| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09235702B2 |
Personal identification number security enhancement
A method that includes receiving, from a first entity having an input permission, a first data structure into a HSM, wherein the first data structure maps a first many-to-one mapping between a first and a second PIN numeral system. The method also includes determining whether the content of the first data structure is valid, storing the first data structure in the HSM if the first data structure is valid and marking the stored first data structure as inactive. The method further includes activating the first data structure if a second data structure is input into the HSM by a second entity having an activation permission, wherein the first entity is different from the second entity, the first data structure is identical to the second data structure. The method additionally includes converting from the first to the second PIN numeral system responsive to the activated first data structure. |
| US09235701B2 |
Light-operated electronic equipment and mobile electronic device for controlling electronic equipment with light
A light-operated electronic equipment and a mobile electronic device for controlling an electronic equipment with light are provided. The light-operated electronic equipment with a light sensing receiving unit and a control unit is controlled by the mobile electronic device with a light source, a light control code module and a light display process module. Besides, further provides a process method of performing system registration by a light control way. By the process method, an information process device receives the input of the light signal through a transmission equipment, such that the light sensing receiving unit of the transmission equipment converts the brightness change of the light signal into the electric control code for the control unit of the transmission equipment to receive the electric control code and transmit the electric control code to the information process device through a transmission interface. |
| US09235693B2 |
System and methods thereof for tracking and preventing execution of restricted applications
A system and method for tracking and preventing an execution of an application on a user device are provided. The method comprises receiving a request to determine if an application is a restricted application for a user of the user device; receiving at least one context parameter respective of the application; receiving at least one variable related the user of the user device; determining whether the application is a restricted application based on the analysis of the at least one context parameter and the at least one variable parameter; and disabling an access of the user to contents of the application if the application is determined to be restricted. |
| US09235686B2 |
Systems and methods for using adverse event data to predict potential side effects
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for predicting a likely side effect profile for even new, untested medications. A predicted side effect profile may be generated based on intersections of side effect profiles of other medications that affect the same or related molecular entities, such as the nearby target proteins, involve the same pathways, or are otherwise similarly related. To generate a predicted side effect profile for a new drug targeting a novel or previously un-targeted protein target, an analyzer may query an adverse event database for records pertaining to patients who have taken drugs or combinations of drugs that target or affect molecular entities in the vicinity of the novel target within a global molecular entity graph, and, in some embodiments, may retrieve a plurality of adverse event records and generate an intersection of side effects associated with related targets to predict likely side effects for the novel target. |
| US09235684B2 |
Modeling long-term host-pathogen interactions
Using an in silico testing environment, host-pathogen interactions can be modeled and simulated by, in any effective order, identifying a plurality of biological events associated with a pathogen's invasion of a host; identifying for each biological event, at least one agent associated with the event; describing the state for each agent and/or identifying at least one action for each agent; identifying at least one interaction between agents; simulating a temporal course of the host-pathogen interaction using the plurality of biological events; and displaying the results of the simulation phase. The simulation phase may be accomplished using an agent-based simulation system that includes a feedback loop. The feedback loop is configured for continuously using output of at least one simulation as input for at least another simulation until an end is met. |
| US09235683B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for managing adherence to a regimen
A method of managing adherence to a regimen in a subscription based computer implemented healthcare information environment. The method includes receiving at a mobile device information from a receiver that a dose was ingested by a living subject. The mobile device comprises a processor, a memory and a display coupled to the processor. The method provides wirelessly communicating the information over a wireless network to a backend computer processing system and receiving from the computer at the backend processing system a personal information stream characterizing behavior of the living subject based on the received information over a predetermined period. An apparatus includes an adherence package including a foldable sheet, at least one of blister pack coupled to the foldable sheet, at least one ingestible device associated with a dose, and a perforation provided on the foldable sheet to enable removal of the at the least one blister pack. |
| US09235679B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US09235676B2 |
Method and apparatus for optical proximity correction
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) design method. The method includes (1) receiving a first layout comprising stripe patterns with a first separation and a first width; (2) receiving a second layout comprising stripe patterns with a second width narrower than the first separation, each stripe on the second layout is configured to situate between two adjacent stripes on the first layout when overlaying the first layout and the second layout; (3) performing a separation check by identifying a spacing between a stripe on the second layout and one of the two adjacent stripes on the first layout; and (4) adjusting the spacing between the stripe on the second layout and one of the two adjacent stripes on the first layout when the separation check determining the spacing is greater than a predetermined value. |
| US09235670B2 |
Method and an apparatus for automatic generation of verification environment for processor design and verification
A method and a system embodying the method for automatic generation of a verification environment, comprising providing a first model of an application-specific instruction-set processor; providing a second model of the application-specific instruction-set processor; and generating automatically the verification environment from the first model and the second model is disclosed. |
| US09235668B1 |
Computer implemented method for calculating a charge density at a gate interface of a double gate transistor
A computer implemented method for calculating a charge density q1 of a first gate of a double gate transistor comprising a thin body with a first and a second gate interface, the method including determining, using a physical processor, an initial estimate q1,init of the charge density of the first gate; performing, using the physical processor, at least two basic corrections of the initial estimate based on a Taylor development of a function fzero(q1) able to be nullified by a correct value of the charge density q1 of the first gate. |
| US09235667B2 |
SCR simulation model
A model for simulating the electrical behavior of a thyristor includes a model of an NPN bipolar transistor whose emitter forms the cathode of the thyristor and the base forms a low-side control terminal of the thyristor, and a model of a PNP bipolar transistor whose emitter forms the anode of the thyristor and the base forms a high-side control terminal of the thyristor, the collector of the PNP transistor being connected to the low-side control terminal and the collector of the NPN transistor being connected to the high-side control terminal. The transistor models are present a small signal behavior over the entire range of anode currents of the thyristor, whereby the transistor models exhibit a gain drop when the anode current exits the small signal range. |
| US09235664B2 |
Systems and methods for executing unified process-device-circuit simulation
A unified simulation system is provided. The unified simulation system includes an input database storing input data comprising an input parameter and environment information, a unified simulator executing a unified process-device-circuit simulation of characteristics of a semiconductor apparatus based on the input data and at least one predetermined model and outputting a simulation result as output data, and an output database storing the output data. The unified simulator includes a process simulator simulating at least one process based on the input data and outputting process characteristic data, a device simulator simulating at least one device based on the process characteristic data and outputting device characteristic data, and a circuit simulator simulating a circuit comprising the at least one device. Accordingly, multiple devices can be simultaneously optimized for the optimization of circuit characteristics and an accurate specification at process and device levels can be provided. |
| US09235656B2 |
Determining a geometrical CAD operation
It is provided a computer-implemented method for designing a CAD modeled object. The method comprises displaying at least one three-dimensional parametric shape; user-interacting with the screen; defining on a support at least one stroke corresponding to the user-interacting; selecting a number of the three-dimensional parametric shapes; evaluating a relative position of the stroke with the selected shape; and determining a geometrical CAD operation based on the number and the relative position. Such a method makes the design of a CAD modeled object easier. |
| US09235654B1 |
Query rewrites for generating auto-complete suggestions
