Document | Document Title |
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US09223791B2 |
System and method for reading file blocks
A system and method for reading file blocks includes reading an inode associated with the file from the file system, the inode including one or more first block pointers, determining a height of a file tree associated with the file, and determining whether a value of a second block pointer selected from the one or more first block pointers is consistent with the file having been stored using a block allocation pattern. When the value of the second block pointer is consistent with the file having been stored using the block allocation pattern the method further includes pre-fetching a plurality of file blocks based on the block allocation pattern, verifying that the pre-fetched file blocks are consistent with the file tree, and retrieving one or more data blocks of the file. In some examples, the block allocation pattern corresponds to the file being stored in streaming order to consecutively and contiguously located blocks. |
US09223790B1 |
Managing deletion of data in a data storage system
In certain embodiments, a system comprises a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The memory includes executable instructions that upon execution cause the system to generate, at a first time, a first snapshot capturing data stored in storage units of a storage device. The executable instructions upon execution cause the system to receive an indication to delete at least a portion of the data in the storage units and captured by the first snapshot, and to mark, in response to receiving the indication, the one or more storage units that store the at least a first portion of the data as available. The executable instructions upon execution cause the system to generate, at a second time subsequent to the first time, a second snapshot that omits the one or more storage units marked as available. |
US09223789B1 |
Range retrievals from archived data objects according to a predefined hash tree schema
Ranges of data stored within archived data may be retrieved according to a predefined hash tree schema. A retrieval request for a range of one or more data chunks of an archived data object stored in archival data store may be retrieved. In response, the requested range of the archived data object may be determined to be tree-hash aligned. In response to determining that the requested range is tree-hash aligned, a retrieval job may be initiated to obtain the range of one or more data chunks and to stage the one or more data chunks for download. A download request may for one or more of the obtained and staged data chunks, and if determined to be tree-hash aligned, a tree hash root node may be sent to the requesting client in addition to the requested data. |
US09223788B2 |
File system consistency check on part of a file system
A file system that includes multiple logical devices can be subdivided into multiple containers. The containers each include respective non-overlapping sets of the logical devices. An amount of memory allocated to a container is dynamic. A set of the containers can be selected for a file system consistency check. The file system consistency check is performed on only the set of the containers instead of on the entire file system. |
US09223777B2 |
Self-learning semantic search engine
A method, machine readable storage medium, and system for providing a self learning semantic search engine. A semantic network may be set up with initial configuration. A search engine coupled to the semantic network may build indexes and semantic indexes. A user request for business data may be received. The search engine may be accessed via a semantic dispatcher. And based on the access, search engine may update the indexes and semantic indexes. |
US09223776B2 |
Multimodal natural language query system for processing and analyzing voice and proximity-based queries
The disclosure provides a natural language query system and method for processing and analyzing multimodally-originated queries, including voice and proximity-based queries. The natural language query system includes a Web-enabled device including a speech input module for receiving a voice-based query in natural language form from a user and a location/proximity module for receiving location/proximity information from a location/proximity device. The query system also includes a speech conversion module for converting the voice-based query in natural language form to text in natural language form and a natural language processing module for converting the text in natural language form to text in searchable form. The query system further includes a semantic engine module for converting the text in searchable form to a formal database query and a database-look-up module for using the formal database query to obtain a result related to the voice-based query in natural language form from a database. |
US09223775B2 |
User question processing method and system
Provided is a user question processing method and system. The method includes: extracting first feature information from a user question; calculating the similarity between the first feature and second feature information of each of at least two websites; posting the question on at least one of the at least two websites according to the similarity. The solution of the embodiment can be applied to a website providing a question and answer service, and the website can post a received user question on another website related to the concerned field of the question, thereby enlarging the scope of the user information exchange. |
US09223773B2 |
Template system for custom document generation
Systems and techniques for flexibly generating custom documents from data objects are described herein. Templates with embedded code instructions, which may be evaluated separate from a document reading or editing program, may be used to generate custom documents. The template system may use the embedded code instructions to dynamically access properties of data objects. An editing program may be used initially to generate a mockup document that may be used as the basis for a template. |
US09223772B2 |
Filtering user interface for a data summary table
A graphical user interface for creating a data summary table includes a data summary table including a plurality of fields, and a filtering pane programmed to apply filters to items in the fields of the data summary table, the filtering pane including a field selector control, wherein the field selector control is programmed to allow for selection of a field of the fields in the data summary table to define filtering for the field. |
US09223765B1 |
Encoding and decoding data using context model grouping
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon. When executed by at least one processor, the instructions may be configured to cause a computing system to at least determine, for each of a plurality of current symbols in a data block, frequencies of succeeding symbols within the data block, generate a plurality of clusters, each of the plurality of clusters including a subset of the plurality of current symbols, generate, for each of the clusters, a code, the code including variable length codewords for each of the succeeding symbols of the current symbols included in the respective cluster, and encode each of the succeeding symbols in the data block based on the code for the cluster that includes the succeeding symbol's respective current symbol. |
US09223763B2 |
Document generation apparatus, method, and storage medium
A document generation apparatus comprises: a first acquisition unit adapted to acquire, based on identification information appended to a first document, layout data and data acquisition information required to acquire data to be laid out in accordance with the layout data; a second acquisition unit adapted to acquire data based on the data acquisition information acquired by the first acquisition unit; and a generation unit adapted to generate a second document on which the data acquired by the second acquisition unit are laid out in accordance with the layout data acquired by the first acquisition unit. |
US09223762B2 |
Encoding information into text for visual representation
The disclosed subject matter relates to computer implemented methods for encoding information into text for visual representation. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a body of text which includes one or more portions of text. The method further includes receiving a body of information to be encoded. The body of information includes one or more portions of information to be encoded. The method further includes selecting at least one of the portions of text. The method further includes formatting the selected portion(s) of text to generate a formatted body of text. Formatting the selected portion(s) of text includes applying one or more formatting schemes to the selected portion(s) of text. Formatting schemes correspond to one or more portions of the information to be encoded. The method further includes providing the formatted body of text for visual representation. |
US09223760B2 |
Method of encapsulating diverse user interface components while consistently enforcing external constraints
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium encapsulate user interface components that collect data for a case management solution, while consistently enforcing metadata and constraints. Multiple types of interactive documents are supported, and a configuration indicates the type whose user interface components are to be encapsulated. A wrapper widget is created based on the interactive document type and implements an interface that enables it to interact externally with the case management environment and internally with the interactive document. The wrapper widget injects case property data values, metadata and/or constraints from the case management environment into the interactive document, which then enables editing of the case property data values and the effecting of the metadata and/or enforcing of the constraints. The wrapper widget is responsive to requests from the case management environment to validate and persist the interactive document to a case of the case management solution. |
US09223756B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying logical blocks of text in a document
A computer implemented method and apparatus for identifying logical blocks of text in a document where document structure information is absent. The method comprises accessing a document, wherein the document comprises a plurality of words; identifying word information for each word in the plurality of words; creating a plurality of text lines based on the word information, wherein each text line in the plurality of text lines comprises one or more words in the plurality of words; and creating a plurality of text blocks derived from the plurality of text lines. |
US09223750B2 |
Dynamic tag generating apparatus and dynamic tag generating method thereof for use in display apparatus
A dynamic tag generating apparatus and a dynamic tag generating method thereof are provided. The dynamic tag generating apparatus is disposed in a display apparatus, and the display apparatus is connected to a server. The dynamic tag generating apparatus receives tag update information from the server through the display apparatus, and updates a tag content of the display apparatus according to the tag update information. The dynamic tag generating apparatus provides the tag content to a tag analyzing apparatus so that the tag analyzing apparatus analyzes the tag content. |
US09223749B2 |
Celestial navigation system for an autonomous vehicle
A navigation control system for an autonomous vehicle comprises a transmitter and an autonomous vehicle. The transmitter comprises an emitter for emitting at least one signal, a power source for powering the emitter, a device for capturing wireless energy to charge the power source, and a printed circuit board for converting the captured wireless energy to a form for charging the power source. The autonomous vehicle operates within a working area and comprises a receiver for detecting the at least one signal emitted by the emitter, and a processor for determining a relative location of the autonomous vehicle within the working area based on the signal emitted by the emitter. |
US09223737B1 |
Computer interconnect isolation
Methods and systems are provided routing access requests produced by a function to a physical sharing machine on a computer interconnect fabric. Access requests are routed through a switch that includes an NTB, the NTB using an address-lookup table to ensure that access requests made by multiple physical sharing machines are appropriately isolated from one another. |
US09223735B2 |
Providing a consolidated sideband communication channel between devices
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a protocol stack having a transaction layer and a link layer. In addition a first physical (PHY) unit is coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between a processor and a device coupled to the processor via a physical link, where the first PHY unit is of a low power communication protocol and includes a first physical unit circuit. In turn, a second PHY unit is coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between the processor and the device via a sideband channel coupled between the multicore processor and the device separate from the physical link, where the second PHY unit includes a second physical unit circuit. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
US09223732B2 |
Apparatus and method of recognizing external device in a communication system
An apparatus and a method of recognizing an external device in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a connector connected to the external device, and a controller configured to transmit a connection message, if the portable terminal is connected to the external device through the connector, the connection message asking whether the external device supports a second connection scheme to the external device by using a first connection scheme, configured to receive a connection response message as a response to the connection message from the external device, configured to determine based on the connection response message whether the external device supports the second connection scheme, and configured to recognize at least one device supporting the second connection scheme in the external device by activating the second connection scheme, if the external device supports the second connection scheme. |
US09223729B2 |
Servicing a globally broadcast interrupt signal in a multi-threaded computer
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for servicing a globally broadcast interrupt signal in a multi-threaded computer comprising a plurality of processor threads. Embodiments include an interrupt controller indicating in a plurality of local interrupt status locations that a globally broadcast interrupt signal has been received by the interrupt controller. Embodiments also include a thread determining that a local interrupt status location corresponding to the thread indicates that the globally broadcast interrupt signal has been received by the interrupt controller. Embodiments also include the thread processing one or more entries in a global interrupt status bit queue based on whether global interrupt status bits associated with the globally broadcast interrupt signal are locked. Each entry in the global interrupt status bit queue corresponds to a queued global interrupt. |
US09223727B2 |
Input-output circuit
An identification terminal voltage detecting circuit detects a voltage of an identification terminal. A video switch is inserted into a signal line connecting a video circuit included in an internal circuit and the identification terminal. When a voltage representing that a video cable is connected to a connector is detected, and then a voltage representing that the video cable is terminated with specified impedance is detected, the control unit turns on the video switch. |
US09223726B2 |
Apparatus and method for programmable read preamble with training pattern
A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a preamble memory and a memory controller. The preamble memory is arranged to store a read preamble such that the read preamble includes a training pattern that is suitable for aligning a capture point for read data. Further, the training pattern is programmable such that the training pattern can be altered at least once subsequent to manufacture of the preamble memory. In response to a read command, the memory controller provides the read preamble stored in the preamble memory, as well as the read data. |
US09223725B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively reading image data
A method of reading data includes setting first addresses defining a full image and second addresses defining a blocking region included in the full image and not reading blocking region data corresponding to the blocking region among image data corresponding to the full image using the first addresses and the second addresses. |
US09223724B2 |
Information processing device
A device of one embodiment includes a host device including a first memory unit and host controller, and memory device. The host controller controls input/output accesses to the first memory unit. The memory device includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, second memory unit, protection circuit, and device controller. The second memory unit temporarily stores data to be transferred between the first memory unit and the nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The protection circuit protects data to be transferred from the second memory unit to the first memory unit by converting the data into an incomprehensible format. The device controller switches according to a control program whether or not to protect the data by the protection circuit. |
US09223722B2 |
Efficient online construction of miss rate curves
Miss rate curves are constructed in a resource-efficient manner so that they can be constructed and memory management decisions can be made while the workloads are running. The resource-efficient technique includes the steps of selecting a subset of memory pages for the workload, maintaining a least recently used (LRU) data structure for the selected memory pages, detecting accesses to the selected memory pages and updating the LRU data structure in response to the detected accesses, and generating data for constructing a miss-rate curve for the workload using the LRU data structure. After a memory page is accessed, the memory page may be left untraced for a period of time, after which the memory page is retraced. |
US09223720B2 |
Systems and methods for rapidly generating suitable pairs of hash functions
A lookup circuit evaluates hash functions that map keys to addresses in lookup tables. The circuit includes multiple hash function sub-circuits, each of which applies a respective hash function to an input key, producing a hash value. Candidate pairs of hash functions to be implemented by the hash function sub-circuits (or hash function bit matrices thereof) may be generated and tested for suitability in hashing a particular collection of keys. Each hash function bit matrix may be generated according to heuristics chosen to improve the likelihood that it will be suitable for use in a pair, and may be tested against previously generated hash function bit matrices contained in one or more pools (each of which may contain matrices generated using different heuristics) to identify suitable pairs. The hash function bit matrices may be represented in the pools in a tabulated form, which may reduce the suitability testing time. |
US09223718B2 |
Memory device responding to device commands for operational controls
A memory device responding to device commands for operational controls. An embodiment of memory device includes one or more memory elements, a system element including a memory controller, and a physical interface including command input pins to receive commands for the memory device. The commands include commands for operational controls for the memory device, including one or both of a first command for a reset control to reset the memory device and a second command for a clock enable (CKE) control to halt internal clock distribution for the memory device. |
US09223706B2 |
System, method and a non-transitory computer readable medium for a pre-fetch operation
A method for pre-fetching information units, the method may include: (I) Receiving, by a storage system, write requests for writing information units to the storage system. Each write request includes a first identifier and a second identifier. The first identifier identifies a logical address. A combination of the first and second identifiers identifies an accessing entity that initiated the write request. (II) Receiving a read request for reading at least one information unit from the storage system, the read request is initiated by a certain accessing entity. (III) Determining whether to perform a pre-fetch of at least one additional information unit in response to at least one write request that was initiated by the certain accessing entity. If is determined to perform the pre-fetch then fetching the at least one additional information unit. |
US09223704B2 |
Memory access control circuit, prefetch circuit, memory device and information processing system
Disclosed herein is a memory access control circuit including: a determination section adapted to determine whether a target requested by a first wraparound memory access request from a processor is stored in a prefetch buffer; a request generation section adapted to generate a second wraparound memory access request including the target if it is determined that the target is not stored in the prefetch buffer; and an address conversion section adapted to convert the start address of the first wraparound memory access request according to predetermined rules for use as a start address of the second wraparound memory access request. |
US09223700B2 |
Managing global cache coherency in a distributed shared caching for clustered file systems
Systems. Methods, and Computer Program Products are provided for managing a global cache coherency in a distributed shared caching for a clustered file systems (CFS). The CFS manages access permissions to an entire space of data segments by using the DSM module. In response to receiving a request to access one of the data segments, a calculation operation is performed for obtaining most recent contents of one of the data segments. The calculation operation performs one of providing the most recent contents via communication with a remote DSM module which obtains the one of the data segments from an associated external cache memory, instructing by the DSM module to read from storage the one of the data segments, and determining that any existing contents of the one of the data segments in the local external cache are the most recent contents. |
US09223696B2 |
Data storage device for holding erasure of victim block having valid page copied to merge block and method of operating the same
An operating method of a data storage device including nonvolatile memory devices includes making a victim block list for victim blocks for which a merge operation is to be performed and copying valid pages of the victim bocks to a merge block. The method also includes determining whether there is a victim block which has an erase-held valid page selectively erasing the victim blocks included in the victim block list, according to which victim blocks have an erase-held page, and updating the victim block list according to which victim blocks are erased. |
US09223694B2 |
Data storage device and operating method thereof
A data storage device includes a first memory device configured to store data having a first property, and a second memory device including a first block configured to store data having a second property and a second block configured to store data transferred from the first memory device. |
US09223693B2 |
Memory system having an unequal number of memory die on different control channels
A flash memory system having unequal number of memory die and method for operation are disclosed. The memory system includes a plurality of flash memory die distributed unevenly among different control lines, such that there are an unequal number of die between control lines. A total physical capacity of the plurality of flash memory die is greater than a total logical capacity such that the memory system is over provisioned with physical capacity. A logical address splitter directs data received from a host system and associated with host logical block addresses such that each control line only receives data associated with predetermined host logical block address ranges and directs the data such that a ratio of physical capacity to logical capacity is equal among each of the control lines, regardless of the different number of die and associated different physical capacity per control line. |
US09223692B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device with multi-level memory cells and programming method
A non-volatile memory (NVM) includes a memory cell array of multi-level memory cells (MLC) arranged in physical pages. A programming method for the NVM includes; receiving first data and partitioning the first data according to a single bit page capacity of a physical page to generate partitioned first data, programming the partitioned first data as single-bit data to a plurality of physical pages, and receiving second data and programming the second data as multi-bit data to a selected physical page among the plurality of physical pages, wherein the second data is simultaneously programmed to the MLC of the selected physical page. |
US09223691B2 |
Data storage device and method for flash block management
A data storage includes a flash memory and a controller. The flash memory comprises a spare block pool and a data block pool, wherein the spare block pool comprises a plurality of spare blocks, and the data block pool comprises a plurality of data blocks, wherein the spare blocks with erase counts higher than a hot threshold are determined as hot spare blocks, and a hot spare block count indicates a total number of the hot spare blocks. The controller receives target data from the host, writes the target data to a current data block, determines whether a current programming page is the first page of the current data block, determines whether the hot spare block count is greater than zero when the current programming page is the first page, and sets data move information for a wear-leveling process when the hot spare block count is greater than zero. |
US09223690B2 |
Freeing memory safely with low performance overhead in a concurrent environment
Freeing memory safely with low performance overhead in a concurrent environment is described. An example method includes creating a reference count for each sub block in a global memory block, and each global memory block includes a plurality of sub blocks aged based on respective allocation time. A reference count for a first sub block is incremented when a thread operates a collection of data items and accesses the first sub block for a first time. Reference counts for the first sub block and a second sub block are lazily updated. Subsequently, the sub blocks are scanned through in the order of their age until a sub block with a non-zero reference count is encountered. Accordingly, one or more sub blocks whose corresponding reference counts are equal to zero are freed safely and with low performance overhead. |
US09223688B2 |
Data storing method and memory controller and memory storage device using the same
A data storing method for a rewritable non-volatile memory module and a memory controller and a memory storage device using the same are provided. The data storing method includes moving or writing data into a physical erase unit of the rewritable non-volatile memory module and determining whether the physical erase unit contains a dancing bit. The data storing method further includes when the physical erase unit contains the dancing bit, restoring the rewritable non-volatile memory module to the state before the data is moved or moving the data from the physical erase unit to another physical erase unit. Thereby, the data storing method can effectively ensure the reliability of the data. |
US09223681B2 |
Automated debug trace specification
Debugging a debug target software by: (i) generating a first log file set, including at least one log file, based upon how the computer hardware set executes the instructions of the computer software set; (ii) responsive to a first error in the execution of the computer software set, examining at least a portion of the first log file set; and (iii) creating, based at least in part upon the examination of the first log file set, augmented logging instructions for generating augmented logging information, which is helpful for debugging. |
US09223677B2 |
Generation of trace data in a multi-processor system
A data processing apparatus is provided having a plurality of processing circuits each having access to a memory. Tracing circuitry is provided for generating a stream of trace data for generating a stream of trace data corresponding to at least one of the plurality of processing circuits. Selection circuitry is provided to enable selective switching of the tracing circuitry from generating a first trace data stream corresponding to a first one of the plurality of processing circuits generating a second different trace data stream corresponding to a different one of the plurality of processing circuits. The selective switching is performed in dependence upon processing state information associating with one or more of the plurality of processing circuits. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided. |
US09223671B2 |
Method and system for providing high availability to computer applications
A system and method for distributed fault detection. In an exemplary method, unplanned application exits and crashes may be detected at a node local level. Further, application hangs may be detected using at least one of a script and a binary at the node local level. Also, node crashes and operating system crashes may be detected using node to node heart-beating. |
US09223667B2 |
Method for identifying root cause failure in a multi-parameter self learning machine application model
A method for identifying root cause failure in a multi-parameter self learning machine application model is presented. At least one multi-function sensor having the capability to measure at least one of a voltage and current of the machine application model is provided. The method includes measuring voltages and currents of a multi-phase load with the multi-function sensors in a passive manor and calculating at least one of a time-varying variable KW, PF, kVAr, or Z out of the measured voltages and currents. The method further provides calculating a first, second or third order derivative of the time-varying variable and classifying segments of at least one of the time-varying variables depending on a state. Then, a step of choosing at least one of the variables and learning their normal behavior is undertaken. Finally, normal behavior is compared to a pattern difference and a root-cause meaning to the pattern difference is identified. |
US09223666B2 |
Disaster recovery for databases
A method and apparatus for managing data in a database. A determination is made as to whether a number of logs created for a primary database located on a first computer system is ready for transfer to a second computer system. A number of sessions is identified based on resources available to transfer the number of logs across a network to the second computer system to form an identified number of sessions in response to a determination that the number of logs is ready to be transferred. The first computer system and the second computer system are in communication with the network. The number of logs is transferred from the first computer system to the second computer system using the identified number of sessions. |
US09223665B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for memory testing and repair
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having a first interface to communicate with a processing unit, a second interface to communicate with a memory device, and a module coupled to the first and second interfaces. In at least one of the embodiments, the module can be configured to obtain information stored in the memory device and perform at least one of testing and repairing of a memory structure of the memory device based at least in part on the information. |
US09223663B2 |
Resolving memory faults with reduced processing impact
A fault occurs in a virtual environment that includes a base space, a first subspace, and a second subspace, each with a virtual address associated with content in auxiliary storage memory. The fault is resolved by copying the content from auxiliary storage to central storage memory and updating one or more base space dynamic address translation (DAT) tables, and not updating DAT tables of the first and second subspace. A subsequent fault at the first subspace virtual address is resolved by copying the base space DAT table information to the first subspace DAT tables and not updating the second subspace DAT tables. A fault occurring with association to the virtual address of the first subspace is resolved for the base space and the base space DAT table information is copied to the first subspace DAT tables, and the second subspace DAT tables are not updated. |
US09223661B1 |
Method and apparatus for automatically archiving data items from backup storage
A method and apparatus for automatically archiving data items from backup storage without having to first restore the data items is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises processing at least one data item in backup storage using a mapping, wherein the mapping indicates at least one location of the at least one data item and ingesting the at least one data item into an archive database. |
US09223660B2 |
Storage device to backup content based on a deduplication system
Chunks that commonly occur in each content type are aggregated in a first container. To be more specific, a storage device used for content backup is configured with: (1) a memory device that provides a memory region for one or a plurality of first containers used to store first chunks that commonly occur in each content type among chunks extracted from the contents of writing targets, and for one or a plurality of second containers used to store other chunks than the first chunks; and (2) a backup unit that decides whether each of the chunks extracted from the contents of the writing targets is a first duplication chunk duplicating a chunk stored in the first container, and further decides, for only a chunk that is decided not to be the first duplication chunk, whether each of the chunks is a second duplication chunk duplicating a chunk stored in the second container, and then stores only a chunk that is decided not to be the second duplication chunk in the second container. |
US09223656B2 |
Operating method for memory system including nonvolatile RAM and NAND flash memory
An operating method for a memory system including a nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) and a NAND flash memory includes performing a normal read operation directed to the target memory cell in response to a read request, determining that a read fail has occurred as a result of the normal read operation, then performing a read retry operation by iterations directed to the target memory cell according to a first read retry scheme until a pass read retry iteration successfully reads the target memory cell, and storing pass information associated with the pass read retry iteration in the NVRAM. |
US09223653B2 |
Modifying a dispersed storage network memory data access response plan
A method includes storing tasks in a task queue. The method continues with computing devices retrieving at least some of the plurality of tasks for execution. The method includes a computing device issuing read requests and initiate delete requests to storage units regarding an unassigned task, wherein the initiate delete requests instruct the storage units to flag for deletion, but not execute deletion, of a set of encoded task slices corresponding to the unassigned task. The method continues with the computing device receiving responses. When the responses include encoded task slices, the method continues with the computing device decoding them to recover the unassigned task. The method continues with the computing device executing the recovered task and, when execution is successful, issuing commit delete requests to the storage units that instruct the storage units to delete the set of encoded task slices for the unassigned task. |
US09223651B2 |
Data processing system and method for recording and reproducing holographic optical information
Provided is a data processing system for recording holographic optical information. The data processing system includes, a data interface constructing a data page by using data transmitted from a host information device, a memory storing data transmitted from the data interface, an encoder ECC-encoding data that is stored in the memory, and a modulator modulating the encoded data so as to record optical information. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently transmit data when recording and reproducing holographic optical information. |
US09223650B2 |
Solid state disk controller apparatus
A solid state disk controller apparatus comprises a first port; a second port having a plurality of channels; a central processing unit connected to a CPU bus; a buffer memory configured to store data to be transferred from the second port to the first port and from the first port to the second port; a buffer controller/arbiter block connected to the CPU bus and configured to control read and write operations of the buffer memory based on a control of the central processing unit; a first data transfer block connected between the first port and the buffer controller/arbiter block and configured to transfer data to be stored/read in/from the buffer memory bypassing the CPU bus; and a second data transfer block connected between the second port and the buffer controller/arbiter block and configured to transfer data to be stored/read in/from the buffer memory bypassing the CPU bus. |
US09223648B2 |
Memory storage device, memory controller thereof, and method for processing data thereof
A data processing method adapted for a rewritable non-volatile memory module is provided. The method includes receiving a first data stream and performing an error-correction encoding procedure on the first data stream to generate an original error checking and correcting (ECC) code corresponding to the first data stream. The method also includes converting the original ECC code into a second ECC code according to a second rearrangement rule, and the original ECC code is different from the second ECC code. The method further includes respectively writing the first data stream and the second ECC code into a data bit area and an error-correction code bit area of the same or different physical programming units in the rewritable non-volatile memory module. |
US09223646B2 |
Error detection systems and methods
Error detection systems and methods are provided. An error detection system (100) can include a plurality of networked output devices (110) and a processor (130) coupled via a network (120) to the plurality of output devices. The processor can be configured to aggregate output data (135) from at least a portion of a plurality of parallel, networked, output devices. The processor can be further configured to compare (140) the aggregated output data with an output data sample selected from one of the plurality of output devices and detect (145) a discrepancy between the output data sample and the aggregated output data. The processor can also be configured to compare (150) the detected discrepancy to a predetermined threshold and signal (155) when the detected discrepancy exceeds the predetermined threshold. |
US09223645B2 |
Storage apparatus and method for controlling storage apparatus
Provided is a storage apparatus and a method for controlling the storage apparatus which are capable of achieving both enhancement of data transfer processing efficiency and enhancement of apparatus availability. A storage apparatus including a storage medium for providing an external apparatus with a data storage area has a processing unit including a plurality of processors and a shared memory for storing programs executed by the processors and is configured such that the processors receive data I/O requests and store the data I/O requests in the shared memory as storage medium control information for the storage medium. The storage medium controller executes data processing of writing or reading target data for the corresponding data I/O processing request to or from the storage medium on the basis of the storage medium control information transmitted from the external apparatus. The data transfer controller executes data transfer processing between the processing unit and the storage medium controller in accordance with a predetermined communication method. When the storage medium controller transmits a data transfer request to the data transfer controller and the data transfer controller transfers the data transfer request from the storage medium controller to the processing unit, the data transfer controller sends the storage medium controller data including predetermined error information stipulated for the communication method when determining that the processing unit does not execute the data transfer processing normally, and the storage medium controller determines that a failure has occurred to the processor which is the target of the data transfer request transmitted to the data transfer controller when receiving the predetermined error information. |
US09223643B2 |
Content interruptions
Techniques that address content interruptions are described. In an implementation, an interruption is detected at the client device in receipt of a stream of content from a distribution system that is to be recorded locally in memory at the client device. A stream of content is generated at the client device and the generated stream of content is recorded to fill the interruption in the stream of content from the distribution system in the memory of the client device. |
US09223638B2 |
Lockless spin buffer
Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to enabling data transfer between data producers and data consumers. Implementations include generating a data structure, the data structure including a lockless spin buffer (LLSB), the LLSB including two or more lockless components, each of the two or more lockless components including a plurality of elements to be written to and read from, providing one or more write pointers to enable one or more data producers to write to each of the two or more lockless components, and providing one or more read pointers to enable one or more data consumers to read from each of the two or more lockless components, the one or more data producers being able to write to the LLSB concurrently with the one or more data consumers being able to read from the LLSB. |
US09223637B1 |
Method and apparatus to advise spin and yield decisions
Methods and apparatus provide for a busy resource encoder to allow for a finer control of spin versus yield decisions. Specifically, the busy resource encoder allows for the execution a first thread, where the first thread is using a particular resource. Additionally, the busy resource encoder allows for the execution of a second thread, where the second thread requires use of the resource which is locked due to first thread execution. The busy resource encoder creates a busy code to indicate the progress of the execution of the first thread in relation to use of the resource by the first thread. The second thread can then read the busy code to determine to execute one of a spin and a yield routine by the second thread. |
US09223636B2 |
Low-risk server consolidation
A method for virtual machine (VM) consolidation includes providing a plurality of resource usage levels for a set of VMs to be consolidated including a first resource usage level and a last resource usage level. An optimization problem is formulated to minimize an objective function such that any of one or more VMs of a set of VMs to be allocated to a target server may be assigned to the first resource level and remaining VMs of the set may be assigned to the last resource level while not exceeding a resource capacity of the target server. The set of VMs are allocated to a number of servers is accordance with the formulating to consolidate the set of VMs. |
US09223634B2 |
System and method for simulating virtual machine migration in a network environment
A method includes simulating network resources of a portion of a cloud in a simulated cloud within a enterprise network, the cloud being communicable with the enterprise network over a first communication channel, which may be external to the enterprise network. The method can also include simulating network behavior of the first communication channel in a second communication channel within the enterprise network, and validating application performance in the simulated cloud. Simulating network resources includes providing a cloud resources abstraction layer in the enterprise network, and allocating enterprise network resources in the enterprise network to the simulated cloud by the cloud resources abstraction layer. The method further includes adding a virtual network service appliance to the simulated cloud, and determining a change to a network topology of the enterprise network to accommodate the virtual appliance without materially impacting application performance. |
US09223631B2 |
Performing an operation using multiple services
Some embodiments provide a method for distributing an operation for processing by a set of background services. The method automatically determines a number of background services for performing an operation. The method partitions the operation into several sub-operations. The method distributes the several sub-operations across the determined number of background services. |
