide tab out of the notch and thereby allow the knob to be manually rotated away from the locked position. |
| US09170063B2 |
Firearm trigger assembly
Provided are systems and methods related to firearm trigger assemblies. An open design trigger assembly is provided to allow easier access to the trigger action. The trigger assembly is preferably an override trigger assembly, which may include adjustable trigger travel limiter and trigger bias force. Methods according to the present invention include a first step of removing either a direct-pull or a closed design trigger assembly from a firearm and replacing such removed assembly with an open design override trigger assembly. |
| US09170060B2 |
Rapid microfluidic thermal cycler for nucleic acid amplification
A system for thermal cycling a material to be thermal cycled including a microfluidic heat exchanger; a porous medium in the microfluidic heat exchanger; a microfluidic thermal cycling chamber containing the material to be thermal cycled, the microfluidic thermal cycling chamber operatively connected to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a working fluid at first temperature; a first system for transmitting the working fluid at first temperature to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a working fluid at a second temperature, a second system for transmitting the working fluid at second temperature to the microfluidic heat exchanger; a pump for flowing the working fluid at the first temperature from the first system to the microfluidic heat exchanger and through the porous medium; and flowing the working fluid at the second temperature from the second system to the heat exchanger and through the porous medium. |
| US09170057B2 |
Evacuated tubes for solar thermal energy collection
An evacuated tube solar thermal collector uses a set of evacuated solar thermal collector tubes in heat exchanging contact with a fluid flowing through a header tube. Two heat pipes are provided in each evacuated thermal collector tube, and the condenser ends of the heat pipes are positioned in the header tube with a spacing that provides improved heat transfer from the heat pipes to the header tube. When 14 mm heat pipes contained in 58 mm collector tubes are used in a header tube having a capacity of about 0.5 gallons with a heat transfer liquid that is flowing at a rate of about 0.3 gpm, the spacing between heat pipes in each collector tube is about 24 mm, center to center, and the spacing between corresponding heat pipes of immediately-adjacent collector tubes is about 80 mm. |
| US09170056B2 |
Duplex flexible heat exchanger
A method and system for cooling an electrical heat source is disclosed. A heat exchanger has two principal sub-assemblies. A closed-loop fluid flow is provided through a second sub-assembly, disposed next to a heat source. An open-loop fluid flow is provided though a first sub-assembly in communication with a second sub-assembly. Each of the first and second sub-assemblies has a rotational element. The fluid flow entering the first sub-assembly rotates the first rotational element, and magnetic communication between the rotational elements causes movement of the second rotational element, thereby achieving fluid movement within the second sub-assembly. Operationally, the closed-loop sub-assembly removes heat from the heat source and transfers it to the open-loop sub-assembly for subsequent heat transfer in a downstream fluid flow. |
| US09170055B2 |
Tube bundle heat exchanger for controlling a wide performance range
A tube bundle heat exchanger includes tubes channeling a gas flow and a pressure shell enclosing the tubes channeling a coolant flow. First and second nozzles are disposed at a rear end of the pressure shell and third and fourth nozzles are disposed at a front end of the pressure shell. A feed pipe includes a first three-way valve and a drain pipe includes a second three-way valve. A first bypass pipe is connected to the first three-way valve and the third nozzle, a second bypass pipe is connected to the first three-way valve and the first nozzle, a third bypass pipe is connected to the second three-way valve and the second nozzle, and a fourth bypass pipe is connected to the second three-way valve and the fourth nozzle. One of the three-way valves is controllable. |
| US09170054B2 |
Cooling tower fill
A fill sheet for use in a fill arrangement in a direct heat exchange section of a cooling tower is provided. Each fill sheet includes ridges, grooves, separators, that improve the performance of the fill sheet arrangement when installed as a direct heat exchange section of a cooling tower. The separators are located in minor air paths between the fill sheet to improve the air flow capabilities and performance of the direct heat exchange section. |
| US09170053B2 |
Temperature-controlled portable cooling units
In some embodiments, a portable cooling unit for use with a storage container includes: a desiccant unit including at least one exterior wall defining an interior desiccant region, wherein the interior desiccant region is sealed from gas transfer between the interior desiccant region and a region external to the cooling unit; an evaporative cooling unit including at least one exterior wall defining an interior evaporative region, wherein the interior evaporative region is sealed from gas transfer between the interior evaporative region and the region external to the cooling unit; a vapor conduit including a first and a second end, the vapor conduit attached to the desiccant unit at the first end, the vapor conduit attached to the evaporative cooling unit at the second end, the vapor conduit forming a passageway between the interior desiccant region and the interior evaporative region; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit. |
| US09170052B2 |
Lower vessel of RH degasser
A bottom part refractory includes a center part refractory, an arrangement refractory which is arranged contiguously with the center part refractory, and a connection refractory which is arranged at a position where at least a portion of the connection refractory overlaps with a vertically downward projection view of a side wall refractory. The connection refractory which is contiguously arranged with the arrangement refractory is constituted of two or more force transmission refractories arranged in the direction toward the arrangement refractory from the side-wall refractory. Opposedly facing surfaces between the force transmission refractories at least at a position among the force transmission refractories are inclined such that upper portions of the opposedly facing surfaces are positioned on a more inner side of a bottom portion than lower portions of the opposedly facing surfaces are positioned. |
| US09170050B2 |
Equipment for measurement and control of load material or scrap feeding into a furnace and relative method
An equipment for the measurement and control of load material and scrap metal feeding into an electrical arc furnace, including an automatic control device for feeding control of load material or scrap according to the energy supplied to the bath, and a measuring device for the added load material, in correlation with the automatic control device, comprising a weighing device for the furnace shell, its contents and any other components it may support. |
| US09170048B2 |
Device for the cryogenic separation of air
The device serves for the cryogenic separation of air. It comprises a main heat exchanger (6) and a distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation (5) with a double column (5), which contains a high-pressure column and a low-pressure column. The device also includes a mixing column (1) and means for introducing charge air via the main heat exchanger (6) into the high-pressure column and into the mixing column. A liquid oxygen line serves for introducing liquid oxygen from the low-pressure column into the upper region of the mixing column (1), an oxygen product line serves for extracting oxygen gas from the upper region of the mixing column (1) through the main heat exchanger (6). The mixing column (1) and the double column (5) are arranged in a common cold box (3). The mixing column (1) is attached to the double column (5) by way of connecting elements (10, 11). |
| US09170047B2 |
Storage container with sensor device and refrigerator having the same
A storage container with a sensor device to detect a state of food contained in the storage container and a refrigerator having the same. The sensor device is separably mounted to the storage container. The sensor device includes an electrode terminal usable not only to achieve a charging operation, but also to achieve a salinity measuring operation. Thus, the sensor device has user convenience while having a compact size. |
| US09170041B2 |
Single and multi-step snowmaking guns
Various embodiments of multi-step snowmaking guns are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of a six-step, a four-step and a single step snowmaking gun are disclosed. Embodiments of the multi-step snowmaking guns may generally characterized by having a bottom manifold connected to a main mast, which is connected to a nozzle manifold, which in turn may be connected to a multi-step fluid nozzle. Embodiments of the multi-step snowmaking guns may further be generally characterized as having a nucleator head connected to a nucleator mast which is in turn also connected to the nozzle manifold. |
| US09170040B2 |
Refrigerator having water feed system
A refrigerator includes a main body having a refrigerating compartment; a door to open and close the refrigerating compartment; an icemaker to make ice; a dispenser to dispense water; a filter to purify water to be fed from an external water source to the icemaker and the dispenser; a water tank in which the water, purified by the filter, is stored so as to be cooled by interior cold air of the refrigerating compartment; a valve provided at a junction of a hose connecting the filter to the water tank and the icemaker to selectively supply the water, purified by the filter, to the water tank or the icemaker; and a case to receive the filter, the water tank and the valve, the case being integrally positioned in the refrigerating compartment and between a front of the refrigerating compartment and a rear of the refrigerating compartment. |
| US09170039B2 |
Expansion valve with variable opening degree
An expansion valve for a vapor compression system comprises a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member and the second valve member are arranged movably relative to each other, and the relative position of the first valve member and the second valve member determines an opening degree of the expansion valve. The first valve member and/or the second valve member is/are automatically movable in response to changes in a differential pressure across the expansion valve, the opening degree of the expansion valve thereby being automatically altered in response to changes in the differential pressure across the expansion valve. It is ensured that the opening degree of the expansion valve is automatically adjusted to the actual operating conditions, thereby optimising the efficiency of the vapour compression system. |
| US09170038B2 |
Air conditioning unit for vehicles and method of operating the same
An air conditioning unit for a combined refrigeration plant and heat pump mode of operation for vehicles is disclosed, wherein the air conditioning unit includes a primary circuit and a secondary passage, and a power consumption required by the air conditioning unit to heat the passenger compartment is minimized. |