A computer-implemented method for proving complete query suggestions, performed by a server system, includes receiving a partial search query from a client system. A database of complete search queries is searched to identify a first set of matching complete search queries. If the first set of matching complete search queries fails to satisfy predefined criteria (e.g., with respect to the quantity and/or quality of the matching complete search queries), a rewrite of the received partial search query is performed to produce a first set of rewritten partial search queries. The database of complete search queries is searched to identify a second set of complete search queries matching any of the first set of rewritten partial search queries. At least a subset of the second set of matching complete queries are sent to the client system. |
| US09235652B1 |
Optimizing a data integration process
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and computer readable media for optimizing a data integration process. In embodiments, a system can be configured to represent the processing of a data record that includes attributes, and to use that representation to determine an optimal processing of that data record. In embodiments, the system represents the processing of a data record as an operator graph comprising nodes and edges, where each node is an operator node that represents an operator for implementing at least one logical operation on at least one of the attributes and each edge between a pair of nodes represents the movement of data between the nodes. In embodiments, each operator node includes one or more operator metrics (e.g. operator cost metrics and operator quality metrics). In embodiments, the system determines optimal processing of the data record by determining a best path within the operator graph. |
| US09235649B2 |
Domain based workflows
Technology is disclosed for using workflows based on domains in a hierarchical data structure (e.g. LDAP directory) or other type of data structure. When a workflow is created, it is associated with domain. The domain is defined by a selected node and all nodes below that selected node in the hierarchical data structure. At run time, the system identifies which workflows perform a requested task and are associated with a domain that includes the target of the task. If multiple workflows are determined, the user is provided with the ability to choose one of the identified workflows for performing the tasks. |
| US09235648B2 |
Automated surfacing of tagged content in vertical applications
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to social bookmarking and provide a method, system and computer program product for automated surfacing of tagged content in a vertical application. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for automatically surfacing tagged content in a vertical application can be provided. The method can include parsing text from content in an end user application, comparing the parsed text to social bookmarks and associated metadata in a social bookmarking system and matching portions of the content to respective ones of the social bookmarks based upon the comparison, and visually emphasizing the matched portions of the content in the end user application. |
| US09235641B1 |
Method and apparatus for archive processing of electronic messages
A method and system for detection, storage and/or display of archive tracking information regarding archiving process history for archived and/or non-archived messages (e.g., email messages). Such information may be useful in determining reasons why a message, or group of messages, was archived or not, and thereby assessing the functioning of an archiving system. The process history information may include a processing type for the electronic message indicating whether the message was archived or not, and if the message was not archived, may indicate whether the message is a duplicate of another archived message, the message was filtered, or the archiving of the message failed. Event data may be recorded indicating a detailed reason why a message was not archived, a current location of the message, one or more rules applied to the electronic message during an archival filtering operation, and/or one or more rules that caused the electronic message to be selected for archiving. |
| US09235640B2 |
Logging browser data
For logging browser data, the method compiles a string representing metadata of an operating environment for a browser displaying webpage content from a Web server. The method further compiles a Document Object Model (DOM) string representing at least one DOM element of the webpage content. In addition, the method logs the metadata string and the DOM string within a data store accessible by the web server. |
| US09235638B2 |
Document retrieval using internal dictionary-hierarchies to adjust per-subject match results
Techniques for managing big data include retrieval using per-subject dictionaries having multiple levels of sub-classification hierarchy within the subject. Entries may include subject-determining-power (SDP) scores that provide an indication of the descriptive power of the entry term with respect to the subject of the dictionary containing the term. The same term may have entries in multiple dictionaries with different SDP scores in each of the dictionaries. A retrieval request for one or more documents containing search terms descriptive of the one or more documents can be processed by identifying a set of candidate documents tagged with subjects, i.e., identifiers of per-subject dictionaries having entries corresponding to a search term, then using affinity values to adjust the aggregate score for the terms in the dictionaries. Documents are then selected for best match to the subject based on the adjusted scores. Alternatively, the adjustment may be performed after selecting the documents by re-ordering them according to adjusted scores. |
| US09235637B1 |
Systems and methods for generating predicted queries and corresponding search results
A search system monitors the input of a search query by a user. Before the user finishes entering the search query, the search system identifies and sends a portion of the query as a partial query to the search engine. Based on the partial query, the search engine creates a set of predicted queries. This process may take into account prior queries submitted by a community of users, and may take into account a user profile. The predicted queries are to be sent back to the user for possible selection. The search system may also cache search results corresponding to one or more of the predicted queries in anticipation of the user selecting one of the predicted queries. The search engine may also return at least a portion of the search results corresponding to one or more of the predicted queries. |
| US09235631B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for simulating an online session
A method and system for conducting an offline session simulating an online session between a client and server in a network environment. The client imports data and functional logic from the server prior to going offline. The imported functional logic is embedded into a format or document that is capable of being interpreted and performed by the local interface at the client that is used interact with server during an online session. Whether offline or online, the user utilizes the same local interface at the client to transmit instructions to the functional logic in order to manipulate the data. In an offline session, such instructions cause the imported and embedded functional logic to execute, thereby manipulating the data that is imported at the client. Synchronization methods may also be used in order to maintain consistency and coherency between the imported data at the client and the database at the server. |
| US09235630B1 |
Dataset discovery in data analytics
An initial work package is obtained. The initial work package defines at least one hypothesis associated with a given data problem, and is generated in accordance with one or more phases of an automated data analytics lifecycle. A plurality of datasets is identified. One or more datasets in the plurality of datasets that are relevant to the at least one hypothesis are discovered. The at least one hypothesis is tested using at least a portion of the one or more discovered datasets. |
| US09235626B2 |
Automatic generation of snippets based on context and user interest
A system obtains a document that is responsive to a user query. The system determines an interest of the user based on stored data associated with the user, and determines that a portion of the document relates to the interest of the user. The system generates a first snippet for the document based on the portion of the document that relates to the interest of the user, and provides the first snippet for the document as part of a result list. |
| US09235625B2 |
Ranking media content sources
A processing device identifies a plurality of media items that have been accessed by a user. The processing device determines a plurality of annotations in the plurality of media items that identify a plurality of media content sources. The processing device calculates scores for the plurality of media content sources, wherein a score for a media content source of the plurality of media content sources is calculated based at least in part on a quantity of the plurality of annotations that identify the media content source. The processing device ranks the plurality of media content sources based on the calculated scores. The processing device the provides one or more ranked media content sources for presentation to the user. |
| US09235624B2 |
Document similarity evaluation system, document similarity evaluation method, and computer program
Disclosed is a document similarity evaluation system or the like which can evaluate a degree of concentration and dispersion of parts with high similarity in at least two kinds of documents. The system includes a segment search unit which finds common segments (CS) in first and second segment strings, counts the number of CS, and identifies an appearance range (AR) within CS; and a similarity index (SI) calculation unit which calculates a first sum that is a sum of the numbers of characters of each segment (NCS) in AR and a second sum that is a sum of NCS of CS and calculates SI between the first and second segment strings by the following equation, SI=F(NTC)/G(NCC)×NS (where, NTC is the first sum, NCC is the second sum, NS is the number of the CS, functions F and G monotonically increase at larger than 0). |
| US09235619B2 |
Formulaic conjoined project effort instance display method and search system process thereof