US09223630B2 |
Method and apparatus for energy efficient distributed and elastic load balancing
Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus of providing a load balancing configuration that adapts to the overall load and scales the power consumption with the load to improve energy efficiency and scalability. The energy efficient distributed and elastic load balancing architecture includes a collection of multi-tiered servers organized as a tree structure. The handling of incoming service requests is distributed amongst a number of the servers. Each server in the virtual load distribution tree accepts handles incoming service requests based on its own load. Once a predetermined loading on the receiving server has been reached, the receiving server passes the incoming requests to one or more of its children servers. |
US09223629B2 |
Data processing system and method
A method of optimizing an application in a system having a plurality of processors, the method comprising: analyzing the application for a first period to obtain a first activity analysis; selecting one of the processors based on the activity analysis for running the application; and binding the application to the selected processor. |
US09223628B2 |
Task scheduling based on dependencies and resources
An example system identifies a set of tasks as being designated for execution, and the set of tasks includes a first task and a second task. The example system accesses task dependency data that corresponds to the second task and indicates that the first task is to be executed prior to the second task. The example system, based on the task dependency data, generates a task dependency model of the set of tasks. The dependency model indicates that the first task is to be executed prior to the second task. The example system schedules an execution of the first task, which is scheduled to use a particular data processing resource. The scheduling is based on the dependency model. |
US09223627B2 |
Management of task allocation in a multi-core processing system
A system and method for management of task allocation in a multi-core processing system. A controller of the processing unit may, at an initialization stage determine a number of worker threads to be a prime number not smaller than a multiplication of the number of the processing cores and a predetermined factor, assign a worker identification number (ID) to each worker thread, wherein the worker IDs are consecutive positive integers ranging from zero to the number of workers minus one. At a processing state the controller may receive from a dispatcher of the processing system a task associated with a numeric context ID and designate the task to one of the worker threads, wherein the worker ID of the designated worker thread equals the numeric context ID of the task, modulo the number of worker threads. |
US09223626B2 |
Task execution and management in a clustered computing environment
Machines, systems and methods for task management in a computer implemented system. The method comprises registering a task with brokers residing on one or more nodes to manage the execution of a task to completion, wherein a first broker is accompanied by a first set of worker threads co-located on the node on which the first broker is executed, wherein the first broker assigns responsibility of execution for the task to the one or more worker threads in the first set of co-located worker threads, wherein in response to a failure associated with a first worker thread in the first set, the first broker reassigns the responsibility of execution for the task to a second worker thread in the first set, wherein in response to a failure associated with the first broker, a second broker assigns responsibility of execution for the task to one or more co-located worker threads. |
US09223625B2 |
Client server system and method for executing an application utilizing distributed objects
A client connected to a communication network performs an access request to an object. An application server performs an application by an actual object according to the client request. An object pool connected to the client and the application server pools a proxy object corresponding to the actual object and holds the actual object management information. The application server notifies the object pool of an event according to the status change of the application. The object pool automatically updates the actual object management information according to the notification of the event from the application server. |
US09223619B2 |
Techniques for generating instructions to control database processing
An apparatus includes a task selector to receive an indication of a database task to be performed, wherein the database task includes first and second subtasks; a source selector to receive an indication of a source device to perform the first and second subtasks, and to retrieve from the source device an indication of a processing environment currently available within the source device that includes an identity and version level of a database routine of the specified source device; and an instruction generator to determine a set of languages able to be interpreted by the database routine based on the identity and version level, determine whether to perform the first and second subtasks in parallel based on the processing environment, select a language in which to generate instructions to perform the first subtask based on the determination, and generate and transmit the instructions to the source device. |
US09223615B2 |
Apparatus and method for thread progress tracking
Provided is a method and apparatus for measuring a progress or a performance of an application program in a computing environment using a micro-architecture. An apparatus for thread progress tracking may select a thread included in an application program, may determine, based on a predetermined criterion, whether an execution scheme for at least one instruction included in the thread corresponds to an effective execution scheme in which an execution time is uniform or a non-effective execution scheme in which a delayed cycle is included and the execution time is non-uniform, and may generate an effective progress index (EPI) by accumulating an execution time of an instruction executed by the effective execution scheme other than an instruction executed by the non-effective execution scheme. |
US09223612B1 |
Object-based commands with quality of service identifiers
Systems and methods are disclosed for object-based commands with quality of service identifiers. In an embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a memory device having a processor configured to store data as objects, each object including an object identifier field to track the object, and a user data field for user data of the object. The processor may be further configured to receive a command including an operation directed to an object, and a quality of service identifier that specifies a level of service associated with the operation. Commands may be directed toward put, get, and delete operations, among others. |
US09223611B2 |
Storing and resuming application runtime state
Execution of an application is suspended and the runtime state of the application is collected and persisted. Maintenance operations may then be performed on the computer that the application was executing upon. The runtime state might also be moved to another computer. In order to resume execution of the application, the runtime state of the application is restored. Once the runtime state of the application has been restored, execution of the application may be restarted from the point at which execution was suspended. A proxy layer might also be utilized to translate requests received from the application for resources that are modified after the runtime state of the application is persisted. |
US09223607B2 |
System for replicating or migrating virtual machine operations log by throttling guest write iOS based on destination throughput
This application describes a system and techniques for managing the replication, migration, or backing up of virtual machines (VM) operating on a computing device. The techniques include managing real time or near real replication or migration of VM operations logs between computing devices. The operations logs include information or data that would enable another VM to function or operate in the same manner as the VM that generated the operations logs. Techniques are presented herein to insure the replication or migration process of VMs is not open ended or indefinite. For example, the write rate of the source operations log is managed to insure the replication or migration of the source operations log to destination device terminates within a reasonable amount of time. |
US09223605B2 |
Virtual machine allocation internal and external to physical environment
Allocation of software and data support resources for a virtual machine between a physical support environment and an external location, and migration of a virtual machine between physical support environments. Prior to migration, the virtual machine operates on the first physical support environment using a resident portion of the support resources that is resident on the first physical support environment, and an external portion of the support resources that is not resident on the first physical support environment. The virtual machine is then migrated to a second physical support environment that either already has access to or at least has the capability of accessing a copy of the resident support resources. This migration may be accomplished by mapping a copy of the resident support resources on the second physical support environment to a copy of the external support resources. This allows migration without contemporaneously copying the external portion. |
US09223603B2 |
Memory address re-mapping of graphics data
A method and apparatus for creating, updating, and using guest physical address (GPA) to host physical address (HPA) shadow translation tables for translating GPAs of graphics data direct memory access (DMA) requests of a computing environment implementing a virtual machine monitor to support virtual machines. The requests may be sent through a render or display path of the computing environment from one or more virtual machines, transparently with respect to the virtual machine monitor. The creating, updating, and using may be performed by a memory controller detecting entries sent to existing global and page directory tables, forking off shadow table entries from the detected entries, and translating GPAs to HPAs for the shadow table entries. |
US09223602B2 |
Processors, methods, and systems to enforce blacklisted paging structure indication values
A method of an aspect includes receiving an indication of an attempt by a virtual machine to modify a paging structure identification storage location to have a given value. It is determined that the given value matches at least one of a set of one or more blacklist values. The attempt by the virtual machine to modify the paging structure identification storage location to have the given value is trapped to a virtual machine monitor. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed. |
US09223600B1 |
In-processor dynamic address redirection table for substituting instruction strings
A data processor includes a redirection dynamic address redirection table (DART) for redirecting instruction fetches from an original memory location with an original address to a target memory location with a target address. |
US09223599B1 |
Client-side server for client-side scripting languages
A method of executing a cross-platform application on a system is disclosed. An instruction pertaining to an execution of the cross-platform application on the system is received. Based on a determination that the instruction pertains to a rendering of an element of a user interface of the cross-platform application on the system, the instruction is sent across a bridge to an engine executing in the native layer to process the instruction at the native layer. Alternatively, based on a determination that the instruction does not pertain to a rendering of the element of the user interface of the cross-platform application on the system, the instruction is sent to an engine executing in the cross-platform layer of the system to process the instruction at the cross-platform layer. |
US09223598B1 |
Displaying guest operating system statistics in host task manager
A system, method and computer program product for implementing a VM on a host computer and monitoring the VM processes from the Host computer. A host-based Task Manager monitors the VM process and obtains execution statistics using a proprietary dynamic link library that substitutes Guest statistic collection functions for standard host statistic collection functions. The Guest statistic collection functions acquire data related to the execution of the VM processes running on the Guest OS. |
US09223596B1 |
Virtual machine fast provisioning based on dynamic criterion
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for reducing the loading time of virtual machines. A virtual machine is booted on a virtual machine host. The machine continues to initialize until it has reached a ready-state. The machine is then paused on the virtual machine host. A request for the virtual machine may then be received from a client. The machine is then resumed on the virtual machine host and a notification may be sent to the client stating that the machine is ready. |
US09223592B2 |
Configuring a system with various system components utilizing a configuration profile
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer system for configuring a system with at least two different system components based on a target computing environment includes at least one processor. The computer system generates a profile to configure each of the different system components for the target computing environment. The profile identifies the corresponding tasks to be performed and properties to configure each of the different system components for the target computing environment. The computer system processes the profile and performs the tasks in the order listed in the profile and in accordance with the properties to configure the system for the target computing environment. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for configuring a system with at least two different system components based on a target computing environment in substantially the same manner described above. |
US09223591B2 |
Sizing a pane of a window presented on a display
Sizing a pane of a window presented on a display. The window is presented to a user on the display. Within the window, the pane is presented at a first pane size. A user input is detected from the user resizing the window. Responsive to detecting the user input resizing the window, a new size of the window resulting from the user input resizing the window is detected. Data is accessed from a machine-readable storage device corresponding to at least one user-defined pane size previously defined by the user to whom the window is presented, wherein the user-defined pane size corresponds to a particular window size. Based on the accessed user-defined pane size(s), a second pane size of the pane at which the pane is to be presented in the newly sized window is determined. The pane is presented in the newly sized window at the second pane size. |
US09223588B2 |
Application window closure in response to event in parent window
A method for closing a child application window of a parent window. An indicator is instantiated in data loaded into the parent window, followed by performance of a loop. In each iteration of the loop: (a) if it is ascertained that the data currently loaded into the parent window includes the indicator, then pausing of a first number of seconds is followed by looping back to perform the next iteration, otherwise pausing of a second number of seconds is followed by determining whether the data currently loaded into the parent window includes the indicator; (b) if it is determined that the data currently loaded into the parent window includes the indicator, then pausing of the first number of seconds is followed by looping back to perform the next iteration, otherwise the loop is exited and the child application window is closed during a final iteration. |
US09223585B2 |
Data processing device with serial bus that needs initialization before use
A data processing device 1 comprises: first processors (2-i (i=1, 2, . . . , n)) that initialize the data processing device based on boot programs; a chip set (4) that includes first memories (4a-j (j=1, 2, . . . , m)) that store the first boot program (Pj (j=1, 2, . . . , m)) respectively and a memory controller (4b) that reads out the first boot program (Pj (j=1, 2, . . . , m)); second buses (5-i (i=1, 2, . . . , n)) that are arranged between the memory controller (4b) and the first processors (2-i (i=1, 2, . . . , n)) respectively, and do not require initialization based on boot programs before use; and first buses (3-i (i=1, 2, . . . , n)) that are connected with the first processors (2-i (i=1, 2, . . . , n)) and require initialization based on boot programs before use. |
US09223583B2 |
Proactive token renewal and management in secure conversations
The present invention relates to methods and systems for method of implementing proactive token renewal and management in secure conversations. The method includes transmitting an secure conversation token (SCT) bootstrap request, receiving a first SCT in response to the SCT bootstrap request, and determining a round trip time (RTT) of the SCT bootstrap request. The method further includes determining the expiration time of the first SCT, based on the combination of the RTT and the expiration of the first SCT, scheduling an SCT renew request, and initiating the SCT renew request. Further, the method includes receiving a second SCT in response to the SCT renew request, receiving an indication that the first SCT has expired, and in response to the indicating, utilizing the second SCT. |
US09223577B2 |
Processing multi-destination instruction in pipeline by splitting for single destination operations stage and merging for opcode execution operations stage
Various techniques for processing instructions that specify multiple destinations. A first portion of a processor pipeline is configured to split a multi-destination instruction into a plurality of single-destination operations. A second portion of the pipeline is configured to process the plurality of single-destination operations. A third portion of the pipeline is configured to merge the plurality of single-destination operations into one or more multi-destination operations. The one or more multi-destination operations may be performed. The first portion of the pipeline may include a decode unit. The second portion of the pipeline may include a map unit, which may in turn include circuitry configured to maintain a list of free architectural registers and a mapping table that maps physical registers to architectural registers. The third portion of the pipeline may comprise a dispatch unit. In some embodiments, this may provide certain advantages such as reduced area and/or power consumption. |
US09223576B2 |
Reducing a set of instructions for execution on a processor and expanding a set of instructions on a processor
A method of reducing a set of instructions for execution on a processor extracts information from a first instruction of the set of instructions. The method identifies unencoded space in one or more further instructions of the set of instructions and replaces the unencoded space of the one or more further instructions with the extracted information of the first instruction so as to form one or more amalgamated instructions. The method removes the first instruction from the set of instructions. A method of expanding a set of reduced instructions on a processor is also disclosed. |
US09223573B2 |
Data processing device and method of controlling the same
A data processing device includes an instruction executing part executing a normal task and a management task scheduling an execution order of the normal task with switching the normal task and the management task, a counter measuring an execution state of the normal task being executed in the instruction executing part, and a state controller controlling the counter based on the normal task being executed in the instruction executing part. The instruction executing part determines whether the normal task to be executed next of a plurality of normal tasks scheduled by the management task is a measurement object or not, and outputs an operation signal notifying the state controller of the determination result. The state controller operates the counter in accordance with the branch operation. |
US09223571B2 |
Method and system for analyzing an extent of speedup achievable for an application in a heterogeneous system
The present disclosure includes, in a heterogeneous system, receiving a desired speedup of an application as input and performing a static analysis and a dynamic analysis of the application. The dynamic analysis of the application comprises, identifying a set of parameters including, an end-to-end execution time of the application, an execution time of data parallel loops in the application, an execution time of non-data parallel loops in the application, and an amount of physical memory used by each data structure in each data parallel loop. Dynamic analysis also includes calculating and providing the feasibility of achieving the desired speedup of the application based on the identified set of parameters, and satisfaction of each of, an initialization invariant, a data-parallel invariant and a data transfer invariant. |
US09223568B2 |
Designing and cross-configuring software
Various embodiments create a cross-configuration software module for cross-configuring software entities. In one embodiment, a first set of requirements and at least a second set of requirements are obtained. Each of the first and second set of requirements identify at least one of a set of software entities and a set of hardware components required to be present on at least one system including software entities to be cross-configured. At least one set of operations is obtained. The set of operations includes at least one executable instruction that configures a first software entity with a second software entity. A first configuration definition is generated including at least the first set of requirements and the at least one set of operations. A second configuration definition is generated including at least the second set of requirements. The first and second configuration definitions are stored within a cross-configuration software module. |
US09223563B2 |
Management of device firmware update effects as seen by a host
Management of device firmware update effects as seen by a computing host enables continuously running an OS on the host across a device firmware update, e.g., via delaying visibility of at least a portion of effects of the firmware update, such as in a context where without the delay in visibility the OS would encounter an unrecoverable error and crash. For example, a device (e.g. an SSD) is coupled to a computing host running an unmodified version of Windows. Firmware on the device is updated/activated, such as by being booted. Visibility of a portion of information that would otherwise become immediately visible to the OS (upon activation of updated firmware) is delayed until a power cycle of the device. If the portion includes, e.g., a firmware revision identifier, then the delayed visibility enables continuously running the OS across the firmware update/activation without rebooting the OS. |
US09223558B2 |
Software installation and configuration
A method to manage an initial software installation and configuration script is provided. The method may include saving, by a plurality of collaboration tools, a new customization associated with the initial software installation and configuration script in an installation and configuration knowledgebase. The method may also include saving, by the plurality of collaboration tools, a new solution associated with the initial software installation and configuration script in the installation and configuration knowledgebase. The method may further include querying, by a search engine or a similarity engine, the installation and configuration knowledgebase for the new customization or the new solution based on a comparison between a criteria provided by an administrator and an index of vocabularies stored in the configuration knowledgebase related to the initial installation and configuration script. Additionally, the method may include returning a search result based on the querying the installation and configuration knowledgebase. |
US09223556B2 |
Software download method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a software download method and apparatus. The method includes: acquiring a fanout command and a replacement instruction delivered by a device management server, and replacing, according to the replacement instruction, a software identifier in the fanout command with a software local download address generated for software; delivering the converted fanout command to each terminal corresponding to the fanout command, so that each terminal downloads the software according to the software local download address. The present invention further provides another software download method and software download apparatus. In the embodiments, multiple terminals can be effectively prevented from retrieving data externally, and a local storage function provided by a device management gateway is used to directly acquire download data of the software from a local network of the device management gateway, thereby significantly improving the efficiency. |
US09223553B2 |
Methods and apparatus to validate translated guest code in a dynamic binary translator
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to validate translated guest code in a dynamic binary translator. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a translator to generate a first translation of code to execute on a host machine, the first translation of the guest code to facilitate creating a first translated guest code, and the translator to generate a second translation of the translated guest code to execute on the host machine. The example apparatus also includes a translation versions manager to identify a first host machine state based on executing a portion of the first translation, and the translation versions manager to identify a second host machine state based on executing a portion of the second translation. The example system also includes a validator to determine a state divergence status of the second translation based on a comparison between the first host machine state and the second host machine state. |
US09223549B1 |
User interface generation using a model layer
Systems and methods are disclosed for developing a user interface. The method may include receiving a software development framework-independent data processing application of a consumption layer. A software development framework type may be received out of a plurality of supported software development framework types of a model layer. A plurality of object models adhering to the selected software development framework type may be displayed. A particular object model out of the plurality of object models may be received. A plurality of elements from the particular object model may be displayed for incorporation into the user interface. A selection of elements out of the plurality of elements may be received. The user interface may be generated, where the generating includes incorporating the selected elements for the software development framework-independent data processing application according to the particular object model of the selected software development framework type. |
US09223546B1 |
Code generator tool for building software applications with reusable components
A method and computer program product for building a multiple layer object-oriented software application with reusable components. The method includes creating business classes containing a business logic for the software application, wherein the business classes are organized into hierarchies identified as namespaces, and then generating executable programming code for the software application. From there, the method may include placing the executable programming code into an at least one assembly structure for an associated layer, wherein a security token is required to access the business classes, and wherein the business classes are created to validate each security token passed by a user interface. |
US09223542B2 |
Variable-sized buffers mapped to hardware registers
An interface includes a first hardware register field to store respective chunks of a command directed to a device and respective chunks of a response to the command from the device. The interface also includes a second hardware register field to store a size of the command and a size of the response. The first and second hardware register fields are accessible by the device and by a processor external to the device that generates the command, in response to memory not being available to buffer the command and the response. |
US09223540B2 |
Electronic device and method for voice recognition upon charge transfer
An electronic device and a method for recognizing a voice are provided. An operating method of the electronic device includes detecting, at least one of two or more first sensors disposed in a preset region, detecting an amount of charge transfer over a preset value, when detecting the amount of the charge transfer over the preset value, detecting, at one of two or more second sensors disposed in a preset distance from two or more microphones, an object in a preset distance; and collecting, at one of the two or more microphones, the one disposed in a preset distance from the second sensor detecting the object in the preset distance, a voice. |
US09223539B2 |
Storage and reproduction apparatus
A portable hand-held apparatus includes a semiconductor memory, a reproduction block, a display, a control block, a housing, and an operation block configured to supply a signal to the control block depending on user manual inputs. The operation block includes a circuit at a surface of the housing configured to detect a first user manual gesture in a first direction approximately parallel to the housing surface, a second user manual gesture in a direction opposite to the first direction and also approximately parallel to the housing surface, and a third user manual gesture in a direction that is perpendicular to the housing surface. The first and second gestures are used to select a particular one of the one or more pieces of sound data, and reproduction of a particular piece of sound data occurs in response to the third gesture. |
US09223536B1 |
Method, apparatus and system to determine display misalignment
Techniques and mechanisms for determining misalignment of one or more tileable display panels. In an embodiment, a plurality of images are processed to create a super-resolution image of the one or more tileable display panels. The super-resolution image may be processed to recognize one or more features indicating misalignment in a reference image displayed by the one or more tileable display panels. In another embodiment, the one or more features are evaluated based on fiducial data to generate a signal indicating an adjustment to be made to a first tileable display panel. |
US09223532B1 |
Devices, systems, and methods for communicating with an image-forming device
Systems, devices, and methods for communicating with an image-forming device obtain a tap event that was generated in response to receiving a message from an image-forming device through a communication channel, extract an image-forming-device identifier from the tap event, listen for a device-added event, obtain a device-added event that was generated in response to successfully configuring a computing device to communicate with a newly-added device, extract a newly-added-device identifier from the device-added event, determine that the image-forming device is identical to the newly-added device based on the image-forming-device identifier and on the newly-added-device identifier, and send an image-forming-operation request to the image-forming device in response to determining that the image-forming device is identical to the newly-added device. |
US09223531B2 |
Image processing apparatus that generates remote screen display data, portable terminal apparatus that receives remote screen display data, and recording medium storing a program for generating or receiving remote screen display data
An image processing apparatus includes: a storage that stores one or more files; a connector that connects the image processing apparatus to a portable terminal apparatus, the portable terminal apparatus including a display portion that remotely displays a screen of the image processing apparatus along with one or more application icons representing one or more applications installed on the portable terminal apparatus, the screen having: one or more file buttons and one or more file processing buttons; a receiver that receives display information from the portable terminal; a display data generator that generates remote screen display data on the basis of the display information, by moving the file processing button to a position at which the file processing button would be further away from the application icon; and a transmitter that transmits the remote screen display data to the portable terminal apparatus. |
US09223524B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processing apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract a character from an input character string and a generation unit configured to generate a printTicket with the character extracted by the extraction unit as an Option of a plurality of Features, wherein print data is generated from the printTicket generated by the generation unit and a rendering command from an application. |
US09223523B2 |
Method, program product and image forming system for storing printer profile of paper to be printed on and transmitting rasterized and color corrected print job from master rip to slave rip
An image forming method using an image forming system including a master RIP and at least one slave RIP is provided. The slave RIP stores a printer profile of every paper to be printed by a printer connected to the slave RIP, registers paper relating information associating the printer profile with the paper and including a storage place for the printer profile, and transmits the paper relating information and the printer profile respectively to the master RIP. The master RIP receives the paper relating information and the printer profile, sets a paper in a print job, acquires the printer profile from the storage place associated with the set paper in the paper relating information, conducts color conversion of the print job by the printer profile instead of the slave RIP, and transmits the print job subjected to the color conversion to the slave RIP. |
US09223522B2 |
Wireless communication device configured to perform a response process and a search process
A wireless communication device may execute a response process and a search process with a first operation being performed as a trigger in a first period after the first operation. The response process may include receiving a search signal from a specific external device and sending a response signal to the specific external device in response to the search signal. The search process may include sending the search signal to the specific external device and receiving the response signal from the specific external device. The wireless communication device may communicate a wireless profile with the specific external device so as to establish a wireless connection with the specific external device in a case where the first operation is performed. The wireless communication device may execute the response process in a second period before the first operation is performed. |
US09223521B2 |
Information processing apparatus, recording medium, and control method
An information processing apparatus is configured to change a name of a print setting item and a display method of an option depending on application, or change display control depending on an execution environment in which the application is running. |
US09223516B2 |
Data accessing method and apparatus for performing the same using a host logical unit (HLUN)
The present invention discloses a data accessing method and an apparatus for performing the method. Through a newly-defined host logical unit (HLUN), a unique HLUN number is given to each LUN-to-LD/Partition mapping relationship, and the HLUN is present to external hosts. Therefore, all of the hosts in the same storage system may recognize different logical units (i.e., HLUN). Hence, when processing an Input/Output (IO) request issued from any one host, a storage virtualization controller (SVC) can correctly find the corresponding LD/Partition for accessing data without identifying the identity of the host. |
US09223508B2 |
Storage system
Disclosed is a storage system that suppress occurrence of a bottleneck in the storage system, efficiently uses a bandwidth of hardware, and achieves high reliability. A storage system includes a storage apparatus that stores data, a controller that controls data input/output with respect to the storage apparatus, and an interface that couples the storage apparatus and the controller. The storage apparatus has a plurality of physical ports that are couples to the interface. The controller logically partitions a storage area of the storage apparatus into a plurality of storage areas and provides the plurality of storage areas, or allocates the plurality of physical ports to the logically partitioned storage areas. |
US09223507B1 |
System, method and computer program product for fetching data between an execution of a plurality of threads
An apparatus, computer program product, and associated method/processing unit are provided for utilizing a memory subsystem including a first memory of a first memory class, and a second memory of a second memory class communicatively coupled to the first memory. In operation, data is fetched using a time between an execution of a plurality of threads. |
US09223506B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method of throttling performance of the same
A semiconductor storage device and a method of throttling performance of the same are provided. The semiconductor storage device includes a non-volatile memory device configured to store data in a non-volatile state; and a controller configured to control the non-volatile memory device. The controller calculates a new performance level, compares the calculated performance level with a predetermined reference, and determines the calculated performance level as an updated performance level according to the comparison result. |
US09223505B2 |
Administering inter-core communication via shared memory
Administering inter-core communication via shared memory may be carried out in a system in which each core is associated with a mailbox in a shared memory region. Such administration may include constructing a mailbox latency table describing latency of writing data from each core to each mailbox; constructing a locking latency table describing latency of each core in acquiring a lock for each of the mailboxes; identifying, from the tables, groups of a cores having mailbox and locking latency within a predefined range of acceptable latency values; and for each identified group of cores, establishing, for every pair of cores in the group of cores, a private channel, including pinning, for each private channel established for a pair of cores, one local memory segment per core. |
US09223503B2 |
Generating random numbers utilizing entropic nature of NAND flash memory medium
Methods and apparatus related to generating random numbers utilizing the entropic nature of NAND flash memory medium are described. In one embodiment, a data pattern is written to a portion of a non-volatile memory device and is subsequently read multiple times. Based on the read operations, at least one bit is marked for random number generation based at least partially on comparison of a number of flips by the at least one bit and a threshold value. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
US09223496B2 |
User interface for comparing items using gestures
In an example embodiment, a method of presenting marketplace listings is provided. Search parameters are received from a user interface on an electronic device. A search on marketplace listings is then performed using the search parameters, returning marketplace results. The marketplace results are then organized into a plurality of web pages, each web page corresponding to a different marketplace result, with each page organized so that a row on any one of the web pages corresponds to the same type of product attribute as that row on any of the other of the plurality of web pages. Then one of the plurality of web pages is displayed on the electronic device. When a swipe left or swipe right gesture is received, another of the plurality of web pages is displayed. |
US09223492B2 |
Tear-away topology views
Enabling users to select a subset of elements represented by a rendered topology view, and in response, a new view comprising the selected elements is automatically created. Preferred embodiments render this subset view, referred to herein as a “tear-away view”, alongside the topology view from which the elements were selected, thereby enabling the user to focus on the selected elements in context of the bigger picture. An active correlation is preferably maintained between the views, such that various updates to one view are also reflected in the other view. Preferred embodiments automatically create a new data model underlying the tear-away view, and in one aspect, this data model and/or tear-away view may be persisted. |
US09223491B2 |
Methods and apparatus to manage zones of a multi-zone media playback system
Methods and apparatus to manage zones of a playback system are disclosed. An example method includes displaying a plurality of zone icons, including a first zone icon and a second zone icon, each of the zone icons representing zone player(s) operable to play back multimedia content in a local area network, wherein the first and second zone icons are currently located in a first zone group region, and wherein the zone players associated with the first and second zone icons are members of a first zone group, the first zone group synchronously playing back a first multimedia content; receiving a first drag and drop input to select the second zone icon and drag the second zone icon from inside the first zone group region to outside the first zone region; and, based on the first drag and drop input, causing the zone player(s) associated with the second zone icon to be disassociated with the first zone group. |
US09223485B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus including same, and method for controlling image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a storage portion, an image processing portion, a display portion, a touch panel portion for detecting a touched position, and a processing portion. The storage portion stores image data. The image processing portion performs image processing on the image data. The display portion displays a preview image indicating image data content. The processing portion recognizes touched positions, recognizes a rectangular region having a diagonal connecting two touched positions, recognizes the specified region on the basis of sections overlapping with the rectangular region among a plurality of sections obtained by dividing the preview image, and controls the image processing portion to perform the process on data of a part of the image data corresponding to the specified region. |
US09223474B2 |
Gesture controlled user interface
A method, in a computer system including an interactive display surface, of controlling the display of a user interface menu, the method comprising: displaying a menu option in each of a plurality of active display positions, each display position being located at one of a respective plurality of active radial positions radiating from a central position; detecting movement of a contact point on the interactive display surface; and changing the menu option displayed in each of the plurality of display positions in response to the detected movement of the contact point being inward or outward of the central position. |
US09223468B2 |
Display apparatus, display method and program
A display apparatus communicatively connected to a distribution apparatus. The display apparatus storing one or more information contents of external information distributed from the distribution apparatus and/or internal information of the display apparatus, an icon associated with each of the information contents, a placement area for placing the icon, and one or more templates having one or more placement areas for placing icons; determining which of the information contents and the icons are to be displayed; selecting a template where the determined information contents and icons are displayable; and generating and displaying an image to be displayed by embedding the determined icon in a placement area of the selected template corresponding to a placement area associated with the determined icon. |
US09223464B2 |
Instant messaging activity notification
User activity is communicated in a messaging system. Communication is performed by monitoring an input region displayed to a first user of the messaging system in a client executed at a user terminal of the first user; responsive to receiving a user activated input at the input region, analyzing the input and using the analysis to match the input to a type of user activity from a predetermined set of user activities; and transmitting a message comprising data representing the type of user activity from the user terminal of the first user to a user terminal of at least one other user of the messaging system over a communications network. |
US09223462B1 |
Configuration of embedded intelligence