| US09170037B2 |
Air conditioner condensing unit for corrosive environments
An improved air conditioner condensing unit for use in corrosive environments, particularly salt water environments. The condensing unit comprises a compressor, a condenser coil comprised of refrigerant carrying tubing, which tubing contains from about 8 to about 19 fins per linear inch of tubing, and a motorized corrosive resistant shrouded fan assembly, all of which are contained in a substantially corrosion resistant housing. |
| US09170036B2 |
Thermoelectric module
A thermoelectric module includes a thermoelectric element and an electrode. The thermoelectric element has a rectangular end face. The electrode includes a first joint portion joined to a center portion of the end face; and a second joint portion joined to one end and a third joint portion joined to the other end. Each of the second joint portion and the third joint portion is disposed at a distance from each of four corners of the end face. A joint length in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction between the first joint portion and the end face is longer than each of a joint length in the second direction between the second joint portion and the end face, and a joint length in the second direction between the third joint portion and the end face. |
| US09170035B2 |
Apparatus and method for thermo-transformation of wood
An apparatus for thermo-transformation of wood planks comprises a chamber delimited by upright perforated walls, a top wall and end walls and having a closable entry for receiving wood planks into the chamber. A shell surrounds the chamber and is spaced therefrom to define a first vertical plenum with the first perforated wall, a second vertical plenum with the second perforated wall, and a horizontal plenum with the top wall. A ventilation system is in fluid communication with the plenums to produce a flow of heated air in the plenums. Vanes are actuatable to close/open access to the vertical plenums, to allow heated air into at least one of the vertical plenums, through the chamber via the perforated walls, and out from at least the other of the vertical plenums, to return to the ventilation system. A method for the thermo-transformation of wood is also provided. |
| US09170034B2 |
Photovoltaic roofing components and systems
The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are integrated on a roof deck with conventional roofing materials. In one aspect, a photovoltaic roofing system includes a two-part tee element disposed on a roof deck, the two-part tee element comprising a base piece including a central portion; two opposed horizontally-extending first and second flanges extending from the central portion, and a top piece attachment feature formed in the central portion, and a top piece including a base piece attachment feature mated with the top piece attachment feature of the base piece; and a vertically extending portion extending from the base piece attachment feature. A first photovoltaic element can be disposed on the roof adjacent the base piece with its edge disposed on the horizontally-extending first flange of the base piece of the two-part tee element. |
| US09170032B2 |
Heliostat tracking and operation for a solar power generation plant
A method and system is provided whereby heliostats in a solar power plant may be calibrated without being aimed away from the receiver. The heliostats may be moved through a calibration path different from their operational path. The calibration path may start from any point along the operational path of the heliostat and may move the reflected sunlight from the heliostat across a portion of the solar receiver. Individual power generation receiver modules may be monitored to detect changes in output as the calibration path takes the heliostat reflection across various receiver modules. |
| US09170030B2 |
Storage hot water supplying apparatus, hot water supplying and space heating apparatus, operation control apparatus, operation control method, and operation control program
A storage hot water supplying apparatus provides heated water to a load circuit through which users uses water, and includes a water storage tank which stores water and has outlets for water to be heated at different heights, and an outlet selecting unit to select, from among the outlets, an outlet to take out the water, based on a provision temperature which is a temperature of water to be provided from the water storage tank to the load circuit and temperatures of the water to be taken out through the outlets. A heating unit heats the water taken out through the selected outlet and to be returned to the water storage tank. |
| US09170028B1 |
Methods and compositions for rapid thermal cycling
The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A microfluidic heat exchanger with an internal porous medium is coupled to tanks containing cold fluid and hot fluid. Fluid flows alternately from the cold tank and the hot tank into the porous medium, cooling and heating samples contained in the microfluidic heat exchanger's sample wells. A valve may be coupled to the tanks and a pump, and switching the position of the valve may switch the source and direction of fluid flowing through the porous medium. A controller may control the switching of valve positions based on the temperature of the samples and determined temperature thresholds. A sample tray for containing samples to be thermally cycled may be used in conjunction with the thermal cycling system. A surface or internal electrical heater may aid in heating the samples, or may replace the necessity for the hot tank. |
| US09170025B2 |
Hybrid wood burning fireplace assembly
A hybrid wood-burning fireplace assembly configured for burning wood-based fuel, wherein the burning generates combustion exhaust. The assembly comprising a fire box having an interior area, a baffle in the interior area defining lower and upper combustion chambers relative to the baffle. The upper combustion chamber has an upper exhaust passageway between baffle and the top portion of the firebox. A secondary combustion airway has air outlets in the firebox that direct the secondary combustion air adjacent to the baffle to mix with the exhaust for non-catalytic secondary combustion of the exhaust before the exhaust flows through the upper exhaust passageway. A catalytic combustion unit is positioned above the baffle and across the upper exhaust passageway, whereby the exhaust will pass through the catalytic combustion unit after the non-catalytic secondary combustion of the exhaust and before the exhaust exits the upper combustion chamber through the upper exhaust passageway. |
| US09170023B2 |
Operation of a gas turbine
Provided is a control method for a gas turbine plant having a first and a second combustors in series, such that combustion gases produced in the first combustor flows into the second combustor. The second combustor having a fuel lance with internal partitions, for injecting at least one fuel and a gas having a mixture of inert gas and support air into the second combustor. The partitions enable the gas to carry, and/or veil, at least one of the fuels as the fuel exits the lance. A variable of the second combustor is measured and the inert gas to support air mixture varies in response to variations of the variable so as to at least partially compensate for the operational effects of the variable on the operation of the second combustor. |
| US09170018B2 |
Top-feeding double-swirl type gasifier
The present invention provides a top-feeding double-swirl type gasifier: a feed line through which pulverized coal is supplied by nitrogen; a distributor for dividing the pulverized coal supplied; a plurality of burner nozzles for supplying the pulverized coal, divided in the distributor, and an oxidizer; a pressure reactor in which the pulverized coal and the oxidizer react with each other to produce a flow of synthesis gas; and a swirl generator for imparting a swirling force to the oxidizer which is fed into the pressure reactor, the gasifier further comprising a slag cooling and storing container placed beneath the pressure reactor. Each of the burner nozzles consists of a triple tube having a circular cross section. The pulverized coal and carrier gas are supplied to the most central region of the burner nozzle, and an oxidizer is supplied to an annular region 34 surrounding the central region. |
| US09170015B2 |
Heat dissipation structure of lighting devices
A heat dissipation structure of lighting devices is disclosed, which comprises a light emitting mechanism; a carbon nanoparticles which have hexagonal carbon ring geometry based heat dissipation unit, combined with an end of the light emitting mechanism; and a socket, electrically connected to the light emitting mechanism, and combined with an end of the carbon nanoparticles which have hexagonal carbon ring geometry based heat dissipation unit. As such, a thermal transmission efficiency is promoted, a thermal transfer bottleneck is effectively decreased, heat sink is never necessary, a heat dissipation cost is largely reduced, a volume and weight of the device is reduced, and a waste of the raw material, carbon, and energy consumption can be reduced. |
| US09170014B2 |
Heat sink for LED luminaire
An LED luminaire assembly which allows for the easy and safe removal and replacement of the PSU and other internal components wherein the heat sink can be folded or pivoted aside to allow access to and removal of the PSU. |
| US09170013B2 |
Air deflectors for heat management in a lighting module
A lighting module has an array of light-emitting elements that is electrically coupled to a heat sink and a housing having a heat exit. The array of light-emitting elements is positioned in the housing and the heat sink is positioned to dissipate heat generated within the housing so that the heat is expelled through the heat exit. A deflector is secured to the housing and is positioned to extend over some portion of the heat exit. The deflector guides heat away from the housing in a direction. In some configurations, the deflector guides heat away from the housing in a direction that is opposite the direction in which the array of light-emitting elements emit light. Also, some lighting modules have multiple heat exits and may have multiple deflectors extending over a portion of the respective heat exits. |
| US09170010B2 |
DMX controllable low profile lighting apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus comprising a housing for maintaining a lighting frame. The housing comprises at least one supporting wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall that is substantially parallel to the first side wall. The side walls are transverse to a supporting wall of the housing. The first side wall includes at least one input socket for receiving input electronic signals. The second side wall includes at least one output socket for transmitting output electronic signals. |
| US09170009B1 |
One-handed activation device
A one-handed activation device includes a hand attachment assembly having an activatable device attachment portion securable to at least a portion of a user's hand and a first switch portion securable to at least a portion of one of a proximal phalanx of a user's thumb and a middle phalanx of a user's finger. The one-handed activation device further includes an activatable device configured to be selectively activated that is secured to the activatable device attachment portion and a first switch configured to selectively activate the activatable device. The first switch is secured to the first switch portion and it is positioned such that the first switch substantially overlies an extensor surface of one of the proximal phalanx of the user's thumb and the middle phalanx of the user's finger. |