A Dynamic Live System for collecting, inputting, storing, and reporting Element Effort Event Data, whose processes upon query enable the reporting of well formatted Formulaic Conjoined Project Effort Instance (CPEI) Reports per the System's Who did What in Phasetime Effort Instance Formulas in Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Auto Displays, and Inferences, not stored as displayed in Systems base tables. The formulas 5th Element permits effort instances to be reported as past, present and future CPEI displays, regardless if said element effort event data was inputted by an element directly or generated automatically by the system's use of AI type techniques. Dynamically generated well formatted CPEI report displays incorporate functional interaction designed attributes that hyperlink formula primitives by their CPEI associations, whether or not said associations are acknowledged as credited efforts by a project owner. Functional interaction designed virtual data tables permit rated report displays per formulaic CPEI element virtual data field fulfillment. |
| US09235616B2 |
Systems and methods for partial workflow matching
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for identifying a workflow, from a set of workflows, that best match a given query partial workflow. In addition to identifying the best match, the systems and methods can identify the portion of the workflow that best matches the query partial workflow. |
| US09235615B2 |
System and method for generating and updating location check digits
A method, apparatus, and program product for generating check data for a location within an area of a workspace include receiving an identifier for a selected location that has check data associated therewith. Candidate check data for use with the selected location is generated. The candidate check data is evaluated for a match against at least one of existing check data for the selected location or check data associated with a related location. Based on the evaluation, a determination is made of whether the candidate check data is acceptable for use for the selected location. |
| US09235614B2 |
Computer implemented methods and apparatus for feed-based case management
Techniques for providing feed-based case management on an online social network. A user interface that includes a publisher and an information feed is provided. Information associated with a record is received and the record is updated in a database system. A feed item associated with the database system update is generated and provided in the information feed. The feed item includes one or more actionable selections providing a reference to the publisher. Selection of one of the one or more actionable selections causes the publisher to be operable to receive further information associated with the record. The record is capable of being updated based on the further information. In some implementations, the record is a case and the user interface serves as a single interface for all interactions required in solving the case. |
| US09235613B2 |
Flexible partitioning of data
Disclosed are various embodiments of a flexible application-level partitioning scheme for data storage components. A data store is accessible by one or more computing devices and includes multiple partitions. One of the partitions is identified by mapping a key value of a data item to one of the partitions according to one of multiple versions of mapping metadata. Each of the versions of mapping metadata specifies a respective list of some or all of the partitions and an approach for mapping the key value to one of the partitions. The data item is inserted into the identified partition. |
| US09235612B1 |
Management of event data
A data management resource receives event log data indicating content consumption by multiple subscribers in a network environment. The data management resource converts the event data into bit strings stored in a multi-dimensional information array. One dimension of the multi-dimensional information array represents the multiple subscribers. Another dimension of the multi-dimensional information array represents time. The bit strings stored in the multi-dimensional information array indicate at what time, if any, a respective subscriber tunes to consume particular. The data compression resource stores a compressed rendition of the multi-dimensional array information in a repository for subsequent application of queries. |
| US09235606B1 |
Simplified database/log backup and restore
A set of objects associated with an incremental backup is determined where the set of objects includes one or more full backup objects associated with a full backup from which the incremental backup depends. A backup is performed using the set of objects, including by setting one or more timestamps associated with the one or more full backup objects to a time later than the full backup. |
| US09235603B2 |
Activity based search
A method includes identifying at least one document associated with content from at least one digital content source. The at least one document includes information identifying at least one aspect of the content. The method also includes determining a document index for the at least one document based on keywords included in the at least one document. An activity field is inserted into the document index. The method includes accessing activity information. The activity information identifies at least one activity keyword associated with at least one activity. The method further includes identifying at least one present activity keyword in the document based on the activity information. An indicator of at least one present activity is determined based on the at least one present activity keyword. The method includes indexing the indicator of the at least one present activity in the activity field of the document index. |
| US09235599B1 |
Locating persons of interest based on license plate recognition information
Possible locations of a person of interest are ranked based on LPR instances captured around physical locations and license plate numbers associated with the person of interest. An LPR instance includes an indication of a vehicle license plate number, a physical location, and a time when the LPR instance was captured by a LPR system. A possible location of the person of interest may be a location of an LPR instance that matches the license plate number or an address location associated with the person of interest. The ranking may be based on the number of LPR visits to each location, the number of license plate number matches at each location, or an attribute of a cluster of LPR instances. In some examples, an electronic message is rapidly communicated to an entity if a target license plate number is found at a highly ranked location. |
| US09235596B2 |
Versioned file system with sharing
A method of data sharing among multiple entities is provided. Each entity exports to a data store a structured data representation comprising a versioned file system local to that entity. The method begins by forming a sharing group that includes two or more entities. Sharing of the structured data representations by members of the sharing group is enabled. The filers use a single distributed lock to protect each version of the file system. This lock is managed to allow each filer access to the shared file system volume to create its new version. To share a fully-versioned file system, asynchronous updates at each of the filers is permitted, and each node is then allowed to “push” its individual changes to the store to form the next version of the file system. A mechanism also may be used to reduce the period during which filers in the group operate under lock. |
| US09235588B1 |
Systems and methods for protecting deduplicated data
A computer-implemented method for protecting deduplicated data may include (1) identifying a deduplicated data system, (2) identifying a tiered storage system for storing deduplicated objects of the deduplicated data system, (3) assigning a level of priority to at least one deduplicated object within the deduplicated data system based on at least one property of the deduplicated object, (4) selecting a storage tier within the tiered storage system for storing the deduplicated object based on the level of priority, and then (5) storing the deduplicated object within the selected storage tier. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09235586B2 |
Reputation checking obtained files
A Web browser of a computing device downloads or otherwise obtains a file. File information identifying the file is obtained and is sent to a remote reputation service. Client information identifying aspects of the computing device can also optionally be sent to the remote reputation service. In response to the file information (and optionally client information), a reputation indication for the file is received from the remote reputation service. A user interface for the Web browser to present at the computing device is determined, based at least in part on the reputation indication, and presented at the computing device. |
| US09235582B1 |
Tracking files excluded from backup
Techniques to exclude files from backup are disclosed. In various embodiments, a database that includes an exclude set table configured to store data associated with one or more files identified to be excluded from backup is accessed. Data retrieved from the database is used to exclude one or more of said one or more files from a backup. In some embodiments, files are excluded from the backup at least in part by deleting the files from a shadow copy volume created in connection with said backup. |
| US09235581B2 |
Data configuration and migration in a cluster system
A cluster system includes a plurality of computing nodes connected to a network. Each node is configured to access its own storage device, and to send and receive input/output (I/O) operations associated with its own storage device. Further, each node of the plurality of nodes may be configured to have a function of acting as a first node, which sends a first message to other nodes of the plurality of nodes. The first message may include configuration information indicative of a data placement of data on the plurality of nodes in the cluster system according to an event. Following receipt of the first message from the first node, each of the other nodes may be configured to determine, based at least in part on the configuration information, whether data stored on its own storage device is affected by the event. |
| US09235573B2 |
Universal difference measure