A system for configuration of embedded intelligence comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to associate a prompt of an embedded intelligence applet with an exposed field of a business process. The memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to provide the processor with instructions. The memory is configured to store the business process definition. |
US09223461B1 |
Graphical user interface
A graphical user interface is provided for navigating and/or manipulating content simply via touch of a touch-sensitive surface. The content may include discrete content items (e.g., songs, video clips, documents, web pages) and/or actions (e.g., place a call, read a message, play a game), and may or may not be hierarchical in nature. The interface may be presented on a touch-screen display, such that a user may navigate to a content item or action via a single touch on the display (e.g., with a finger or other tool), followed by gliding through any number of levels or clusters of nodes (representing content items, content compilations/categories and/or actions). The desired content item or action may be initiated automatically (e.g., opened, performed) simply by touching it, by lifting the gliding finger or by performing some other input (e.g., tapping a node, speaking a command, touching with a second finger). |
US09223459B2 |
Using neural signals to drive touch screen devices
Methods and apparatus for using are provided for using neural signals to drive touch screen devices. An electromyography (EMG) device can receive neural based on electrical activity of one or more voluntary muscles of a user of the EMG device. The EMG device can filter the neural signals to generate a plurality of channel signals. A touch event can be determined based on the plurality of channel signals. The touch event can relates to user input for a touch-based interface of a touch-enabled device. The touch-enabled device can receive an indication of the touch event. The touch-enabled device can determine a touch operation for the touch-enabled device based on the touch event and then perform the touch operation. |
US09223457B2 |
Visualization of information using landmasses
The present invention relates to the visualization of complex information using a set of navigable landmasses. A method for generating a visualization of a programming code base using a set of navigable landmasses in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: representing each of a plurality of different code components using a respective landmass; adjusting a size of each landmass based on a number of lines of code in the code component corresponding to the landmass; and displaying the landmasses. |
US09223449B2 |
Black image insertion for capacitive sensing
When performing capacitive sensing, a modulated signal is driven on transmitter electrodes located only within a black image of the display device. When updating a display screen based on a newly received display frame, an input device may first insert the black image on the display screen. Once the black image is displayed, the input device may use the electrodes within the area of the screen displaying the black image to track the input object using capacitive sensing (e.g., determine if the user is pressing a finger or stylus on the screen). In this manner, performing capacitive sensing affects only the pixels displaying the black image which is not perceived by the user. After performing capacitive sensing using the electrodes, the input device may replace the black image with display data from the new display frame. |
US09223448B2 |
Compensation for variations in a capacitive sense matrix
A readout device for a capacitive sense matrix includes a computer readable storage medium configured to store capacitance data. The capacitance data represents capacitance values of the capacitive sense matrix. The readout device also includes a readout circuit configured to receive a signal from the capacitive sense matrix, the readout circuit being configured based upon the capacitance data. Also described are a readout method and a method of compensating for variations in capacitance. |
US09223446B2 |
Touch-sensitive surface
A body part of a user touching a touch sensitive surface is determined based on a measured electrostatic signal. The electrostatic signal is transmitted by a transmitter and received by a receiver using a capacitively coupled human body as a communication channel. A touch signal is provided by the touch sensitive surface being touched by the user. The received electrostatic signal is measured in response to the touch signal and the body part of the user touching the touch sensitive surface is determined. |
US09223445B2 |
Position-sensing and force detection panel
Disclosed is a touch position sensor. Force detection circuitry can be included with the position sensor, for example, to determine an amount of force applied to a touch panel of the sensor. |
US09223443B2 |
Projection device, projection method and projection program
According to an illustrative embodiment, an information processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus is used for processing a first image projected toward a target. The apparatus includes a processing unit for detecting that an object exists between a projector unit and the target, wherein when an object exists between the projector unit and the target, the apparatus determines an area of the object and generates a modified first image, based on the area of the object, for projection toward the target. |
US09223439B2 |
Signal processing system, touch panel controller, touch panel system using same, and electronic device
A signal processing system (10) includes a switching circuits (6) which switches between subsystems (5a, 5b), on a basis of a frequency of noise mixed in each of time-series signals, the amount of that noise, and input-output transfer characteristics, to reduce noise present in a result of estimation of the value of a linear element (CX), which estimation is performed by addition- and subtraction-based signal processing. |
US09223436B2 |
Full scale calibration measurement for multi-touch surfaces
Normalization of regions of a sensor panel capable of detecting multi-touch events, or a sensor panel capable of detecting multi-hover events, is disclosed to enable each sensor in the sensor panel to trigger a virtual button in a similar manner, given the same amount of touch or hover. Each sensor produces an output value proportional to the level or amount of touch or hover. However, due to processing, manufacturing and physical design differences, the sensor output values can vary from region to region or panel to panel for a given amount of touch or hover. To normalize the sensor output values across regions, gain and offset information can be obtained in advance, stored in nonvolatile memory, and later used to normalize the sensor output values so that all regions in the sensor panel can trigger virtual buttons similarly, providing a uniform “response function” at any location on the sensor panel. |
US09223434B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel, a touch panel control unit, a plurality of scanning electrodes formed on the display panel, a plurality of detection electrodes formed on the display panel so as to intersect with the plurality of scanning electrodes, a drive signal supply unit for inputting a drive signal to each of the scanning electrodes, and a detection unit for detecting a detection signal from each of the detection electrodes. The touch panel control unit supplies the driving signal to each of the scanning electrodes from the drive signal supply unit to enable detection of a touch position of a detection object based on the detection signal detected, and supplies the driving signal to all of the scanning electrodes collectively from the drive signal supply unit to enable detection of approach of the detection object to the touch panel based on the detection signal detected. |
US09223430B2 |
Distributing touch data
A system comprises processing logic and storage comprising a system service application (SS), an administration application (AA), a first user application configured to receive single touch data or both single and multiple touch data. The system also comprises a touch-screen display configured to receive touch data. Execution of the SS causes the processing logic to obtain touch data from the display and to provide the touch data to an instance of the AA that corresponds to a target user selected based on user context information. |
US09223425B1 |
Touch sensing device and display device using the same
A touch sensing device comprises a common electrode divided into a plurality of sensor electrodes, a plurality of sensor lines respectively connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes, a feedback voltage transmitter, and a common voltage compensator. The feedback voltage transmitter includes a feedback line, a plurality of switching elements configured to selectively connect the sensor lines to the feedback line, and a feedback control line configured to control selection of the switching elements. The common voltage compensator is configured to receive a feedback voltage supplied to the sensor lines through the feedback line while the sensor lines are connected to the feedback line through the plurality of switching elements, and compensate the feedback voltage to a reference voltage level. |
US09223424B2 |
Electronic device signal routing structures with conductive adhesive
An electronic device may have structures that are coupled together using conductive adhesive such as anisotropic conductive film and other adhesives. The structures that are coupled together may include a touch sensor structure formed from electrodes on the inner surface of a display cover layer, a display module having display layers such as a thin-film transistor layer, and circuitry mounted on substrates such as printed circuits. Conductive signal path structures may be used in routing signals within the electronic device. The conductive signal path structures may be formed from pins that are embedded within injection molded plastic, from metal traces such as laser-deposited metal traces that are formed on the surface of a plastic member or other dielectric, from metal structures that run within channels in a plastic, printed circuit traces, and other signal path structures. |
US09223423B2 |
Touch gesture offset
In one embodiment, logic embodied in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium of a device determines a location of a touch gesture by a user within a touch-sensitive area of the device. The logic selects for the touch gesture based on its location within the touch-sensitive area one of a plurality of pre-determined offsets, the pre-determined offsets being specific to the device, the pre-determined offsets being derived from device-specific empirical data on usage of the device by a plurality of users, and the pre-determined offsets being pre-loaded onto the device. The logic applies the pre-determined offset to the location of the touch gesture to determine a touch input intended by the user. |
US09223419B2 |
Cursor display device and cursor display method
A recognizing process in which an indicated first position is recognized on a display screen projected and displayed by a projector and a controlling process in which control is performed so as to display a cursor associated with the indication in a second position on the display screen are provided, and the cursor is displayed in the second position such that the cursor is displaced from the first position by a predetermined distance. |
US09223418B2 |
Pen digitizer
In embodiments, a pen digitizer includes a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array. |
US09223416B2 |
Display apparatus, remote controlling apparatus and control method thereof
A remote controlling apparatus, a display apparatus and a controlling method are provided. The remote controlling apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of operating modes of an external device being operable between a pointing mode and a gesture mode, associated with the remote controlling apparatus, includes an output unit for outputting information regarding the remote controlling apparatus to the external device, a detection unit for detecting motion of the remote controlling apparatus, a motion information generating unit for generating motion information based on the detected motion of the remote controlling apparatus, an operation mode change unit for providing information regarding an operation mode, for changing the operation mode of the external device being operable between the pointing mode and the gesture mode, and wherein the information regarding the remote controlling apparatus comprise the information regarding the operating mode, and the motion information generated by the motion information generating unit. |
US09223412B2 |
Location-based display characteristics in a user interface
Location-based display characteristics in a user interface are described. In an implementation, a determination is made by mobile communications device that icon is to be displayed at a particular location in the user interface. A display characteristic is applied by the mobile communications device that is defined for the particular location such that a display of the icon is changed. The icon is displayed having an applied display characteristic on the display device of the mobile communications device at the particular location in the user interface. |
US09223410B1 |
Input for computing device
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to inputs for computing devices. For example, an input, such as a keyboard, may include a plurality of layers, such as a base layer. The base layer may include a cutout defined at least partially by interior edges of the base layer. An antenna may be secured to a structural member of the computing device, and the antenna may receive electromagnetic radiation through the cutout in the base layer. |
US09223407B2 |
Gesture recognition apparatus and complex optical apparatus
The present invention discloses a gesture recognition apparatus including a substrate, a light emitting device, an image sensor and a processing unit. The light emitting device is for emitting a light beam according to a first clock signal. The image sensor is disposed on the substrate and is for receiving the light beam reflected by an object according to a second clock signal to generate an object image. The processing unit is disposed on the substrate and is for recognizing the object image detected by the image sensor to provide a command signal. There is a correlation between a period of the first clock signal and a period of the second clock signal. The present invention also provides a complex optical apparatus. |
US09223406B2 |
Screen display control method of electronic device and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus for zooming in or out and displaying a screen according a gesture of a user is provided. The method includes sensing gesture input, determining whether the gesture input corresponds to a predetermined pattern of a first semicircle or semi oval shape, and zooming in or out the image displayed on the screen and displaying a zoomed in or zoomed out image on a screen wherein the zoom ratio is in proportion to a radius of a first semicircle or a radius of a long or short axis of a first semi oval when the gesture input is the pattern of the first semicircle or semi oval shape. |
US09223402B2 |
Head mounted display and method of controlling digital device using the same
Disclosed is a method of receiving a gesture input of a user using a Head Mounted Display (HMD) and synthetically controlling a digital device using the received gesture input. The method includes detecting whether or not the HMD is worn by a user, detecting a positional state of an external digital device linked with the HMD, the positional state including a first state in which the external digital device is located in a preset view angle region of the HMD and a second state in which the external digital device is not located in the view angle region, detecting a gesture input of the user, determining at least one digital device to be controlled based on whether or not the HMD is worn by the user and the detected positional state, and controlling a display object of the determined digital device under application of the gesture input. |
US09223401B1 |
User interface
Systems and methods for navigation and selection with eye gestures in a graphical display are provided, in which a graphical display of content may be provided to a wearer of a head-mountable device. A first signal may be received from a first sensor configured to detect an eye gesture of a first eye of the wearer. A second signal may then be received from a second sensor configured to detect an eye gesture of a second eye of the wearer. The first signal may be associated to a first command to navigate through or select an item in the graphical display of content provided by the head-mountable device, and the second signal may be associated to a subsequent command, based at least in part on a given output of the first command, to navigate through or select another item in the graphical display of content. |
US09223394B2 |
Rack and power control method thereof
A power control method of a rack having a plurality of nodes includes the following steps. Power information of each node is received. A total power consumption value of the plurality of nodes according to the power information is calculated. A number of power supply units to be turned on according to the total power consumption value and a maximum supplied power value of a single power supply unit is calculated. At least one primary power supply unit and at least one secondary power supply unit in pairs according to the number of power supply units to be turned on is started. The at least one primary power supply unit provides a duty voltage to the plurality of nodes, and the at least one secondary power supply unit does not provide the duty voltage to the plurality of nodes. |
US09223392B2 |
Reduced power state network processing
Technologies for reduced power network processing include a main processor, a low-power co-processor, and a network interface controller. The network interface controller receives one or more network packets while the computing device is in a sleep state, filters the one or more network packets to identify network packets to be handled by the low-power co-processor without waking the main processor from the sleep state, and wakes the low-power co-processor, without waking the main processor, to handle at least one network packet of the identified network packets to be handled by the low-power co-processor. |
US09223390B2 |
Method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor sleep state. A processor may include a dedicated cache memory. A voltage regulator may be coupled to the processor to provide an operating voltage to the processor. During a transition to a zero voltage power management state for the processor, the operational voltage applied to the processor by the voltage regulator may be reduced to approximately zero and the state variables associated with the processor may be saved to the dedicated cache memory. |
US09223388B2 |
Power state transition saving session information
Techniques for saving session information when transitioning a port to a low power state are provided. An indication of an intent to transition a port to a low power state is provided. Session information related to the port is saved. The port is transitioned to the low power state. |
US09223386B2 |
Interactive pointing device capable of switching capture ranges and method for switching capture ranges for use in interactive pointing device
An interactive pointing device capable of switching capture ranges includes an image capturing element and a processing unit. The image capturing element operates in a first capture range or a second capture range. The image capturing element is used for capturing a light source, and outputting an image signal. When a distance from the interactive pointing device to the light source is smaller than a reference value, the processing unit controls the image capturing element to detect the light source with the first capture range, and the processing unit converts the image signal into a first coordinate data. When the distance is greater than the reference value, the processing unit controls the image capturing element to detect the light source with the second capture range, and the processing unit converts the image signal into a second coordinate data. |
US09223381B2 |
Method and apparatus to save power upon resume in multi-core system
A method is provided for resuming one or more cores of a multi-core processor that is part of an electronic device, the method comprising: grouping wakeup sources into a plurality of computing domains; receiving an interrupt associated with a wakeup source; identifying a first computing domain from the plurality that the wakeup source is part of; mapping the first computing domain to a first indication of one or more states of a first core of the processor; configuring the first core to enter the one or more states that are indicated by the first indication; and resuming the first core after the first core is configured. |
US09223373B2 |
Power arbitration for storage devices
Aspects of the subject disclosure relate to a storage device including a flash memory, a controller coupled to the flash memory, wherein the controller is configured to store data to the flash memory and a power arbiter unit coupled to the controller and to the flash memory via a plurality of flash channels, wherein the power arbiter unit is configured to receive a plurality of power requests via one or more of the plurality of flash channels and process the plurality of power requests based on a respective priority identifier associated with each of the plurality of power requests. Additionally, a computer-implemented method and power arbiter unit (PAB) are provided. |
US09223370B2 |
Near field communication device operating in multiple battery modes and power management method of electronic apparatus comprising the same
A near field communication device includes an RF power unit that generates an RF power supply voltage through wireless communication with an external communication device, a power detecting unit that detects an output level of a battery connected to the near field communication device, a driving control unit that controls the near field communication device, and a switching control unit that controls a supply of a power supply voltage to the driving control unit from the RF power unit or the battery. The switching control unit controls the supply of the power supply voltage based on at least one of the output level of the battery, a power on/off state of an electronic apparatus including the near field communication device, whether the electronic apparatus is connected to the battery, and whether the RF power supply voltage is generated. |
US09223369B2 |
Providing power management services in a software provisioning environment
A software provisioning server can communicate with a power management system of the target machines to alter the power state of the target machines during actions requiring a change in the power state, such as power cycling the target machines during a software installation. The software provisioning server can communicate with the power management system of the target machines and instruct the power management systems to alter the power state of the target machines during the actions. |
US09223367B2 |
Supply margining method and apparatus
In accordance with some embodiments, margining routines to determine acceptable voltage command values for specific CPU implementations at one or more different operating levels may be provided. |
US09223364B2 |
Heat dissipation control system for portable electrical device and control method thereof
A heat dissipation control system includes an angle detection module and a control module. The heat dissipation control system is adapted for a portable electrical device having a first body and a second body. The angle detection module senses an included angle of the first body and the second body and generates an angle signal corresponding to the included angle of the first body and the second body. The control module, in response to the angle signal, generates a heat dissipation control signal according to the angle signal for enabling at least one of a first heat dissipation policy and a second heat dissipation policy. |
US09223362B2 |
Electronic apparatus and cooling module mounted in that electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a fan, a circuit board which is positioned downstream in an airflow to which the fan generates, at least one processer mounted on the circuit board, a radiator which is positioned downstream in the airflow which the fan generates, the radiator cooling a liquid coolant, a pipe unit which includes a heat receiving member in which the coolant flows and coolant piping, the heat receiving member being mounted on the processer, and the coolant piping circulating the liquid coolant between the radiator and the heat receiving member, and at least one memory board on which memory package is mounted, the memory board being mounted on the circuit board, and the memory board and the pipe unit being arranged along a direction perpendicular to a direction to which the fan blows the airflow. |
US09223360B2 |
Rack mounted liquid submersion cooled electronic system
A liquid submersion cooling system that is suitable for cooling a number of electronic devices in parallel using a plurality of cases connected to a rack system. The system cools heat-generating components in server computers and other devices that use electronic, heat-generating components and are connected in parallel systems. The system includes a housing having an interior space, a dielectric cooling liquid in the interior space, a heat-generating electronic component disposed within the space and submerged in the dielectric cooling liquid. The rack system contains a manifold system to engage and allow liquid transfer for multiple cases and IO connectors to engage electrically with multiple cases/electronic devices. The rack system can be connected to a pump system for pumping the liquid into and out of the rack, to and from external heat exchangers, heat pumps, or other thermal dissipation/recovery devices. |
US09223359B2 |
Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card fixing system
A fixing system for fixing a PCI card includes: a module having a substrate including carrier portion, a pivot portion and a securing portion; and a press rod having a pivot section connected pivotally to the pivot portion of the substrate, an extension section and a securing section; wherein, the press rod is pivotable relative to the module between a locked position, in which the securing section of the press rod engages the securing portion of the substrate such that the extension section thereof compresses so as to fix the PCI card on the carrier portion of the substrate and an open position, in which the press rod is rotatable about a common axis defined by the pivot section and the pivot portion, thereby permitting the press rod to rotate away from the substrate. |
US09223351B2 |
Moveable display portion of a computing device
The computing device includes a base portion including a keyboard, a display portion including a display. The display includes a viewable surface and a hinge configured to operably couple the base portion to the display portion. If the computing device is in a closed position the viewable surface faces in a first direction away from the base portion. Further, if the computing device is in a transition from the closed position to an open position, the hinge is further configured to rotate around a first axis of the base portion with a primary plane of the display portion being substantially parallel to a primary plane of the base portion and to rotate around a second axis of the display portion such that the viewable surface faces in a second direction toward a user plane extending from the keyboard and approaches a perpendicular position with respect to the base portion. |
US09223345B2 |
Assembly of a handheld electronic device
This invention is directed to several mechanical features of an electronic device. The electronic device may include a spring for simultaneously grounding several components. The electronic device may include several interlocking fences for protecting electronic device components from RF radiation. The electronic device may include an antenna assembly that includes distinct components for functional and aesthetic purposes. The electronic device may include a window for permitting RF transmissions. The electronic device may include a metal frame for stiffening the electronic device. The electronic device may include a bezel used for aesthetic purposes and to support numerous electronic device components. The electronic device may include a flexible housing operative to elastically deform to assemble the electronic device. The electronic device may include an unsupported button. |
US09223343B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program
A method, apparatus and computer program wherein the method comprises detecting that a designated item satisfies a predetermined context; and providing tactile indication that the designated item satisfies the predetermined context. |
US09223342B2 |
Radio-frequency system
A radio-frequency system for a wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a first board body and a second board body, capable of operating in a pad mode. The radio-frequency system includes at least one antenna disposed in the first board body and extending along a first plane, and at least one metal wall electrically connected to a system ground, disposed on the second board body related to locations of the at least one antenna disposed in the first board body, extending along a second plane. When the wireless communication device operates in the pad mode, the second plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane, such that each of the metal walls has a height in comparison to the first plane, and a projecting result of each of the metal walls corresponding to the first plane is adjacent to a radiating element of an antenna. |
US09223339B2 |
Portable terminal with detachable protection cover
A portable terminal is provided. The portable terminal includes a mounting member configured to be capable of being attached to/detached from a housing of the portable terminal, a connection member configured to extend from the mounting member and to selectively enclose at least a part of the housing, and a cover element connected to an end of the connection member to open/close a display device installed on the front surface of the housing. The portable terminal provided with the protection cover has an advantage in that the increase of the thickness of the terminal can be minimized because the protection cover may be disposed on a side surface or an edge of the rear surface of the housing by the mounting member. |
US09223336B2 |
Remote socket apparatus
A remote socket apparatus comprises a socket to receive a remote electronics unit. The socket is configured to house multiple media to connect to remote electronics housed in the remote electronics unit. The socket includes a socket interface configured to mate with a remote electronics unit interface. At least one of the socket and remote electronics unit further includes an actuation mechanism configured to connect the multiple media simultaneously. The remote socket apparatus can be utilized in a network that provides in-building wireless (IBW) communications and in a converged network that also provides wired in-building telecommunications. |
US09223331B2 |
Power distribution system control and monitoring
In one example embodiment, a power control system includes one or more stages, a plurality of primary busbars operatively coupled to the one or more stages, and an intelligent controller operatively coupled to the one or more stages. Each of the one or more stages is configured to generate a lead current when coupled in parallel to a power distribution system, and at least one of the one or more stages comprises a notch filter and a power tank circuit. Each of the plurality of primary busbars is configured to carry one phase of a multiple phase power signal. The controller is configured to determine when to switch each of the one or more stages one and off, to count a number of times each stage is switched on, and to track one or more electrical parameters of the power distribution system, power control system, or both. |
US09223325B2 |
Temperature estimation based on a fan control signal
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to the estimation of temperature based on a fan control signal. Example embodiments include the estimation of temperature based on a fan control signal having a value based on a temperature reading of a temperature sensor. |
US09223324B2 |
DC voltage-limiting circuits and electronic devices and thermostats including DC voltage-limiting circuits
A DC voltage-limiting circuit generally includes first, second, and third transistors. The first transistor is connected between a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal. The first transistor has a collector connected to the voltage input terminal, an emitter connected to the voltage output terminal, and a base connected to the voltage input terminal via a first resistor. The second transistor has a base connected to the voltage input terminal via a first voltage regulator and a second resistor, a collector connected to the base of the first transistor, and an emitter connected to the voltage output terminal. The third transistor has a collector connected to the base of the first transistor via a third resistor, an emitter grounded, and a base connected to the voltage output terminal via a second voltage regulator and a fourth resistor. |
US09223323B2 |
User friendly interface for control unit
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user. |
US09223321B2 |
Reduction of periodic disturbances
A method of reducing periodic disturbances in the feedback quantity of a controlled system is disclosed. The method includes receiving a feedback signal and repeatedly deriving respective magnitudes of harmonic components of the feedback signal to produce corresponding error signals. The error signals and harmonic components are used to generate harmonic control signals. The harmonic control signals are used to create a plurality of negative feedback loops acting to reduce the error signals. The present disclosure thus provides negative feedback control in the frequency domain. In one specific disclosed embodiment, the control is tied to the periodic domain resulting from the rotation of an actuator motor shaft. |
US09223319B2 |
High dilution ratio by successively preparing and diluting chemicals
A system and method for providing a plurality of diluted solutions are disclosed. Successive dilution operations are performed upon mixing vessels substantially simultaneously. Measured source volumes of a source solution are placed into the mixing vessels. First measured volumes of a liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured first waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Second measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured second waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Third measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Each vessel has an individual target dilution ratio. Measured volumes and number of dilution operations are individual to each of the mixing vessels. |
US09223318B2 |
Mass flow controller system
A mass flow controller with high accuracy flow rate output control is disclosed. In the mass flow controller, relation data that indicates a corresponding relation between a flow rate of a reference gas and a CF value of a sample gas is stored, a target flow rate is converted into a reference gas flow rate by the use of a predetermined CF value, a sample gas flow rate is calculated from the converted reference gas flow rate and a CF value corresponding to the reference gas flow rate, the sample gas flow rate is compared with the target flow rate, and the CF value that is used for conversion of the reference gas flow rate or calculation of the sample gas flow rate is updated by the use of the corresponding relation based on the error between the sample gas flow rate and the target flow rate. |
US09223316B2 |
Backflow and flow rate control valve
A backflow and flow rate control system, comprising: a flow restrictor; a flow regulator chamber located down-stream of the flow restrictor; a control chamber configured to receive a portion of the fluid from a location upstream of the flow restrictor; a moveable element with no sliding parts positioned between the control chamber and the flow regulator chamber, wherein the moveable element is configured to move in response to a difference in pressure between the flow regulator chamber and the control chamber; a flow rate regulator configured to control the flow rate of the fluid in response to the movement of the moveable element; and a non-return regulator coupled with the moveable element and configured to control back-flow of the fluid. |
US09223315B2 |
Method of controlling item delivery to an electronic parcel locker
A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit can be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units. |
US09223312B2 |
Carpet drift estimation using differential sensors or visual measurements
Apparatus and methods for carpet drift estimation are disclosed. In certain implementations, a robotic device includes an actuator system to move the body across a surface. A first set of sensors can sense an actuation characteristic of the actuator system. For example, the first set of sensors can include odometry sensors for sensing wheel rotations of the actuator system. A second set of sensors can sense a motion characteristic of the body. The first set of sensors may be a different type of sensor than the second set of sensors. A controller can estimate carpet drift based at least on the actuation characteristic sensed by the first set of sensors and the motion characteristic sensed by the second set of sensors. |
US09223303B2 |
Method for providing safety functions
The present invention relates to a method for safely providing safety functions for safety devices of an automation system. For this purpose, modular safety components are introduced, comprising a logic module (A, B, . . . , X), an address-dependent parameter module (1, 2, . . . , n), and failsafe information. The modules are stored separately with recovery information. After turning on a safety device in an automation system, a safety component created for a specific device can be restored and transmitted to the safety device, wherein the accuracy of the safety component is checked in the safety device. |
US09223302B2 |
Method and system for controlling electric actuators
An object 10 includes an electric actuator system 11 and a method 12. The object 10 may be a vehicle that includes wheels 18-21. The system 11 and method 12 include microprocessor based controllers 32, 33 and 37, electric actuators 22-25, 38 and 39, and a user interface 34 with an integrated level sensor and temperature sensor. The system 11 and method 12 operate to automatically or manually move the vehicle 10 from a not level attitude to a level attitude when the vehicle 10 is parked. The system 11 and method 12 in a preferred embodiment (FIGS. 4-6) may be configured to utilize any number of substantially identical controllers and actuators. The system 11 and method 12 sense the load carried by each actuator, to assure the wheels of the vehicle are not carrying more than a desired amount of the load when the vehicle is parked. |
US09223300B2 |
Servo-parameter adjusting apparatus
A servo-parameter adjusting apparatus includes an acquiring unit that acquires an adjustment result measured by a servo control apparatus concerning position adjustment for a control target performed according to the servo parameters set in the servo control apparatus; a display control unit that simultaneously displays, on a display screen, a waveform corresponding to the acquired adjustment result, waveform values that are attributes concerning a part of the waveform, and servo parameters corresponding to the waveform; and a waveform-value changing unit that changes the displayed waveform values. When a waveform value is changed, the display control unit displays the changed waveform value on the display screen and displays, on the display screen, a waveform corresponding to the changed waveform value and a servo parameter corresponding to the changed waveform value. |
US09223297B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying a user of an electronic device
Systems and methods for identifying a user of an electronic device are disclosed. An example method includes capturing body characteristic data associated with a user via a sensor on a computing device. The body characteristic data is captured as the user interacts with the computing device for a purpose different from user identification. The example method includes determining an identifier associated with the user based on the captured body characteristic data. |
US09223294B2 |
Automatic winding device used for automatic winding watch
The patent application relates to an automatic winding device used for automatic winding watch, which includes a box body, a rotating seat arranged on the box body and relatively rotatable to the box body, a holding seat fixed on the rotating seat and used for placing the automatic winding watch, a driving mechanism driving the rotating seat to rotate, and a control device controlling the rotating mode of the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is arranged in the box body. The automatic winding device used for automatic winding watch can be rotatably arranged on the box body through the rotating seat. The watch is sheathed on the holding seat and then placed on the rotating seat. Compared with the existing rotation in a rotating cavity, the patent application reduces the noise, and is beneficial for displaying the watch. |
US09223279B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device forming an image, a fixing device for heat-fixing the image on a sheet, a belt for conveying the sheet toward the fixing device, a sensor, and a control device configured to control the image forming device to form marks bridging over the belt and the sheet having passed through the fixing device at both ends of the sheet, obtain a length between remaining marks left on the belt after the sheet having the marks formed thereon is conveyed to a downstream side of the belt, on the basis of an output signal of a sensor which output is changed depending on whether there are the marks, and adjust a printing magnification of an image to be formed on the sheet on the basis of the length between the remaining marks. |
US09223278B2 |
Image forming apparatus that performs gradation correction
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention performs, at a predetermined timing, first gradation correction including forming a patch image on an image carrier, and correcting gradation characteristics of a formed image using a correction amount corresponding to the result of measurement of the patch image. The image forming apparatus further performs, at a predetermined frequency, second gradation correction including correcting the light power of laser light output from an exposure apparatus based on the result of detection or estimation of the charge amount of toner used in image formation, and correcting gradation characteristics using a correction amount corresponding to the result of the detection or estimation of the toner charge amount. |
US09223271B2 |
Determining high toner usage
According to a method herein, a number of pixels marked and times of printing are automatically determined for a plurality of images. A time-based moving window of pixel counts for a subset of the plurality of images being contiguously processed in a current time window is automatically calculated, based on the number of pixels marked and the times of printing of the subset of the plurality of images processed in the current time window. Marking material usage to print the plurality of images for the current time window is automatically determined, based on the time-based moving window of pixel counts of the current time window. The method automatically determines if the marking material usage for the current time window exceeds a threshold. A notification is automatically output if the marking material usage for the current time window exceeds the threshold. |
US09223264B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes first and second heat generating elements, first and second driving elements provided in a passage from a commercial power source to the heat generating elements, respectively, and a portion controlling the driving elements at a control level depending on a detection temperature. At the control level, a renewing period is two cycles of a waveform of an alternating current of the power source or an integral multiple thereof. The control portion controls, during a period when the control portion controls the driving elements at one control level, the driving elements so that the heat generating element to which the power is to be preferentially supplied is switched from the first to the second driving element and the waveform of the alternating current passing through each of the heat generating elements keeps symmetry of positive and negative half-cycle components with respect to a zero-voltage line. |
US09223258B2 |
Fixing device, image forming apparatus and oblique motion restraint member for a fixing belt
A fixing device includes a fixing belt configured to rotate about a specified rotation axis, and an oblique motion restraint member provided at an outer side of the fixing belt in a direction of the rotation axis and configured to restrain oblique motion of the fixing belt. The oblique motion restraint member includes a contact portion provided to make contact with an end surface of the fixing belt and a breakage-preventing portion provided radially inward of the contact portion and more outward in the direction of the rotation axis than the contact portion. The contact portion bulges in an arcuate cross-sectional shape toward an inner side in the direction of the rotation axis. |