| US09170008B2 |
Disk having an illuminated switch surface
A disk having an illuminated switch surface is described. The disk has a transparent substrate, an electrically conductive structure, which forms a switch surface, a flat conductor, which is electrically connected to the electrically conductive structure by means of an electrical connecting element, a light-irradiation means, which has at least one light source and is arranged on the flat conductor and on a lateral edge of the substrate. Light is coupled into the disk from the lateral edge of the substrate and from a light-refracting means, which is arranged in the region of the disk irradiated by the light of the light-irradiation means. |
| US09170007B2 |
LED lighting device and system
A lighting device includes a support structure formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. The support structure or extrusion has a channel for receiving and retaining a circuit board with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed thereon. One or more fins adapted for dissipating heat produced by the LEDs may be disposed on the support structure. The support structure may also include one or more retaining members for retaining one or more optical elements in relation to the LEDs and a support tray for holding a power supply. |
| US09170006B2 |
Light fixture reconfigurable between area lighting and spot lighting configurations
Light fixture comprises light panels hingedly connected and reconfigurable between area lighting, wherein their collective light is emitted horizontally substantially 360 degrees radially outward, and spot lighting, wherein their light-projecting directions are substantially in the same direction and their light outputs are the same. Light panels can be positioned between area and spot lighting configurations to produce any continuous arc of light output. In an alternate embodiment, light fixture is incorporated into a portable task light reconfigurable between a cylindrical configuration for transport and stowage and a use configuration for providing illumination, generally including a main body, stand to erect the body, a telescoping pole, and reconfigurable light fixture connected to top end of the pole. |
| US09170002B2 |
Holder and LED module using same
A holder is provided that include a base with an aperture. An LED array with an LED emitter can be positioned so that the LED emitter is in the aperture. The holder includes pads that can be soldered to surface contacts on the LED array. The holder further includes contacts that are electrically connected to the pads. The pads and contacts can be provided by terminals that insert molded into the base. The base can include an integrated connector that has the contacts of the terminals extend therein. |
| US09170001B2 |
Light emitting device for a drum of a household appliance
A household appliance light emitting device has a light diode that emits a light beam having a cross-section area and a light deflection device through which the light beam travels and that deflects the entering light beam such that the light beam exits asymmetrically to the optical axis of the household appliance light emitting device from the light deflection device. The light deflection device is designed integrally with a housing where the light diode is arranged. |
| US09169998B2 |
Removable window frame for lighting module
A lighting module has an array of light-emitting elements, a housing defining at least one opening, and a window frame that is selectively removable from the opening of the housing. The window frame has a frame and a window that is operably secured to the frame. The array of light-emitting elements is positioned within the housing. The window frame is replaceable or selectively removable from the housing of the lighting module. The window frame may include a gasket that is positioned between the frame and a portion of the window that is operably secured to the frame. In some examples, the gasket is a die-cut expanded PTFE gasket. |
| US09169991B2 |
Lens and backlight module having the lens
A lens includes an incident surface and a light output surface. A plurality of light diverging portions is arranged on the light output surface and around a center of the light output surface. The light diverging portions each are a ring and are spaced from each other. An inner light diverging portion has a refraction angle larger than that of an outer light diverging portion. Light emitted into the lens from the incident surface is diffused by the light output surface and the light diverging portions to radiate out of the lens. A cross section of each light diverging portion has a shape of a triangle. The present disclosure also relates a backlight module using the lens. |
| US09169983B2 |
Overhead light fixture and related method
An overhead LED light fixture including a base member with a vertical sleeve secured to the top of the base member for alignment with a pass-through opening. The fixture has a driver-tray assembly with a bottom member engageable with the base member at the pass-through opening, a vertical driver-support structure extending upwardly therefrom, at least one driver secured to the support structure, and the driver-tray assembly is slideably received within the vertical sleeve. When used as a canopy light, the driver-tray assembly is removable from below the canopy to facilitate servicing, upgrading or replacing of components. |
| US09169982B2 |
Lamp
A lamp includes a first housing, a second housing, a bulb base and a positioning part. The first housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall is perpendicularly connected to the second sidewall and has a first surface and a first assembling tank penetrating through the first surface. The second sidewall has a first cave. The second housing is detachably assembled to the first housing and has a second cave. These two caves form a first opening. The bulb base is embedded into the first opening. The bulb base has a base opening and multiple slots. The slots are disposed on an inner sidewall of the base opening along a circular direction. The positioning part is disposed in the first assembling tank and suitable to move along a normal direction of the first surface. The positioning part has a first push button and a latch hook. |
| US09169980B2 |
Lighting device and display device
A lighting device includes a translucent member having the same cross sectional tubular shape throughout a longitudinal direction and including a lens that includes a light incident surface for receiving incident light and a pair of light exit surface for diffusing and emitting the light incident on the light incident surface to the outside, and a light-emitting portion mounted on a substrate and emitting the light toward a region including the light incident surface of the translucent member, where in the translucent member includes a pair of light guide portions for guiding the light incident on the light incident surface to a pair of the light exit surfaces so that the light incident on the light incident surface is diffused and emitted from the pair of light exit surfaces in a width direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. |
| US09169979B2 |
Light projector and sensor
A light projector has a light emitting device having a light emitting surface, an optical fiber having an incident end-face to which light emitted from the light emitting surface enters, and a lens arranged between the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the incident end-face of the optical fiber. The light emitting device, the optical fiber and the lens are arranged on one optical axis. The optical fiber includes a core region as a region including a single core of uniform refractive index or a region collectively encompassing a plurality of cores having uniform refractive index. The lens converts diffused light emitted from the light emitting surface to diffused light that widens more moderately. |
| US09169976B2 |
Method of manufacture of a metal hydride fuel supply
A high energy density fuel source that reduces hydride expansion during hydrogen release, including a rigid, thermally insulated container defining an internal volume, a heater mechanism disposed within the internal volume, and a metal hydride rod thermally connected to the heater mechanism, wherein the heater mechanism and metal hydride rod substantially occupying the entirety of the internal volume. The metal hydride rod preferably includes a malleable encapsulation compressed about, thermally coupled to, and substantially encapsulating a volume of compressed metal hydride powder, the malleable encapsulation defined by a first, thermally conductive, malleable cup inverted over a second, thermally conductive, malleable cup, the compressed malleable encapsulation defining a tortuous fluid flow path from the metal hydride to the internal volume of the container. |
| US09169975B2 |
Systems and methods for mass flow controller verification
A method and system are disclosed for verifying the flow rate of gas through a mass flow controller, such as a mass flow controller used with a tool for semiconductor or solar cell fabrication. To verify the mass flow rate measured by the mass flow controller, gas passing through the mass flow controller is also passed through a mass flow meter. The measured flow rate through the mass flow controller is compared to the measured flow rate through the mass flow meter and any difference between the two measured flow rates is determined. Depending upon the magnitude of any difference, the flow of gas to the mass flow controller may be altered. |
| US09169974B2 |
Multiple-cavity vapor cell structure for micro-fabricated atomic clocks, magnetometers, and other devices
An apparatus includes a vapor cell having multiple cavities fluidly connected by one or more channels. At least one of the cavities is configured to receive a first material able to dissociate into one or more gases that are contained within the vapor cell. At least one of the cavities is configured to receive a second material able to absorb at least a portion of the one or more gases. The vapor cell could include a first cavity configured to receive the first material and a second cavity fluidly connected to the first cavity by at least one first channel, where the second cavity is configured to receive the gas(es). The vapor cell could also include a third cavity fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second cavities by at least one second channel, where the third cavity is configured to receive the second material. |
| US09169973B2 |
Zonal operator presence detection
A method for detecting zonal operator presence includes receiving a sensor output from a sensor. The sensor may be located on an agricultural machine and the sensor output indicates an operating state of the agricultural machine. Once the sensor output has been received, the operating state of the agricultural machine is determined based on the sensor output. The operating state includes an operator being located within a work area of the agricultural machine. The work area is divided into a plurality of zones. An operating parameter is adjusted based on the operating state. |