Described herein are methods for finding substantially similar/different sources (files and documents), and estimating similarity or difference between given sources. Similarity and difference may be found across a variety of formats. Sources may be in one or more languages such that similarity and difference may be found across any number and types of languages. A variety of characteristics may be used to arrive at an overall measure of similarity or difference including determining or identifying syntactic roles, semantic roles and semantic classes in reference to sources. |
| US09235570B2 |
Optimizing internet campaigns
In an example embodiment, signals are collected from one or more first channels in a communication network. The one or more first channels may include at least one of organic search, paid search, or social media. Based on the collected signals, a recommendation is made with respect to a campaign within a second channel. |
| US09235569B1 |
Techniques for on-the-spot translation of web-based applications without annotating user interface strings
A computer-implemented technique can include executing a web-based application and receiving a request to translate at least a portion of the web-based application. In response to receiving the request, the technique can include identifying text portions in the web-based application, transmitting the text portions to a server, wherein receipt of the text portions causes the server to match the text portions to entries in a database associated with the server to obtain UI strings, and receiving the UI strings from the server. In in response to receiving the UI strings, the technique can include providing an indicator of a particular UI string when the particular UI string is displayed during execution of the web-based application. The technique can also include receiving a selection of the particular UI string, and outputting metadata associated with the particular UI string, the metadata representing context information for assisting a human translator. |
| US09235568B2 |
Method for testing a browser-based application
A method for testing multiple language versions of a browser-based application. A host language Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request issued by a host language browser is received. The host language HTTP request is configured to be sent to a host server address. The host language HTTP request comprises parameter strings in a host language. A target language HTTP request is generated by replacing each host parameter string of at least one host parameter string of the parameter strings in the received HTTP request with a respective target parameter string associated with a target language that differs from the host language. The generated target language HTTP request is configured to be sent to a target server address associated with and different from the host server address. |
| US09235567B2 |
Multi-domain machine translation model adaptation
A method adapted to multiple corpora includes training a statistical machine translation model which outputs a score for a candidate translation, in a target language, of a text string in a source language. The training includes learning a weight for each of a set of lexical coverage features that are aggregated in the statistical machine translation model. The lexical coverage features include a lexical coverage feature for each of a plurality of parallel corpora. Each of the lexical coverage features represents a relative number of words of the text string for which the respective parallel corpus contributed a biphrase to the candidate translation. The method may also include learning a weight for each of a plurality of language model features, the language model features comprising one language model feature for each of the domains. |
| US09235561B2 |
Contextual report element mapping to web service input parameter
Some aspects include selection of a cell of a report section, the cell associated with a data dimension and with a context of the report section, and association of the cell with an input parameter of a software service. Aspects may include identification of a contextual report specification associated with a software service and with one or more report elements, at least one of the one or more report elements being associated with an input parameter of the software service, determination of data corresponding to a plurality of the one or more report elements, generation of a script to invoke the software service and to pass contents of the at least one of the one or more report elements as the input parameter to the software service, and generation of a report output based on the data and the script. |
| US09235555B2 |
Computing polychoric and polyserial correlations between random variables using NORTA
Polychoric correlations between two discrete random variables and polyserial correlations between a discrete random variable and a continuous random variable may be determined by using a normal-to-anything (NORTA) method and a stochastic root finding algorithm. |
| US09235547B1 |
Messaging system and method with dead man switching
A messaging system and method with dead man switching providing for hierarchical delivery of messages based on selected message hierarchy levels with controlled delivery/response timing is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a messaging host that communicates with a messaging source client that creates and prioritizes a message and targets address(es) for the message. This message is then transmitted to the target address(es) using a hierarchical transmission thread having set limits on response times for each address within the thread. Reception of the message by each target(s) produces visual and/or auditory notification at the target(s). Messages are automatically forwarded to remaining target(s) within the thread upon expiration of a timer should the target(s) fail to respond to the message within a predetermined time. Failure of the target(s) to respond to the message(s) is reported bi-directionally along the thread and forwarded to remaining target(s) in the thread. |
| US09235536B2 |
Information registration apparatus, information registration method, information registration program, and recording medium
While making it possible to register generation information used to generate a Web page for each topic by sending element information being components of the Web page by an email and add element information to the generation information by an email, it is made difficult for persons other than a person who registered the generation information to add the element information. When a receiver address included in a received email is a first address, an information registration apparatus registers generation information included in the email and transmits an email including a unique second address corresponding to the generation information to a sender of the received email, and when the receiver address is a second address and the receiver address is not the same as receiver addresses included in emails received before, the information registration apparatus adds element information to the generation information corresponding to the receiver address included in the currently received email. |
| US09235535B1 |
Method and apparatus for reducing overheads of primary storage by transferring modified data in an out-of-order manner
Techniques for reducing overheads of primary storage transferring during a backup by transferring in an out-of-order manner are described herein. According to one embodiment, in response to a request at a primary storage for a backup of a plurality of data blocks, a transfer order of dirty data blocks is determined based on an access assessment of the dirty data blocks, wherein the dirty data blocks are data blocks of the plurality of data blocks that have been changed from a previous backup, and wherein the transfer order is different from a sequential logical order of the dirty data blocks provided by the primary storage. Then the dirty data blocks are transferred to a secondary storage in the determined order. |
| US09235526B2 |
Non-volatile hard disk drive cache system and method
A non-volatile hard disk drive cache system is coupled between a processor and a hard disk drive. The cache system includes a control circuit, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. the control circuit causes a subset of the data stored in the hard disk drive to be written to the non-volatile memory. In response to a request to read data are stored in the non-volatile memory. If so, the requested read data are provided form the non-volatile memory. Otherwise, the requested read data are provided from the hard disk drive. the volatile memory is used as a write buffer and to store disk access statistics, such as the disk drive locations that are most frequently read, which are used by the control circuit to determine which data to store in the non-volatile memory. |
| US09235524B1 |
System and method for improving cache performance
A method, computer program product, and computing system for copying a content directory associated with a cache system from a volatile memory system to a non-volatile memory system. A plurality of data requests concerning a plurality of data actions to be taken on an electro-mechanical storage device associated with the cache system are received on the cache system. The content directory on the volatile memory system is updated based, at least in part, upon the plurality of data requests. The plurality of data requests are stored on tracking queue included within the electro-mechanical storage device. |
| US09235519B2 |
Method for peer to peer cache forwarding
A home node for selecting a source node using a cache coherency protocol, comprising a logic unit cluster coupled to a directory, wherein the logic unit cluster is configured to receive a request for data from a requesting cache node, determine a plurality of nodes that hold a copy of the requested data using the directory, select one of the nodes using one or more selection parameters as the source node, and transmit a message to the source node to determine whether the source node stores a copy of the requested data, wherein the source node forwards the requested data to the requesting cache node when the requested data is found within the source node, and wherein some of the nodes are marked as a Shared state corresponding to the cache coherency protocol. |
| US09235518B2 |
Shared network response cache
An apparatus and system are disclosed for reducing network traffic using a shared network response cache. A request filter module intercepts a network request to prevent the network request from entering a data network. The network request is sent by a client and is intended for one or more recipients on the data network. A cache check module checks a shared response cache for an entry matching the network request. A local response module sends a local response to the client in response to an entry in the shared response cache matching the network request. The local response satisfies the network request based on information from the matching entry in the shared response cache. |