US09223253B2 |
Electrostatic printing
Disclosed herein is a method for electrostatic printing, wherein the method comprises (a) providing an ink composition comprising particles comprising a resin, wherein the ink composition contains less than 0.3 mg of charge director per g of solids in the ink composition; (b) passing the ink composition between a first electrode and a developer roller, wherein sufficient potential is applied between the developer roller and the electrode such that the resin particles are charged and adhere to the developer roller; (c) transferring at least some of the particles from the developer roller to a photoimaging plate to form an image on the photoimaging plate; and (d) transferring the image from the photoimaging plate to a print medium. Also disclosed here is an apparatus for carrying out the method, and a print medium printed using the method. |
US09223246B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit including a containing unit; a replenishment unit replenishes the containing unit with the toner; a first determination unit determines an amount of the toner consumed in the containing unit; a detection unit detects a toner amount in the containing unit; a first calculation unit calculates a difference between the toner amount and a target amount; a second calculation unit calculates a cumulative value of the difference; a second determination unit determines a determination value; a prevention unit prevents the second calculation unit from accumulating the difference at second timing following the first timing; and a controller controls the replenishment unit, based on the determination value, in a case where the first determination value is less than a threshold, the second calculating unit is prevented from accumulating the difference at the second timing, on the cumulative value calculated at the first timing. |
US09223240B2 |
Toner
Since a charge amount of a toner and a charge rise characteristic thereof are liable to be influenced by the change in temperature and humidity condition, the change in image density occurs in printing, and in particular, in high temperature and high humidity environment, inconveniences, such as image fogging, occur due to non-uniformity of the charge amount distribution. In a toner including toner particles obtained by dispersing a monomer composition containing a polymerizable monomer and a colorant in an aqueous medium to form droplets and polymerizing the polymerizable monomer in the droplets, the toner particles contain a polymer formed by a polymerization reaction of the polymerizable monomer and a metal compound having a vinyl group. |
US09223238B2 |
Production of latex using a wipe film evaporator
A process is disclosed for making a resin emulsion suitable for use in forming toner particles including using a wiped film evaporator for removing residual solvents. |
US09223234B2 |
Electrophotographic printer photoconductor based on surface-modified semiconductor quantum dots
A photoconductor and method of forming a photoconductor comprising forming a charge generation material comprising a plurality of quantum dots, and forming an active region comprising one or more photoconductor layers comprising the charge generation material including the surface modified quantum dots is disclosed. |
US09223233B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
The photosensitive layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains (a) a gallium phthalocyanine crystal, (b) a specific amine compound and (c) a specific polyvinylacetal resin. |
US09223232B2 |
Method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member including an undercoat layer includes preparing a coating liquid for an undercoat layer containing zinc oxide particles, a polyol, a blocked isocyanate compound whose isocyanate group is blocked with a specific structure, and a solvent mixture, in which the solvent mixture contains a monohydric alcohol in an amount of 1 chemical equivalent or more based on the specific structure and 90% by mass or less based on the total mass of the solvent mixture, and a ketonic solvent and/or a cyclic ether solvent in an amount of 7% by mass or more based on the total mass of the solvent mixture. |
US09223221B2 |
Photoresist stripping and cleaning composition, method of its preparation and its use
A photoresist stripping and cleaning composition free from N-alkylpyrrolidones and added quaternary ammonium hydroxides comprising a component (A) which comprises the polar organic solvents N-methylimidazole, dimethylsulfoxide and 1-aminopropane-2-ol. |
US09223218B2 |
Photosensitive resin laminate and thermal processing of the same
A method of developing a photocurable printing blank to produce a relief pattern comprising a plurality of relief dots having desired characteristics. The photocurable printing blank comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon and a barrier layer disposed on the at least one photocurable layer. The method includes the steps of (1) placing a negative of a desired relief image on top of the barrier layer; (2) exposing the printing blank to actinic radiation through the barrier layer and negative to selectively crosslink and cure portions of the at least one photocurable layer, wherein the at least one photocurable layer is crosslinked and cured in the portions not covered by the negative, thereby creating the relief pattern; and (3) developing the printing blank to remove the barrier layer and uncured portions of the photocurable layer and reveal the relief pattern. |
US09223216B2 |
Lithographic printing plate precursor and method of preparing the same
A lithographic printing plate precursor in a positive-type with an infrared-sensitivity, having a support and an image recording layer provided on the support, the support having a hydrophilic surface, the recording layer having a particular resin, an amphoteric surfactant and/or an anionic surfactant, and an infrared absorbing agent, wherein the particular resin being at least one of resins selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane resin, a poly(vinyl acetal) resin, and maleimide resin A. |
US09223208B2 |
Actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition and method of forming pattern using the composition
An actinic ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition according to the present invention comprises a sulfonic acid-generating compound that is decomposed by an action of an acid to generate a sulfonic acid having a volume of 240 Å3 or more and a compound that generates the acid when exposed to actinic rays or radiation. |
US09223204B2 |
Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, and pattern-forming method using the same
Provided is an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, a resist film formed with the composition, and a pattern-forming method using the same. The actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (P) a resin that contains the following repeating units (A), (B) and (C); and a solvent having a boiling temperature of 150° C. or less, (A) a repeating unit containing a group capable of decomposing and forming an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, (B) a repeating unit containing a group capable of decomposing and forming a carboxylic acid by the action of an acid, and (C) a repeating unit containing a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond. |
US09223202B2 |
Method of automatic fluid dispensing for imprint lithography processes
Disclosed herein is an automatic fluid dispensing method and system for dispensing fluid on the surface of a plate-like material, or substrate, including a semiconductor wafer for imprint lithography processes. The dispensing method uses fluid dispenser and a substrate stage that may generate relative lateral motions between a fluid dispenser tip a substrate. Also described herein are methods and devices for creating a planar surface on a substrate using a substantially unpatterned planar template. |
US09223195B2 |
Exposure apparatus having blind and method of driving
An exposure apparatus includes a light source, a mask, a blind, and a blind driver. The light source emits light in a light emitting cycle. The mask is disposed over a substrate and includes an exposure window. A pattern is formed in the exposure window. The blind is disposed over the exposure window. The blind moves in a first direction to block a non-exposed area in the substrate. The blind is returned to pass through the exposure window area in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The blind includes a plurality of blocking plates. The blocking plates include a blocking portion and an opening portion. The blind driver drives the blind. |
US09223188B2 |
Focal plane shuttering apparatus and image capture device
A focal plane shuttering apparatus includes: front and rear curtains; a first elastic member which generates biasing force to make the front curtain run in such a direction as to get the front curtain retracted from an aperture; a second elastic member which generates biasing force to make the rear curtain run in such a direction as to have the rear curtain cover the aperture; a charging member which applies biasing force to the first and second elastic members; a front curtain locking mechanism which keeps the front curtain retracted from the aperture when the charging member applies biasing force to the first elastic member; a rear curtain locking mechanism which keeps the aperture covered with the rear curtain when the charging member applies biasing force to the second elastic member; and an unlocking member interlocked with the charging member that unlocks the front and rear curtain locking mechanisms. |
US09223185B2 |
Electro-optic silicon modulator with alternative capacitance-loaded coplanar waveguide structures
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a high-speed silicon modulator without the microwave mode conversion and provide 50-ohm impedance matching to drivers simultaneously. In one aspect, a device may include an input waveguide region, an optic splitter, two optic phase shifters, an optic splitter, and an output waveguide. The device may include two curved waveguides. Either or both of the curved waveguides may have specially doped regions including PN junctions or MOS capacitors. The PN junctions or MOS capacitors may be alternatively connected to both slots of a coplanar waveguide forming the electrodes. |
US09223184B2 |
Optical modulator
An optical modulator comprises an input optical splitting unit for bifurcating input light; a final optical coupling unit for coupling optical signals in a polarization state orthogonal to each other; an intermediate optical coupling unit provided in an intermediate position between the input optical splitting unit and the final optical coupling unit; first and second optical paths for connecting the input optical splitting unit and the intermediate optical coupling unit, optical path lengths of the first and second optical paths are approximately equal; third and fourth optical paths for connecting the intermediate optical coupling unit and the final optical coupling unit, optical path lengths of third and fourth optical paths are approximately equal; and three binary phase modulation unit arranged one by one in each of the three optical paths of the first, second, third and fourth optical paths. |
US09223183B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The TFT substrate of this liquid crystal display device has: a first gate bus line and a second gate bus line; a first data bus line; a first TFT and second TFT that are respectively connected to the first and second gate bus line and are both connected to the first data bus line; and a first pixel electrode and second pixel electrode that are respectively connected to the first TFT and the second TFT through a contact hole. The first and second gate bus line traverse the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and a black matrix has a portion that integrally covers the first TFT and the contact hole, and a portion that integrally covers the second TFT and the contact hole. |
US09223180B2 |
Fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display panel
A Fringe-Field Switching (FFS) mode liquid crystal display (LCD) panel with optimized designs of pixel areas and/or liquid crystal materials is provided. The FFS mode LCD panel includes an active-element array substrate with a plurality of pixel areas, an opposite substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. Each pixel area comprises a plurality of first common electrodes, a second common electrode between the pixel area and another horizontally adjacent pixel area, and a pixel electrode. The optical transmittance and homogeneity of the pixel area of the display panel are modified by manipulating the relative position of the electrodes in the pixel areas on the active-element array substrate and/or adopting specific parameters of liquid crystal materials in the liquid crystal layer of the display panel. |
US09223179B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an active area including a matrix of pixels, and a light-shielding area surrounding the active area. The apparatus includes a first substrate including a pixel electrode formed for each pixel, a switch including a semiconductor layer to switch write of a video signal to the pixel electrode, and a auxiliary capacitance line opposing the semiconductor layer to form an auxiliary capacitance, a second substrate including a counter-electrode extending from the active area to the light-shielding area, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first and the second substrate, Each of the pixel electrodes of end portion pixels formed in two end portions of the active area extends from the active area to the light-shielding area such that the pixel electrode becomes larger than others, and the auxiliary capacitance formed in the end portion pixel is greater than that formed in others. |
US09223178B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate including gate and data lines crossing each other on a first substrate to define a pixel region, and a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode in the pixel region, a color filter substrate including a black matrix on a second substrate and including an opening corresponding to the pixel region, and a color filter layer filling the opening, and a liquid crystal layer including a first patterned spacer contacting the array substrate and the color filter substrate, and corresponding to the thin film transistor of the array substrate, and a second patterned spacer having a first width along a length direction of the gate line, and a second width along a width direction of the gate line, contacting the color filter substrate and being spaced apart from the array substrate, and corresponding to the gate line. |
US09223177B2 |
Acrylate compound having photoreactive group, photoreactive acrylate polymer and photo-alignment layer comprising the same
Disclosed herein are an acrylate compound having a photoreactive group, a photoreactive acrylate polymer, and a photo-alignment layer including the same that not only have excellent alignment properties and alignment rate and readiness for change in the alignment direction based on the polarization direction of radiation, but also exhibit a high solubility to organic solvents and good workability. |
US09223176B2 |
Coating method for liquid crystal alignment film of TFT-LCD
A coating method for liquid crystal alignment film of TFT-LCD, at least two different sized nozzles are used to perform N nested hollow rectangular coatings, the N nested hollow rectangles are ordered based on 1, 2 to N measurements sequentially from the smallest to the biggest, and a smaller sized nozzle is employed for the Nth nested hollow rectangular coating on an edge. |
US09223169B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a reflective image display unit having a sheet-like anisotropic scattering member. The sheet-like anisotropic scattering member has a surface in which both a low refractive index area and a high refractive index area exist. The sheet-like anisotropic scattering member is disposed so that a light enters from a first surface thereof and exits as scattered light from a second surface thereof, when an extent of refractive index difference at a boundary or vicinity thereof between the low refractive index area and the high refractive index area is relatively large in the first surface and relatively small in the second surface. |
US09223168B2 |
PDLC film structure, manufacturing method and controlling method thereof
A PDLC film structure, a manufacturing method and a controlling method thereof are provided. The PDLC film structure comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed facing each other; and a PDLC layer filled between the first substrate and the second substrate. A transparent electrode is provided on a surface of the first substrate which faces the second substrate, and a plurality of control units are provided on a surface of the second substrate which faces the first substrate, each control unit comprising a first thin film field effect transistor and a first transparent electrode connected thereto, and a second thin film field effect transistor and a second transparent electrode connected thereto. |
US09223160B2 |
Display
A display includes: a display panel; an illumination unit; and a driving unit. The illumination unit includes a pair of light transmissive substrates, two light sources, an optical modulation layer configured to exhibit diffusion or transparency for light from each of the two light sources, and an electrode. The optical modulation layer is configured to switch a wide-angle diffusion intensity and a front diffusion intensity of light emitted from the illumination unit, by switching of a magnitude of a voltage applied to the electrode. The driving unit allows a diffusion intensity ratio of the light emitted from the illumination unit in a dual-view mode to be higher than the diffusion intensity ratio in a normal mode by switching the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode. The diffusion intensity ratio is defined as dividing the wide-angle diffusion intensity by the front diffusion intensity. |
US09223154B2 |
Display device having a cuboid birefringent crystal layer
A display device comprises: a first substrate (20), a first polarizer (10), a second polarizer (50), a first electrode (30), a second electrode (31), an electrically controlled birefringence crystal layer (40). The first polarizer (10) is attached to the first substrate (20). The second polarizer (50) is disposed to face the first substrate (20) and parallel to the first substrate (20). The first electrode (30) and the second electrode (31) are disposed between the first substrate (20) and the second polarizer (50) and separate from each other. The electrically controlled birefringence crystal layer (40) is disposed between the first electrode (30) and the second electrode (31) and has a primary electro-optic effect. The corresponding manufacturing method for a display is also provided. |
US09223152B1 |
Ambient light optics for head mounted display
A head mounted display (“HMD”) includes a display module, an eyepiece, a switchable hologram, and a controller. The display module is configured for launching CGI light along a forward propagating path. The eyepiece is optically coupled to receive the CGI light and direct the CGI light to an eye-ward region of the eyepiece. The switchable hologram is disposed along a surface of the eyepiece and the switchable hologram is configured to redirect ambient light propagating toward the eyepiece, when activated. The controller is coupled to the switchable hologram to activate and deactivate the switchable hologram. |
US09223148B2 |
Multifocal lens
A multifocal lens has a number n>2 of principal powers, of which at least one principal power is refractive and at least one principal power is diffractive. The multifocal lens includes a first lens portion having at least one first annular zone and at least a second lens portion having at least one second annular zone, wherein the zones each have at least one main sub-zone and at least one phase sub-zone. For forming the n principal powers, a maximum of n−1 lens portions are combined, and an averaged refractive power of a zone of the first lens portion is equal to an averaged refractive power of a zone of the second lens portion. |
US09223147B2 |
Spectacle lens providing ophthalmic vision and an additional vision
A method produces a spectacle lens that provides both ophthalmic vision and an additional type of vision. The method includes two consecutive steps consisting of calculating a rear surface and a front surface of the lens. The additional vision type corresponds to the perception of a light that is conveyed between the front and rear surfaces by an insert built into the lens. The rear surface of the glass is initially calculated to provide a correction of the additional vision type, and the front surface is calculated to correct the ophthalmic vision. The two surfaces of the glass therefore have complex shapes, which simultaneously reduce the optical aberration levels for both types of vision. |
US09223139B2 |
Cascading optics in optical combiners of head mounted displays
An apparatus for a head mounted display includes a display module for launching display light along a forward propagating path. The apparatus also includes a light relay to receive the display light. The light relay includes a first optic disposed along the forward propagating path. The light relay also includes a second optic disposed along the forward propagating path between the first optic and the display module. The first optic is configured to direct the display light in an eye-ward direction and the second optic is configured to direct the display light in an eye-ward direction. |
US09223138B2 |
Pixel opacity for augmented reality
In embodiments of pixel opacity for augmented reality, a display lens system includes a first display panel that displays a virtual image generated to appear as part of an environment viewed through optical lenses. A second display panel displays an environment image of the environment as viewed through the optical lenses, and the environment image includes opaque pixels that form a black silhouette of the virtual image. The display lens system also includes a beam-splitter panel to transmit light of the environment image and reflect light of the virtual image to form a composite image that appears as the virtual image displayed over the opaque pixels of the environment image. |
US09223133B2 |
Image reading lens, image reading device, and image forming device
An image reading lens includes a front lens group of five lenses including a positive lens and a negative lens, disposed on an object side and a rear lens group disposed on an image side, including a negative plastic lens. The image reading lens satisfies the following conditions: 0<ΣdnN/dt(N)−Σdnp/dt(P)<25 0.10 |
US09223131B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus including the same
An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning device and one or more second driving motors. The optical scanning device includes a polygon mirror, an optical scanning system for forming an image of the beam light on a surface to be scanned, a folding mirror for returning the beam light so as to be led to a photosensitive drum, and a housing. The housing is provided with a first support portion, a second support portion, and a third support portion for supporting the reflective surface of the folding mirror. When a distance between the first support portion and the second support portion is set to L, the third support portion is disposed at the first support portion side from a position of L/4 in a direction of the second support portion from the first support portion and is disposed at the second support portion side from the first support portion. |
US09223128B2 |
Display apparatus with densely packed electromechanical systems display elements
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for reducing undesired capacitance and electrostatic attraction among components of electromechanical systems (EMS) displays. An apparatus includes an array of display elements, a control matrix, and an electric insulation layer. The display elements each include a movable light blocking component coupled to a conductive beam. The control matrix includes a plurality of interconnects, including at least one switched interconnect, which passes under and is electrically isolated from at least one of the conductive beam and the movable light blocking component. |
US09223127B2 |
Electrowetting display device
An electrowetting display device has a picture element having first and second support plates with a space in between, the space including first and second fluids immiscible with each other, the second fluid being electroconductive or polar. The first support plate includes a wall defining an extent of the picture element. An electric field is applied between an electrode and the second fluid, the electrode having an edge, a low portion and a high portion, the high portion being closer to the second support plate than the low portion, the high portion being arranged adjacent to the wall and having an area smaller than the area of the low portion. The high portion of the electrode has a cut-out causing an increased electric field in the space, and at least part of the edge of the electrode adjacent to the cut-out following the shape of the wall. |
US09223125B2 |
Bessel beam plane illumination microscope
A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, λ, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. A detector is configured for detecting signal light received by the imaging optics, and an aperture mask is positioned |
US09223122B2 |
Illumination optical system and image projection apparatus
The illumination optical system includes, as optical elements, a condenser lens system (3) to condense light from a light source (1), a first fly-eye lens (5) and a second fly-eye lens (6). The light source generates a light emitter having a finite longitudinal length in a first direction orthogonal to an optical axis direction of the illumination optical system. The light source and the optical elements are configured to form the light source images closer to the illumination surface than the second fly-eye lens. The light source and the optical elements are configured to satisfy a condition of P2/P1≦2.0. In the condition, P1 represents an array pitch of the light source images in the first direction, and P2 represents an array pitch of the light source images in a second direction orthogonal to the first and optical axis directions. |
US09223119B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus having the same
A zoom lens includes a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, a third lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power, disposed in order from an object side to an image side, and an aperture stop between a lens surface closest to the object side of the second lens unit and a lens surface closest to the object side of the third lens unit, the third lens unit is moved to the image side during a focusing operation from an infinite object to a short distance object, the first lens unit is configured by at most two negative lenses and one positive lens, the third lens unit is configured by a single lens or a cemented lens, and an appropriate conditional expression are met. |
US09223117B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises five lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces and/or the refracting power of the lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened. |
US09223111B2 |
Zoom lens and cam frame thereof
A cam frame of a zoom lens is provided. The cam frame includes an end surface, a first cam groove including a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a zooming-collapsing operation portion connected between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, an introducing groove connecting the end surface and the first connecting portion, a second cam groove, and a first connecting groove connecting the second connecting portion and the second cam groove. |
US09223110B2 |
Lens barrel, imaging apparatus, and information device
A lens barrel includes: a cam cylinder on which a plurality of cam grooves is formed; a plurality of lens groups that has equal to or more than one lens each; and a plurality of lens-holding frames that integrally holds the lens per lens group, has a cam follower each that engages with each cam groove, and is moved along an optical axis direction along a track of each cam groove, each lens-holding frame having: a lens supporting part; and a cylindrical part, and on an outer circumferential surface of which the cam follower is protrusively provided, wherein an inner circumferential part corresponding to a position of the cam follower in the cylindrical part of each lens-holding frame and a cylindrical part of a lens-holding frame positioned on an image plane side are arranged to always overlap in the optical axis direction. |
US09223105B2 |
Communications bladed panel systems
A fiber panel system includes a chassis and at least a first blade configured to moveably mount to the chassis. Each blade includes a base, a frame, and front couplers. The base of each blade defines at least one opening at a location spaced rearwardly from the front couplers. The front couplers may be smart or passive. |
US09223104B2 |
Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool
A fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region and a bearing mount disposed in the interior region of the housing. A cable spool is connectedly engaged with the bearing mount such that the cable spool selectively rotates within the housing. A termination module disposed on the cable spool so that the termination module rotates in unison with the cable spool. A method of paying out a fiber optic cable from a fiber optic enclosure includes rotating a cable spool, which has a subscriber cable coiled around a spooling portion of the cable spool, about an axis of a housing of the fiber optic enclosure until a desired length of subscriber cable is paid out. A termination module is disposed on the cable spool. |
US09223102B1 |
Low-shrink reduced-diameter dry buffer tubes
Disclosed is a low-shrink buffer tube having a reduced diameter. The buffer tube provides adequate crush resistance and is suitable for deployments requiring mid-span access. |
US09223098B2 |
Lens array and optical module including the same
A lens array satisfies a+b+d1+e+ΔL≦W1 where: a: positional accuracy of first lens faces 11, b: positional accuracy of second lens faces 12, d1: positional accuracy of light-emitting elements 7, e: positional accuracy of optical fibers 5, ΔL=α×ΔT×L (α: coefficient of linear expansion of lens array main body 4; ΔT: temperature change in the lens array main body 4; and L: distance from a fixed position on a first surface 4a to a position of a lens face on the first surface 4a farthest from the fixed position), W1: a distance between attachment positions before and after movement, under a premise that a photovoltaic device 3 is moved from an attachment position at which optical coupling efficiency between the light-emitting elements 7 and fiber ends 5a indicates a maximum efficiency to an attachment position at which efficiency reduction equivalent to 2 dB is indicated. |
US09223095B2 |
Connector with interface protection
An optical fiber assembly includes a housing with a mating face and a housing axis. A ferrule has a plurality of optical fibers positioned therein. A cover is slidably mounted on the housing adjacent the mating face. A mating guide is positioned at an angle to the housing axis to guide relative movement of the housing from a first operative position at which the housing axis is spaced from the mated axis to a second operative position at which the housing axis is generally aligned with a mated axis of a mating component. An assembly of cable assemblies and a method of mating are also provided. |
US09223094B2 |
Flexible optical circuit, cassettes, and methods
A fiber optic cassette includes a body defining a front and an opposite rear. A cable entry location, such as a multi-fiber connector, is defined on the body for a cable to enter the cassette, wherein a plurality of optical fibers from the cable extend into the cassette and form terminations at one or more single or multi-fiber connectors adjacent the front of the body. A flexible substrate is positioned between the cable entry location and the connectors adjacent the front of the body, the flexible substrate rigidly supporting the plurality of optical fibers. Each of the connectors adjacent the front of the body includes a ferrule. Dark fibers can be provided if not all fiber locations are used in the multi-fiber connectors. Multiple flexible substrates can be used with one or more multi-fiber connectors. |
US09223089B1 |
Fiber optic termination
Fiber optic terminations are disclosed for discriminating between potentially damaging energy and energy that has potential utility, internally conditioning and coupling only the energy that may safely be delivered by the optical fiber, particularly where the fiber traverses small radii and tortuous pathways, and harmlessly dissipating the potentially damaging energy within the fiber optic termination. |
US09223087B2 |
Imprinted multi-level optical circuit structure
An imprinted optical micro-channel structure for transmitting light to an optical receiver or receiving light from an optical transmitter includes a substrate and a cured optical layer formed in relation to the substrate. The cured optical layer includes one or more optical micro-channels imprinted in the cured optical layer. Each optical micro-channel includes a cured light-transparent material forming a light-pipe that transmits light in the optical micro-channel. The optical transmitter is located in alignment with a light-pipe for transmitting light through the light-pipe or the optical receiver is located in alignment with a light-pipe for receiving light from the light-pipe. |
US09223085B2 |
Optical transport fibre and method for producing same
An optical fiber for transmitting laser beams includes at least one fiber core, at least one fiber jacket, a sheath encompassing the fiber jacket, an interlayer between the fiber jacket and the sheath, in which the refractive index of the interlayer is lower than a refractive index of the corresponding fiber jacket that is in contact with the interlayer, and an outputting means for outputting leakage radiation from the fiber. |
US09223083B2 |
Multicore fiber
A multicore fiber includes a plurality of cores, a cladding that encloses the plurality of the cores, and a marker disposed in the cladding. The plurality of the cores is arranged and disposed on a linear line passed through the center of the cladding. The marker is disposed along the length direction of the cladding on a portion on which the marker does not overlap the cores in a first direction in which the plurality of the cores is arranged on the linear line and does not overlap the core in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. |
US09223082B2 |
Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display device, and the backlight assembly comprises: a light guide plate; a base plate, disposed on an opposite side of a light emitting side of the light guide plate; and a back plate, disposed on a side of the light guide plate along an edge of the base plate, wherein an edge-type light source is disposed on a side facing the light guide plate of the back plate, the back plate is pivotally connected with the base plate via a rotation axis, and the back plate rotates about the rotation axis. |
US09223081B2 |
Optical member and display device including the same
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device including the same. The optical member includes a wavelength conversion layer to convert a wavelength of an incident light; a first anti-reflective layer on a first surface of the wavelength conversion layer; and a second anti-reflective layer under a second surface of the wavelength conversion layer opposite to the first surface. |
US09223079B2 |
Light guide plate and backlight module
A light guide plate and a backlight module are described. The light guide plate includes a main body and a plurality of stripe microstructures. The main body includes a light incidence surface, a light-emitting surface and a light reflective surface. The light-emitting surface is opposite to the light reflective surface, and the light incidence surface is connected between the light-emitting surface and the light reflective surface. The light-emitting surface includes a microstructure region adjacent to the light incidence surface. The stripe microstructures are arranged in the microstructure region, and parallel to a normal line of the light incidence surface. |
US09223077B2 |
Light guide plate and light source module
A light guide plate including a first surface, a second surface, at least one light incident surface, and a plurality of groove sets is provided. The light incident surface connects the first surface and the second surface. The groove sets are separately disposed on the second surface. Each of the groove sets includes a plurality of curved grooves. Each of the curved grooves has a curved inclined reflective surface and a curved back-to-light surface connected thereto. The curved inclined reflective surface is inclined with respect to the first surface. The curved grooves of each of the groove sets curve toward the same curving direction. The curved inclined reflective surface of one of two adjacent curved grooves is connected to the curved back-to-light surface of the other one of the two adjacent curved grooves through a connection surface. A light source module is also provided. |
US09223075B2 |
Direct type backlight module
A backlight module includes a light guide assembly and a light source assembly. The light guide assembly includes a back cover, a reflective sheet, a light guide plate, and an optical film. The light source assembly includes a lamp cover, a light plate, and a plurality of light sources. The back cover and the reflective sheet define a first opening and a second opening. The light guide plate includes two prism shaped protrusion portions parallel to each other, and two surfaces of the two protrusion portions facing each other are a first incident portion and a second incident portion inclined to the light guide plate, and an area between the first incident surface and the second incident surface is third incident surface. The protrusion portions extend into the lamp cover, and the light source assembly is positioned below the third incident portion. |
US09223074B2 |
Light guide plate and area light source device
A light guide plate has an end surface configured to have light incident thereon, a light introduction part that confines light incident through the end surface, and a light guide plate body disposed to be continuously joined to the light introduction part. The light guide plate body has a thickness smaller than a maximum thickness of the light introduction part. The light guide plate body outputs the incident light to an outside from a lighting region through a light exit part. The light introduction part includes an inclined surface in at least one of a light-exit-side surface and an opposite surface of the light-exit-side surface. The directivity change pattern changes directivity of the light passing to the lighting region from the light introduction part. |
US09223071B2 |
Light-emitting device, vehicle headlamp and illumination apparatus
A headlamp includes the laser chip which emits excitation light, a light-emitting section which contains a phosphor, and an optical rod. The excitation light emitted from the laser chip is optically guided by the optical rod, and the light output from the optical rod enters the light-emitting section. An edge is present in the light intensity distribution of the light-emitting section. |
US09223070B2 |
Optical film, polarizing plate equipped with the optical film, process for manufacture of the polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display device
Provided is an optical film which does not undergo the deterioration in front contrast or contrast fluctuations even when used in a VA-type liquid crystal display device having high front contrast or as a polarizing plate protection film. The optical film comprises a cellulose ester resin having high stretching adequacy and having an average acetyl group substitution degree of 2.0-2.6, has a phase difference (Ro) of 30-100 nm, a phase difference (Rth) of 70-400 nm and a film thickness of 15-50 μm, and is characterized by fulfilling a requirement represented by formula (I). Formula (I): 0.01 |
US09223067B2 |
Display device and thin film polarizer used for display device
A display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first polarization element film which is directly formed on a surface of the second substrate on a side opposite to a side where the first substrate is arranged, and a first polarization layer which is formed in contact with a surface of the first polarization element film on a side opposite to a side where the second substrate is arranged. The first polarization element film is made of an aligned lyotropic liquid crystal material, and the first protective layer is made of a material having a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the first polarization element film in a transmission axis direction, and has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first polarization element film. |
US09223063B2 |
Sensing method and system for fresnel lens
A sensing method and system for Fresnel lenses are disclosed, the system including a first Fresnel lens unit for sensing the signal of a target object crossing a first boundary of a sensing area, a second Fresnel lens unit for sensing the signal of a target object crossing a second boundary of the sensing area, a third Fresnel lens unit for sensing the signal of a target object crossing a third boundary of the sensing area, and a sensing unit for receiving and processing the sensed signals of the Fresnel lens units. The first and second Fresnel lens units are arranged on two sides of the third Fresnel lens unit. Furthermore, it is possible to add more Fresnel lens units above, below or around the Fresnel lens units. By monitoring the boundaries of the sensing area, the sensing method and system for the Fresnel lenses improve the insufficiency of the sensing area, reduce cost and save power consumption. |
US09223062B2 |
Imaging lens
A compact, wide view-field imaging lens with a small F-value which corrects aberrations properly. Its elements are arranged in order from an object side to an image side: an aperture stop, positive first lens having convex surfaces on the object and image sides, negative second lens having a concave object-side surface near an optical axis, positive meniscus third lens having a convex image-side surface, and negative meniscus double-sided aspheric fourth lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis. Its F-value is smaller than 2.4 and it satisfies conditional expressions (1) to (3) below: 0.15 |
US09223059B2 |
Benzocyclobutene compound, organic-inorganic composite particle, cross-linked organic-inorganic composite particle, organic-inorganic composite composition, cross-linked organic-inorganic composite composition, and optical device utilizing the same
There is provided a benzocyclobutene compound represented by Formula (1) where n is an integer from 0 to 2, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and A is selected from a direct bond and a substituted or unsubstituted chain saturated divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. |
US09223058B1 |
Platform, systems, and methods for utilizing crowdsourced sensor networks to generate environmental data reports
The platforms, systems, methods and computer readable media provided herein monitor a shore or near shore environment using a plurality of sensors, each sensor associated with a near shore water recreationist or near shore water recreationist equipment. The platforms, systems, methods and computer readable media provided herein include a server application configured to generate and transmit an environmental data report. The platforms, systems, methods and computer readable media provided herein include a device configured to receive the environmental data report. |
US09223053B2 |
Object detection apparatus and method for vehicle using a reference wavelength value extracted from a plurality of calculated correction wavelength values and outputting pixel data having value larger than the reference wavelength value
Provided is an object detection apparatus using a general camera sensor for adjusting detection sensitivity to an object (pedestrian or animal) even in an urban area in which the scattered reflection of a light source is severe. The object detection apparatus overcomes the limitations of a related art object detection apparatus using a thermal imaging camera which is incapable of adjusting detection sensitivity to an obstacle (pedestrian or animal) in an urban area in which the scattered reflection of a light source is severe. |
US09223051B2 |
X-ray based system and methods for inspecting a person's shoes for aviation security threats
The present application discloses a system for scanning a shoe for illegal materials. The system includes an X-ray source for projecting a beam of X-rays onto the shoe, a detector array for detecting X-rays transmitted through the shoe and at least one metal detector coil for detecting metals within the shoe. The system produces a radiographic image of the shoe by processing the detected X-rays and data obtained from the at least one metal detector coil. Other embodiments are directed toward other screening technologies, including millimeter wave screening technologies. |
US09223048B2 |
System and method to detect a fluid flow without a tipping pulse