| US09169971B2 |
Sealed bearing assembly failure detection
A method and system for magnetically detecting thermal degradation of a component. A multiple of ferrous metal segments are attached to a component not within a lubrication circuit of a lubrication system with a thermally-affected bonding agent. The thermally-affected bonding agent is operable to detach at a threshold temperature at least one of the multiple of ferrous metal segments such that the at least one of the multiple of detached ferrous metal segments enters the lubrication circuit of the lubrication system. The at least one of the multiple of ferrous metal segments which detached are then detected within the lubrication system. |
| US09169970B2 |
Lubrication system and method for vehicles provided with blade element
A lubrication system for a vehicle (100) is provided with a blade element (1) movable between a first position (2) and a second position (3); the lubrication system comprises a pump (4) connected to a reservoir of lubricant and an actuation element or striker (6) acting on the pump (4), the actuation element (6) being activated in response to the blade element (1) when displaced between the first (2) and the second (3) position. |
| US09169969B2 |
Mounting screw retention feature for a housing of an electronic device
A corner mountable housing (10) is provided for encasing an electronic device and for mounting the electronic device in a corner (12) of a wall or other mount surface (14) via at least one fastener (16) extending through the housing (10) to engage the corner (12). The housing (10) includes a surface-mountable housing portion (20) in the form of a rear cover, with the housing portion (20) being a one-piece molded construction and having first and second fastener retention features (22) and (24) formed therein. |
| US09169968B2 |
Color three dimensional printing
A variety of techniques for color mixing support a user-controllable palette of colors for use when fabricating three-dimensional objects. |
| US09169960B2 |
Height adjustable stand for screen or display
A height adjustable stand (1) comprises a base (3) for arrangement on a floor (5), at least a first base beam (6) and a second base beam (8). The stand comprises a movable structure (12) which is movable along the base beams (6, 8) and which is arranged between a front plane and a back plane. The stand (1) comprises at least a first front plate (13) which is arranged with a first and second vertical slit (14) between the front plate (13) and the first and second base beam (6, 8), respectively, a mount (2) arranged on the outside of the front plate (13) and connected to the movable structure (12), and a first and second connecting means (18, 19) arranged through the first and second slit (14), respectively, wherein each connecting means (18) is connected to the movable structure (19) and the mount (2), which mount (2) is arranged to receive the projector screen or the display. |
| US09169957B2 |
Apparatus and method for sealing pipes and underground structures
An apparatus and method for sealing pipes or underground structures is provided. In one embodiment, the end of a pipe is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a sealing member. The sealing member may be a hydrophilic material, a hydrophobic material, a compressible material, or a paste. The sealing member is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a liner is installed adjacent the sealing member and against the wall of the pipe or other structure to be sealed. In another embodiment, a manhole is sealed by the use of a sealing member, a mechanical fastener, and a manhole liner. |
| US09169956B2 |
Pipeline isolation tool and method
An isolation tool is adapted for location in a pipe and includes a first plug module and a second plug module. The first plug module is configurable to grip the pipe and permit fluid bypass, to prevent fluid bypass without gripping the pipe, and to isolate the pipeline with gripping and leak tight sealing allowing a section to be fully de-pressurised. In use, the first and second plug modules are inserted into opposite ends of the pipe. The first plug module is pigged to a location in the second mode with a seal against the pipe but no grip then is configured in the fluid bypass mode when the second plug module is travelling through the pipe so that fluid displaced by the second plug module bypasses the first plug module. The second plug module and first plug module are then sealingly secured to the pipe to isolate a section of the pipe wall having a restriction. |
| US09169955B2 |
Helical spline lock
A helical spline lock for securing an inlet duct to a portion of a combustor body includes a helical spline key having a helical shape defined at least in part by a shape of a combustor body. A first lug is disposed about the combustor body and has a first channel for at least partially receiving and interfacing with the helical spline key. A second lug is disposed about an inlet duct and has a second channel for at least partially receiving and interfacing with the helical spline key. The first lug and the second lug are configured to mate with one another to form a helical keyway from the first and second channels, and the helical spline key is insertable into the keyway to secure the inlet duct to the combustor body. |
| US09169954B2 |
Quick release tube systems
Quick release tube systems and methods may allow for components of a switching apparatus to be quickly and easily installed, removed, serviced or replaced without requiring an overhead crane or more than one skilled individual to perform the work. |
| US09169952B2 |
Systems and methods for hinge couplings
A coupling for coupling pipe segments (2,4). The coupling includes a first housing component (12), a second housing component (14), and a fastener coupling the first and second components together. The fastener (22) has an aligned configuration defining an axis of alignment such that first and second housing components are in a closed configuration to define a central axis of the coupling. The fastener has a skewed configuration to define a pivot axis of the fastener such that the first and second housing components are in an open configuration. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the central axis and substantially perpendicular to the axis of alignment. |
| US09169951B2 |
Tubular threaded joint having improved low temperature performance
In order to provide a tubular threaded joint constituted by a pin and a box each having threads and an unthreaded metal contact portion with excellent galling resistance and gas tightness even in extremely cold environments at −60° C. to −20° C. and rust preventing properties without using a compound grease, a thermoplastic solid lubricating coating containing low friction copolymer particles made from an acrylic-silicone copolymer and preferably further containing a solid lubricant (e.g., graphite) in a thermoplastic polymer matrix (e.g., selected from polyolefin resins and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins) is formed on the surface of the threads and unthreaded metal contact portion of a pin and/or a box. |
| US09169950B2 |
Connector for flexible hoses
A connector for flexible hoses, comprising: a hollow main body forming an element for coupling with a flexible hose comprising at least two ramp-like annular elements, separated by at least one circumferential recess and forming a housing for a sealing element; at least one sealing element, designed to be positioned in the recess; and at least one clamping element designed to apply a force in a radial direction on the outer surface of the flexible hose when the flexible hose is coupled with the hollow main body, and operating in conjunction with the sealing element to allow, in use, a sealed coupling between the flexible hose and the hollow main body. |
| US09169948B2 |
Support structures for electrical and plumbing systems
A support apparatus configured to support free lengths of parallel components in residential implementations comprising a rectangular section and connection flaps. The rectangular section defines support holes and includes a rectangular section width that matches a width of two standard adjacent studs in a residential implementation. The support holes are configured to support and to separate free lengths of multiple, substantially parallel components. A first connection flap extends from a first end of the rectangular section. A second connection flap extends from a second end of the rectangular section. The rectangular section includes a first length between the first connection flap and the second connection flap configured to match a first standard distance between the two adjacent studs. The support apparatus includes a second length inclusive of the first connection flap and the second connection flap configured to match a second standard distance between two adjacent studs. |
| US09169946B2 |
Directional drill hammer pullback device
A pull back system to install or replace underground utilities that is used with a hammer used in horizontal directional drilling operations. The system comprises a drill bit attached to the hammer. The drill bit comprises a cutting face comprising a first and second passage. The system further comprises a pull back adapter comprising an attachment member, a first member, and a second member. The attachment member may be secured to the cutting face of the drill bit by inserting the first member of the pull back adapter through the first passage of the cutting face and inserting the second member of the pull back adapter through the second passage of the cutting face. The first member secures to the second member within an internal cavity of the drill bit to hold the attachment member for movement with the drill bit. A new pipe may be secured to a shackle on the pull back adapter. The drilling machine will then pull the hammer rearwardly through the borehole which in turn pulls the new pipe into the borehole. |
| US09169942B2 |
Wall-mounted faucet control module
A wall-mounted faucet control module that can be applied to different water control valves with different sizes, includes two control handles, two transforming heads, a restricting device and a panel set, wherein detachable transforming heads and conversion block are located at the receiving space of two control handles, and the panel set has detachable adjusting sheets and positioning sleeves, The conversion block is located at the receiving space of the control handle, so that the wall-mounted faucet control module can be used for water control bases of different sizes to increase the practicability of the faucet handle and panel set, and increase the convenience in assembly process. |
| US09169940B2 |
Purge line changing block joint and fluid control apparatus
A purge line changing block joint for enabling supply of different types of purge gas between lines without a significant remodeling of a fluid control apparatus and the fluid control apparatus is provided. A purge line changing block joint is connected to an upper side of a three-way valve channel portion in at least one line of the plurality of lines. The purge line changing block joint includes a process gas inlet channel communicating with a process gas inlet channel of the three-way valve channel portion, an outlet channel communicating the process gas inlet channel and an outlet channel of the three-way valve channel portion, a channel terminal not in communication with a purge gas inlet channel of the three-way valve channel portion but terminating the same, and a new purge gas inlet channel communicating with the outlet channel and opening on the top surface. |