| US09235517B2 |
Implementing dynamic cache enabling and disabling based upon workload
A method, system and memory controller for implementing dynamic enabling and disabling of cache based upon workload in a computer system. Predefined sets of information are monitored while the cache is enabled to identify a change in workload, and selectively disabling the cache responsive to a first identified predefined workload. Monitoring predefined information to identify a second predefined workload while the cache is disabled, and selectively enabling the cache responsive to said identified second predefined workload. |
| US09235515B2 |
Array controller and storage system
A storage system which includes a cache memory needless of replacement of a power storage device, a cache memory with low power consumption, or a cache memory having no limitation on the number of writing operations is provided. An array controller for storing data externally input in any of a plurality of storage devices or a storage system including the array controller includes a processor which specifies at least one of the plurality of storage devices where the data is to be stored and a cache memory which stores the data and outputs the data to the at least one of the plurality of storage devices. The cache memory includes a storage circuit in which a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is used. |
| US09235513B2 |
Cache management based on physical memory device characteristics
A processor unit removes, responsive to obtaining a new address, an entry from a memory of a type of memory based on a comparison of a performance of the type of memory to different performances, each of the different performances associated with a number of other types of memory. |
| US09235509B1 |
Write amplification reduction by delaying read access to data written during garbage collection
The various implementations described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to enable write amplification reduction by delaying read access to data written during garbage collection. In one aspect, read access to a write unit to which data was written during garbage collection is delayed until a predefined subsequent operation has been completed. |
| US09235508B2 |
Buffer management strategies for flash-based storage systems
Techniques are generally described related to a flash-based buffer management strategy. One example method to manage a buffer for a computer system may include maintaining a page-action list for monitoring a plurality of operations being executed on the computer system and utilizing a plurality of buffer pages of the buffer. An example page-action list may contain a hot-access queue for recently accessed buffer pages and a cold-access queue for less accessed buffer pages. The example method may also include, upon a determination that the buffer is full, identifying a victim buffer page from the plurality of buffer pages for eviction and evicting the victim buffer page from the buffer. The victim buffer page may be selected from the cold-access queue and based on a page weight, which is calculated based on a page state of the specific buffer page and a page hotness prediction for the specific buffer page might be accessed by an incoming operation. |
| US09235507B2 |
Memory management device and method
According to one embodiment, a device includes a determination unit, compression unit, selecting unit, write updating unit, writing unit. The determination unit determines whether to compress write data based on specific information. The specific information including at least one of the type, number of accesses, access frequency and importance level of the write data. The compression unit compresses the write data when determining to compress the write data. The selecting unit selects a write region for the write data in nonvolatile memory based on the specific information. The write updating unit updates the specific information. The writing unit writes compressed write data into the write region when determining to compress the write data. The writing unit writes uncompressed write data into the write region when not determining to compress the write data. |
| US09235506B2 |
Methods and systems for marking data in a flash-based cache as invalid
A storage device includes a flash memory-based cache for a hard disk-based storage device and a controller that is configured to limit the rate of cache updates through a variety of mechanisms, including determinations that the data is not likely to be read back from the storage device within a time period that justifies its storage in the cache, compressing data prior to its storage in the cache, precluding storage of sequentially-accessed data in the cache, and/or throttling storage of data to the cache within predetermined write periods and/or according to user instruction. |
| US09235505B2 |
Managing memory and storage space for a data operation
Processing a plurality of data units to generate result information, includes: performing a data operation for each data unit of a first subset of data units from the plurality of data units, and storing information associated with a result of the data operation in a first set of one or more data structures stored in working memory space of a memory device; after an overflow condition on the working memory space is satisfied, storing information in overflow storage space of a storage device; and repeating an overflow processing procedure multiple times during the processing of the plurality of data units, the overflow processing procedure including: updating a new set of one or more data structures stored in the working memory space using at least some information stored in the overflow storage space. |
| US09235504B2 |
Prioritizing read-command issuance in a data storage apparatus
According to one embodiment, a storage control apparatus includes an interface and a controller. The interface transfers data or a command to or from a nonvolatile memory including a storage area for each of banks. The controller controls read operations for the banks in accordance with generation of access requests to the banks, respectively. The controller prioritizes performing read-command issuance processing included in each of the read operations. |
| US09235502B2 |
Systems and methods for configuring non-volatile memory
Systems and methods are disclosed for configuring a non-volatile memory (“NVM”). In some embodiments, each block of the NVM can include a block table-of-contents (“TOC”), which can be encoded (e.g., run-length encoded) and dynamically-sized. Thus, as user data is being programmed to a block, the size of a block TOC can be concurrently recalculated and increased only if necessary. In some embodiments, the NVM interface can use a weave sequence stored in the context information and at least one weave sequence associated with each page of a block to determine whether to replay across the pages of the block after system boot-up. |
| US09235499B2 |
System and method for identifying a character-of-interest
A method of generating an output vector to identify a character-of-interest using a sparse distributed memory (SDM) module. The method includes obtaining a feature vector having a vector address. The feature vector is based on a character-of-interest in an acquired image. The method also includes identifying activated locations from hard locations by determining relative distances between the vector address and the stored vector location addresses. Stored content counters of the activated locations include first and second stored sub-sets of counters. The method also includes combining the counters of the first stored sub-sets of the activated locations using a first summation thread to provide a first combined sub-set of values. The method also includes combining the counters of the second stored sub-sets of the activated locations using a second summation thread to provide a second combined sub-set of values. The first and second summation threads are run in parallel. |
| US09235496B2 |
Domain centric test data generation
A test data extraction and persistence technique that relies on a data domain based storage infrastructure is disclosed. In operation, a test data server receives a test data query that specifies selection parameters for selecting test data and any transformation operations to be performed on the test data. The test data server identifies domains associated with the selection parameters and traverses the tables in the database based on the identified domains to extract test data that satisfies the selection parameters. The test data server optionally performs transformation operations, such as masking operations, specified by the test data query on the extracted data. The identified domains are stored such that test data that satisfies the test data query may be extracted from the database repetitively without reevaluating the test data query each time. |
| US09235494B2 |
Automated code analyzer
Systems, methods, and computer program products for analyzing source code are disclosed. The system includes a file reader module on a computer, a parser module on a computer, a metrics accumulator module, and a reporting engine on a computer. The file reader module may read an input source code file. The parser module may parse source code in the source code file into source code components. The metrics accumulator module may analyze the source code components in accordance with one or more rules to generate application metadata. The reporting engine may use the generated application metadata to generate a report of the analysis. |
| US09235491B2 |
Systems and methods for installing, managing, and provisioning applications
Systems and methods are disclosed for provisioning resources for an application according to an application manifest. The resources may include database, network, and processing resources. The application manifest may be organized as a manifest tree with provisioned resources having their own application manifests for provisioning sub-resources. The application manifest may also define provisioning and de-provisioning of the application in response to loading of the application. Root cause analysis may be performed in accordance with the manifest tree. Also disclosed are systems and methods for rolling out an upgrade across a node cluster. Systems and methods are disclosed for routing traffic to different workflow paths in order to implement an overloaded path and evaluate performance of the overloaded path. |