An apparatus and method to detect a fluid flow. The apparatus includes a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tool to perform an NMR measurement on the fluid in a sensitive volume by establishing a magnetic field in the sensitive volume that exhibits a change in magnitude in a direction of the fluid flow when the fluid flow is radial with respect to the NMR tool and by transmitting refocus pulses, without any tipping pulse, to obtain the NMR measurement comprising spin echo signals. The system also includes a processor to receive the NMR measurement from the NMR tool and determine whether the fluid flow exists based on an amplitude of the NMR measurement. |
US09223047B2 |
Formation resistivity measurements using phase controlled currents
Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole and having a first transmitter electrode configured to inject electrical current into the formation and a first measurement electrode configured to receive electrical current for measurement due to the current injection in order to estimate the property of the earth formation. A controller is configured to determine a phase difference between injected electrical current and received electrical current. A first bucker amplifier is coupled to the first measurement electrode and configured to apply a voltage to the first measurement electrode based on the determined phase difference in order for a phase of current received by the first measurement electrode to be substantially in phase with the current injected by the first transmitter electrode. |
US09223042B2 |
Systems and methods for the quantitative estimate of production-forecast uncertainty
Systems and methods for updating posterior geological models by integrating various reservoir data to support dynamic-quantitative data-inversion, stochastic-uncertainty-management and smart reservoir-management. |
US09223039B2 |
System and method for generating micro-seismic events and characterizing properties of a medium with non-linear acoustic interactions
A method and system includes generating a first coded acoustic signal including pulses each having a modulated signal at a central frequency; and a second coded acoustic signal each pulse of which includes a modulated signal a central frequency of which is a fraction d of the central frequency of the modulated signal for the corresponding pulse in the first plurality of pulses. A receiver detects a third signal generated by a non-linear mixing process in the mixing zone and the signal is processed to extract the third signal to obtain an emulated micro-seismic event signal occurring at the mixing zone; and to characterize properties of the medium or creating a 3D image of the properties of the medium, or both, based on the emulated micro-seismic event signal. |
US09223035B2 |
Radiographic image detector
The invention provides radiographic image detectors in which a scintillator layer itself exhibits improved flexibility and is prevented from crystal breakage while the scintillator layer and a photoelectric conversion element are bonded to each other via uniform thickness without forming defects.The radiographic image detector includes a substrate, a scintillator layer with a columnar crystal structure disposed on the substrate, an optical coupling layer and a photoelectric conversion element. The scintillator layer has a flexural elastic modulus Esc satisfying relationships represented by Expression (I) as measured by a cantilever test in which the scintillator layer disposed on the substrate is held in a cantilever condition and is bent under a uniformly distributed load with the columnar crystal structure side being bent outward: Esc≦−0.43M+372 and Esc≧−0.16M+98 (I) (In Expression (I), Esc is the flexural elastic modulus (kg/mm2) of the scintillator layer and M is the thickness (μm) of the scintillator layer). |
US09223033B2 |
Scintillator array and methods of forming a scintillator array and a radiation detector
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a scintillator array including a reflector disposed between the scintillator pixels, and methods of forming the scintillator array and radiation detector. In an embodiment, the reflector can be used in the scintillator array without an adhesive. In another embodiment, the reflector can be disposed in a zigzag pattern between the scintillator pixels. |
US09223031B2 |
Method for timing-pick-off of undersampled pulses from radiation detectors using a photosensor-based radiation detection system applying a prototype waveform and a weighting function
A process and device for generating a prototype waveform and a weighting function. The process including obtaining waveforms generated by a detector having at least one photosensor, generating an initial estimate for the prototype waveform and the weighting function and parameterizing the prototype waveform and the weighting function and determining for each waveform an optimal amplitude and an optimal time offset of the prototype waveform. Included are steps of pairing waveforms based on the determined time offsets of the waveforms, calculating an arrival time difference for each pair of waveforms and determining a timing resolution value based on the calculated arrival time differences, determining whether the timing resolution value meets predetermined minimization criteria, and updating the set of parameters for the prototype waveform and the weighting function and repeating the determining, pairing, calculating, and determining, when the timing resolution value fails to meet the predetermined minimization criteria. |
US09223029B2 |
Positioning device and storage medium
An equation derivation section derives an observation equation that employs M epochs worth of GPS data and INS data as observation values to derive for each of the GPS satellites a float solution for number of waves of GPS data carrier wave between each of plural GPS satellites and a vehicle, wherein the range of float solutions of the number of waves is constrained by the vehicle travel path estimated based on M epochs worth of INS data. The observation equation is solved by a float solution computation section and float solutions computed for the number of waves N and the position of the vehicle for each of the GPS satellites. Fixed solutions with highest consistency are computed by a fixed solution computation section based on the float solutions for the number of waves N for each of the GPS satellites and the position of the vehicle. |
US09223023B2 |
Proximity sensing systems and methods
Methods, systems and device are provided for improving the range and accuracy of proximity measurement such as in ultrasonic sensing systems. In particular, the blind zone caused by reverberation signals can be reduced or eliminated by attenuating signals received during the time period corresponding to the blind zone without. In an implementation, an attenuator circuit is selected by a switch to process received signals during the blind zone time period and deselected by the switch after the time zone time period. Additionally, the accuracy and range of the measurement can be improved by varying the gain provided to the received signals based on the varying measuring distance. In an implementation, a gain-adjustable amplifier is controlled by a gain control signal to provide incremental gain as time increases. |
US09223022B2 |
Linear and circular downscan imaging sonar
A method for providing a combined linear and circular downscan sonar display may include receiving linear downscan sonar data from a linear downscan transducer, receiving conical downscan sonar data from a circular downscan transducer, and combining the linear downscan sonar data and the conical downscan sonar data to produce combined downscan sonar data. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also provided. |
US09223019B2 |
TCAS bearing estimation with reduced antenna elements
Systems and methods for calculating coherent bearing that allow one to reduce the number of TCAS antenna elements. In one embodiment, the bearing calculation takes into account signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) difference experienced from top and bottom antennas mounted on a vehicle. |
US09223011B2 |
Ultrasonic signal processing device and ultrasonic signal processing method
An ultrasonic signal processing method includes: measuring a sound velocity in a subject according to transmission/reception data acquired in ultrasonic transmission of M times (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and less than N) along different transmission focus lines among ultrasonic transmission of N times (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) along multiple transmission focus lines in a case where ultrasonic transmission is sequentially performed at least one time on each of multiple transmission focus lines to create an ultrasonic image for one frame. |
US09223002B2 |
System and method for determining the position of an underwater vehicle
A system and a method are provided for determining the position of an underwater vehicle while the vehicle is operating underwater. A buoyant float stays on or near the surface of the water and is attached to the vehicle by thin tether that can include insulated wires. The vehicle moves under the water and pulls the float behind it. The float can receive a localization signal, such as a signal indicating its GPS position, and so can determine its position precisely. The position can be transmitted to the underwater vehicle over the wires located in the tether. The underwater vehicle can use sensors and/or calculations to determine the positional offset of the vehicle from the float buoy and generates its true position based on the known position of the float and the positional offset. The float can be constructed with attributes that will allow the float it operate with a greater tether length, and in turn allow the underwater vehicle to operate at greater depths. The float may also generally carry a radio system for high speed communication of signals from the vehicle while the vehicle is submerged. |
US09223001B2 |
MR imaging using navigators
The invention relates to a method of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of at least a portion of a body (10) placed in a stationary and substantially homogeneous main magnetic field. The method comprises the following steps; —exciting nuclear magnetization selectively within a spatially restricted volume of interest (20) by subjecting the portion to an imaging sequence (IMG) comprising at least one RF pulse (α) and switched magnetic field gradients (GX/GY); —acquiring at least one MR imaging signal from the volume of interest (20); —exciting nuclear magnetization within a spatially restricted navigator volume (21) by subjecting said portion to a navigator sequence (NAV) comprising at least one RF pulse and switched magnetic field gradients, wherein the navigator volume (21) at least partially overlaps with the volume of interest (20); —acquiring at least one MR navigator signal from said navigator volume (21); —reconstructing a MR image from the acquired MR imaging signals. It is an object of the invention to enable MR imaging with reliable motion detection and high image quality. For this purpose, the invention proposes that the nuclear magnetization within the volume of interest (20) is transformed back into longitudinal magnetization prior to application of the navigator sequence (NAV) by subjecting said portion to an unlabeling sequence (UNLBL) comprising at least one RF pulse (−α). |
US09222999B2 |
Magnetic resonance relaxation along a fictitious field
A system includes a driving module, a processor, and a readout module. The driving module is configured to apply a perturbation to a sample. The processor is configured to define a plurality of different rotating frames relative to the perturbation, wherein each frame has a corresponding fictitious field. The readout module is coupled to the processor and is configured to generate an output based on relaxation of the sample as a function of the perturbation. |
US09222997B2 |
Gradient coil power supply and a magnetic resonance imaging system
A gradient coil power supply includes: at least two H-bridge circuits connected in series, wherein each H-bridge circuit supplies: voltage of a first polarity when in a first switching state, voltage of a second polarity when in a second switching state, no voltage when in a third switching state, and no voltage when in a fourth switching state; and a controller for controlling the switching of the H-bridge circuits. The controller is adapted for: receiving a gradient pulse sequence; creating a switching plan for controlling the switching of the H-bridge circuits, wherein the switching plan includes controlling the voltage output of the gradient coil power supply by alternating between the first switching state and the second switching state, and at least one H-bridge circuit being in either the third or fourth switching state for part of the switching plan to cool the H-bridge circuit; and executing the switching plan. |
US09222994B2 |
Perpendicular spin torque oscillator FMR frequency measurement method
A method for measuring the frequency in a spin torque oscillator having at least a magnetic oscillation layer (MOL), junction layer, and magnetic reference layer (MRL) is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a small in-plane magnetic field is applied to the STO after a DC current is applied to excite the MOL into an oscillation state. The MRL has a perpendicular magnetization that is tilted slightly to give an in-plane magnetization component to serve as a reference layer for measuring the oscillation frequency of the MOL in-plane magnetization component. An AC voltage change is produced in the DC current as a result of variable STO resistance and directly correlates to MOL oscillation frequency. Alternatively, a field having both perpendicular and in-plane components may be applied externally or by forming the STO between two magnetic poles thereby producing an in-plane magnetization reference component in the MRL. |
US09222993B2 |
Magnetic substance detection device
The invention is related to a magnetic substance detection device for detecting a magnetic substance, including: a magnetoresistive sensor arranged in the middle of a movement path of the magnetic substance; and a lower magnet in which a south pole and a north pole are arrayed along the movement direction of the magnetic substance; and a upper magnet in which a north pole and a south pole are arrayed along the movement direction of the magnetic substance. The lower and upper magnets are arranged with the movement path of the magnetic substance interposed so that the south pole of the lower magnet and the north pole of the upper magnet are opposed to each other, and the north pole of the lower magnet and the south pole of the upper magnet are opposed to each other, whereby the magnetic substance can be detected with high accuracy. |
US09222987B2 |
Ambulatory infusion device with sensor testing unit
An ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid drug into a patient's body over an extended period of time and methods thereof are disclosed. The device includes a sensor assembly, which produces a sensor assembly output based on an infusion characteristic of the ambulatory infusion device and based on a supply voltage/current, and a supply unit which is coupled to a sensor of the sensor assembly and generates the supply voltage/current. A sensor testing unit detects a failure of the sensor assembly, wherein the sensor testing unit is coupled to the sensor assembly and the supply unit, and the sensor testing unit carries out a sensor testing sequence. The sensor testing sequence includes controlling the supply unit so as to produce a variation of the supply voltage/current, and determining whether the variation of the supply voltage/current produces a corresponding variation of the sensor assembly output. |
US09222985B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing battery system
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is an apparatus for managing a battery system having a plurality of battery cells connected in series, the apparatus comprising a performance measurement section for measuring a performance of each of the battery cells; a cell switching section for turning on or off a connection of each battery cell to other battery cells; and a controlling section for comparing the performance of each battery cell measured by the performance measurement section with a reference performance and, in the presence of the battery cell(s) having measured performance lower than the reference performance, controlling the cell switching section to interrupt the connection of the relevant battery cell(s) to other battery cells. |
US09222982B2 |
Test apparatus and operating method thereof
A test apparatus includes a test apparatus may include a core suitable for accommodating a semiconductor device to be tested, a wrapper data register suitable for storing data used for testing the semiconductor device, and a bandwidth controller suitable for adaptively controlling a data bandwidth between the core and the wrapper data register according to the semiconductor device to be tested. |
US09222980B2 |
IC test circuitry and adapter with data transport control register
A system and method for sharing a communications link between multiple protocols is described. A system includes a communications interface configured to exchange information with other systems using at least one of a plurality of protocols; a protocol select register that stores a value that selects a protocol from among the plurality of protocols to become an active protocol; and a state machine accessible to the communications interface, the state machine used to control the exchange of information through the communications interface according to the active protocol. The active protocol is used by the communications interface to exchange information while the remaining protocols of the plurality of protocols remain inactive. The state machine sequences through a series of states that cause the communications interface to operate according to the active protocol, and that are designated as inert sequences under the remaining protocols. |
US09222979B2 |
On-chip controller and a system-on-chip
An on-chip clock controller includes a clock-control chain configured to shift first clock-control bits in serial and output the first clock-control bits to a first clock domain in parallel in response to a clock-control scan clock provided from outside of a chip, and a first domain clock generator, the first domain clock generator configured, during a test mode, to generate a first internal clock by selectively outputting a first data scan clock provided from outside of the chip or a first functional clock generated from inside of the chip. |
US09222977B2 |
Semiconductor test system and method
A test controller applies test stimulus signals to the input pads of plural die on a wafer in parallel. The test controller also applies encoded test response signals to the output pads of the plural die in parallel. The encoded test response signals are decoded on the die and compared to core test response signals produced from applying the test stimulus signals to core circuits on the die. The comparison produces pass/fail signals that are loaded in to scan cells of an IEEE 1149.1 scan path. The pass/fail signals then may be scanned out of the die to determine the results of the test. |
US09222976B1 |
Methods and circuits for debugging multiple IC packages
Various example implementations are directed to circuits and methods for debugging multiple integrated circuit (IC) packages. According to an example implementation, a first logic analyzer in a first IC package determines a latency of a data link. In response to test input data, the first logic analyzer communicates the test input data to a second IC package, via the data link, and captures a first set of data signals from a logic circuit in the first IC package. In response to test input data, a second logic analyzer in the second IC package captures a second set of data signals from a second logic circuit and communicates the second set of data signals to the first logic analyzer circuit via the data link. The first logic analyzer aligns the first and second sets of data signals, based on the determined latency, and outputs the aligned sets of data signals. |
US09222974B2 |
System and method for reducing voltage drop during automatic testing of integrated circuits
A system and method for testing an integrated circuit using methodologies to reduce voltage drop during ATPG and LBIST testing. In one embodiment, delay elements may be added to a clock circuit used to generate the various clock signals that trigger the switching of the various electronic components. In another embodiment, logic circuitry may be added to a clock generation circuit to isolate clock domains in order to enable a clock signal in each clock domain in a specific pattern. In yet another embodiment, capture phases for LBIST testing may be made to be asynchrounous within each capture phase, such that data capture for one LBIST partition may be timed different from other capture phases for other LBIST partitions. Finally, a further embodiment ATPG circuitry may also be partitioned such that logic circuitry only enables one (or less than all) ATPG partition at a time. |
US09222971B2 |
Functional path failure monitor
System circuitry includes a logic circuit having an input and an output that is a functional element of the system circuitry. Pattern application circuitry is coupled to the input of the logic circuit and provides an input pattern to the input of the logic circuit. The input pattern has a valid signature based upon a comparison of the input and the output of the logic circuit when the logic circuit is functioning properly. A logic comparator is coupled to the input and the output of the logic circuit and generates pulses in response to the input pattern. A counter is coupled to the logic comparator that obtains a count of the pulses generated by the logic comparator in response to the input pattern. A signature comparator is coupled to the counter and generates a warning signal if the valid signature is different from the count. |
US09222969B2 |
Self-isolating mixed design-rule integrated yield monitor
Assessing open circuit and short circuit defect levels in circuits implemented in state of the art ICs is difficult when using conventional test circuits, which are designed to assess continuity and isolation performance of simple structures based on individual design rules. Including circuit blocks from ICs in test circuits provides a more accurate assessment of defect levels expected in ICs using the circuit blocks. Open circuit defect levels may be assessed using continuity chains formed by serially linking continuity paths in the circuit blocks. Short circuit defect levels may be assessed by using parallel isolation test structures formed by linking isolated conductive elements in parallel to buses. Forming isolation connections on a high metal level enables location of shorted elements using voltage contrast on partially deprocessed or partially fabricated test circuits. |
US09222968B2 |
Monitoring system for detecting degradation of integrated circuit
A monitoring system for detecting stress degradation of a semiconductor integrated circuit has an amplifier circuit and degradation test transistors. Multiplexers are provided that have an output coupled to a respective electrode of the degradation test transistor. Each of the multiplexers has an input coupled to one of the monitor nodes and a respective node of the amplifier circuit. In operation, the multiplexers selectively insert the degradation test transistor into either the integrated circuit or the amplifier circuit so that when inserted into the integrated circuit the degradation test transistor is subjected to stress degradation voltages in the integrated circuit. When the degradation test transistor is inserted into the amplifier circuit, an output signal is generated that is indicative of stress degradation of the integrated circuit. |
US09222965B2 |
Translators coupleable to opposing surfaces of microelectronic substrates for testing, and associated systems and methods
Translators coupleable to opposing surfaces of microelectronic substrates for testing, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An arrangement in accordance with one embodiment includes a microelectronic substrate having a first major surface, a second major face facing opposite from the first major surface, and electrically conductive through-substrate vias extending through the substrate and electrically accessible from both the first and second surfaces. The arrangement further includes a first translator releasably connected to the substrate and positioned in a first region extending outwardly from the first surface, the first translator including first electrical signal paths that access the vias from the first surface, and a second translator releasably connected to the substrate simultaneously with the first translator, the second translator being positioned in a second region extending outwardly from the second surface, the second translator including second electrical signal paths that access the vias from the second surface. |
US09222963B2 |
Systems and methods for metering and analyzing energy consumption of events within a portable device
System and methods to determine the energy consumption per event type from usage data of portable devices are described. An example method includes accessing battery usage data for a first portable device, the battery usage data comprising a plurality of measurements, the measurements including an energy usage by the first portable device during a first time period and an identification of software functions executed by the first portable device during the first time period, and determining at portion of the energy usage attributable to a first one of the software functions based on the measurements. |
US09222962B2 |
Automatic gain control apparatus, automatic gain control method, and receiver
An automatic gain control apparatus includes: a first counter configured to calculate a first count value that is the number of times when a voltage of an input signal exceeds a first voltage threshold within a predetermined period; a second counter configured to calculate a second count value that is the number of times when the voltage of the input signal drops below a second voltage threshold in the predetermined period; and an over-range detector configured to detect an over-range, based on a comparison result obtained by comparing either one of each of the first count value and the second count value and a calculation result of the first count value and the second count value with a predetermined threshold, and output a detection result. |
US09222959B2 |
Method for the collective fabrication of carbon nanofibers on the surface of micropatterns constructed on the surface of a substrate
The invention relates to a nanofiber fabrication method comprising nanofiber growth from a catalyst zone, furthermore comprising the following steps: producing at least one micropattern (11) on the surface of a substrate (1); producing a catalyst zone (50) on the surface of said micropattern; nanofiber growth from the catalyst zone, characterized in that the micropattern (11) comprises a base, at least partially convergent side walls and an upper face, said base being covered with a so-called “poison” layer (4) where no nanofiber growth catalysis effect can take place, the so-called “poison” layer not being present on said upper face; the base being covered with a catalyst layer (5) on the surface of the so-called “poison” layer; the thickness of the “poison” layer and the thickness of the catalyst layer being such that the nanofibers cannot grow either on the side walls or on the base of the micropatterns constructed beforehand. |
US09222958B2 |
Beam scanning system
Apparatus for illuminating a probe of a probe microscope. A lens is arranged to receive a beam and focus it onto the probe. A scanning system varies over time the angle of incidence at which the beam enters the lens relative to its optical axis. The scanning system is typically arranged to move the beam so as to track movement of the probe, thereby maintaining the location on the probe at which the beam is focused. The scanning system may comprise a beam steering mirror which reflects the beam towards the lens; and a mirror actuator for rotating the beam steering mirror. |
US09222957B2 |
Coupler for smart electrical wheel for electrical bikes
A wheel assembly having a motor attached to a hub within the wheel assembly such that the motor powers the wheel assembly to rotate about an axle once the motor receives a predetermined amount of power. A battery system is configured to deliver power to said motor, the battery system is arranged to rotate with the wheel assembly. A sensor system within the wheel assembly that provides data to a control system related to velocity and angle of orientation of the assembly. A load transferring quick-release mechanism is also disclosed for coupling the wheel assembly to a vehicle wheel attachment frame member and a method is provided for calibrating the same. |
US09222956B2 |
High bandwidth linear flexure bearing
A system and a method are disclosed for a high bandwidth linear flexure bearing, which may be particularly useful in high end accelerometers and high-precision linear servo mechanisms. Certain embodiments may apply to sensors that measure motion in one dimension. Such embodiments may substantially improve the off-axis performance of the sensors providing ultra-repeatability while maintaining linearity of motion and linearity in spring rate Some embodiments use spring flexures and flex-couplers to support the sensor stage and connect it to the reference base. Several embodiments are disclosed that may fit the needs of specific applications in the area of high-end servos and accelerometers. |
US09222953B2 |
Device, system, and method for selecting a target analyte or fluid
This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula. |
US09222949B2 |
Salvinorin immunoassay
The present invention provides an immunoassay method for detecting or determining the amount of salvinorin A, salvinorin B and/or analogues thereof in an in vitro sample, an antibody for salvinorin A, salvinorin B and/or analogues thereof and a kit for detecting the presence of or determining the amount of salvinorin A, salvinorin B and its analogues thereof in a sample. |
US09222948B2 |
Methods of measuring amount of cholesteryl ester in a blood sample
A method of measuring an amount of at least one cholesteryl ester in a blood sample is carried out by combining a blood sample with a salt and an alcohol to provide a dilute sample; introducing the dilute sample into a mass spectrometer; and then measuring the amount of the at least one cholesteryl ester in the dilute sample by mass spectrometry, to thereby measure the amount of at least one cholesteryl ester in the blood sample, is described. |
US09222947B2 |
Anti-sAPPβ antibody
Provided are a monoclonal antibody capable of specifically recognizing a specific region of sAPP β or a fragment of said antibody and an assay method and an assay kit using the same, in order to accurately assay sAPPβ contained in a biological sample. |
US09222941B2 |
Glucose sensor molecules
The present invention provides a glucose sensor having a glucose receptor containing a binding site of formula (I): wherein X, n, m and R1 are defined herein. Also provided is a glucose sensor molecule for use in such a glucose sensor, the glucose sensor molecule containing the binding site of formula (I). The binding site has been found to have particularly good selectivity for glucose. |
US09222937B2 |
Method for detecting nucleosomes
The invention relates to a method for detecting and measuring the presence of mono-nucleosomes and oligo-nucleosomes and the use of such measurements for the detection and diagnosis of disease. |
US09222936B2 |
Methods and/or use of oligonucleotide conjugates for suppressing background due to cross-hybridization
The present disclosure is directed to methods and/or uses of oligonucleotide conjugates for assays and detections and related systems and/or kits for suppressing background due to cross-hybridization. Certain methods are directed to a method for detecting one or more biological targets of a sample in a detection assay, comprising: providing a molecular probe, comprising a binding moiety and an oligonucleotide sequence, to a sample comprising one or more biological targets; binding the one or more biological targets with the binding moiety; providing a detectable component to the sample, wherein the detectable component comprises a signal generating moiety conjugated to an oligonucleotide sequence complementary to the oligonucleotide sequence of the molecular probe; hydridizing the oligonucleotide sequence of the target-bound molecular probe to the detectable component; and detecting a signal generated from the hydridized detectable component. Various other embodiments, applications etc. are disclosed herein. |
US09222933B2 |
Compounds and method of identifying, synthesizing, optimizing and profiling protein modulators
This invention relates to methods of identifying, synthesizing, optimizing and profiling compounds that are inhibitors or activators of proteins, both naturally occurring endogenous proteins as well as certain variant forms of endogenous proteins, and novel methods of identifying such variants. The method accelerates the identification and development of compounds as potential therapeutically effective drugs by simplifying the pharmaceutical discovery and creation process through improvements in hit identification, lead optimization, biological profiling, and rapid elimination of toxic compounds. Implementation results in overall cost reductions in the drug discovery process resulting from the corresponding increases in efficiency. |
US09222929B2 |
Solvent surveillance in solvent-based heavy oil recovery processes
The present disclosure relates to solvent surveillance in heavy oil production. A method includes the steps of measuring an amount of a native bitumen marker (NBM) in a heavy oil, measuring an amount of the NBM in a recovery-aid solvent, measuring an amount of the NBM in a blend including the heavy oil and the recovery-aid solvent, and applying a blending model to determine a fraction of the recovery-aid solvent in the blend. |
US09222922B2 |
Chromatography of metal complexes
A high performance liquid chromatography method to routinely and reproducibly detect and quantitate metal complexes is provided. The metal complexes used in the method of the invention can be different metal complexes, or they can be stereoisomers of the same metal complexes. The high performance liquid chromatography method of the present invention is suitable for the separation of diastereomers of the same metal complexes. Also provided is a chiral high performance liquid chromatography method to separate enantiomers of metal complexes. Superoxide dismutase mimetic compounds are also provided. |
US09222920B2 |
Elemental analyzer
In order to provide an elemental analyzer that, without providing a buffer tank, can cope with measurements of a low concentration sample to a high concentration sample on the basis of a simple configuration, the elemental analyzer is provided with: an extraction furnace 1 adapted to heat a sample contained in a crucible R, and gasify an element contained in the sample into sample gas; an introduction flow path L1 adapted to introduce carrier gas into the extraction furnace 1; a lead-out flow path L2 adapted to, from the extraction furnace, lead out mixed gas in which the sample gas and the carrier gas are mixed; an elemental analysis part 3 that is provided in the lead-out flow path L2 and analyzes elements contained in the mixed gas; a bypass flow path L3 that branches from the introduction flow path L1 and joins the lead-out flow path L2; and a valve 4 that is provided in the bypass flow path L3 and can adjust an opening level. |
US09222917B2 |
Broadband eddy current probe
An eddy current probe is constructed with four coils in a wheatstone bridge configuration. |
US09222916B2 |
Through-coil arrangement, test apparatus with through-coil arrangement and testing method
A feed-through coil arrangement for an apparatus that tests long products via eddy current includes an exciter coil arrangement with an exciter coil having a passage opening for the long product, and a receiver coil arrangement around the opening. The receiver coil arrangement includes two segment coil arrangements distributed over the passage circumference, wherein each segment coil arrangement has a detection range covering only a circumferential section of the long product circumference. The segment coil arrangements are distributed over two shells surrounding the opening at different distances to a reference axis. First segment coil arrangements on a first shell are without reciprocal overlapping and second segment coil arrangements on a second shell are without reciprocal overlapping. The first and second segment coil arrangements are arranged circumferentially offset to one another such that the second segment coil arrangements detect circumferential sections not covered by the first segment coil arrangements. |
US09222915B2 |
Eddy current flaw detection system and eddy current flaw detection method
An eddy current flaw detection system includes an eddy current flaw detection probe having a substrate facing an inspection surface, and at least one exciting coil and at least two detecting coils provided on the substrate, a scanning device which scans the probe on the inspection surface, a scan control device which drives and controls the scanning device, an eddy current flaw detection device which acquires results of detection of a plurality of detection points corresponding to combinations of the exciting and detecting coils for each scan position of the probe, and a data processing/display device which processes data from the scan control device and the eddy current flaw detection device and thereby displays a result of flaw detection. The data processing/display device acquires three-dimensional coordinates of the detection points for each scan position of the probe and thereby creates three-dimensional flaw detection data. |
US09222912B2 |
Method for correcting the pump current of a sensor element
A method for operating a sensor element, in particular a lambda sensor, for determining the concentration of a gas component of a gas mixture, in which the gas component is removed from a measuring gas chamber by applying a pump voltage and the concentration of the gas component in the gas mixture is inferred therefrom. Oscillations of the pump current caused by dynamic pressure variations are taken into consideration for a correction of the sensor signal in that a frequency analysis of the pump current is carried out. |
US09222910B2 |
Underfill management system for a biosensor
A biosensor system including the underfill management system determines the analyte concentration in a sample from the at least one analytic output signal value. The underfill management system includes an underfill recognition system and an underfill compensation system. The underfill recognition system determines whether the test sensor initially is substantially full-filled or underfilled, indicates when the sample volume is underfilled so that additional sample may be added to the test sensor, and starts or stops the sample analysis in response to the sample volume. The underfill recognition system also may determine the initial degree of underfill. After the underfill recognition system determines the initial fill state of the test sensor, the underfill compensation system compensates the analysis based on the initial fill state of the test sensor to improve the measurement performance of the biosensor system for initially underfilled test sensors. |
US09222909B2 |
Biosensor and method for producing the same
A biosensor according to the present invention includes a first base material having an insulating surface; an adhesive layer located on the insulating surface of the first base material; and an electrode system and wiring sections fixed to the first base material via the adhesive layer. The electrode system includes top electrode layers and bottom electrode layers, and the bottom electrode layers are formed of a material having a higher conductivity than that of the top electrode layers; the electrode system includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and also includes an enzyme reaction section located on the working electrode, the enzyme reaction section containing an enzyme and an electron acceptor; and the bottom electrode layers and the wiring sections are integral with each other. |
US09222905B2 |
Device for the selective detection of benzene gas, method of obtaining it and detection of the gas therewith
Device for the selective detection of benzene gas, which comprises, on a base substrate, a combination of at least one functionalized multi- or single-wall carbon nanotube sensor decorated with rhodium clusters, and at least one functionalized multi- or single-wall carbon nanotube sensor decorated with metal clusters selected from gold, palladium, nickel and titanium, and/or undecorated, where said substrate additionally comprises means for measuring the variation in the resistance of said sensors. The device is useful at ambient temperature in the presence or absence of oxygen and easy to handle. It also relates to a method for the manufacturing thereof and for detecting the gas in the chemical industry, the petrochemical industry, petrol stations, or household, aeronautical or research applications. |
US09222903B2 |
Method of determining the softening- or dropping point
At least one of the softening point and the dropping point of a substance is determined with a measuring instrument that comprises a sample chamber (4), a temperature sensor (16), a heater device (11), a means for providing temperature/time target values, an image-recording means (5) and a controller unit (17) with a processor unit. The heater device heats the sample chamber, the temperature sensor measures the temperature in the sample chamber, and the image-recording means captures a visual image of the interior of the sample chamber. A method using the measuring instrument has at least the steps of determining the change over time of the sample as a function of temperature based on the recorded image/time data and actual temperature/time data, and of determining the dropping- or softening point of the sample based on the observed change over time as a function of temperature. |
US09222897B2 |
Method for characterizing a feature on a mask and device for carrying out the method
A mask inspection microscope is provided for characterizing a mask having a feature. The mask inspection microscope is configured to generate an aerial image of at least one segment of the feature of the mask, acquire a spatially resolved intensity distribution of the aerial image, and determine a total intensity from the intensities of at least one region of the aerial image. |
US09222895B2 |
Generalized virtual inspector
Generalized virtual inspectors are provided. One system includes two or more actual systems configured to perform one or more processes on specimen(s) while the specimen(s) are disposed within the actual systems. The system also includes one or more virtual systems coupled to the actual systems to thereby receive output generated by the actual systems and to send information to the actual systems. The virtual system(s) are configured to perform one or more functions using at least some of the output received from the actual systems. The virtual system(s) are not capable of having the specimen(s) disposed therein. |
US09222894B2 |
Detection device for detecting state of toner image, image forming apparatus employing the same, and method of removing foreign substance from the detection device
A detection device detecting a state of a toner image, an image forming apparatus including a detection device and method of detection are provided. The detection device includes a detector having a light window where light passes through and detecting a state of a toner image formed on an image bearing member via the light window, and a cleaner removing a pollutant attached to a surface of the light window. The cleaner includes an adsorption unit formed of a conductive material and reciprocating while being in contact with the surface of the light window and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage for adsorbing the pollutant to the adsorption unit. |
US09222886B2 |
Quantitating high titer samples by digital PCR
Systems, devices, methods, kits, and compositions for nucleic acid analysis using digital PCR are provided. In particular, methods to analyze high titer samples that cannot be divided into a sufficient number of partitions containing zero nucleic acid molecules per partition to allow for Poisson analysis (digital PCR analysis) are described. |
US09222885B2 |
Method for assaying nucleic acids by fluorescence
The invention relates to a method for determining the amount of nucleic acid present in a sample, wherein:—a fluorophore is added to the sample,—fluorescence intensities emitted by the fluorophore at least two emission wavelengths in response to light stimulations at least two excitation wavelengths respectively are measured, and—the amount of nucleic acid present in the sample is deduced from the measured fluorescence intensities. |
US09222884B2 |
Hydrogen peroxide sensitive metal nanoparticles, method for producing the same and hydrogen peroxide detection system comprising the same
Provided is a hydrogen peroxide sensitive metal nanoparticle including: a metal nanoparticle including a biocompatible metal and a hydrogen peroxide reactive ion which is bonded to a surface of the metal nanoparticle and is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide. |
US09222881B2 |
Vibrational spectroscopy for quantitative measurement of analytes