| US09169939B2 |
Pressure control system for relief and shutdown of flow
This disclosure is related to a non-electronic pressure control system for a pressurized system that receives fluid from a fluid supply. The pressure control system includes a control module, an actuator and a flow control device. The control module monitors the pressure of fluid either upstream or downstream of the flow control device. The control module can send a pneumatic signal to the actuator to open or close the flow control device responsive to the pressure monitored by the control module and the pressure required for the pressurized system. |
| US09169931B2 |
Sliding component
An aspect of the invention provides a sliding component in which a phase made of liquid and a phase made of gas, which are formed in a sliding portion, are stabilized. A sliding component constitutes one of two sliding components that rotate relatively, and planar end faces of the two sliding component slide on each other. In the sliding component, a plurality of dimples is arrayed in a sliding surface such that, in a phase made of liquid and a phase made of gas, the phase made of the gas is positioned when the two components rotate relatively. The phase made of the liquid and the phase made of the gas are formed so as to revolve about rotation centers of sliding portions of the two components. |
| US09169925B2 |
Method for terminating a gearshift for an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle wherein at least one positive-locking shifting element is involved
A method for terminating a gearshift for an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle is provided, wherein a positive-locking shifting element is involved. After the initiation of the gearshift, there is an evaluation of the continuous signals of at least one control unit of the vehicle, which affect the engine torque and thus the turbine speed gradient. Based on the evaluation of the signals, an upcoming change to the turbine speed gradient that exceeds a first predetermined threshold value or falls short of a second predetermined threshold value is detected, and, upon such detection, the gearshift is terminated. |
| US09169924B2 |
Automatic transmission control device
A control device for controlling an automatic transmission determines whether a fluid pressure of the operation fluid acting on a friction engagement element that is switched from a released-state to an engaged-state is in a fully-decreased state. If determined that the fluid pressure is not in a fully-decreased state, control of a manual valve is delayed. In such manner, the hydraulic circuit is switched by the manual valve after the full decrease of the fluid pressure of the operation fluid acting on the just-engaged friction engagement element. As a result, an abrupt rise of the fluid pressure is prevented and a shock in the automatic transmission is reduced. |
| US09169922B1 |
System and method for improving fuel economy of a vehicle powertrain
A controller for a vehicle may include communication channels and control logic. The communication channels may be configured to receive distance data from a proximity sensor disposed on a vehicle and to send shift commands to a transmission. The control logic may be configured to respond to distance data indicating a second vehicle disposed at a distance closer than a threshold distance while the vehicle is moving at or below a threshold speed by sending a shift command to the transmission. |
| US09169921B2 |
Double transition shift control in an automatic powershifting transmission
A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control. |
| US09169918B2 |
Integrated control shift lever device
An integrated control shift lever device according to an exemplary embodiment provides M mode of +/− to feel a dynamic shift manipulation feeling together with automatic mode of P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), and D (driving) as a basic function and further provides integrated mode 6 to provide to engine control unit the electrical signal generated by positional change of automatic lever to control the engine, suspension device, or the steering device in addition to the transmission by driver's simple manipulation, thereby significantly improving convenience and in particular, further improving performance, quality, and merchantability of an automobile when the integrated control shift lever device may be applied to a vehicle. |
| US09169917B2 |
Support structure of a planet gear carrier
A planet gear carrier (1) for an automotive vehicle having a plurality of mounting regions (2), mounting a respective planet gear (4), and between the mounting regions (2), at least one aperture (5) such as a through-hole (6) that weakens the planet gear carrier (1), and when filled by a stiffening element (7) reinforces the planet gear carrier (1). A planet gear carrier having installed planet gears, a spur gear differential comprising such a planet gear carrier as well as a spur gear differential comprising two planet gear carriers of the aforesaid type. |
| US09169915B2 |
Pressure portion and pressure portion system having pressure portion
A pressure portion (1) includes a receiver (2) for adjustable lateral support of a rack (Z) for a steering arrangement of vehicles. The pressure portion (1) arranged in positionally variable relationship guided linearly in a guide passage (F) for adjustment of the support of the rack (Z) in an adjustment direction (e), and enlarged or expanded for at least partial contact at an inside wall side in the guide passage (F) with respect to a directional component (r2) which is radial relative to the adjustment direction (e). The pressure portion (1) has radially at an outside thereof an elastomeric force application aid (11) for transmission of forces from the pressure portion (1) to an inside wall (10) of the guide passage (F). |
| US09169911B2 |
Drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle
A drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a stationary housing in which a rotatably drivable differential housing having an axle differential gear unit is rotatably mounted by differential bearings, at least one driveshaft being rotatably drivable by the differential housing. At least one driving gear wheel is arranged on the at least one driveshaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the latter. The at least one driving gear wheel meshingly engage by oppositely directed helical teeth with at least one driven gear wheel for driving road wheels of the vehicle and generating axial forces directed toward the center of the axle differential gear unit. At least one thrust bearing arrangement for supporting these axial forces is in turn supported at a structural component part of the drive device. |
| US09169909B2 |
Stepless variable transmission device with parallel low gear wheel group
The present invention relates to a stepless variable transmission device with parallel low gear wheel group, which is the first case that a low gear transmission wheel group equipped with a one-way transmission unit, which transmits with fixed speed ratio in same rotary direction, is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of a stepless variable transmission device; and which is installed with the clutch device 212 with angular displacement difference and/or the clutch device 222 for eliminating the vibration produced by the hetero-shaft type stepless variable transmission device 100 and the low gear transmission wheel group 102, the both do not operate with fully same speed ratio, for overloaded transmission. |
| US09169904B2 |
Multi-speed drive for transferring power to a load
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a multi-speed drive for controlling the speed of a load that is driven from a crankshaft of an engine. The multi-speed drive permits the speed of the load to be adjusted based on one or more parameters, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, battery charge level (e.g. when the load is an alternator), coolant temperature (e.g. when the load is a cooling fan), engine power demand from the vehicle driver, water level in which the vehicle is driving (e.g. when the load is a cooling fan whose blades could be damaged or could cause damage to other vehicle components if they impact water during use). The speeds provided by the multi-speed drive may include two or more non-zero rotational speeds, or two or more non-zero rotational speeds and a zero speed, or one non-zero rotational speed and a zero speed. |
| US09169902B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: an input; an output; a first planetary gear set on the input including a first rotation element selectively connected to the input and selectively operated as a fixed element, a second rotation element selectively connected to the input and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set on the output including a fourth rotation element connected to the second rotation element and selectively operated as a fixed element, a fifth rotation element connected to the third rotation element and directly connected to the output, and a sixth rotation element selectively connected to the input; four transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches connecting the input and the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets, and brakes connecting the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and a transmission housing. |
| US09169901B2 |
Multiple speed transmission with integrated low range
A transmission gearing arrangement includes four simple planetary gear sets, a range selection clutch, and five other clutches including one brake. The transmission is operated in high range by engaging the range selection clutch and in low range by disengaging the range selection clutch. In high range, the transmission produces eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three of the five other clutches. In low range, the transmission produces five forward speed ratios by selective engagement of various combinations of two of the other five clutches. The transmission can shift from the fourth low range ratio to the third high range ratio while the vehicle is in motion. |
| US09169899B2 |
Chain connecting element with security crosspiece
A chain connecting element has two link brackets, coupled via their limbs, and a crosspiece inserted transversally between the limbs, A limb of each link bracket has a neck section and a journal, a neck recess and a journal recess being provided on the opposite limb. The crosspiece includes a bolt, a sleeve and a spring journal. The crosspiece is a mirror-symmetrical design with an outer-lying bearing sleeve on each side of the crosspiece for form-locked locking engagement in the link brackets. The inner-lying bolt has a spring journal on each of its ends, wherein a clamping pin is insertable or extractable on both sides of the locking bolts and secures each of the spring journals in a respective bearing sleeve in form-locked manner. |
| US09169898B2 |
Dragline rope ferrule
A method is disclosed for attaching a ferrule to a dragline rope. The method comprises locating the dragline rope in a die of a die-press, locating over the dragline rope a ferrule that is lined internally with a deformable material, and forcing the ferrule longitudinally through the die. The ferrule is caused to be internally expanded and be extruded back over the dragline rope, causing the lining to deform directly against the dragline rope and fastening the ferrule to the dragline rope. |