| US09235480B1 |
Techniques for providing incremental backups
Techniques for providing incremental backup restoration are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a computer implemented method for providing incremental backup restoration comprising setting one or more allocated electronic storage indicators each indicating an allocated portion of electronic storage, comparing the one or more allocated electronic storage indicators with one or more prior backups in reverse chronological order starting from a most recent backup and proceeding until all of the one or more allocated electronic storage indicators have been identified in the one or more prior backups, and restoring the one or more prior backups corresponding to the one or more allocated electronic storage indicators. |
| US09235479B1 |
Distributed file system having separate data and metadata and providing a consistent snapshot thereof
Described are techniques for creating a snapshot of a distributed file system or a file thereof. The distributed file system includes metadata file systems storing metadata about files in the distributed file system and includes data file systems storing file content data. Quiescing is performed for requests affecting the distributed file system, or a file thereof, for which a snapshot is being created. A snapshot of metadata is obtained. For the distributed file system, this includes a snapshot of each metadata file system. For a file, this includes a snapshot of the file's metadata. A snapshot of file data is obtained. For distributed file systems, this includes a snapshot of each data file system. For a file, this includes a snapshot of the file's data. Unquiescing is performed for requests affecting the distributed file system, or the file thereof, upon successful completion of obtaining snapshots of metadata and file data. |
| US09235475B1 |
Metadata optimization for network replication using representative of metadata batch
In one embodiment, in response to a list of a plurality of fingerprints representing data chunks to be replicated from a source storage system to a target storage system over a network, one of the fingerprints is selected as a representative fingerprint that matches selection criteria. The source storage system generates a fingerprint representation for each of the fingerprints that is smaller than the corresponding fingerprint. The representative fingerprint and the fingerprint representations are transmitted to the target storage system over the network, without transmitting all full fingerprints of the data chunks, to allow the target storage system identifying which of the data chunks are missing. In response to information received from the target storage system indicating one or more data chunks that are missing at the target storage system, the missing data chunks are then transmitted to the target storage system. |
| US09235474B1 |
Systems and methods for maintaining a virtual failover volume of a target computing system
Some of the methods provided herein may include periodically revising a mirror of the target computing system, according to a predetermined backup schedule, the mirror being stored on the virtual failover volume resident on an appliance that is operatively associated with the target computing system, by periodically comparing the mirror to a configuration of the target computing system to determine changed data blocks relative to the mirror, storing the changed data blocks as one or more differential files in the virtual failover volume, and incorporating the changed data blocks into the mirror. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may be utilized to resparsify the virtual failover volume. |
| US09235473B2 |
Systems and methods for reliably managing files in a computer system
Systems and methods allow for reliably and efficiently managing files stored on a data storage medium associated with a computer system such as a set-top box. The computer system manages a collection of metadata describing each of the files stored on the data storage medium in a memory during operation of the computer system. A current snapshot of the collection of metadata is periodically or otherwise stored to the data storage medium. Following a reboot of the computer system, the collection of metadata can be recovered to the memory from the snapshot of the collection of metadata stored on the data storage medium. |
| US09235472B2 |
Drive array apparatus, controller, data storage apparatus and method for rebuilding drive array
According to one embodiment, a drive array apparatus includes a plurality of data storage drives constituting a drive array and a controller. The controller divides all data storage areas of each of the data storage drives into a plurality of logical unit areas and associates and manages each of the logical unit areas and each of the data storage drives. The controller identifies a logical unit area of an error occurrence object based on a notification from a data storage drive where an error occurred, restores data of the identified logical unit area, and performs reconfiguration processing of the drive array. |
| US09235471B2 |
Background initialization for protection information enabled storage volumes
Technology is disclosed for performing background initialization on protection information enabled storage volumes or drives. In some embodiments, a storage controller generates multiple I/O requests for stripe segments of each drive (e.g., disk) of multiple drives of a RAID-based system (e.g., RAID-based disk array). The I/O requests are then sorted for each of the drives according to a pre-determined arrangement and initiated in parallel to the disks while enforcing the pre-determined arrangement. Sorting and issuing the I/O requests in the manner described herein can, for example, reduce drive head movement resulting in faster storage subsystem initialization. |
| US09235470B2 |
Adaptive EPWR (enhanced post write read) scheduling
A system and method for adaptive enhanced post write reads (EPWRs) is provided. An error rate of a block of solid state memory may be determined. Foldings may be performed more times between two consecutive enhanced post write reads on the block when the determined error rate of the block is a lower value than when the determined error rate is a higher value. The foldings may be performed by folding data into the block of the solid state memory. |
| US09235468B2 |
Systems and methods to improve the reliability and lifespan of flash memory
A method for controlling flash memory includes selecting a new forward error correction (FEC) parameter set that provides more redundancy than a current FEC parameter set. The method also includes coding source information bits, using the new FEC parameter set, during write operations to a first corrupted page in the flash memory. The method further includes mapping the first corrupted page and at least one additional corrupted page in the flash memory to a single logical page with an expected page size. |
| US09235465B2 |
Recursively determined invertible set approach to correct multiple stuck-at faults in rewritable memory
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate storage and retrieval of data to/from memory with permanent faults. Permanent “stuck at” faults, associated with individual bits, interfere with Write operations. A memory bit with the SA-0 fault does not store the value “1” while a memory bit with the SA-1 fault does not store the value “0”. Hence, when later retrieved by a Read operation, stored data located on one or more bits having a permanent fault may be different from the data that was originally written. Techniques are disclosed that facilitate correct retrieval of data in the presence of “stuck at” faults by keeping track of the positions of the bits that are stuck at a value different from the ones that are written and then, at Read time, inverting the values read from those positions. |
| US09235463B2 |
Device and method for fault management of smart device
There is provided a method of fault management of a smart device including comparing a value of a fault detection indicator (hereinafter referred to as ‘FDI’) in a normal state, which detects faults generated in the smart device, with respect to at least one performance indicator, with an FDI value observed in real time and detecting the faults by calculating a relative variation level of the observed values, and creating a diagnosis object (hereinafter referred to as ‘DO’) including a cause and a countermeasure of the detected fault and analyzing the fault. |
| US09235457B2 |
Proactively communicating information between processes through a message repository
A method and apparatus for proactively communicating information between processes through a message repository is provided. To communicate with other processes, a process may post a message to a message repository. Other processes may, at regular or irregular intervals, search the message repository for new messages that have been posted to the repository since the last search, and retrieve those new messages. Processes may post and retrieve messages relative to the message repository by invoking methods provided by an application programming interface (API). By posting a message to the message repository, a particular process can inform other interested processes proactively of actions that the particular process has taken, is taking, or will take. By retrieving messages from the message repository, a process can determine what actions other processes have taken, are taking, or will take, and adjust accordingly. |
| US09235454B2 |
Method and server for generating a display and operating view for an operating and monitoring device of an industrial automation arrangement
A method and a server for generating a display and operating view for an operating and monitoring device of an industrial automation arrangement, wherein after an event has been logged, information relating to the event and details of the identity or role of a user of the operating and monitoring device are transmitted to an entity, after which planned information relating to at least one component of the industrial automation arrangement affected by the event is retrieved from an engineering database using the event and specifically for the identity or role of the user, current state information is also retrieved from the at least one affected component, and finally the planned information and the state information is used to generate the display and operating view such that, the display and operating images are advantageously set up and activated in an event-controlled manner. |
| US09235453B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing method