The present invention relates to systems and methods for the determination of the secondary structure composition of proteins using coherent two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy of backbone amide I vibrations (1580-1720 cm−1). Fractions of α-helix, β-sheet, and unassigned regions in globular proteins were determined by singular value decomposition using basis spectra from sixteen commercially-available proteins with known crystal structures. Preferred methods included removing each protein from the set and comparing the predicted composition against the crystal structure. The root-mean-squared (RMS) errors of the predicted secondary structure compositions were found to be 7.9% for α-helix, 5.5% for β-sheet, and 7.6% for unassigned regions. The structure analysis can also be performed using one-dimensional absorption spectra and the RMS errors are compared with those obtained from 2DIR. |
US09222871B2 |
Tracking of the rate of corrosion of a metal conduit traversed by a corrosive fluid
A method of tracking the rate of corrosion of a metal conduit traversed by a corrosive fluid, in which is provided a device arranged so as to form, when said device is installed on a wall of the metal conduit, a chamber able to receive gaseous hydrogen issuing by permeation across said wall of said conduit, the method comprising: (i) a step of treatment to eliminate a metallic species from the chamber, (ii) a step of measuring a quantity of hydrogen received in the chamber, with a view to estimating the rate of corrosion of the metal conduit. |
US09222868B2 |
High accuracy liquid density sensor
A liquid density sensor has a sensing module, a sensing rod and a floating device. The sensing module has a control circuit having computing functions. The sensing rod has a sensing line electrically connected to the control circuit. The floating device has a first magnetic unit and a floating ball mounted therein. The sensing rod is mounted through the floating device and the floating ball. The floating ball has a second magnetic unit. A specific gravity of the floating ball is lower than that of the floating device. The control circuit calculates a liquid density of liquid based on a distance between the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit according to a linear formula. |
US09222862B2 |
Piping stick systems and methods
Embodiments of a piping stick and methods of manufacturing and using a piping stick are disclosed herein. The piping stick can define a scalable volume including a plurality of piping sections and a plurality of control sections. The non-connected in his of the piping sections of the piping stick can be capped. The piping stick can be assembled by assembling the plurality of control sections and the plurality of piping sections, pressurizing, the piping stick at a first time, and determining the integrity of the piping stick by evaluating the pressure in the piping stick at a second time. |
US09222860B2 |
Tapping hammer for tapping test
The present invention provides a tapping hammer for tapping test, which can help a user to accurately control the tapping force during a tapping test. The tapping hammer comprises a hammerhead and a handle supporting the hammerhead, and further comprises an alarm, a power source and a conductor, a hollowed-out region is provided in the interior of the hammerhead, the hammerhead is elastically deformable and electrically connected to a first electrode of the power source; the conductor is fixed in the interior hollowed-out region, not electrically connected to the hammerhead while no tapping force is exerted on the hammerhead and electrically connected to the hammerhead while a tapping force larger than a certain amount is exerted on the hammerhead; a first electrode of the alarm is connected to the conductor, a second electrode of the alarm is connected to a second electrode of the power source. |
US09222857B2 |
Apparatus for spreading a fluid across a substrate and method of using the same
This disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for spreading a fluid across a substrate. A spreader for spreading a fluid across a substrate includes a wiper and a frame. The wiper and the frame may mate to permit translation of the wiper across, and with respect to, the frame. The wiper spreads the fluid across the substrate and the frame supports the wiper and the substrate. The frame may also include a ramp to cause a portion of the wiper to lift away from the substrate. |
US09222852B2 |
Method for detecting the operational readiness of a jump lambda sensor
In a method for detecting the operational readiness of a jump lambda sensor associated with an internal combustion engine the internal resistance of the sensor is determined as the criterion for the operational readiness of the sensor. The internal resistance is measured by applying a pulsed current to the sensor, the frequency of the current being selected as a function of the state of the sensor (1, 2, 3, 4). |
US09222851B2 |
Mass-airflow measurement conversion apparatus for internal combustion engine carburetors
A mass-airflow measurement conversion apparatus for internal combustion engine carburetors includes a plurality of pressure sensors disposed at different location along an air intake path of an internal combustion engine, each sensor adapted to sense a pressure of air flowing into the internal combustion engine and output an electrical signal as a pressure signal corresponding to the sensed air pressure; and a calculation section which receives the pressure signals and generates a mass air flow signal as an output signal based on the received pressure signals. |
US09222847B2 |
Gas gauge compatible with vacuum environments
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a gas gauge for use in a vacuum environment having a measurement gas flow channel. The gas gauge may comprise a measurement nozzle in the measurement gas flow channel. The measurement nozzle may be configured to operate at a sonically choked flow condition of a volumetric flow being sourced from a gas supply coupled to the measurement gas flow channel. The gas gauge may further comprise a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the measurement gas flow channel downstream from the sonically choked flow condition of the volumetric flow to measure a differential pressure of the volumetric flow for providing an indication of a gap between a distal end of the measurement nozzle and a target surface proximal thereto. |
US09222846B2 |
Tactile sensor
A tactile sensor includes a first substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, a second substrate including a plurality of second electrodes corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes, and a dielectric substance disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a second electrode corresponding to any one of the first electrodes is offset in one direction with respect to the any one of the first electrodes while a second electrode corresponding to another first electrode neighboring the any one of the first electrodes is offset in another direction. |
US09222845B2 |
Flexible sensors and related systems for determining forces applied to an object, such as a surgical instrument, and methods for manufacturing same
Methods of manufacturing a flexible force sensor include forming a first sensor part providing a plurality of spaced first electrode plates in an electrically non-conductive material. A second sensor part is also formed and includes a plurality of second electrode plates in an electrically non-conductive material. The second electrode plates are identical to the first electrode plates at least in terms of spacing. The first part is assembled to the second part such that each of the first electrode plates are aligned with and parallel to, yet spaced from, respective ones of the second electrode plates, establishing a plurality of capacitive sensing components. The first electrode plates are movable relative to the corresponding second electrode plates, establishing a variable gap therebetween. The sensor parts can be ring-shaped. The sensor parts can be formed via MEMS techniques, with the non-conductive material being a polymer. |
US09222841B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine is described. At least one composition of a gas mixture is determined in at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. At least one combustion chamber pressure is detected in the interior of the combustion chamber and at least one local combustion chamber temperature is detected in the interior of the combustion chamber. The composition is inferred from the combustion chamber pressure and the combustion chamber temperature. |
US09222840B1 |
Dual temperature sensor for an engine
The dual temperature sensor for an engine includes a first sensor configured for detecting the temperature of an engine and for generating at least one information signal corresponding to the detected temperature of the engine, and a second sensor configured for detecting the temperature of the engine coolant and for generating at least one information signal corresponding to the detected temperature of the engine coolant within the engine. An insulator is positioned between the first sensor and the second sensor. The dual temperature sensor is mounted in the thermostat housing such that the first sensor of the dual temperature sensor is positioned outside the thermostat housing wall so that the first sensor is in communicating relation with the engine and the second sensor of the dual temperature sensor is positioned inside the thermostat housing in communicating relation with the engine coolant. |
US09222839B2 |
Detection circuit, sensor device and electronic apparatus
A detection circuit includes a pyroelectric element, an amplifier circuit, a first switching element and a second switching element. The amplifier circuit includes a transistor in which a detection signal from the pyroelectric element is inputted to a gate. The first switching element interrupts an electric current that flows into the transistor. The second switching element interrupts a connection between the pyroelectric element and the gate of the transistor. |
US09222837B2 |
Black silicon-based high-performance MEMS thermopile IR detector and fabrication method
This invention involves structure and fabrication method of a black silicon-based MEMS thermopile IR detector. The high-performance black silicon-based MEMS thermopile IR detector includes a substrate; a releasing barrier band on the substrate; a thermal isolation cavity constructed by the releasing barrier band; a black silicon-based IR absorber located right above the thermal isolation cavity; a number of thermocouples are set around the lateral sides of the black silicon-based IR absorber. The thermopiles around the black silicon-based IR absorber are electrically connected in series thus to form a thermopile. Metallic electrodes are located beside the electrically-connected thermopiles for signal output. The cold junctions of the thermopile are connected to the substrate through the first thermal-conductive-electrical-isolated structures, the heat conductor is located at the lateral sides of the thermal isolation cavity. The hot junctions of the thermopile are in contact with the IR absorber through the second thermal-conductive-electrical-isolated structures, and the second thermal-conductive-electrical-isolated structures are located above the releasing barrier band. The structure of such detector is simple, and it is easy to implement and can also be monolithically integrated. Such detector has high responsivity and detection rate, and is CMOS-compatible, thus can be used widely in a safe and reliable manner. |
US09222836B2 |
Hair colorant system and method
A system and method for improving the outcome and consistency of hair coloring is provided. In an example method, an image of hair having a sample color may be received. A color space characteristic associated with the hair sample may be determined. An indication of a target color may be received. A colorant formulation may be identified for changing the hair from the sample color to the target color. |
US09222835B2 |
Multi-angle colorimeter
A multi-angle colorimeter employs a multi-angle mode and a symmetrical arrangement mode in an optical arrangement. Light detection on both sides of the symmetrical arrangement is performed by a single photodetector unit. The photodetector unit is used on both sides, and thus, the device becomes simpler, without any impact on individual difference in characteristics of multiple photodetector units. Conversely, elements for illumination can be used on both sides. Also in a case where multiple photodetector units are used, the size and cost of the device can be reduced with the use of a photodetector unit having a relatively low wavelength resolution as a photodetector unit to be used on one side. This enables to reduce an attitude error due to relative tilting of a measurement surface while reducing the size and cost of the device. |
US09222830B2 |
Optical control sensor system with driver that switches frequencies of a set of different orthogonal signals and modulates the intensity of light
A optical control sensor system includes a driver controlling an operation of a light source coupled to an end of an optical fiber, an orthogonal signal generator, generating a set of different orthogonal signals controlling the driver, a terminal sensor coupled to another end of the optical fiber selecting a predetermined set of input orthogonal signals for converting them into component combinations, constituting output signals, and directing the output signals back to the optical fiber, a device coupled to the light sources and to the first end of the optical fiber for extracting output signals that have passed through a return path in the optical fiber, a detector converting optical output signals into electrical signals, and a selector and a decoder connected to the orthogonal signal generator indicating a current state of the optical control sensor system based on an analysis of the selected combinations of components in the output signals. |
US09222826B2 |
Apparatus for weighing elongate containers supplied along a conveyor line
An apparatus (1) for weighing elongate containers (5) supplied along a conveyor line (4) comprises: weighing means (2); a support member (6) suitable for restingly receiving at least a container (5); a first articulated system (7) and a second articulated system (12); the apparatus (1) being configured such as to impart, by means of the first articulated system (7) and the second articulated system (12), a translating and rotating motion to the support member (6) such as to transfer the containers (5) from a first position (K1), in which the support member (6) is arranged at the conveyor line (4) such as to receive therefrom the containers (5) to be weighed, and a second position (K2) in which the support member (6) engages with the weighing means (2) such as to enable the containers (5) to be weighed in an inclined position, and vice versa. |
US09222823B2 |
Oscillating device for a fill-level measurement system and a method for assembling the same
An oscillating device for a fill-level measurement system includes a drive element in operative connection with a diaphragm. The drive housing receives the drive element at an open-ended front side and includes a first housing part and a second housing part in an operative axially interfitting arrangement proximate the drive element. A flexible conductor in operative connection joins the drive element and extends in a sung-fit arrangement between the first housing part and the second housing part providing improved operative performance. |
US09222809B1 |
Portable pipe inspection systems and apparatus
A portable pipe inspection system having a removable storable pull-handle and a detachable wheel assembly that may be front-mounted is disclosed. The portable pipe inspection system may include a wireless transceiver and intelligent battery system. The pipe inspection system may be configured to be operated in a horizontal position to provide enhanced stability in sloped or uneven environments. |
US09222804B2 |
System and method for position sensing
A system for position sensing includes an incremental track including a plurality of sectors and a measurement subsystem. The measurement subsystem includes at least two differential read-heads each having at least one primary coil and at least two differential secondary coils, the at least two differential secondary coils of one of the at least two differential read-heads configured to generate output signals having their amplitudes modulated by the sectors of the incremental track and the at least two differential secondary coils of the other of said two differential read-heads configured to generate output signals having their amplitudes modulated by the sectors of the incremental track. |
US09222801B2 |
Apparatus and method for correcting error of gyro sensor in mobile robot
Provided are a method and apparatus for correcting an error of a gyro sensor, and more particularly, a method and apparatus for correcting an error of a gyro sensor installed in a mobile robot. |
US09222799B1 |
Navigation data validation systems and methods
Present novel and non-trivial systems and methods for validating navigation data are disclosed. A processor receives navigation data from an external source such as a global positioning system (“GPS”); receives navigation data from a second source comprised of multiple sources; determines the validity of the GPS navigation data; and alerts the pilot if validity of the data falls outside a limit. In an embodiment related to lateral information (i.e., geographic position) data, the second navigation data is comprised of both GPS data and data provided from an internal source. In an embodiment related to altitude information data, the second navigation data is comprised of both GPS data and data provided by multiple internal sources. |
US09222795B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for detour guidance in a navigation system
A system and method for providing navigational maneuver instructions, where a navigation apparatus is configured to generate navigation map data on a navigation system display. The navigation apparatus may include a communications input for receiving at least one of traffic data and vehicle data. A secondary display apparatus may be communicatively coupled to the navigation system, wherein the navigation system is configured to determine a maneuver instruction sequence based on traffic data and/or vehicle data. The maneuver instruction sequence includes a series of directional instructions for responding to the traffic data and/or vehicle data. At least some of the directional instructions are represented for display as a series of generic navigational indicia. |
US09222792B2 |
Path searching method and path search device
A computer determines to which of a plurality of levels each of a plurality of road types for which a path search is performed corresponds, according to a distance between a departure point and a destination point. Next, the computer performs a first path search for the road type associated with a first level from the departure point to the destination point, and a second path search for the road type associated with the first level from the destination point to the departure point. Then, the computer performs a third path search for the road type associated with a second level according to a point obtained in the first path search and a point obtained in the second path search, and generates path information according to a result of the first path search, the second path search, and the third path search. |
US09222788B2 |
Proactive delivery of navigation options
Various embodiments pertain to techniques for proactively delivering navigation options to a user via a mobile device. In various embodiments, one or more navigation options can be determined for the user and delivered to the user's mobile device at a relevant time. Navigation options can be selected based on the user's current location, the user's future plans, the time, and other locally relevant information, such as friends nearby or a nearby favorite location of the user. The navigation options can be delivered to the user's mobile device at a time that the navigation options are relevant. |
US09222784B2 |
Building perpendicularity testing and adjustment
Tracking a person in a building can be performed by obtaining a building layout with respect to a surrounding geography and tracking movement of the person using a monitoring device carried by the person. A correction angle can be calculated to normalize tracked movement of the person with respect to a skew angle of the building layout. The correction angle can be applied to the tracked movement of the person or the building layout. |
US09222781B2 |
Geofence-based triggers for automated data collection
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for automated data collection using geofence-based triggers. In one embodiment, the location of a vehicle can be monitored by a variety of computing entities. By using the vehicle's location, it can be determined when the vehicle enters and/or exits defined geofences. After a determination that a vehicle has entered or exited a defined geofence, one or more events can be automatically triggered/initiated. |
US09222779B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for collaborative presentation of travel route information
Provided herein is a method, apparatus and computer program product for the collaborative presentation of information relating to a travel route. In particular, the method may include providing for display of primary information on a display of a first device, providing for display of ancillary of information on a display of a second device, receiving location information at the first device, and updating the ancillary information provided for display on the display of the second device in response to receiving the location information at the first device. The primary information may include route-guidance information for a route. The ancillary information may include information associated with the route. The ancillary information may include additional information relative to the primary information. The ancillary information may include point-of-interest information along the route. |
US09222778B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing navigation service in electronic device
An apparatus and method for providing navigation service in an electronic device are provided. A method for providing navigation service in an electronic device includes determining whether candidate schedule information settable as a destination for navigation service among at least one schedule information exists and, when at least one candidate schedule information settable as the destination for navigation service exists, setting the destination for navigation service considering the at least one candidate schedule information. |
US09222777B2 |
Methods and systems for creating and using a location identification grid
A method and system for generating a location identification grid and for using a location identification grid. The location identification grid can include a first geographic area that correspond to a pre-existing area. This pre-existing area can correspond to a postal code such as a zip code, a telephone code such as, an area code, or any other desired pre-existing area. The location identification grid can be subdivided into smaller geographic areas to allow more accurate identification of a location. The location identification grid can include a second geographic area. The second geographic area can be a subdivision of the first geographic area. The location identification grid can be used with signals that identify a location within a location identification grid. These signals can include a first component corresponding to the first geographic area and the second component corresponding to one or more second geographic areas. |
US09222776B2 |
Gyro sensor and electronic apparatus
A gyro sensor includes a base, a first connection arm and a second connection arm that extend from the base in opposite directions along an X axis, a first drive oscillation arm that extends from the first connection arm along a Y axis, a second drive oscillation arm that extends from the second connection arm along the Y axis, and a first detection oscillation arm and a second detection oscillation arm that extend from the base in opposite directions along the Y axis, and each of the first drive oscillation arm and the second drive oscillation arm has an oscillation component along the X axis and an oscillation component along a Z axis. |
US09222775B2 |
Vibrator element, sensor unit, and electronic device
A vibrator element includes a base section, a driving vibrating arm extending from one end of the base section, a detecting vibrating arm extending from another end of the base section opposite to the one end, an adjusting vibrating arm extending from the base section on an opposite side to the driving vibrating arm, and a support section extending from the base section and to be fixed to a substrate, and an output signal of the adjusting vibrating arm has a reverse phase with respect to an output signal of a leakage vibration of the detecting vibrating arm. |
US09222771B2 |
Acquisition of information for a construction site
Systems and methods for acquiring information for a construction site are provided. One system includes a base unit positioned within a construction site by a user. A computer subsystem of the base unit determines a position of the base unit with respect to the construction site. The system also includes a measurement unit moved within the construction site by a user. The measurement unit includes one or more elements configured to interact with light in a known manner. An optical subsystem of the base unit directs light to the element(s) and detects the light after interacting with the element(s). The computer subsystem is configured to determine a position and pose of the measurement unit with respect to the base unit based on the detected light. The measurement unit includes a measurement device used by the measurement unit or the base unit to determine information for the construction site. |
US09222764B2 |
Angular displacement sensor of compliant material
Disclosed is a sensing device that includes a flexible substrate having an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end, the elongated structure being compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions. The sensing device also includes a first compliant strain sensing element embedded within the compliant material and extending between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure. The first compliant strain sensing element includes a second compliant material that is flexible and bendable, where an electrical property of the first compliant strain sensing element changes in proportion to an applied strain on the elongated structure. |
US09222761B2 |
Shotshell type ammunition usable in magazine-fed firearms, and methods of manufacturing such shotshell type ammunition
Shotshell type ammunition includes a hull, a wad member disposed within the hull, a hollow nose member, and at least one projectile disposed within the hollow nose member and the hull. The hull has a rimless proximal end that includes a primer for firing the ammunition. The hull also has a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface is located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless proximal end. The hull further includes an outer side surface extending from the rimless proximal end to the seat surface. Methods of fabricating such ammunition include forming such a hull, providing a wad member within the hull, inserting at least one projectile into a hollow nose member, and inserting the hollow nose member at least partially into the hull. |
US09222757B2 |
Body armor ballistic plate carrier
The present plate carrier includes front and rear panel sections with internal pockets for supporting ballistic plates and inserts, but positions the rear panel section to provide improved thoracic protection. The front and rear panel sections are suspended by shoulder straps, which connect to the rear panel section at a mid point below the top edge of the rear panel section. The mid point connection of the shoulder straps causes the rear panel section to ride higher than the front panel section and higher on the wearer's back thereby positioning the ballistic plate inside high on the wearer's back and providing better ballistic coverage of the wearer's upper thoracic area. One of the internal pockets of each panel section has facing strips of hook and loop material sewn around its inner periphery that adhere together around a ballistic plate to center and hold the plate in place within the pocket. |
US09222756B1 |
Modular rail thrust block system
A rail mounting system for a firearm includes a shroud on the fore end having a plurality of spaced rectangular pads with raised, rectangular top surfaces and opposed sloping sides forming an opposed pair of side walls that intersect with the shroud surface at an acute angle. The rail mounting system also includes a mounting rail having spaced apart relief sections conforming to the locations of the pads with recessed rectangular relief bottoms and opposed sloping sides forming an opposed pair of angled side walls at the same angle as the pad side walls. The side walls of the pads and relief sections are in contact with each other along at least some of their vertical distances. The pad top is spaced from the relief bottom and the shroud surface is spaced from the rail underside. |
US09222753B2 |
Reticle for a telescope
The invention relates to a reticle with a visible pattern in a transparent substrate for a telescope. The pattern of the reticle is made of open grooves which are engraved in a surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the engraved open grooves define groove surfaces at an angle to said substrate surface in which the open grooves are engraved. The groove surfaces have a surface roughness which is large enough to scatter light directed onto the reticle perpendicular to the substrate surface when the reticle is illuminated in transmission mode, such that the pattern becomes visible relative to the remaining substrate surface by said light scattering at the groove surfaces in the transmission mode when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The reticle is produced with direct laser engraving of the grooves. |
US09222751B2 |
Holster
The invention concerns a holster which has a weapon part (10) for a weapon which is detachably connected to a fastening part (1), whereby the fastening part (1) has at least one connection device (21, 21′) and the weapon part (10) having a connection counter device (23) that acts in combination with it.The invention is characterized by an adapter (12) being detachably providable between the weapon part (10) and the fastening part (1), said adapter (12) having in the area of one of its ends a connection counter device (24) which corresponds geometrically to the connection counter device (23) of the weapon part (10) and having in the area of its other end a connection device (22) which corresponds geometrically to the connection device (21, 21′) of the fastening part (1). |
US09222750B1 |
Holstering a gun
An apparatus and associated methodology for holstering a gun. A holster has a longitudinally-extending sidewall terminating at a gun entry edge. The sidewall has an inner surface defining a cavity that is sized for slidingly inserting the gun to a mating engagement of the gun in the holster at a holstered position of the gun. The sidewall supports a holster trigger guard terminating adjacent the gun entry edge. The holster trigger guard extends from the sidewall and adjacent the cavity so that a holster trigger guard surface operably impacts against the user's finger at an acute angle, so that a force from the impact has a proximal force directed away from the tip of the user's finger. A concealment block is removably attachable to the sidewall at a selected one of a plurality of different attachable positions to be operably interposed between a user's body and the holster to urge a selected portion of the holster away from the user's body. |
US09222748B2 |
Method and apparatus for launching projectiles using a top mounted striker
A projectile launcher containing a top mounted striker launching mechanism capable of propelling a projectile or object is disclosed. In one aspect, the projectile launcher includes a bolt, a valve, and a striker. The bolt containing an air channel and a bolt carrier is situated inside a receiver of the projectile launcher. The bolt is used to facilitate launch of a projectile. The valve, which is situated inside the receiver above a firing chamber away from ground, is operable to control the release of pressurized gas for propelling the projectile. The striker, which is coupled to the bolt via the bolt carrier and is physically situated above the bolt away from the ground, is able to strike a valve pin of the valve to release a predefined amount of pressurized gas for propelling the projectile from the firing chamber to a target. |
US09222747B1 |
Hinged firearm suppressor mount
Embodiments of a hinged firearm suppressor mount are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the hinged firearm suppressor mount can include a suppressor attachment portion that has an attachment surface and a first structure that houses a first assembly passageway. The hinged firearm suppressor mount also can include a firearm attachment portion that includes a firearm attachment surface and a second structure that houses a second assembly passageway. An assembly mechanism can be passed through the first structure and the second structure to connect the attachment portion to the suppressor attachment portion. |
US09222743B1 |
Firearm safety device
A firearm safety device for preventing an individual from inserting a magazine or cylinder containing cartridges into the firearm, injecting a cartridge into the firing chamber and pressing the trigger contemplates a transmitter receiver with storage and record information in or on the firearm. The safety device also includes an electromechanical trigger lock, electromechanical magazine or cylinder lock for preventing a magazine or cylinder from being inserted into the firearm and an electromechanical lock for preventing a cartridge from being injected into the firing chamber. In addition, the safety device includes a second or remote transmitter/receiver for carrying by an individual user and/or owner of the firearm for activating and deactivating the firearm safety device. In this embodiment of the invention the safety device is activated if the firearm is pointed in the direction of the user/owner. |
US09222742B2 |
Self-locking firearm safety device and process for securing a firearm
The present invention relates to a locking element to be insertable into a cartridge chamber of a firearm, the locking element having a proximal end and a distal end. The locking element includes an outer sleeve with a movable operating element provided therein, wherein the sleeve includes a (first) diameter such that the sleeve is snugly insertable into the cartridge chamber from the cartridge chamber side, but the diameter being larger than the diameter of the barrel of the firearm. The at least one blocking element is pressed against the wall of the cartridge chamber if external pressure is applied from the distal end to the operating element. |
US09222741B2 |
Safety system for a hand gun to prevent unauthorized use
Safety system for a hand gun to prevent unauthorized use, with a blocking cartridge inserted and locked in the chamber of a hand gun, wherein upon manipulating said blocking cartridge in an internally located reaction chamber the individual components of an adhesive system are brought together, whereupon following the reaction of the components, the still-pasty adhesive system spreads and escapes through openings in the wall of the blocking cartridge and, after hardening, firmly adheres the blocking cartridge to the chamber. The blocking cartridge can be released only by an authorized institution or person equipped with a connection-releasing technology that is matched by the manufacturer to the composition of the adhesive system. |
US09222736B2 |
Heat-exchanger configuration
A heat exchanger including a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate that defines a first gap between inner surfaces of the first plate and the second plate in which a first fluid circulates, where a major portion of the first gap is free of obstructions, where a second fluid contacts an outer surface of the first or second plate for heat exchange with the first fluid, where a first peripheral wall on the periphery of the first gap has a curved profile inside the first gap, and at least one inlet is radially positioned with respect to the first gap and injects the first fluid in the gap, and least one outlet is centrally positioned in one of the first and the second plate to enable the first fluid to exit the first gap, where first fluid circulates in a swirling flow in the major portion of the first gap. |
US09222735B2 |
Compliant multilayered thermally-conductive interface assemblies
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of thermally-conductive interface assemblies suitable for use in dissipating heat from one or more components of a memory module. The thermally-conductive interface assembly may generally include a flexible heat-spreading material having first and second sides and one or more perforations extending through the flexible heat-spreading material from the first side to the second side. The flexible heat-spreading material may be sandwiched between first and second layers of soft thermal interface material. A portion of the soft thermal interface material may be disposed within the one or more perforations. The thermally-conductive interface assembly may be positioned relative to one or more components of a memory module to provide a thermally-conductive heat path from the one or more components to the first layer of soft thermal interface material. |
US09222734B2 |
Heat exchanger tank groove geometry
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of tubes extending between two tank bodies. At least one tank body includes a crown portion. At least one groove is formed in the crown portion. In order to avoid the creation of a thinner wall section in the crown portion, the inner and outer surfaces that form the groove are offset from each other. |
US09222733B2 |
Reactor apparatus and methods for reacting compounds
Shell and tube heat exchangers that include a baffle arrangement that improves the temperature profile and flow pattern throughout the exchanger and/or that are integral with a reaction vessel are disclosed. Methods for using the exchangers including methods that involve use of the exchanger and a reaction vessel to produce a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane are also disclosed. |
US09222732B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus capable of maintaining a temperature of a furnace port part at a heat-resistant temperature or less of each member constituting the furnace part. The substrate processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to process a plurality of substrates vertically stacked at predetermined intervals; a substrate retainer configured to hold the plurality of substrates in the process chamber; and a first heat exchanger installed in the process chamber to support the substrate retainer from a lower portion of the substrate retainer, and configured to perform a heat exchange with a gas flowing in a downward direction from a side of the substrate retainer in the process chamber, wherein the first heat exchanger includes a hollow cylindrical insulating tube vertically extending in the downward direction and an insulating plate installed in the insulating tube, and regions in the insulating tube over and under the insulating plate are spatially connected to each other. |
US09222731B2 |
Plate type heat exchanger and method of manufacturing heat exchanger plate
The invention relates to a heat exchanger plate (106) having first surface portions (210) located along first plate edges (220) and comprising first contacting regions (214), and second surface portions (212) located along second plate edges (222). The first surface portions (210) are bent to a first side yielding a first partial fluid channel (230), and the second surface portions (212) are bent to a second side yielding a second partial fluid channel (232). The first contacting regions (214) define a plane (S). The heat exchanger plate (106) has corner surface portions (224) comprising first corner edge portions (226) and second corner edge portions (228). At least two corner surface portions (224) are bent inward with respect to the first partial fluid channel (230) such that their first corner edge portions (226) are in the plane (S), while their second corner edge portions (228) are perpendicular to the plane (S). |
US09222728B2 |
Penetrable and resealable lyophilization device
A device and related method are provided for lyophilizing a substance within the device and storing therein the lyophilized substance. The device is penetrable by a needle for filling the device with the substance to be lyophilized, and a resulting needle hole in the device is laser resealable by transmitting thereon laser radiation from a laser source. The device defines a chamber for receiving therein the substance to be lyophilized. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber with the substance to be lyophilized through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation thereto. A filter is connectable in fluid communication between an interior and exterior of the chamber for permitting fluid to flow therethrough in a direction from the interior to the exterior of the chamber, and for substantially preventing contaminants from flowing therethrough in a direction from the exterior to the interior of the chamber. |
US09222724B2 |
Natural gas liquefaction method with high-pressure fractionation
The method provides liquefaction of a natural gas by carrying out the following stages: cooling the natural gas; feeding the cooled natural gas into a fractionating column so as to separate a methane-rich gas phase and a liquid phase rich in compounds heavier than ethane; and liquefying the methane-rich stream so as to obtain the liquid natural gas. According to the invention, the operating conditions in the fractionating column are so selected that said liquid phase comprises a molar proportion of methane ranging between 10% and 150% of the molar proportion of ethane. |
US09222719B2 |
Flexible wick as water delivery system
A refrigerator with a main supply fluid tank and a secondary reservoir supplied with fluid from the main supply fluid tank, with secondary reservoir having a maximum, controlled height of fluid. The refrigerator has an atomizer with fluid from the secondary reservoir which discharges the fluid provided from the secondary reservoir in an atomized spray to at least a portion of the refrigerator, and a flexible wick between the secondary reservoir and the atomizer and in fluid communication with both the secondary reservoir and the atomizer. Additionally, the atomizer has a piezo element located in a piezo reservoir to hold fluid next to the piezo element, wherein the piezo reservoir is provided with fluid from the secondary reservoir via the flexible wick. |
US09222717B2 |
Ice compartment assembly for refrigerator
An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. |
US09222716B2 |
Refrigerator with temperature control
An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. |
US09222715B2 |
Refrigerator and control method thereof
A refrigerator is disclosed herein. The refrigerator may include a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a condenser to condense the refrigerant passed through the compressor, a capillary tube that lowers a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passed through the condenser, an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant passed through the capillary tube, a thermal storage device for auxiliary cooling that undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant to store thermal energy, an energy management device that receives electric rate information, and a controller configured to control the compressor based on the electric rate information received at the energy management device. The controller may control an operation of the thermal storage device to provide auxiliary cooling for the refrigerator when the compressor is not operational or when electric rates are relatively high. |
US09222712B1 |
Method and apparatus for measuring and improving efficiency in refrigeration systems
An apparatus for optimizing an efficiency of a refrigeration system, comprising means for measuring a refrigeration efficiency of an operating refrigeration system; means for altering a process variable of the refrigeration system during efficiency measurement; and a processor for calculating a process variable level which achieves an optimum efficiency. The process variables may include refrigerant charge and refrigerant oil concentration in evaporator. |
US09222710B2 |
Heat-pump automotive air conditioner and defrosting method of the heat-pump automotive air conditioner
A refrigerant cycle (16) for cooling as a prototype is provided with: an internal condenser (8) connected to a discharge circuit of an electric compressor (9) and disposed on a downstream of an internal evaporator (7) of an HVAC unit (2); a first heating circuit (18) connected to a receiver (11) through a switching unit (17) arranged on an inlet side of the external condenser (8); and a second heating circuit (23) connected between an outlet side of the receiver (11) and a suction side of the electric compressor (9) and provided with a second expansion valve (20) and an external evaporator (21). A heat pump cycle (24) for heating is formed by a second heating circuit (23) including the electric compressor (9), the internal condenser (8), the switching unit (17), the first heating circuit (18), the receiver (11), the second expansion valve (20), and the external evaporator (21). |
US09222706B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus and operating method of same