| US09169894B2 |
Device for vibration control of a structure
The invention relates to a device for vibration control of a structure having—two mass bodies (10, 20), each of which is rotatably mounted around a rotational axis (12, 22), wherein both rotational axes extend in the same direction and the center of gravity of each mass body has a spacing (r1, r2) from the associated rotational axis,—a drive that sets each mass body (10, 20) in a circulating rotational motion,—at least one sensor (40), which measures a movement or acceleration of the structure (30), and—a control that, based on the measured movement or acceleration, controls at least one of the following variables:—the rotational angle (φ1, φ2) of the rotational movement of at least one mass body (10, 20),—the spacing (a) between the rotational axis (12) of one mass body (10) and the rotational axis (22) of the other mass body (20). |
| US09169889B1 |
Fluid pressure operated device with adjustable positioning of mounting elements relative to externally mounted structures
The invention is generally directed to the field of fluid pressure operated devices such as air springs and fluid dampers and more specifically directed to the field of such devices having externally mounted structures. In particular, one of the mounting elements, such as a mounting hole for mounting the device between sprung and un-spring masses can be reoriented relative to the device and its externally mounted structures. Therefore, the reorientation of the mounting element may be achieved: using ordinary maintenance techniques and tools, without accessing the inside of the device and especially the fluid contained within the device, and/or without changing the length of the device. |
| US09169883B2 |
Caliper brake device for vehicle
A brake caliper (10) includes a first caliper arm (12) that opposes a first frictional surface (6a) of a vehicle wheel (5) and a second caliper arm (14) that opposes a second frictional surface (6b) of the same. A movable brake pad (7) is supported by the first caliper arm (12) and applies a braking force to the first frictional surface (6a). A plurality of pistons (55) which drive the movable brake pad (7) in accordance with expansion of a diaphragm (75) provided in the brake caliper (10), and a guide member (65) that guides displacement of the plurality of pistons (55) in a right-angle direction relative to the first frictional surface (6a) are provided, and therefore the movable brake pad (7) applies an even braking force to the vehicle wheel (5) in cooperation with a fixed brake pad (700) fixed to the second caliper arm (14). |
| US09169876B2 |
Bearing unit for a vehicle wheel
A bearing unit for a vehicle wheel is provided having an axis of rotation and a radially outer stationary ring including a tubular axial lug delimited by an outer cylindrical surface, and with a flange transverse to the axis of rotation and axially delimited. A radially inner rotatable ring defines, with the ring, a space. An encoder is fixed to the inner ring and extends outside of the space and in front of the axial lug. A protective cover mounted on the axial lug to protect the encoder and close off the space. The stationary ring includes a shaped annular channel formed across the axial surface and delimited axially by a bottom surface and the side wall with a bent edge arranged axially in abutment against the bottom surface of the annular channel. Sealing means are arranged between the bent edge and the bottom surface to seal the annular channel. |
| US09169875B2 |
Linear motion guide system unit
A lip portion of an end seal is born against a metallic core to make no interference against an end cap. The metallic core controls deformation of the lip portion to improve the close engagement of the lip portion with a guide rail. The lip portion is composed of an outside lip extending outwards and an inside lip extending inwards of the slider. A root portion where the inside and outside lips are merged together is secured to the metallic core in such a relation that the metallic core bears stress exerted on respective center lines of the outside and the inside lips. The metallic core is composed of a mounting portion having a mounting surface, a bent portion extending widthwise of the slider and biased or deflected more outward of the slider to prevent the lip portion from make any interference with the end cap. |
| US09169872B2 |
Bearing having components fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite
Embodiments of a bearing are provided herein. In one embodiment a bearing may include a bearing assembly having an inner race and an outer race; a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein at least one of the inner race, the outer race, and the plurality of rolling elements is at least partially fabricated from an AlMgB14 containing ceramic matrix composite. |
| US09169870B2 |
Gear system and image forming apparatus
A gear system is provided. The gear system includes a driven gear, which is rotated by driving force from a driving gear, a base member to support the driven gear, and a bearing structure, including a shaft and a shaft hole to rotatably support the shaft, by which the driven gear is rotatably attached to the base member. One of the shaft and the shaft hole is provided to the driven gear, and the other of the shaft and the shaft hole is provided to the base member. The bearing structure has a lubricant reservoir in a slidable section, in which the shaft and the shaft hole are slidably in contact with each other when the driven gear is rotated by the driving force from the driving gear, the lubricant reservoir containing lubricant to lubricate the slidable section. |
| US09169869B2 |
Side seal and linear guide apparatus comprising the same
To provide a side seal capable of preventing the entrance of the foreign matter to the inside of the slider and the outflow of the lubricant without damaging or reducing the original function of the lip, and to provide a linear guide apparatus including the above described side seal. A linear guide apparatus (1) includes a side seal (30) attached to an end of the slider (20) in the axial direction and including a lip portion (33) coming into sliding contact with the guide rail (10). The side seal (30) includes a thin film (40) coming into sliding contact with the guide rail (10) and filling a part of a gap (34) of the lip portion (33). |
| US09169868B2 |
Movable member for linear slide assembly
A movable member of a linear slide assembly includes a slide member having two legs to mount the slide member to a rail. Two covers are respectively connected to two ends of the slide member. A track is formed between the legs of the slide member and the rail. Rolling members are installed in the circulation path of the slide assembly and drive the movable member along the rail back and forth. Two reinforcement plates are respectively connected to outside of the two covers and each reinforcement plate has a side plate and two bent extensions which are fixed to the legs of the slide member. The bent extensions each have an engaging portion which is engaged with the protrusion on the slide member. The engaging portions bear axial force applied to the rolling members to secure the connection between the covers and the slide member. |
| US09169858B2 |
Fastening structure for thermal module
A fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is outward extended from another opposite end of the main body. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between the elastic press portion and the main body. With these arrangements, the fastening structure can be quickly assembled to the thermal module without the need of welding and can therefore be conveniently separated therefrom whenever reworking is necessary. |
| US09169855B1 |
Flow diode and method for controlling fluid flow origin of the invention
A flow diode configured to permit fluid flow in a first direction while preventing fluid flow in a second direction opposite the first direction is disclosed. The flow diode prevents fluid flow without use of mechanical closures or moving parts. The flow diode utilizes a bypass flowline whereby all fluid flow in the second direction moves into the bypass flowline having a plurality of tortuous portions providing high fluidic resistance. The portions decrease in diameter such that debris in the fluid is trapped. As fluid only travels in one direction through the portions, the debris remains trapped in the portions. |
| US09169854B2 |
Pressure intensifier for discharging fluid at constant flow rate
A pressure intensifier for ejecting fluid at a constant flow rate includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a supply channel, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The hydraulic pump pumps an introduced fluid to eject the fluid through an ejection channel. The hydraulic motor is driven by the introduced fluid and drives the hydraulic pump to cause the fluid ejected by the hydraulic pump to be intensified. The supply channel allows the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor to be supplied with the fluid. The first control unit opens or closes the supply channel, and the second control unit operates the first control unit to cause the first control unit to close the supply channel if the fluid ejected through the ejection channel is larger than a predetermined pressure. |
| US09169848B2 |
Apparatus and system for sealing submersible pump assemblies
An apparatus, system and method for sealing an electrical submersible pump assembly are described. An electric submersible pump (ESP) system for pumping solid-laden fluid comprises a thrust chamber of an ESP seal section, the thrust chamber sealed from well fluid on a downstream side by a stationary sand barrier and on an upstream side by a mechanical seal, the thrust chamber further comprising, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the thrust chamber, a head tubularly encasing the thrust chamber and threadedly coupled to a centrifugal pump intake, and a diamond-coated hydrodynamic bearing set inside the thrust chamber, wherein well fluid enters and exits the chamber through cross-drilled apertures in the head of the chamber, and wherein the well fluid forms a hydrodynamic film between the bearing set. |
| US09169846B2 |
Mid-span gas bearing
A centrifugal compressor includes a rotor assembly with a shaft and a plurality of impellers, bearings located at ends of the shaft and configured to support the rotor assembly, a sealing mechanism disposed between the rotor assembly and the bearings, and a gas bearing disposed between the plurality of impellers for supporting the shaft and receiving a working gas from an impeller downstream from a location of the gas bearing. |
| US09169845B2 |
Fan plate
A fan plate system can include a fan plate and may or may not include the fan. The fan plate can include one or more surfaces. The fan plate can also include a grill configured to allow air to flow into or from a fan through the grill. The one or more surfaces can be configured to connect to a first end of an outer housing of the fan. The one or more surfaces can also provide a gap between the first end of the fan outer housing and the grill when the fan outer housing is connected to the fan plate. In some embodiments, an electronic device can include a fan plate system. |