A disclosed information processing system includes a first apparatus including a storage unit storing types of events which occur in the first apparatus so as to be reported to an information processing apparatus via a network, and a sending unit sending, when one of the events stored in the storage unit occurs, event information of the event to the information processing apparatus; and the information processing apparatus including a delivery destination storage unit storing identification information of a second apparatus existing at a delivery destination of the event in the first apparatus, and a delivery unit sending the event information of the event to the second apparatus of which identification information is stored in the delivery destination storage unit when the event information is received by the information processing apparatus. |
| US09235449B1 |
Systems and methods for reducing contention for a software queue in a network element
A network element has at least one receiver, a software queue, and at least one transmitter. A data path thread moves data packets from a receive queue of the receiver to the software queue, and a transmit driver moves data packets from the software queue to a transmit queue of the transmitter. A flow indicator associated with the software queue is controlled to indicate when at least one data packet remains in the software queue. A queue management thread polls the flow indicator to determine when the software queue should be accessed for ensuring that data packets do not remain in the software queue for extended time periods between data bursts. |
| US09235448B2 |
Systems and methods for batchable hierarchical configuration
A centralized configuration of a Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB) site hierarchy may be batched across a plurality of appliances in a multi-site deployment. A single GSLB site hierarchy configuration may be distributed and operated on each appliance at each site. This reduces the configuration maintained for the multi-site deployment. Furthermore, in this manner, each appliance across multiple sites has an understanding of the entire topology of the multi-site deployment. Responsive to this configuration and understanding, each appliance may perform and optimize operations according to the site topology. For example, the appliances may selectively determine which sites to establish connections with in order to share metrics. In another example, appliances may select which remote sites to monitor services according to the topology. |
| US09235447B2 |
Extensible attribute summarization
In one embodiment a method includes at first a network device, identifying an attribute of the first network device, selecting a function that defines how the attribute is to be summarized together with a same attribute of a second network device, generating a message that comprises a set of information comprising an identification of the attribute and the function, and sending the message to, e.g., a next higher node in a network hierarchy of which the network device is a part. Multiple such messages may be received at an aggregation node that then summarizes the attributes according to respective functions, and sends or publishes a summarized version of the attributes to a still next higher node in the network hierarchy. |
| US09235446B2 |
Parallel computing execution plan optimization
The use of statistics collected during the parallel distributed execution of the tasks of a job may be used to optimize the performance of the task or similar recurring tasks. An execution plan for a job is initially generated, in which the execution plan includes tasks. Statistics regarding operations performed in the tasks are collected while the tasks are executed via parallel distributed execution. Another execution plan is then generated for another recurring job, in which the additional execution plan has at least one task in common with the execution plan for the job. The additional execution plan is subsequently optimized based at least on the statistics to produce an optimized execution plan. |
| US09235445B2 |
Process mapping parallel computing
A method of mapping processes to processors in a parallel computing environment where a parallel application is to be run on a cluster of nodes wherein at least one of the nodes has multiple processors sharing a common memory, the method comprising using compiler based communication analysis to map Message Passing Interface processes to processors on the nodes, whereby at least some more heavily communicating processes are mapped to processors within nodes. Other methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are also provided. |
| US09235442B2 |
System and method for cloud enterprise services
Novel methods and systems are provided for integrating multi-vendor cloud computing operations and architectures by using service-oriented orchestration to create a vendor and platform agnostic cloud computing framework. This approach aggregates core cloud computing functions including service provisioning, automating work flows, and data and usage monitoring across integrated services, thereby improving a data center's ability to execute operations quickly, under standardized protocols and with consistent quality of service. |
| US09235441B2 |
Optimizing energy use in a data center by workload scheduling and management
Techniques are described for scheduling received tasks in a data center in a manner that accounts for operating costs of the data center. Embodiments of the invention generally include comparing cost-saving methods of scheduling a task to the operating parameters of completing a task—e.g., a maximum amount of time allotted to complete a task. If the task can be scheduled to reduce operating costs (e.g., rescheduled to a time when power is cheaper) and still be performed within the operating parameters, then that cost-saving method is used to create a workload plan to implement the task. In another embodiment, several cost-saving methods are compared to determine the most profitable. |
| US09235435B2 |
Direct memory access filter for virtualized operating systems
Described techniques increase runtime performance of workloads executing on a hypervisor by executing virtualization-aware code in an otherwise non virtualization-aware guest operating system. In one implementation, the virtualization-aware code allows workloads direct access to physical hardware devices, while allowing the system memory allocated to the workloads to be overcommitted. In one implementation, a DMA filter driver is inserted into an I/O driver stack to ensure that the target virtual memory of a DMA transfer is resident before the transfer begins. The DMA filter driver may utilize a cache to track which pages of memory are resident. The cache may also indicate which pages of memory are in use by one or more transfers, enabling the hypervisor to avoid appropriating pages of memory during a transfer. |
| US09235433B2 |
Speculative object representation
A method for optimizing code includes receiving, by a compiler and from an interpreter, a code section representation including an object allocation, compiling, by the compiler, the code section representation into machine code with a compact allocated object of the object allocation, and triggering a deoptimization returning execution to the interpreter in response to an attempted access of the compact allocated object. The method further includes setting, by the interpreter and within the code section representation, a flag indicating that a new compact allocated object is required at a location of the attempted access, receiving, by the compiler, the code section representation including the flag, compiling, by the compiler and according to the flag, the code section representation into new machine code including the new compact allocated object, and executing the new machine code with the new compact allocated object. |
| US09235431B2 |
Method and program for initiating a second service in dependency of a first service
A method for initiating a second service in dependency of a first service using individually configured event-driven state-machines includes executing the first service in a first communication space; transmitting a first event to an operator unit in dependency of the first service; triggering a first event-driven state-machine of the operator unit by the first event; generating a second event by the first event-driven state-machine; transmitting the second event to at least one of the first communication space and a second communication space; and initiating the second service in the at least one of the first communication space and the second communication space by the second event. |
| US09235424B1 |
Managing the performance of a data processing system through visualization of performance metrics data via a cognitive map
A method includes performing operations as follows on a processor: defining a bearing map having an axis corresponding to a first metric, the first metric being based on system management performance for a first defined time interval, defining an object sketch map corresponding to a second metric, the second metric being based on system management performance for a second defined time interval, and combining the bearing map and the object sketch map so as to generate a cognitive map. The cognitive map includes a data object having a position on the axis based on a first value for the first metric and an appearance based on a second value for the second metric. |
| US09235421B2 |
Systems, methods, and non-transitory, computer-readable media for performing image processing using controllers that perform distinct functions
An image recording apparatus includes a first controller, a second controller, and a recording device. The first controller receives image data. The first controller transmits the image data to the second controller in response to receiving the image data. The second controller generates driving data based on the image data in response to receiving the image data. The recording device transmits a driving data transmission request to the first controller. The first controller transmits a driving data transmission instruction to the second controller in response to receiving the driving data transmission request from the recording device. The second controller transmits the driving data to the recording device in response to receiving the driving data transmission instruction from the first controller. The recording device records the image on the recording medium based on the driving data in response to receiving the driving data from the second controller. |
| US09235420B2 |
Branch target buffer for emulation environments