A refrigeration cycle apparatus achieves efficient operation by constantly recovering power in a wide operating range. The refrigeration cycle apparatus regulates a pressure of a high pressure side by changing either one or both of an opening degree of the intermediate-pressure bypass valve and an opening degree of the pre-expansion valve on the basis of a density ratio that is obtained from an inflow refrigerant density of the expander and an inflow refrigerant density of the sub-compressor in an actual operating state and a design volume ratio that has been expected at the time of design and that is obtained from a stroke volume of the sub-compressor, a stroke volume of the expander, and a ratio of a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing to the sub-compressor. |
US09222700B2 |
Method and device for blowing gas on a running strip
The present invention relates to a method for acting on the temperature of a travelling strip (4) by blowing gas or a water/gas mixture, whereby a plurality of jets of gas or a water/gas mixture, extending toward the surface of the strip and arranged in such a way that the impacts (24, 34) of the jets of gas or water/gas mixture on each surface of the strip are distributed at the nodes of a two-dimensional network, are sprayed onto each face of the strip. The impacts (24) of the jets on one face (A) are not opposite the impacts (34) of the jets on the other face (B), and the jets of gas or water/gas mixture come from tubular nozzles (23, 33) which are supplied by at least one distribution chamber (21, 31) and extend at a distance from the distribution chamber in such a way as to leave a free space for the flow of the returning gas or water/gas mixture parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip. |
US09222699B1 |
Microprocessor controlled fuel filter heater
A rubber heat pad is integrated into a fiberglass fiber insulator to form a heater blanket for a diesel fuel filter and other truck components. A controller monitors ambient temperatures and pad temperatures and the battery flow state. If it is cold, and the battery has available power, then a heat pad(s) is turned ON. When the pad(s) gets too hot, then it is turned OFF by the controller. Truck park mode allows AC power. On the road use triggers an inverter to supply AC to the pads. |
US09222692B2 |
Wireless zone control via mechanically adjustable airflow elements
An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones. |
US09222687B2 |
Active chilled beam with sterilization means
An air-handling unit includes a primary air plenum and a primary air inlet in fluid communication with the primary air plenum. The primary air inlet is configured to provide a flow of primary air to the primary air plenum. The air-handling unit also includes a chamber in fluid communication with the primary air plenum. The chamber includes an irradiate cavity and a secondary air inlet configured to accept a flow of secondary air into the irradiate cavity, and a sterilization mechanism positioned in the irradiate cavity. The sterilization mechanism is configured to effectively treat and sterilize the secondary air. |
US09222682B2 |
Portable catalytic heater
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a portable heating device comprising a combustion-powered heater, a regulator, and an air quality detector, such as an oxygen depletion sensor. The combustion-powered heater may be supplied by an associated fuel source and may comprise a combustion region comprising a catalytic surface. The regulator may be adapted for fluid communication with the associated fuel source. The air quality detector may comprise a burner and a temperature detector. The burner may be in fluid communication with the regulator and may be adapted to combust fuel form the regulator with air to produce a flame. The temperature detector may be adapted to detect the temperature of the flame and may be adapted to selectively render the combustion-powered heater non-functional. |
US09222680B1 |
Duct-free cooking air filtration systems and methods
A duct-free air filtration system including a housing having a hood for capturing air, grease, and smoke, and an elongated exhaust section in fluid communication with the hood. A grease extracting blower unit takes in air, grease, and smoke through the hood and exhausts air and smoke through the exhaust section of the housing with a substantial amount of the grease removed by centrifugal force. A charcoal filter disposed in the exhaust section removes odors from the air exhausted from the grease extracting blower unit and a smoke filter removes smoke from the air passed through the charcoal filter. |
US09222675B2 |
Combustion chamber head with holding means for seals on burners in gas turbines
A combustion chamber head of a gas turbine has a base plate 113 provided with a centric recess 121 in which at least one burner 106 is arranged, with the base plate 113 being connected to walls of the combustion chamber 108 and to a burner seal 116 sealing the burner 106 towards the rim of the recess 121. The burner seal 116 is arranged upstream of the base plate 113 and can be brought into contact with a collar 118 provided on the base plate 113 and forming the rim of the centric recess 121. A holding element 117 of the burner seal 116 is formed as a ring and arranged upstream of the burner seal 116 and engages with at least one projection 114 of the base plate 113 in a tension-free state. |
US09222670B2 |
Heating system with pressure regulator
A heating system can include certain pressure sensitive features. These features can be configured to change from a first position to a second position based on a pressure of a fuel flowing into the feature. These features can include, fuel selector valves, pressure regulators, burner nozzles, and oxygen depletion sensor nozzles, among other features. |
US09222667B2 |
Gas burner for ovens
Gas burner (1) for oven, or grill, of the type comprising a Venturi tube (2) for mixing fuel gas and primary air, a main distribution chamber (3), longitudinally extended in the flow forwarding direction of the mixture, and located downstream to such a Venturi tube (2), as well as at least one delivery chamber (22a, 22b) placed outside the afore said main chamber (3), and provided with flame holes (4; 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for the gas-primary air mixture outflow, such a main chamber (3) and such an outer chamber (22a, 22b) being reciprocally fluidically connected, for at least one longitudinal length of the same main chamber (3), by at least one through opening (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b). Advantageously, the afore said through opening (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b) has, relative to the forwarding longitudinal direction of the mixture flow, a greater cross section in the upstream portion and smaller cross section in the downstream portion of the afore said longitudinal length of the main chamber (3). |
US09222666B2 |
Swirler, combustion chamber, and gas turbine with improved swirl
A swirler for mixing fuel and air is provided. The swirler includes a plurality of vanes positioned radially around a central axis of the swirler and a plurality of mixing channels for mixing fuel and air. At least one mixing channel of the plurality of mixing channels is defined by opposite walls of two adjacent vanes of the plurality of vanes. The at least one mixing channel includes at least one fuel injection opening arranged at an upstream sections of the at least one mixing channel. The at least one mixing channel also includes an axial swirler arranged at a downstream section of the at least one mixing channel. |
US09222663B1 |
Water lamp with top decoration
A water lamp with a top decoration mainly includes a main body, base seat and top decoration. The main body is hollow and pervious to light, and slightly-thick, flowable low-boiling point fluid is filled hermetically and a poking member are mounted inside the main body; the base seat is configured below the main body, and a control circuit and at least one light-emitting element in electric connection with the control circuit are configured on the base seat correspondingly to the bottom of the main body, and a magnetic rotating shaft attracting the poking member magnetically to rotate is further configured on the base seat; the top decoration assumes a foggy, pervious-to-light, three-dimensional modeling, coupled to the upper side of the mainbody, a light-emitting element in electric connection with the control circuit being configured inside the top decoration. Whereby, the low-boiling-point fluid inside the water lamp will flow due to the heat generated from the light-emitting element when the base seat is switched on, and light further penetrates the top decoration, allowing the present invention to achieve both lighting and dynamic visual effects at the same time. |
US09222659B2 |
LED lamp
A lamp comprises an enclosure that is at least partially optically transmissive. The enclosure comprises an optically transmissive lens and a base where the lens is connected to the base; and a LED board supporting an LED. A first of pins and a second pair of pins are rotatable relative to the enclosure and are in the electrical path supplying power to the LEDs. The lamp is positioned between a pair of tombstone connectors such that the first pair of pins engages the first tombstone connector and the second pair of pins engages the second tombstone connector. The first and second pair of pins are inserted into the tombstone connectors and are rotated to engage the electrical connectors in the tombstone connectors. |
US09222658B2 |
Hybrid socket with locking function for single-filament or dual-filament bulb
The present invention relates to a hybrid socket for a single-filament or dual-filament bulb consisting of a body made of an insulating material, exhibiting a front cavity for introducing the bulb, of substantially rectangular shape, complementary to the exterior shape of the base. It comprises at least one stopper of complementary cross section to that of the cavity of circular cross section, each traversed by a supply wire crimped onto a metallic contact of a first type, and a third stopper of complementary cross section to that of the cavity of oblong cross section, crimped onto an earth metallic contact. The socket furthermore comprises a locking hook for the bulb. Application: socket for type T20 blinking indicator lights or side lights. |
US09222654B2 |
Luminaires and luminaire mounting structures
A luminaire having a housing defining one or more unthreaded mounting holes therein, a connector having a head and a shaft, the connector shaft located at least partially in one of the one or more mounting holes, the connector shaft comprised of a pliable material, a circuit board mounted to the housing by the connector head, the circuit board populated with one or more LEDs, and a lens resting against and spaced form the circuit board by the connector head. |
US09222653B2 |
Concave low profile luminaire with magnetic lighting devices and associated systems and methods
A luminaire carried by a lighting fixture, having a generally concave-shaped housing defining an optical chamber and an aperture, and a plurality of lighting devices each having a heat sink, a light source, and a magnetic attachment member. Each lighting device may be positioned about the inner surface of the housing. The magnetic attachment member may magnetically bind a lighting device to pads proximate to ferromagnetic material in the housing. Light emitted by the light source may enter the optical chamber and pass through the aperture in a generally orthogonal direction in relation to the orientation of the device. Electrical power may be delivered by one or more power supply units of either an external or an on-board type, and by using either inductive or conductive coupling. Network interfaces may enable communication of control instructions among a multiple controllers located either within a single luminaire or distributed among multiple luminaires. |
US09222651B1 |
Modular LED light Fixture
An LED light fixture has an extruded base housing element defining an opening which is removably bridged by a metal heat sink to which is mounted at least one LED. A plastic cover lens has deflectable legs with axial concave elements which engage with outwardly facing convex elements on cover mount members which protrude from the heat sink on either side of the LED. The LED power supply may be supported in a compartment above the heat sink. The cover lens has a wrap-around connection to the heat sink cover mount members which is tolerant of variation in heat sink extrusion dimensions, and which is insensitive to variations in main housing element dimensions. Alternative trim elements and cover lenses allow field configuration of the fixture to various applications. |
US09222649B2 |
Stage lighting fixture
A stage lighting fixture having: a casing having a closed first end and an open second end; a light source housed inside the casing, close to the first end, and which emits a light beam along an optical axis; an optical assembly positioned to intercept the light beam, and having a focal point located between the light source and the optical assembly; and a reflector coupled to the light source; the reflector and the light source being designed and coupled to concentrate the light beam substantially at a work point substantially coincident with the focal point of the optical assembly; and the light source being defined by a short-arc lamp to project a light bar. |
US09222644B2 |
Optical assembly, backlight unit having the same, and display apparatus thereof
The present invention provides an optical assembly, a backlight unit having the same, and a display apparatus thereof, and the optical assembly includes: a light emitting device; and a lens disposed above the light emitting device, and the lens has: a lower surface portion through which light emitted from the light emitting device travels inside; an upper surface portion that totally reflects at least some of the light traveling inside through the lower surface portion, downward to the side; and a side portion through which the light totally reflected from the upper surface portion is discharged to the outside. |
US09222639B2 |
Vehicle composite reflection and refraction multi-imaging device
The present invention relates to a vehicle composite reflection and refraction multi-imaging device including a reflecting surface, a semi-reflecting surface, and a concave lens. At least one image of at least one light source is reflected repeatedly by the semi-reflecting surface and the reflecting surface to form a plurality of visible mirror images on a mirror image side of the reflecting surface. The concave lens is disposed at the viewing side. A viewer at the viewing side views a plurality of visible mirror images at the mirror image side of the reflecting surface through the refracting of the concave lens. The reflected and refracted visible mirror images gradually shrink towards a vertical axis. Visible mirror images do not interfere with one another, and each visible mirror image is clear. The visible mirror images can generate an apparent inward-shrinking 3D effect of depth with levels. |
US09222638B2 |
Vehicular headlamp
Provided is a vehicular headlamp which is capable of enhancing visibility while suppressing glare by forming a dark portion in a portion of a light distribution pattern and suppressing the vicinity of the formed dark portion from becoming a blue series color. The vehicular headlamp includes a light-emitting element, a projection lens, a reflector, a beam shaper, a first shaper disposed between the light-emitting element and a cut-off line forming portion and configured to shield a part of the light reflected from the reflector to form a dark portion in a portion of a low beam light distribution pattern, and a second shaper portion disposed between the cut-off line forming portion and the projection lens and configured to shield a part of the light incident to the lower side of an optical axis of the projection lens. |
US09222637B2 |
Lightguide with horizontal cutoff and horizontal spread
An automotive lightguide includes a main guide portion with a light entrance surface and a reflective rear edge surface; and an exit lens joined to the main guide portion, the exit lens having an exit surface with an arcuate exit profile. In use, light rays from a light source enter the main guide portion through an entrance surface, travel through the main guide portion and reflect off the rear edge surface to the exit lens which images the reflected light rays as a light beam pattern having a predetermined sharp horizontal cutoff and a predetermined horizontal spread, the arcuate profile of the rear edge surface determining the horizontal cutoff and vertical spread of the light beam pattern with respect to the horizontal optical axis H-H, and the exit profile of the exit lens determining the horizontal spread of the light beam pattern. |
US09222635B2 |
Device for fastening a lamp of a motor vehicle to its body
A device for fastening a lamp of a motor vehicle to its body is provided. The device includes a receiving part having a ball socket and a ball pin. The ball pin is pivotably received in the ball socket of the receiving part and the ball pin is configured as a part of the lamp or as a separate component on the lamp. A lamp having the device is also provided. |
US09222632B2 |
LED lighting fixture
An LED light fixture including a frame defining a forward open region and a rearward region with a rearmost portion adapted for securement to a support member. An LED assembly is secured with respect to the frame and positioned within the open forward region with open spaces remaining therebetween. The LED assembly includes an LED illuminator secured with respect to the LED-supporting region of a heat sink with an LED-supporting region and heat-dissipating surfaces extending therefrom. Another aspect of the invention is a non-metallic frame defining a forward open region and having a rearward region having a rearmost portion adapted for securement to a support member. An LED assembly is secured with respect to the frame and positioned within the open forward region with open spaces remaining therebetween. |
US09222624B2 |
Stacked disk noise abatement device and control valve comprising same
A fluid pressure reduction device includes a radial and axial fluid flow path in stacked disks. The stacked disks form a fluid flow path including at least two pressure reduction stages, a first pressure reduction stage being oriented so that the fluid flowpath is directed radially outward and a second pressure reduction stage being oriented so that the fluid flowpath is directed radially inward. |
US09222621B2 |
Gas filling system
To provide a gas filling system capable of optimizing filling of a gas tank depending on the cooling capability of a gas station. A gas filling system comprises: a vehicle having a gas tank; a gas station having a cooling device that cools a gas from a gas supply source, the gas station discharging the gas cooled by the cooling device to fill the gas tank with the gas, and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the gas cooled by the cooling device on the upstream side of the gas tank. The vehicle has a first controller that determines the filling flow rate of the gas to the gas tank based on the gas temperature detected by the temperature sensor. |
US09222614B2 |
Tilt-roll table for use in cleaning UF6 cylinders
A tilt roll table for use with uranium hexafluoride cylindrical containers securely holds the container, supported from its domed ends by spindles mounted to brackets as the container is tilted and rolled. The spindles have greater surface area over which to distribute the weight and are shaped to complement the domed container ends. The brackets supporting the spindles, stiffened by vertical and horizontal braces, can be adjusted vertically and moved axially toward and away from the domed ends of the containers by a gear drive to accommodate different sizes of cylindrical containers. In addition, bands encircle the containers to hold them onto the frame during tilting and rolling. |
US09222613B2 |
Remote camera and adapter therefor
An apparatus for deploying a wireless camera includes a mobile cart, a camera and camera support frame, a display/monitor and a display/monitor positioner, an enclosed power supply such as a battery, a removable camera support frame for mounting the camera, a battery box and the display/monitor on the cart and a light for illuminating an area at least partially within the field of view of the camera. |
US09222605B2 |
Ducting for a fluid transfer pipeline for an aircraft or spacecraft, method for producing same and aeronautical structure incorporating same
A ducting and associated method is provide in which the ducting includes a pipe with a thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomeric layer and a reinforcing layer. The pipe has a curved or bent geometry and the reinforcing layer is made of a composite material based on reinforcement in intimate and direct contact with the subjacent layer. The geometry is obtained by hot forming the inner layer to give the geometry, and the reinforcement is either impregnated with a thermosetting matrix to form a thermosetting composite, or reinforcing fibers are intermixed with thermoplastic fibers or powders, or impregnated with a plastic polymeric coating that is curable chemically. Alternatively, the inner layer is first covered with the reinforcing layer in which the reinforcement includes reinforcing fibers intermixed with a thermoplastic material in the form of fibers, film or powder is blow-molded to give the pipe its final geometry. |
US09222599B2 |
Self-closing water-saving valve assembly
A self-closing water-saving valve assembly has a casing, a seat, a pushing rod, a closing member and a stand. When said valve assembly is switched off, the closing member and the stand slow down the closing movement into a gradual manner, which can effectively reduce positive and negative pressure waves generated in the water pipe. Noises and damage to the water pipe are also prevented. Besides, the pushing rod is moved down by gravity and slight water pushing, which eliminates the problems of wear and speeded-up movement of the pushing rod. Therefore, the valve assembly has prolonged lifespan. In addition, the water pressure is not directly applied on the pushing rod and only slight water pushes the pushing rod such that it is easier for a user to push the pushing rod to switch on the valve assembly. |
US09222598B1 |
Adjustable valve wrench
A valve wrench and method to rotate a valve. The valve wrench includes a handle extension, an insert configured to adjustably receive the handle extension, a sleeve configured to adjustable receive the insert, and a locking mechanism configured to interlock the insert relative to the sleeve. |
US09222591B2 |
Adjustable damping valve
An adjustable damping valve has a valve housing in which is arranged a coil housing and an annular back-iron member which are connected in a magnetically conducting manner to a valve armature. The back-iron member radially penetrates the coil housing via a plurality of windows and has flattened portions at the edge. The at least one window in the coil housing has a width corresponding at least to the width of the back-iron member in at least one assembly position so that the back-iron member can be inserted radially into the coil housing via the at least one window. |
US09222589B2 |
Automatic shut-off device
An automatic shutoff device, comprising a housing member with a hollow opening, an inlet port coupled to a first end of the housing member, an outlet port coupled to a second end of the housing member, a valve coupled to the outlet port, a variable volume chamber within the housing member with an open end facing the inlet port of the housing member and a closed end with flow restriction holes in closed end facing the outlet port of the housing member, a one-way valve disposed in the closed end of the variable volume chamber, and a spring-biased piston within the variable volume chamber with a compressible spring coupled to the piston at the closed end of the chamber wherein the piston is mechanically coupled to the valve. |
US09222586B2 |
Valve for switching waterways and adjusting flow
A valve for switching waterways and adjusting flow has a fixed seat, a control piece and an operation mechanism. The fixed seat is provided with a fixed face, an inlet waterway and two outlet waterways, the inlet port of the inlet waterway and the outlet ports of the outlet waterway are arranged on the fixed face. The control piece is provided with a control face that is relied on the fixed face hermetically and a communicating groove that is concavely arranged on the control face. The operation mechanism is connected with the fixed seat and the control piece, and can drive the control piece to move, and then the control face can be driven to rotate and slide relative to the fixed face. |
US09222585B2 |
Valve control device
The present invention relates to a valve control device (1) having a housing (2) which has a vacuum chamber (3) and an atmospheric pressure chamber (4) which are separated from one another in a gas-tight manner by a spring-loaded diaphragm (5); having a diaphragm plate (8) arranged on the diaphragm (5); and having a regulating rod (6) which, in the region of a regulating rod head (6A), is operatively connected to the diaphragm (5), wherein the diaphragm plate (8) is formed as a plastic injection-molded part. |
US09222584B2 |
Rigid piston retrofit for a diaphragm flush valve
A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. The present invention is also directed to a flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a rigid piston into a diaphragm flush valve body. |
US09222581B2 |
Continuously variable transmission control system for vehicle and work vehicle
A continuously variable transmission control system includes a continuously variable transmission device having an electricity-driven actuator that changes an width between a moveable sheave and a fixed sheave in at least one pulley of a drive pulley and a driven pulley, and a control device that controls driving of the electricity-driven actuator. The control device selects, from a plurality of speed relationships, each of which is a relationship between an input shaft rotational speed of the drive pulley and an output shaft rotational speed of the driven pulley, one speed relationship according to an input of a switch command signal or a drive state of the vehicle, and changes the width between the moveable sheave and the fixed sheave based on the selected speed relationship and detected values of the input shaft rotational speed and the output shaft rotational speed. |
US09222577B2 |
Shift linkage assembly for transmission
A shift rod assembly for a transmission of a vehicle having a pair of shift rod members, a gear set assembly, and a pair of link members. The shift rod members each have a splined portion formed in the outer surface that mesh with a gear of the gear set assembly to translate rotational movement from one shift rod member to the other. The link members connect the shift rods to translate axial movement from one shift rod member to the other. |
US09222574B2 |
Cantilever spring type detent assembly
A detent assembly for selectively engaging a gear in a transmission of a motor vehicle is provided. The detent assembly includes a lever having a first groove and a second groove formed therein. The lever is configured to selectively engage a gear. A ball is provided, which is configured to selectively seat in the first groove, the further, to selectively seat in the second groove. A plate is configured to selectively bias the ball into the first groove, and the plate is further configured to selectively bias the ball into the second groove. |
US09222570B2 |
Power transmission apparatus
A power transmission apparatus includes a case having a first member and a second member. A first shaft extending in a first direction and a second shaft extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction are accommodated in the case. A fastener for fastening the first member and the second member to each other is inserted through a hole formed in the first member. A bearing support part for supporting the second shaft is formed in the first member. In a third direction perpendicular to both of the first direction and the second direction, a whole of the hole is positioned in one side in the third direction than an inner peripheral end of the bearing support part in the one side in the third direction. |
US09222569B2 |
Toothed wheel and backlash free gear train
A toothed wheel has a sequence of X teeth, wherein each N-th tooth at least partially has a smaller tooth rigidity compared to the remaining X−N teeth, N being a number which is selected from a range with a lower limit of 2 and an upper limit of X, in particular X/2. Alternatively, a number of M teeth at least partially have a smaller tooth rigidity than the remaining X−M teeth, where M is selected from a range with a lower limit of 1 and an upper limit of X−1 or an upper limit of X provided that at least individual teeth are divided or all the teeth have a different geometry, and/or wherein the tooth system has a pitch in which each Nth tooth stands out compared to the remaining X−N teeth. |
US09222567B2 |
Asymmetric toothing
The invention relates to a toothing, in particular between a starting pinion (22) and a ring gear (25) of an internal combustion engine. The toothing is designed as straight or oblique toothing and comprises a number of individual teeth (202) that mesh with one another. The thicknesses of the individual teeth (212) are asymmetrical, in particular in reduced or widened form on one or both sides. |
US09222560B2 |
Two mode continuously variable transmission
A two mode automatic transmission for a motor vehicle includes a variable ratio component, a plurality of planetary gear assemblies, a chain drive assembly and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. A first planetary gear assembly is associated with an input shaft, a first clutch and a first brake and provides forward and reverse gears. The variable ratio component is driven by the output of the first planetary gear assembly and drives the second planetary gear assembly. The second planetary gear assembly, which may be either a simple or compound planetary assembly, is associated with a second clutch and a second brake and drives the chain drive assembly. The output of the chain drive assembly drives a third planetary gear assembly which is associated with an output shaft. |
US09222558B2 |
Geared infinitely variable transmission
A geared infinitely variable transmission (GIVT) to provide a continuous output-to-input speed ratio from zero to a certain value is designed, and its working principle is illustrated. Crank-slider systems are used in the GIVT; the output-to-input speed ratio is changed with the crank length. Racks and pinions, controlled by planetary gear sets, are used to change the crank length when the cranks are rotating. One-way bearings rectify the output speeds from different crank-slider systems to obtain the output speed of the GIVT. Noncircular gears are used to minimize variations since the crank-slider systems can introduce variations of the instantaneous speed ratio. A direction control system is provided using planetary gear sets. |
US09222556B2 |
Spindle drive having anti-turn mechanism
A spindle drive has a spindle nut (1) and a threaded spindle (2) mounted in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner on a reference body (3) by way of a linear guide, wherein the axis (9) of the threaded spindle (2) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the linear guide, and wherein the linear guide has a groove (4) and a guide element (5) engaging in the groove and comprises an elastic region (5b, 5b′, 5b″), the width of which perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the linear guide is greater than the maximum groove width in the region used for the linear guide. |
US09222555B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator is provided. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a motor, a gearbox, and a linear actuation device. The motor serves as a primary input to provide a rotational input to the gearbox, which generates a corresponding rotational output. The linear actuation device converts the rotational output of the gearbox into a linear motion for driving a load in a linear direction. The actuator includes an override system as a secondary input. The override system may be operated to drive the gearbox in the event that the motor becomes non-operational. Anti-back-driving devices may be provided to prevent back-driving of the motor and of the override system. In the context of a resource extraction system, the motor may be an electric motor powered by subsea electronic control system. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
US09222554B1 |
Power transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle
A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: an input shaft; an output shaft; first, second and third planetary gear sets; a first rotational shaft, a second rotational shaft, a third rotational shaft, a fourth rotational shaft; a fifth rotational shaft; a sixth rotational shaft; and three friction elements mutually selectively connecting rotational shafts to each other or selectively connecting the respective rotational shafts and the transmission housing such that the power transmission system of the hybrid electric vehicle can suppress conversion to an ENG mode by providing sufficient power performance at a time of wide open throttle (WOT) launching and maximally use power of an engine at a time of conversion to a first HEV mode and a third HEV mode. |
US09222550B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A family of transmission gearing arrangements provides between eight and ten forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. Three planetary gear sets are located on the input axis and a fourth planetary gear set is located on an offset axis. Axis transfer gears convey power between the input axis and the offset axis. One axis transfer gear is supported by a front support while another is supported by a center support. The center support also supports a clutch module and supplies pressurized fluid to engage the clutches in the clutch module. |
US09222548B2 |
Dual clutch transmission control method, dual clutch transmission, and vehicle mounted therewith
A method of controlling a dual clutch transmission, a dual clutch transmission, and a vehicle equipped with the same which can reduce the load on a clutch on a start gear side to reduce the wear thereof and therefore make the clutch replacement interval longer. There are a first input shaft to be connected to a first clutch and a second input shaft to be connected to a second clutch. A set of odd-numbered gears and a set of even-numbered gears are arranged respectively across the first input shaft and second input shaft and an output shaft. When a vehicle starts, a start gear and a support gear are synchronously engaged to the second input shaft and the first input shaft, respectively, and simultaneously connecting the first clutch and the second clutch partially (half clutch state) to the first input shaft and the second input shaft, respectively, the support gear having a gear ratio larger than that of the start gear by one speed or higher. |
US09222545B2 |
Silent chain and silent chain transmission
A back face of each inner link plate of the chain is curved convexly. Heights from a pitch line connecting centers of pin holes of inner and guide link plates to the convex apex portion of the inner link plate and to an apex portion of the guide link plate are equalized. The convex apex portions are brought into contact with a guide face of the chain guide per every pitch and the ear apex portions are brought into contact with the chain guide per every pitch while being shifted by a half pitch from the convex apex portions. |
US09222541B2 |
Fluid-filled vibration damping device
A fluid-filled vibration damping device including: first and second mounting members elastically connected by a main rubber elastic body; a partition member supported by the second mounting member; a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber disposed on either side of the partition member; a housing space formed within the partition member; a plate-shaped movable member arranged in the housing space with liquid pressures of the pressure-receiving chamber and the equilibrium chamber applied to the respective faces of the movable member; and a rubber buffer arranged on wall inner surfaces of the housing space to be struck by the movable member. The movable member is grasped partially in a thickness direction between the wall inner surfaces of the housing space via the rubber buffer at surfaces facing the wall inner surfaces of the housing space. |
US09222534B2 |
Caliper disk brake and wear indicating device of such a brake
A caliper disk brake, particularly for commercial vehicles, comprising a carrier, a caliper, at least one brake pad, and an indicating device capable of indicating wear of said brake pad. Said indicating device comprises a screw drive converting a linear movement of said pad with respect to said carrier into a rotational move-ment. Moreover, the invention may include a wear indicating device of such a disk brake. |
US09222530B2 |
Drive train control arrangement
A drive train control arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train includes a main drive train, a first drive axle permanently driven by the main drive train, an auxiliary drive train and a second drive axle coupleable to the main drive train via the auxiliary drive train, which has a first clutch unit and a second clutch unit connected downstream in the power train of the first clutch unit for connecting the second drive axle to the main drive train, and a control unit, which in at least one operating mode that closes the at least one second clutch unit of the auxiliary drive train to shift into a standby operating mode when a defined operating condition is present, and with the standby operating mode activated, closes the first clutch unit of the auxiliary drive train to connect the coupleable second drive axle depending on at least one parameter. |
US09222527B2 |
High efficiency infinitely variable fluid power transformer
A fluid transformer is comprised of standard components arranged in a novel way that gives a substantial high efficiency gain in overall transmission over prior art transfomers. The transformer is applied in a example of continuous application where high efficiency is important, that of a wave energy converter, (WEC), that reciprocates as recurring waves pass over. The transformer operates with single-acting, double-acting and helical hydraulic actuators to pressurize hydraulic fluid in an energy conversion system and power a hydraulic motor that drive an electric generator. A sensor system detects characteristics of in-coming waves, or alternatively waves in the process of wave making, by detecting changes in pressure as waves pass over the sensor system. A control computer system calculates characteristics of the waves such as wave height and speed data, and uses the data to control aspects of the WECs and components of the transformer system. |
US09222526B2 |
Clutch housing and assembly
A clutch assembly includes first, second and third clutches, a housing including a first projection to which the first clutch selectively produces a connection, a second projection to which the second and third clutches selectively produce connections, clutch-apply circuits each circuit corresponding to one of the clutches, and a balance volume circuit for supplying fluid to each of the clutches, and a shaft rotatably supporting the housing. |
US09222523B2 |
Dual-mode torque transfer in laterally engaging drive couplers exhibiting axial misalignment with driven couplers
Techniques for transferring torque between a first unit, such as a mobile machine or a robot, and a second unit, such as a fixed or stationary machine. The units are arranged such that a drive coupler of the first unit designed for delivering torque about a drive axis can engage the driven coupler, which belongs to the second unit and has a driven axis, along an engagement direction that is nearly perpendicular to the direction of the driven axis. A lateral displacement mechanism of the first unit achieves a first-order coaxial alignment between the drive and driven axes. Additional measures are provided for improving engagement, coupling and reducing the level of axial misalignment. Techniques disclosed are tolerant of imprecise alignment between the drive and driven couplers. |
US09222522B2 |
Coupling device between two rotary elements
A device for coupling together two elements mounted to rotate about a common axis of rotation (X) in order to enable one of the elements to be selectively driven in rotation by the other. There are two members (3, 4), one per element, the elements being axially movable relative to each other between a remote decoupled position and an engaged position in which the members provide a rotary connection between the two elements. One of the members forms a plate (3) having a face (P) perpendicular to the axis of rotation and in which a plurality of housings (15) are formed. The other one of the elements carrying rollers (23) that are mounted to rotate about radial axes to project from said element so that each of them can penetrate into any one of the housings and provide a rotary connection between the two members. |
US09222519B2 |
Rigid coupling
A slotted rigid coupling is configured in such a manner that an inner peripheral surface portion of a shaft hole, the inner peripheral surface portion being located within the slit-equipped fastening section of the coupling body, has an inner diameter d. The inner diameter d of an inner peripheral surface portion of the shaft hole, the inner peripheral surface portion being adjacent to the inner peripheral surface portion, is slightly larger than the inner diameter d. The inner peripheral surface portion is a relief surface recessed outward in the radial direction relative to the inner peripheral surface portion. A shaft is inserted in the shaft hole, and the fastening section is fastened. The region where the inner peripheral surface portion adjacent to the inner peripheral surface portion is provided does not come into contact with the shaft. The shaft can be fastened and affixed to the shaft hole without tilt. |
US09222515B2 |
Lubricating structure for linear motion guide apparatus
A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, the guide rail includes a number of recesses and the slider includes a number of depressions aligned with the recesses of the guide rail for forming a number of ball rolling passages, the slider includes a number of grooves offset from the depressions, two end caps attached onto the slider and each include a number of passageways communicating with the grooves of the slider and the ball rolling passages for forming a number of endless ball guiding raceways between the slider and the guide rail and the end caps and for slidably receiving and engaging with the ball bearing device. |
US09222511B2 |
Sliding bearing and sliding bearing assembly
The present invention relates to a sliding bearing including a lubricating oil storing unit storing lubricating oil on the surface thereof and the sliding bearing of the present invention is provided so that the volume of the lubricating oil storing unit occupies 5 to 30 volume % of the entire volume of the sliding bearing. |
US09222510B2 |
Linear motion guide unit with inside seal
An inside seal is installed to make close contact with a lower surface of a slider to exclude foreign material from circulating circuits, ensuring smooth sliding movement of the slider relative to a guide rail. The inside seal is composed of a major portion made of an elastic member and a metallic core, an elastic lip extending sidewise from a lengthwise side of the major portion to come into sliding contact with a guide rail, and hooked portions upright to fit into slots on end caps to keep in place the inside seal. Another longitudinal side has elastic edges to come into elastic abutment against the inside wall surface of the end cap. |
US09222506B2 |
Rolling bearing apparatus
In a creep preventing rolling bearing apparatus 21, an inner ring 12 is provided with a first key groove 13 opened at an inner peripheral face 12i in an axial end portion 12t. The first key groove 13 is provided so as to have a predetermined length L in the axial direction from the axial end portion 12t at a position having a certain depth D from an outer peripheral face 12o in a radial direction. A rotation shaft 17 is provided with a second key groove 13′ on an outer peripheral face 17o along an axial direction. The first key groove 13 and the second key groove 13′ are aligned and a key 18 is inserted, whereby the first key groove 13 and the second key groove 13′ are fixed at the same time. |
US09222504B2 |
Washer with collapsible protrusions for accommodating pivot gap material thickness
A deformable washer incorporated into a pivot assembly including a support sector and a rotatable sector pivotally mounted to the support sector by aligning apertures in the sectors which receive a widthwise inserting pin. The washer includes a disk shaped body defining an open interior and such that the body is supported by the pin in a desired sandwiching arrangement between the sectors. Protrusions extend from either or both of first and second annular extending faces of the body exhibiting deformable characteristics such that, a laterally applied compressive force associated with the stacking assembly results in collapse of the protrusions without otherwise affecting the structural integrity of the underlying body and allows for variations in material thickness resulting in a lateral gap at the pivot while reducing instances of lateral play. |
US09222496B2 |
Construction assembly for spatial structure with movable screw
Construction assembly for spatial structure intended to be releasably fastened to an element, the construction assembly includes a support and a screw. The support has a threaded hole, a front surface and an abutting surface. The screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between a retracted position and a protruding position. In a fixing position, the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support, the screw abuts against the abutting surface of the support, and the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis. |