| US09169844B2 |
Centrifugal fan and impeller thereof
A centrifugal fan includes an impeller, a motor and a case. The impeller includes a hub and multiple blades. The hub has a center. The blades are connected to the hub and have all respective outmost edges collectively define a circle with the center and a radius R. Each blade has at least one concave cutout. Each concave cutout is equipped with a depth of greater than 0.5 millimeters and an obtuse angle of less than 170 degrees, wherein the obtuse angle is an included angle between an inner edge of the concave cutout and an outer edge of the blade. The motor is secured to the huh and drives the impeller to rotate. The case houses the impeller and the motor. |
| US09169842B2 |
Permanent magnet canned motor pump with corrosion-protection housing
A permanent magnet canned motor pump features in its corrosion-protection housing which comprises a reinforced bracket, motor casing and a motor rear casing. The reinforced bracket is made of corrosion-resistance plastic and the motor casing and the motor rear casing are made of aluminum alloy. Accordingly, the corrosion-protection housing is capable of preventing the corrosion of the chemical liquid to the aluminum alloy components. Beside, the permanent magnet canned motor pump provides a heat dissipation mechanism while meeting the structural need of the corrosion-protection housing, so that the motor can dissipate heat in a sufficient rate. |
| US09169841B2 |
Scroll compressor having first and second oldham couplings
This scroll compressor includes a first fixed scroll member, an orbiting scroll arrangement including a first orbiting scroll member, a first Oldham coupling provided between the first orbiting scroll member and the first fixed scroll member and configured to prevent rotation of the first orbiting scroll member with respect to the first fixed scroll member, a fixed element opposite to the first fixed scroll member with respect to the orbiting scroll arrangement, and a second Oldham coupling provided between the orbiting scroll arrangement and the fixed element and configured to prevent rotation of the orbiting scroll arrangement with respect to the fixed element. The first Oldham coupling is slidable with respect to the first fixed scroll member along a first displacement direction, and the second Oldham coupling is slidable with respect to the fixed element along a second displacement direction transverse to the first displacement direction. |
| US09169840B2 |
Piston operated bypass valve for a screw compressor
A screw compressor includes a valve hole formed at a discharge side end surface of a discharge casing and at a position opening to a compression work chamber; a bypass flow path having the valve hole and a discharge chamber communicate with each other; and a valve body arranged in the valve hole. The screw compressor also includes cylinder chambers provided on a rear surface side of the valve body; a piston reciprocally moving in the cylinder chambers; a rod connecting the piston and the valve body; communication paths for introducing a fluid on a discharge side into the cylinder chamber on a side opposite to a valve body side of the piston and on the valve body side; a pressure discharge path; a plurality of valve means; and a controller controlling the plurality of valves means. |
| US09169838B2 |
Liquid ring vacuum pump with cavitation regulation
A method for operating a liquid ring vacuum pump employs taking vibration measurements of the pump and comparing the measurements with a prescribed cavitation threshold. In addition, a measurement representing the liquid content in the gas to be conveyed is taken. This measurement is compared with a prescribed threshold. The rotational speed of the liquid ring vacuum pump is reduced if the prescribed cavitation threshold has been exceeded and the liquid content is less than the prescribed threshold. The rotational speed is increased if the prescribed cavitation threshold has been exceeded and the liquid content is greater than the prescribed threshold. A liquid ring vacuum pump is designed for implementing the method. Due to the regulation depending on the oscillations of the pump, the pump can be operated near the cavitation boundary without any risk of damage. |
| US09169837B2 |
Diaphragm pump and motor system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a pump assembly including a pump, a motor, and a baseplate. The pump includes a valve housing and an upper housing with a ring to separate an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber. An o-ring is positioned between raised outer walls of the ring and secured by a cutout of the valve housing. The motor includes a brush ring assembly with brush holders and torsion springs urging brushes through the brush holders. The baseplate includes a cutout capable of allowing the use of a clamp or a wrap to couple the baseplate to the motor. |
| US09169835B2 |
Piston-type compressor
Provided is a piston type compressor which can enhance cooling of internal parts housed in a crank chamber, while effectively reducing an outflow of oil to the outside of a compressor by effectively performing a centrifugal separating operation due to the rotation of a shaft. The compressor includes: a first suction path which directly introduces a working fluid flowed from a suction port 30 into suction chambers 27a, 27b without via the crank chamber 7; and a second suction path which introduces the working fluid flowed from the suction port 30 into the suction chambers 27a, 27b via the crank chamber 7, and the second suction path includes: an oil separation passage 32 where a working fluid is introduced into the suction chambers 27a, 27b from the crank chamber 7 via holes formed in the shaft; and a bypass passage 33 where the working fluid is introduced into the suction chambers 27a, 27b from the crank chamber 7 through the cylinder blocks 1, 2 without via the shaft 12. |
| US09169834B2 |
Disengageable coolant pump for engine
A coolant pump includes a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a coupling-control pump. The driven wheel is connected to a coolant impeller and coupled by a variable degree to the drive wheel, the degree of coupling responsive to an amount of fluid confined between the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The coupling-control pump is configured to change the amount of fluid confined between the drive wheel and the driven wheel based on a variable control signal. |
| US09169826B2 |
Lightning protection structure of blade for wind power generation
To effectively perform lightning protection in a blade for wind power generation and to prevent the blade from being damaged when arresting lightning. The lightning protection structure of the blade for wind power generation includes a conductive lightning receptor 1 attached to a part of the blade for wind power generation, and a ceramic member 10 interposed between at least surface-layer portions of the lightning receptor 1 and the blade 5. Therefore, an electric field is likely to concentrate at an interface between the ceramic member 10 having excellent heat resistance and the lightning receptor 1, so that it is possible to effectively prevent the blade 5 from being damaged due to a concentration of the electric field at the interface of the blade 5 attached with the lightning receptor 1 when arresting the lightning. |
| US09169823B2 |
Magnetostrictive wave energy harvester with heave plate
A device for generating electricity includes a buoyant structure, a heave plate, at least one load carrying structure that is mechanically coupled to both the buoyant structure and the heave plate, and at least one magnetostrictive element. The magnetostrictive element is configured to to experienceforce changes applied by the load carrying structure caused by hydrodynamic forces acting on the device. |
| US09169819B2 |
Method for engaging a starting pinion of a starting device with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine
A method is described for engaging a starting pinion of a starting device with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, the starting pinion having a peripheral speed and the ring gear having a peripheral speed, the starting pinion being pushed forward axially along its axis of rotation, the starting pinion making contact with the ring gear at a peripheral speed which is lower than the peripheral speed of the ring gear. |
| US09169818B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has at least one combustion chamber which may be closed by an intake valve, at least one air intake port which leads to the intake valve, and a fuel injection device which in association with the at least one combustion chamber has a first injector and a second injector for the metered injection of fuel into at least one intake port. To achieve significantly improved mixture preparation and combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, the two injectors are configured such that the first injector injects a widely divergent spray cone having a large cone angle, and the second injector injects an only slightly divergent spray cone having a much smaller cone angle. |
| US09169810B2 |
Fuel vapor processing apparatus
A fuel vapor processing apparatus may include a container including an atmospheric introduction portion, through which atmospheric air is introduce into the container. An adsorption material may be contained in the container and may be configured to adsorb fuel vapor and to allow the adsorbed fuel vapor to be desorbed from the adsorption material as the atmospheric air introduced into the container flows through the adsorption material. A heater may heat the adsorption material for promoting desorption of fuel vapor and may have a heating value decreasing along a length of the heater in a flow direction of the atmospheric air through the adsorption material for desorption of fuel vapor. |
| US09169803B2 |
Seal member, and plug tube seal structure for engine
A seal member (3) is disposed between a cylinder head cover (1) in which an ignition plug mounting hole (1a) is formed and a plug tube (2) which is inserted in the ignition plug mounting hole (1a). The seal member (3) is provided with: a base section (31) configured to be elastically deformable and inserted into the ignition plug mounting hole (1a); a protrusion section (32) formed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the base section (31) and engaging with a groove (12b) formed in the inner peripheral surface of the ignition plug mounting hole (1a); a seal lip section (33) in elastic contact with the outer peripheral surface of the plug tube (2); and a grip section (34) formed between the base section (31) and the seal lip section (33) and protruding downward from the ignition plug mounting hole (1a). |
| US09169801B2 |
Internal combustion engine with oil-cooled cylinder block and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
Embodiments for selectively filling a cylinder block cooling jacket with oil are provided. In one example, a control unit may be rotated among a plurality of working positions to open up and/or block flow of oil into and out of the cylinder block cooling jacket. |
| US09169800B2 |
Piston with anti-carbon deposit coating and method of construction thereof