US09222494B2 |
Method and system for rapid deployment of a capping stack
A capping stack having a first capping stack component and a second capping stack component, and a method for transporting the same are disclosed. The capping stack components are mounted onto standard skids and loaded onto an aircraft. Upon arrival at a location, the skids are mated, and the capping stack components are aligned and coupled. A clamp assembly may be used to create pressure integrity between two capping stack components. |
US09222493B2 |
Statically stable walking machine and power system therefor
A walking machine that includes a chassis with an operator interface, a main controller in data communication with the operator interface, at least two leg members operatively connected to the chassis, and a power system in data communication and electrical communication with the main controller. Each leg member includes a leg control system that includes a leg microcontroller in data communication with the main controller and at least a first electro hydrostatic actuator in electrical communication with the leg microcontroller. The power system includes an electrical generator, power supply electronics in electrical communication with the electrical generator, an electrical storage medium in electrical communication with the electrical generator and in parallel with the power supply electronics, and an electrical power bus for distributing power from the power system to the leg control systems. |
US09222491B2 |
Hydraulic pump start system and method
Embodiments are directed to powering a hydraulic motor pump by powering the hydraulic motor pump from a main bus when power is available from the main bus, powering the hydraulic motor pump from an auxiliary power unit starter motor controller during a start-up of the hydraulic motor pump when power from the main bus is unavailable, and powering the hydraulic motor pump from a generator different than the auxiliary power unit subsequent to starting-up the hydraulic motor pump. |
US09222490B2 |
Pilot-operated quick exhaust valve
A fluid flow control device has an inlet, an outlet and an exhaust port all for an operating fluid. A pilot inlet receives a pilot pressure signal which operates a valve stem actuator via a piston. The valve stem is operable to open a supply valve between the inlet and outlet and, to open an exhaust valve disposed between the outlet and the exhaust. In a further position both the valves are closed. A first fluid leak path is provided between the valve stem and the supply valve for allowing fluid to leak through the supply valve chamber when the supply valve is open and a second fluid leak path is defined by the exhaust valve for allowing fluid to leak through the exhaust valve chamber. The leak paths provide for a force balancing arrangement. A quick exhaust feature allows exhaust flow through the device. |
US09222487B2 |
Tank breather assembly and mounting configuration
A breather assembly is disclosed for use with a fluid tank. The breather assembly may include a mounting collar having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the mounting collar may be connected to a distal end of a fluid tank spout. The breather assembly may also include a breather insert connected to the mounting collar. The breather insert may have a perforated screen extending a distance past a base end of the fluid tank spout. The breather assembly may further include a breather cap having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the breather cap may be connected to the breather insert. The breather cap may also have a passage in common with a hollow center of the mounting collar. |
US09222486B2 |
Engine augmentation of hydraulic control system
A power distribution system includes a prime mover and a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes an accumulator to store energy and supplement that available from the prime mover. A control monitors torque imposed on the prime mover and utilizes energy stored in the accumulator to offload the prime mover when its operating conditions are to be changed. Effecting a change under reduced load conditions mitigates inefficient operation of the prime mover. |
US09222485B2 |
Centrifugal compressor diffuser
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a centrifugal compressor diffuser vane including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a constant thickness section extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. A radius of curvature of the leading edge and a radius of curvature of the trailing edge vary along a span of the vane. A ratio of a length of the constant thickness section to a chord length of the vane is at least approximately 50%, and the ratio is substantially constant along the span of the vane. |
US09222484B2 |
Centrifugal pump casing with offset discharge
A pump casing having a casing body is configured with a discharge formed in the casing body where a midline of the discharge is offset from a tangent line of the casing body and offset from a centerline of the casing body, such that the midline of the discharge is located along a point between the defined centerline and defined tangent line of the casing body. |
US09222482B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan includes a housing, a driving device, and a fan impeller. The housing has a hollow chamber which has a central axis. The driving device is located at the central axis of the hollow chamber. The fan impeller is disposed in the hollow chamber and includes a hub, several blades, and several fins. The hub is connected with the driving device. The blades are disposed around the hub. Each blade has a windward surface and a leeward surface. Each fin extends from the windward surface of one of the blades, outward by an arc surface from the windward surface starting from a location near the central axis, and further extends to the leeward surface of an adjacent blade. |
US09222480B2 |
Integrated method of driving a CO2 compressor of a CO2-capture system using waste heat from an internal combustion engine on board a mobile source
An integrated system and method for driving a CO2 compressor to densify CO2 captured from the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine on board a mobile source of CO2 includes operating a turbine that is operatively connected to the power input or drive shaft of the CO2 compressor, and operatively connecting a motor-generator to the turbine for (a) recovery of any excess power when the turbine-generated power exceeds the CO2 compressor power demand and (b) providing supplemental power when the turbine-generated power is insufficient to meet the CO2 compressor power demand. |
US09222477B2 |
Method and system of submersible pump and motor performance testing
Submersible pump and motor performance testing. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: coupling a torque meter between an electric motor and a pump; and submersing the torque meter, electric motor, and pump in water. During periods of time when the torque meter, electric motor and pump are submerged in the water, the method comprises: operating the pump and the electric motor; measuring pump performance; and simultaneously measuring electric motor performance. |
US09222472B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for utilizing a pumping cassette
The present invention involves, in some embodiments, systems and methods for performing an integrity test on a medical grade cassette that is configured to be used on a medical fluid handling system, wherein the cassette may be disposable and may comprise a membrane therein. The test may be configured to determine an error condition, such as detection of membrane leakage above a threshold value, and may in certain cases be implemented by a medical computer system. In certain cases the integrity test is a dry integrity test and in certain cases, the test is configured to determine a leakage rate of fluid through the membrane. |
US09222468B2 |
Methods and apparatus for control of biomechanical energy harvesting
An apparatus harvests energy from motion of a human or animal body segment and provides the energy to an electrical load. The apparatus comprises a generator operatively coupled to the body segment such that particular movement of the body segment causes the generator to output a generator current and to oppose the particular movement of the body segment with a generator torque. An electrical load is coupled to receive the generator current. A control system is operatively connected between the generator and the electrical load and is configured to control the generator torque during the particular movement of the body segment. The apparatus corresponds to various methods for controlling generator torque while harvesting energy. |
US09222464B2 |
Controller for wind turbine generator, wind turbine generator, and method of controlling wind turbine generator
If blades have been struck by wind that has reached a power reduction start wind speed that is lower than a conventional cut-out wind speed at which torque acting on a main shaft reaches the torque limit, a wind turbine generator performs torque reduction control for causing the change in the torque when wind speed is higher than the power reduction start wind speed to be different from change in the torque when wind speed is lower than the power reduction start wind speed so as to prevent the torque from exceeding the torque limit at the conventional cut-out wind speed. For example, if the wind striking the blades reaches the power reduction start wind speed, the wind turbine generator sets the slope of change in torque lower than that before the power reduction start wind speed is reached. Accordingly, the wind turbine generator can reduce the load acting on a device and suppress a reduction in power even if the blades are struck by strong wind. |
US09222461B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine system with one or more independent electric power generation units
A vertical axis wind turbine system having a vertical mast with one or more turbine units supported thereon. The turbine units are of modular construction for assembly around the foot of the mast; are vertically moveable along the height of the mast by a winch system; and are selectively interlocking with the mast to fix the turbine units in parked positions. The turbine system and each turbine unit includes a network of portals and interior rooms for the passage of personnel through the system, including each turbine unit. The electrical generators, and other sub-components, in the turbine units are of modular construction that permits the selective removal and replacement of component segments, including the transport of component segments through the portals and interior rooms of the turbine system while the turbine units remain supported on the mast. The electrical generators are also selectively convertible between AC generators and DC generators. |
US09222458B2 |
Mooring anchor system for wave energy converters (WECS)
A mooring system for a plurality of wave energy converters (WECs) includes a multiplicity of anchors coupled to form an array of contiguous hexagonal shaped cells. Each cell has 3 WECs and 3 anchors located at the vertices of the hexagon, with a WEC alternating with an anchor going around the perimeter of the cell. Except for the cells at the edges of the array, each WEC is connected to two anchors of its cell and an anchor of an adjacent contiguous cell. Each WEC is connected to three different anchors via 3 mooring lines spaced 120 degrees apart about the WEC. The ratio of the number of anchors per WEC is decreased by connecting each anchor to more than one WEC. The cells can be arranged to form many different patterns. In one embodiment a plurality of WECs and anchors are deployed in a generally triangular formation extending from an apex of the triangular formation to a base. |
US09222455B2 |
Laser ignition system based diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to perform a visual inspection of an engine and diagnose various cylinder components and conditions based on engine positional measurements. Laser pulses may be emitted at a lower power level during an intake and/or exhaust stroke to illuminate a cylinder interior while a photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior. Additionally, laser pulses may be emitted at a higher power level to initiate cylinder combustion while the photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior using the light generated during cylinder combustion. |
US09222454B2 |
Capacitive igniter with a flameout time-delay function
A capacitive igniter with a flameout time-delay function is provided. A first terminal of a flameout time-delay circuit is electrically connected with a common connecting point of a charge-discharge circuit and a charging coil L1. A second terminal of the flameout time-delay circuit is electrically connected with a trigger circuit. A third terminal of the flameout time-delay circuit is grounded through a flameout switch S1. By means of the capacitive igniter with the flameout time-delay function, it can be guaranteed that an engine is stably and reliably shut down under the action of the flameout time-delay circuit when the engine needs to be shut down even if the flameout switch S1 is switched off in the flameout process, and the potential safety hazards that the engine works again due to the fact that the flameout switch S1 is switched off in the flameout process can be effectively avoided. |
US09222453B2 |
Method for restarting an engine
Methods and systems for controlling an engine that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of an air inlet throttle according to engine position and in response to an operator change of mind to restart an engine that is being automatically stopped. |
US09222449B2 |
Spark ignition type internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine can form, in a combustion chamber, a fuel-air mixture region located on the first intake port side and containing mainly a fuel-air mixture, and a burned gas region located on the second intake port side and containing burned gas. When the fuel-air mixture region and a burned gas region are formed, the internal combustion engine determines injection rates of a first fuel injection valve and a second fuel injection valve so that fuel is injected from the first fuel injection valve and second fuel injection valve respectively, depending on an EGR rate. The injection rates are determined such that the injection rate of the first fuel injection valve is increased in accordance with the rise of the EGR rate. |
US09222447B2 |
Charge air cooler control system and method
A charge air cooler, a system to control condensation within a plurality of cooling tubes of a charge air cooler, and a method are disclosed. The system includes an air flow control arrangement configured to selectively ensure a flow rate of charge air through each individual cooling tube is either essentially zero or above a predetermined minimum flow rate in accordance with predetermined operating conditions of the engine. |
US09222438B2 |
Rocket engine with cryogenic propellants
A cyrogenic-propellant rocket engine includes: at least a first tank for a first liquid propellant; a second tank for a second liquid propellant; a third tank for an inert fluid; an axisymmetrical nozzle including a combustion chamber, a device for injecting first and second liquid propellants into the combustion chamber, a nozzle throat, and a divergent section; and a heater device including at least one duct for conveying the inert fluid and arranged outside the nozzle in immediate proximity thereof, but without making contact therewith, to recover energy of thermal radiation emitted when the rocket engine is in operation and to heat the inert fluid. |
US09222437B2 |
Transition duct for use in a turbine engine and method of assembly
A transition duct for use in a turbine engine is provided. The transition duct includes a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall positioned about the radially inner wall defining a flow passage therebetween. The radially outer wall extends and is contoured from an upstream end to a downstream end of the transition duct. As such, the slope of the radially outer wall increases from the upstream end to a predetermined axial location and decreases from the predetermined axial location to the downstream end. |
US09222436B2 |
Airfoil combination for aircraft turbofan
There is described an airfoil combination for aircraft turbofan, designed to save fuel in aircraft operation, which is composed by two wings (5) and two supports (6) articulated or not, for each of the wings (5). These two wings (5) are located inside the turbofan, internally to the outer fairing (3) of the turbofan and externally to the other components of the turbofan. In one of the embodiments, the two wings may have high-lifting devices, such as flaps. The two wings use the “blown” air at great speed by the fan (1) to generate a pre-determined lifting effect pursuant to the flight phases and the operating regimes of the turbofans to compensate totally or partially the weight of the turbofan itself, reducing the lift effort to be generated by the aircraft wings. As the lift force generated by a wing is directly proportional to the square root of the air speed which passes over its surfaces, the lift effect obtained as described above is proportionally very high in relation to the area of the wings (5) that are the subject matter of the present invention. |
US09222434B2 |
Engine housing of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine fitted therewith
The invention relates to an engine housing (4) with a cylinder block (6) and a cylinder head unit (5) comprising a head portion (8) and at least one integrally cast cylinder portion (9) with an internally lying piston bearing surface (11). The cylinder portion (9) of the cylinder head unit (5) can be pushed at least partially in the axial direction of the cylinder portion (12) into the cylinder block (6). The cylinder head unit (5) can also be clamped in the axial direction of the cylinder portion (12) against the cylinder block (6) by means of at least one fixing element (23). |
US09222425B2 |
Air-fuel ratio imbalance detecting device and air-fuel ratio imbalance detecting method for internal combustion engine of vehicle
When a detected value for detecting a rich imbalance in air-fuel ratio among cylinders, in a state where an intake air amount of an engine falls within a low amount region, is lower than a first threshold corresponding to the intake air amount and is higher than or equal to a second threshold corresponding to the intake air amount, a hybrid electronic control unit controls the engine such that the intake air amount falls within a high amount region, and controls a motor generator such that electric power corresponding to a power increase amount is consumed. When the intake air amount falls within the high amount region, the hybrid electronic control unit detects a rich imbalance in air-fuel ratio among the cylinders by comparing the detected value with a third threshold corresponding to the intake air amount. |
US09222424B2 |
Internal combustion engine fitted with combustion pressure detection device
An internal combustion engine fitted with a combustion pressure detection device includes: an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, a pressure detection device having a housing, a diaphragm, and a detection member, and having a shoulder part. The diaphragm is provided on the front end side of the housing and the detection member arranged inside the housing and behind the diaphragm, allowing it to detect the pressure working via the diaphragm. Also provided is a second seal member in a ring shape that seals the opening in the combustion chamber and the housing in the shoulder part of the housing in the pressure detection device. |
US09222423B2 |
Direct injection event-based engine starting
A method for starting an internal combustion engine having direct fuel injection, comprising of adjusting a number of direct injections per combustion cycle based on a cylinder event number from a first cylinder event. |
US09222411B2 |
Bleed air and hot section component cooling air system and method
Combined bleed air and hot section component cooling air systems for gas turbine engines and methods of operating combined bleed air and hot section component cooling air systems are disclosed. An example system may include a high-pressure bleed air line receiving high-pressure bleed air; a precooler receiving at least some of the high-pressure bleed air and discharging cooled high-pressure bleed air; a pressure regulator receiving at least some of the cooled high-pressure bleed air and discharging pressure-regulated cooled bleed air to a pneumatic systems supply line; and/or a hot section component cooling air line connected upstream of the first pressure regulator and configured to convey at least some of the cooled high-pressure bleed air to a hot section component for use as hot section component cooling air. |
US09222410B2 |
Power plant
A power plant is provided and includes a gas turbine engine to generate power, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to produce steam from high energy fluids produced from the generation of power in the gas turbine engine, a steam turbine engine to generate additional power from the steam produced in the HRSG and a thermal load reduction system to reduce thermal loading of components of the HRSG and/or the steam turbine engine during at least startup and/or part load operations, which includes an eductor by which a mixture of compressor discharge air and entrained ambient air is injectable into the HRSG and/or an attemperator to cool superheated steam to be transmitted to the steam turbine engine and a detector disposed within the HRSG to facilitate identification of hot spots therein. |
US09222406B2 |
Wastegates and wastegate components
A wastegate assembly can include a plug configured to plug a wastegate opening where the plug includes a concave, at least partially spherical surface; a shaft configured for receipt by a bore in a wastegate chamber; and a rotatable arm extending from the shaft where the arm includes a convex, at least partially spherical surface configured for contacting the concave, at least partially spherical surface of the plug for a closed orientation of the plug with respect to the wastegate opening. |
US09222403B2 |
Fuel treatment system and method
The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for treating a fuel prior to ignition in a combustion engine in order to improve efficiency. In one aspect of the invention a throttle valve system that entrains a flow of gas, which can include a fuel, into a structured flow pattern via the inclusion of topological on a surface of the valve body and/or the flow chamber. The topological features can be arranged in a pattern configured to produce movement and/or structured turbulence in a stream of gas that is introduced to the throttle valve. An excitation source that ionizes or cracks species in the gas stream can be optionally utilized. |
US09222402B2 |
Pre-chamber
A pre-chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the pre-chamber is part of a two-stroke combustion engine having a cylinder head with a sparkplug receptacle that has a generally frustoconical shape, and the pre-chamber is coupled to the sparkplug receptacle. The pre-chamber may include a cooling jacket with a generally frustoconical shape and a combustion chamber having an upper zone and a lower zone, which may be narrower than the upper zone. |
US09222399B2 |
Liquid cooled internal combustion engine with coolant circuit, and method for operation of the liquid cooled internal combustion engine
A liquid cooled internal combustion engine having a bypass line with a controllable shut off element so that coolant can bypass the cylinder head in certain engine operating conditions. The bypass line branches off from the coolant circuit upstream of the cylinder head and returns to the coolant circuit downstream of the cylinder head. |
US09222397B2 |
Method and device for carrying out a zero point adaptation of a lambda probe of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a zero point adaptation of a lambda probe (16) in an exhaust gas discharge section (4) of an internal combustion engine (2), wherein fresh air is pumped, during an after-run period following a deactivation of the internal combustion engine (2), from an air supply system (3) into the exhaust gas discharge section (4) such that fresh air flows around the lambda probe (16). |
US09222393B2 |
Conical substrate
A catalytic converter for use in motor vehicle exhaust systems includes a housing and a catalytic substrate disposed in the housing. The housing includes a central shell fixed to an inlet end cone and an outlet end cone. The catalytic substrate includes a primary body section disposed in an internal chamber of the central shell and a secondary body section disposed in an inlet chamber of the inlet end cone. The secondary body section includes a shaped face surface that is exposed to hot exhaust gases supplied to the inlet chamber to assist in improved light-off and improved purification efficiency. |
US09222386B2 |
Injection device for metering a liquid additive, method for freezing an injection device and motor vehicle
An injection device for the metering or addition of a liquid additive into an exhaust gas treatment device, includes an outlet region to be brought into contact with the exhaust gas treatment device, a connector region spaced apart from the outlet region and having a fluid-line connector, and a duct or channel for the additive extending from the connector region to the outlet region. A valve controls the metering or addition of the additive, and at least one heat-flow adjustment device defines a direction of freezing in the duct from the outlet region towards the connector region. A method for freezing an injection device, a method for producing an injection device and a motor vehicle are also provided. |
US09222383B2 |
Working vehicle including exhaust gas treatment device
A working vehicle includes an engine, a vehicle body frame on which the engine is mounted, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas of the engine, and a fixing base for fixing the exhaust gas treatment device, and the fixing base is separated from the engine by a gap. Furthermore, a support body for connecting the fixing base to the vehicle body frame is also separated from the engine by a gap. A bellows pipe for absorbing solid-borne sound is provided in an area where a suction pipe of the exhaust gas treatment device is connected to an exhaust manifold of the engine. |
US09222382B2 |
Particulate matter purifying material, filter catalyst for purifying particulate matter using particulate matter purifying material, and method of regenerating filter catalyst for purifying particulate matter
A particulate matter purifying material is used for a filter catalyst for purifying particulate matter that is disposed in an exhaust gas flow path of an internal combustion engine, traps the particulate matter in exhaust gas generated in the internal combustion engine, and burns the particulate matter to be deposited, so as to be regenerated. The particulate matter purifying material includes an oxide containing cerium (Ce) having an oxygen storage-release capacity, and at least one metal (Me) selected from the group consisting of Zr, Y, La, Pr, Sr, Nb and Nd, wherein a content ratio (Ce:Me) of cerium to the metal is 6:4 to 9:1 in terms of an atomic ratio, and a degree of crystallinity (CR) represented by the following formula (1) is within a range of 25 to 60%: Degree of crystallinity (CR)=I/I0×100(%) (1) wherein I represents an X-ray diffraction peak intensity with regard to a (111) plane of a CeO2 phase in the particulate matter purifying material, and I0 represents the X-ray diffraction peak intensity with regard to the (111) plane of the CeO2 phase after the particulate matter purifying material is baked in air at 1000° C. |
US09222380B2 |
Powertrain and method for fast start of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid electric vehicle
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain includes an internal combustion engine and an electric vehicle traction motor, an engine lubrication oil pump in fluid communication with a lubrication oil flow circuit for the internal combustion engine, an electric oil pump drive motor drivingly connected to the lubrication oil pump, and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module is configured to start the electric oil pump drive motor immediately upon the initial start of the vehicle. |
US09222378B2 |
Variable cam phaser
A cam phaser includes a rotor, a stator, and a cover. The rotor defines a first hole and a second hole and can rotate relative to the stator between a first intermediate position and a second intermediate position. The cover is mounted on the stator and defines a first lock pin seat and a second lock pin seat. The cam phaser includes a first lock pin and a second lock pin. The first lock pin can move along the first hole and into the first lock pin seat to lock the rotor relative to the stator at the first intermediate position. The second lock pin can move along the second hole and into the second lock pin seat to lock the rotor relative to the stator at the second intermediate position. |
US09222371B2 |
Efficient heat exchange system for storing energy
The efficient heat exchange system provides a rapidly rechargeable thermal energy storage bank operably connected to a heat engine capable of use in an electric power generation facility or in a vehicle. Microwave energy is supplied to the system via a network of waveguides. The thermal energy storage bank has a slurry in a heat exchanger capable of sustaining operation of the engine without requiring the microwave source. The slurry provides a mixture of powdered stainless steel and silicone oils functioning as the working fluid in the hot side of the heat exchanger. The slurry may be heated by plugging the system into standard AC power for a predetermined microwave heat charging duration. A closed, triple-expansion, reciprocating Rankine cycle engine capable of operating under computer control via a high pressure micro-atomized steam working medium is provided to propel the vehicle. |
US09222370B2 |
Steam turbine in a three-shelled design
A turbomachine including a rotor and an inner interior housing an outer interior housing and an exterior housing, wherein the turbomachine has a first flow and a second flow arranged opposite the first flow for a high-pressure blading or medium-pressure blading, wherein the inner interior housing is made of a higher quality material tan the outer interior housing and solely accommodates the high-pressure and medium-pressure inflow regions including the balance piston is provided. |
US09222368B2 |
Turbomachine casing assembly
A turbomaehine casing assembly includes a first casing element, located radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine, and a second casing element, located radially distal to the first element. A void is provided at a first end of the first element, between radially proximal faces of the first and second elements. The first end of the first element is located against a corresponding first end of the second element by an energy absorbing element. The first element includes a cantilever, arranged in a region extending along the first element from the first end with a pivot axis at its mid-portion. Release of one of the rotating aerofoil elements, resulting in impact with the first element, further results in the cantilever bending into the void between the first and second elements, enabling the rotating aerofoil element to be trapped within the casing assembly. |
US09222367B2 |
Turbocharger and manufacturing method for turbocharger
A turbocharger includes: a turbine wheel that is driven by exhaust gas from an engine and supported rotatably by a predetermined rotary shaft; and a turbine housing that forms an exhaust gas passage that leads the exhaust gas to the turbine wheel, wherein the turbine housing includes a housing main body constituted by a plate-form member and a reinforcement member that forms the exhaust gas passage together with the housing main body and reinforces the housing main body, the reinforcement member includes a pair of annular portions having a substantially annular shape and provided about an axial center of the rotary shaft at an interval in an axial direction of the rotary shaft, and a connecting portion that connects the pair of annular portions, and the pair of annular portions and the connecting portion are molded integrally by implementing deformation processing on the plate-form member. |
US09222365B2 |
Bearing arrangement for a shaft of a turbocharger
A bearing arrangement for supporting a shaft in a turbocharger housing. The bearing arrangement includes a sleeve element and the sleeve element is formed with a flange section at each end for fastening the bearing arrangement in the turbocharger housing. |
US09222362B2 |
Hybrid metal leading edge part and method for making the same
A leading edge for use as a leading edge reinforcement on a blade or airfoil part. The leading edge has a main body that includes two leg sections. A metal deposition layer is applied to the main body to form the outer end portion of the leading edge. The main body can be formed of one or more pieces. |
US09222359B2 |
Setting tool and method for installing an anchor rod
A setting tool for inserting an anchor rod into a borehole filled with a curable mass or filled with a cartridge containing a curable mass is disclosed. The setting tool includes a housing, which has a receptacle for the anchor rod, into which the anchor rod can be inserted in the longitudinal direction and in which the anchor rod can be fixed. At least one clamping element is tilted at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and is supported in a guide in the receptacle in such a way that the clamping element can be moved from a receiving position, in which the anchor rod can be inserted into the receptacle in the longitudinal direction, to a clamping position, in which the anchor rod is fixed in the receptacle in the circumferential direction, by rotating the housing relative to the anchor rod. |
US09222357B2 |
Bit exchange method and bit exchange device for shield tunneling machine
Sealing in the sliding gap of a rotating valve is improved to smoothly rotate the rotating valve during replacement of a roller bit. A valve housing portion is formed behind a bit housing portion having an opening at the front of a main cutter spoke. A rotating valve is rotationally disposed as a rotating body in the valve housing portion. A bit case containing the roller bit is moved into the bit housing portion so as to protrude from a removable passage of the rotating valve, and then the bit case is fixed by a cotter member to support a drilling reaction force. Thus, the sliding gap of the rotating valve is disposed in the bit housing portion and the valve housing portion and is covered with the bit case. |
US09222356B2 |
Drill bit exchange device for shield tunneling machine
A drill bit exchange device for a shield tunneling machine includes: a housing with an aperture; a valve body housed in a chamber of the housing, the valve body being pivotable about a pivot axis (Ob) inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an axis perpendicular to the front of a cutter head; a bit-housing hole formed in the valve body to detachably accommodate a bit; and an exchange seal recess located at the front of the chamber and at a symmetrical position from the aperture with respect to the pivot axis (Ob). The valve body is pivoted about the pivot axis (Ob) to move the bit, which faces the aperture, to the exchange seal recess, allowing the bit to be removed from the bit-housing hole and exchanged. |
US09222354B2 |
Tool system
The invention relates to a tool system having a bit holder and a shank bit, the bit holder comprising a bit receptacle that comprises a first and a second diameter region that lead into one another via a transitional segment (taper), a bit shank of the shank bit comprising a first and a second cross-sectional region that lead into one another via a transitional segment. With a tool system of this kind, a wear-optimized design results from the fact that the transitional segments of the shank bit and of the bit holder are arranged spaced away from one another in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the shank bit, in order to form a resetting space. |
US09222348B2 |
Methods for monitoring the formation and transport of an acidizing fluid using opticoanalytical devices
In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing at least one acid; combining the at least one acid with a base fluid to form an acidizing fluid; and monitoring a characteristic of the acidizing fluid using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the acidizing fluid. |
US09222346B1 |
Hydraulic fracturing system and method
A hydraulic fracturing system and method are disclosed. The system can include a manifold having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a plurality of fluid inlets. The system can also include primary pumps, which are fluidically coupled to one of the fluid inlets, wherein the primary pumps are configured to deliver a first fluid stream to the first fluid outlet and a second fluid stream to the second fluid outlet. The system can further include a supplemental pump fluidically coupled to the second fluid outlet, wherein the supplemental pump is configured to deliver pulses of fluid to the first fluid stream. |
US09222343B2 |
In situ RF heating of stacked pay zones
A method of heating stacked pay zones in a hydrocarbon formation by radio frequency electromagnetic waves is provided. In particular, radio frequency antenna array having multiple antenna elements are provided inside a hydrocarbon formation that has steam-impermeable structure. The antenna elements are so positioned and configured that the hydrocarbons in the place where conventional thermal methods cannot be used to heat due to the steam-impermeable structure can now be heated by radio frequency electromagnetic waves. |
US09222340B2 |
Mechanically adjustable flow control assembly
A flow control assembly can be mechanically adjusted, rotationally or translationally, inside a tubing downhole between multiple positions by an intervening tool from the surface to change resistivity to flow through the flow control assembly. The positions among which the flow control assembly can be adjusted can include a closed position, a fully open position, and positions at which fluid experiences various resistances prior to flowing to an inner area of the tubing. |
US09222335B2 |
Controllably releasable shifting tool
A shifting tool having a release mechanism of predictable deforming radial character. The tool may be utilized for activating any of a variety of different types of downhole actuators. Once more, due to the controlled and predictable manner of deformation employed in the release mechanism, load pulls directed at the actuator may be significant without undue concern over unintended or uncontrolled tool breakage. So, for example, a stuck actuator arm engaged with the shifting tool may be safely pulled at substantially greater loads thereby increasing the odds of dislodging. Thus, the occurrences of added follow-on interventional applications addressing stuck actuator arms may be reduced, resulting in tremendous time and cost savings. |
US09222334B2 |
Valve system for downhole tool string
A technique facilitates the delivery and testing of a tool string assembly downhole. The technique employs at least one rotatable element valve in the tool string at a location which enables the rotatable element valve to be used for selectively blocking or allowing fluid flow along an interior passage of the tool string. A one-way valve, such as a flapper valve, dart valve, or spring loaded ball valve, is deployed within a rotatable element of each rotatable element valve to combine flow control functions, thus enabling a shorter tool string section. The at least one rotatable element valve also may be designed to facilitate pressure testing of the tool string. |
US09222332B2 |
Coiled tubing packer system
A wellbore monitoring system comprising a length of tubing defining an axial flowbore, two or more data conduits extending within the axial flowbore of the coiled tubing, two or more sensors, each of the two or more sensors configured to measure a wellbore parameter and to communicate data indicative of the measured wellbore parameter via one of the two or more data conduits, and two or more deployable tubular packers, each of the deployable tubular packers disposed within the axial flowbore of the tubing, wherein each of the deployable tubular packers is selectively secured within the axial flowbore of the tubing, and wherein the two deployable tubular packers provide fluid isolation between a first region of the axial flowbore, a second region of the axial flowbore, and a third region of the axial flowbore. |
US09222329B2 |
Low profile, high capacity ball injector
An injector spool supports a plurality of ball injector assemblies having respective ball cartridges adapted to load one frac ball at a time into a ball chamber of a ball launcher of the respective ball injector assemblies to provide a low profile, high capacity ball injector. |
US09222326B2 |
Subsea pressure delivery system
A subsea system including a frame including an intensifier, the intensifier providing structural support to the frame and capable of providing pressurized delivery fluid. The intensifier includes an intensifier chamber and a delivery fluid chamber separated by a piston, the intensifier chamber capable of receiving ambient pressure to provide a pressure on the delivery fluid through the piston. Also, a regulation system regulates the amount of ambient pressure communicated to the intensifier chamber to maintain the delivery fluid pressure substantially constant as the delivery fluid is depleted. |
US09222320B2 |
Subsea pressure control system
A subsea pressure control system can include at least one subsea choke which variably restricts flow of drilling fluid from a well annulus to a surface location, the choke being positioned at a subsea location, and a subsea process control system which automatically operates the subsea choke, whereby a desired pressure is maintained in the well annulus. Another subsea pressure control system can include at least one subsea choke which variably restricts flow of drilling fluid from a well annulus to a surface location, the choke being positioned at a subsea location, and a subsea pump which pumps the drilling fluid from the subsea location to the surface location. |
US09222319B1 |
LCM recovery tank
An LCM recovery system that relies on gravity and density or specific gravity differences between three of the main components of drilling fluids, i.e., the mud and chemicals, lost circulation material (LCM) or additives, and drill solids or cuttings. Fluid enters the LCM recovery tank from the well via a flow line or mud gas separator return leg. Cuttings, having a greater density than additives, tend to settle and become trapped on the input side of the LCM recovery tank. The less dense fluid and entrained or suspended LCM tends to travel over the baffle near the center of the tank. LCM can then be efficiently returned to the active mud system for reconditioning or pumping downhole again. |
US09222315B2 |
Rotary lock block type drilling riser connector
A rotary lock block type drilling riser connector has a main body connection part and control pipeline connection parts. A driving ring is set between flanges, a plurality of fan-shaped grooves are set on the lower end of the flange of the upper joint, each fan-shaped groove having a lock block therein; each lock block is slidably connected with a T-shaped elongated slot of the upper joint; the driving ring is fixedly connected with the flange upwardly, many segments of the horizontal T-shaped slots are evenly distributed in the inner surface of the driving ring, another screw hole is provided in the outer circumferential surface of the lock block, and the driving ring is slidably connected with the lock block in the circumferential direction. |
US09222312B2 |
Vibrating downhole tool
Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve can comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator can comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast. |
US09222310B2 |
Method and apparatus for lateral well drilling with enhanced capability for clearing cuttings and other particles
Apparatus for clearing particles from a lateral drilling operation in strata beside a well. The drilling apparatus is part of a down hole unit and is configured for extending from a lateral opening of the unit into a lateral passage in the adjacent strata, and the operation of the drilling apparatus discharges particles from the lateral passage toward the lateral opening. The invention deflects or redirects the particles discharged from the lateral passage, away from the lateral opening, to prevent clogging or blocking of an internal passage or elbow through the down hole unit, using a pressurized fluid such as a gas or an emulsion. The pressurized fluid can also be configured for carrying the particles upwardly through the well to the surface, and for reducing or removing a hydrostatic head in the well. |
US09222305B2 |
Winder assembly
A winder assembly for controlling the extension or retraction of a window covering, for example a roller blind. The winder assembly includes a spindle having a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a location lug also extending from the head, in the direction of the shaft. The winder assembly further includes a drive mechanism operable to control the extension and retraction of the window covering by rotation of the drive mechanism about the spindle, and a spindle cover. The spindle cover itself includes an opening through which the shaft of the spindle passes, the cover releasably engaging the head of the spindle, and at least one location aperture receiving the location lug to define at least one position of the spindle relative to the cover. |