A piston and method of construction are provided. The piston includes a piston body having an upper combustion surface configured for direct exposure to combustion gases within a cylinder bore with an undercrown surface located beneath the upper combustion surface. The piston body also includes a ring belt region configured for receipt of at least one piston ring adjacent the upper combustion surface with a cooling gallery configured radially inwardly and in substantial radial alignment with the ring belt region. The piston further includes a non-stick coating material bonded to at least one of the undercrown surface and at least a portion of the cooling gallery, wherein the non-stick coating material inhibits the build-up of carbon deposits thereon. |
| US09169799B2 |
Engine cylinder head provided with light valve spring bosses
A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine is provided which include a valve spring boss having a central opening for accommodating a valve and having a contact area for retaining said valve. The contact area has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being ring-shaped and delimited by the opening, and the second portion being radially protruding from the first portion. |
| US09169797B2 |
Methods and systems for managing a clearance gap in a piston engine
A piston engine may include a piston and cylinder assembly. A piston assembly may be configured to translate in a cylinder liner, which may form a bore in the cylinder. The cylinder liner may be deformable, and deformations of the cylinder liner may affect the clearance gap between the piston assembly and the cylinder. A liner fluid may be supplied to the cylinder liner to create a pressure differential across the liner, and a resulting deformation. The liner fluid may be used to provide cooling as well as liner deformation to control the clearance gap. A cylinder may include one or more fluid passages configured to provide heating, cooling, or both. A cylinder may include one or more localized heat sources such as, for example, electric resistance heaters or heating fluid passages. |
| US09169796B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine with a turbocharger arrangement and control unit for an engine with a turbocharger arrangement
Methods are provided for controlling an engine. One method may include adjusting airflow to a turbocharger arrangement with a turbine bypass valve bypassing a first turbine from a high-pressure turbocharger and a wastegate bypassing a second turbine from a low-pressure turbocharger; responsive to valve degradation, setting the turbine bypass valve fully open and the wastegate fully closed; and limiting engine torque based on a flow through a compressor of the low pressure turbocharger. In the event of valve degradation, limiting torque may reduce overspeed and surge of the low pressure turbocharger. |
| US09169784B2 |
Processing system and method for calculating pressure decreases due to injection events in a high-pressure fuel system
A system and method is provided to analyze an intermediate pressure signal portion between an end of an injection event signal portion and a start of a subsequent injection event signal portion. The analysis is simplified by identifying a plurality of single cycle windows and calculating a single value, such as a mean or a median, for each of the windows. An intermediate portion single value is determined by averaging the single values for each of the windows. The intermediate portion single value may then be used to identify pumping events or leakage errors that occur during the intermediate pressure signal portion that affect further analysis of the intermediate pressure signal portion. |
| US09169780B2 |
Connection for generator in a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine having an electric generator includes a transmission shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the engine and drivingly interconnecting a turbine shaft of the engine and a rotor shaft of the electric generator. The transmission shaft is engaged by splined mating connections with the turbine shaft and the rotor shaft. The transmission shaft has a shear neck defining a reduced radial wall thickness with respect to a remainder of the transmission shaft such as to provide a weakened region of the transmission shaft. An annular support structure, concentric with and surrounding the transmission shaft, is axially located between the shear neck and a forward end of the transmission shaft engaged to the turbine shaft, and includes a bearing operable to rotationally support the transmission shaft. |
| US09169778B2 |
Generating power from natural gas with carbon dioxide capture
A hydrogen rich fuel gas for a gas turbine ballasted with nitrogen and steam can be produced and superheated to a temperature above its dew point. The fuel gas may have a minimal or reduced content of CO2 or fuel components CO and CH4 which contain carbon so that when combusted in a suitable gas turbine there may be minimal or reduced emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere. These example methods may result in a capture of the bulk of the carbon present in the total natural gas feed as CO2 compressed to pipeline delivery pressure for sequestration. |
| US09169773B2 |
Engine reformer systems for lower cost, smaller scale manufacturing of liquid fuels
A reformer-liquid fuel manufacturing system that utilizes an engine to generate hydrogen-rich gas is disclosed. The engine operates at very rich conditions, such as 2.5<φ<4.0. In doing so, it creates an exothermic reaction, which results in the production of syngas. In addition, the system utilizes the energy from the exothermic reaction to rotate a shaft and also utilizes the heat in the syngas to heat the reactants. A mechanical power plant is in communication with the rotating shaft and can be used to produce oxygen, provide electricity or operate a compressor, as require. The hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to a chemical reactor, which converts the gas into a liquid fuel, such as methanol. |
| US09169772B2 |
One-stroke internal combustion engine
One-stroke internal combustion engines may comprise reciprocating pistons which are either straight or rotary. Three principles are required to make one-stroke engines work: create four dedicated chambers, assign the chambers with coordinated functions, and make pistons move in unison. The functions will be assigned only to a single stroke but an Otto cycle produces a repeating four stroke cycle. Since four functions are performed simultaneously during one stroke, every stroke becomes a power stroke. In reality, 1-stroke engines are physically rearranged 4-stroke engines. Both straight and rotary 1-stroke engines can be modified to comprise opposed piston opposed cylinder (OPOC) engines. The reciprocating piston output of 1-stroke pistons may be converted to continuously rotating output by using crankshafts with split bushings or newly developed Crankgears with conventional bearings. A 1-stroke engine may require only one crankshaft and thus may reduce the number of parts and increase the specific power ratio. |
| US09169771B2 |
Wastegate valve position correction
Various methods for compensating a deflected linkage in a wastegate arrangement are provided. In one example, current is applied to an actuator to move a wastegate valve coupled through a linkage to the actuator for diverting gasses from a turbocharger. The position of the actuator is indicated, and a correction to said indicated actuator position is applied compensating for deflection of the linkage based at least on said applied current. Said applied current is adjusted when said corrected actuator position reaches a position corresponding to a desired valve position. |
| US09169770B2 |
Engine system
An engine system for ensuring a sufficient boost pressure during engine braking and improving a braking force of a compression release brake. The system includes: a compression release brake device that operates a compression release brake to obtain a braking force during engine braking by forcibly opening an exhaust valve and releasing a compressive pressure near a compression top dead center of an engine; a power-assisted turbocharger including a turbine disposed on an exhaust passage of the engine and driven by exhaust, a compressor disposed on an intake passage and driven by a rotational torque of the turbine, and an electric motor that assists a drive force of the compressor; and an electric motor control unit that drives the electric motor when the compressor release brake is operated. |
| US09169769B2 |
Gas-fired engine
A gas-fired engine that supplies high-pressure liquefied gas (e.g., LNG) as fuel by a reciprocating pump. A gas fuel supply device includes: a reciprocating pump driven by a hydraulic motor to boost an introduced liquefied gas pressure to a desired pressure and discharge the liquefied gas; a hydraulic oil introduction line that introduces a portion of high-pressure hydraulic oil from a hydraulic oil line and supplies the high-pressure hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor; a hydraulic oil return line that returns the high-pressure hydraulic oil to the hydraulic oil line; a heating unit that heats and gasifies the boosted liquefied gas; a control section that adjusts a rotational speed of the hydraulic motor to maintain constant a gas fuel outlet pressure of the heating unit; and an engine inlet gas pressure-reducing valve that regulates a gas fuel pressure injected into a combustion chamber. |
| US09169762B2 |
Hydro-carbon injection supply unit
A hydro-carbon injection supply unit includes a fuel filter including a damping head which reduces a high fuel pulsation pressure generated in a cylinder head through an inner circulation path along of the fuel, and an HCI part for receiving the fuel discharged from the fuel filter whose pulsation pressure has been reduced and injecting the fuel to an exhaust manifold at a front end of a catalyst. Accordingly, even if a fuel pulsation pressure exceeding a design value is generated in the cylinder head, the HCI part is not influenced at all. |
| US09169760B2 |
Conveying unit for conveying reducing agent
A conveying unit for conveying reducing agent from a tank to an exhaust gas treatment device for cleaning the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, includes a flange defined at least by a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are disposed so as to be mutually opposed, at least in part. At least a filter, a biased ice pressure compensator and/or a flexible ice pressure compensator are disposed on the first side. At least a pump, a pressure sensor and/or a temperature sensor are disposed on the second side. |
| US09169754B2 |
Method for enriching the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine with reducing agent and internal combustion engine for performing such a method
A method for enriching the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine with a reducing agent is provided, the internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder and having an intake system for admission of charge air, an exhaust gas discharge system for discharging exhaust gases, and at least one exhaust gas aftertreatment system for reducing nitrogen oxides arranged in the exhaust gas discharge system and which is periodically provided with a supply of reducing agent. The method comprises enriching the exhaust gas with the reducing agent in the exhaust gas discharge system upstream of at least the one exhaust gas aftertreatment system when a fuel supply of the at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine is deactivated due to an absence of load demand. |