Branch instructions are managed in an emulation environment that is executing a program. A plurality of entries is populated in a branch target buffer that resides within an emulated environment in which the program is executing. Each of the entries comprises an instruction address and a target address of a branch instruction of the program. When an indirect branch instruction of the program is encountered a processor analyzes one of the entries in the branch target buffer to determine if the instruction address of the one entry is associated with a target address of the indirect branch instruction. If the instruction address of the one entry is associated with the target address of the indirect branch instruction a branch to the target address of the one entry is performed. |
| US09235418B2 |
Register files for a digital signal processor operating in an interleaved multi-threaded environment
A processor device includes a memory and a sequencer that is responsive to the memory. The sequencer supports very long instruction word (VLIW) type instructions and at least one VLIW instruction packet uses a number of operands during execution, The processor device further includes a plurality of instruction execution units responsive to the sequencer and a plurality of register files. Each of the plurality of register files includes a plurality of registers and the plurality of register files are coupled to the plurality of instruction execution units. Further, each of the plurality of register flies includes a number of data read ports and the number of data read ports of each of the plurality of register files is less than the number of operands used by the at least one VLIW instruction packet. |
| US09235410B2 |
Tracking software package dependencies using a graph model
Methods and systems for generating a graph model associated with a software release. The methods and systems are configured to receive a software release including a set of software packages. The software release is parsed to identify modeling information including package information, package dependency information, and function dependency information associated with each software package in the set of software packages. A graph model is generated and stored which represents the modeling information, wherein the graph model comprises a package node for each software package in the set of software packages and a function node for each function in the set of software packages. |
| US09235407B1 |
Scoped settings for a programming environment
A device is configured to execute a first program block associated with program code, and set a first value of a scoped setting associated with the first program block, the first value of the scoped setting controlling a manner in which a first algorithm is performed during execution of the first program block. The device is configured to detect a change in scope of the program code, the change in scope including execution of a second program block that is different from the first program block, and determine a relationship between the first program block and the second program block. The device is configured to set a second value of the scoped setting based on the relationship, the second value of the scoped setting controlling a manner in which a second algorithm, identified in the second program block, is performed during execution of the second program block. |
| US09235404B2 |
Firmware update system
A firmware update system is described that collectively handles firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device. The firmware update system may be configured to handle firmware updates in a consistent manner across different computing platforms/architectures. A data structure is defined to associate each updateable resource with a corresponding identifier to enumerate the updateable resources to the firmware update system. The firmware update system may reference the data structure to produce representations of the each individual resource that provide an operating system level abstraction through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of firmware updates is managed. Using the representations, the firmware update system operates to discover available firmware updates collectively for the enumerated resources, match the updates to appropriate resources, and initiate installation of the updates. |
| US09235400B2 |
Method for operating a control device for controlling a technical installation
A method for operating first or second control devices for controlling a technical installation with control data stored on a data medium in a predetermined format, wherein the control data is stored on the data medium in a first format such that this data can be processed directly for read/write operations by the first control device, during operation of the second control device first control data is converted into a second format such that the converted first control data can be processed directly for read/write operations by the second control device, and where second control data is converted during each access at runtime from the first format into a format that can be processed by the second control device, or the first control data is converted during each access at runtime from the second format into a format that can be processed by the first control device. |
| US09235397B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing task-execution speed
Provided are a method and apparatus for increasing task-execution speed, and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for increasing task-execution speed by compiling code to bytecodes, and executing native code in units of blocks instead of bytecodes, in which a block is a group of a series of bytecodes. The apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives a bytecode, a control unit which identifies whether the received bytecode is the last bytecode of a block, and a transmitting unit which transmits an address of a first native code of one or more native codes that correspond to one or more bytecodes included in the block based on the identification result. |
| US09235394B2 |
Method and system for code generation and inlining
A method and system for code generation and inlining. The method includes: scanning a code, where the code includes a method; determining whether the method includes a branch if the method is too large in size to be inlined, where the branch is based on runtime types of argument; profiling runtime types of actual arguments at a call site in the method if the method includes the branch; generating a polymorphic inline cache (PIC) code from a plurality of arguments, where the plurality of arguments are based on a result of the profiling step; generating a specialized method for a frequently appearing combination of the runtime types of argument and arguments that can be invoked from the PIC code; and inlining body of the specialized method into the call site if the specialized method has a body size within a permissible range. |
| US09235393B2 |
Statically speculative compilation and execution
A system, for use with a compiler architecture framework, includes performing a statically speculative compilation process to extract and use speculative static information, encoding the speculative static information in an instruction set architecture of a processor, and executing a compiled computer program using the speculative static information, wherein executing supports static speculation driven mechanisms and controls. |
| US09235388B2 |
Multi-dimensional, multi-configuration compilation phase output visualization technique
Systems and methods of providing a visual output of a compilation phase is provided. An example method includes receiving input source code for compilation by a compiler and displaying a multi-dimensional coordinate system including first and second axes. The method also includes providing a first user interface object associated with the first axis and providing a second user interface object associated with the second axis. The first user interface object enables a user to select one or more compilation phases, and the second user interface object enables the user to select one or more compiler versions. The method further includes receiving via the first user interface object a user selection of a compilation phase and obtaining an output of the input source code compiled in accordance with the selected compilation phase. The method further includes displaying the output between two axes of the multi-dimensional coordinate system. |
| US09235386B2 |
Generating reusable software assets from distributed artifacts
In general, techniques are described that facilitate the reuse of software assets within an enterprise. A software asset, as used herein, refers to a set of one or more related artifacts that have been created or harvested for the purpose of applying that asset repeatedly in subsequent development environments. A system, for example, is described that includes a repository to store artifacts, and an asset source to generate a software asset based on the artifacts. The system further includes an asset management system to receive the software asset from the asset source and store the software asset within an asset library. The system may further include a model having one or more elements, and an asset retrieval module to selectively retrieve a subset of the software assets from the asset library based on input from a user identifying one or more of the elements. |
| US09235383B2 |
Method and apparatus for code virtualization and remote process call generation
A system and method for code virtualization and remote process call code on a user device. The method includes selecting a remote process on a remote server, the remote process correlated to at least one remote service, and receiving from at least one virtual code provider (VCP) on the remote server, a code snippet with parameters from pre-defined fields to call the remote process. The method installs a software development kit (SDK) downloaded from the remote server, onto the user device. The method inserts the code snippet based on the SDK into a local code base on the user device, and inserts parameter values into the code snippet and deploying the code snippet such that the code snippet calls the remote process with the SDK from the user device. |
| US09235381B2 |
Method and device for the programming and configuration of a programmable logic controller
A method and device for the programming and configuration of a programmable logic controller are disclosed. The method can include: locating a configuration tool in a programming tool, wherein the configuration tool includes a module in an IEC61131 language; integrating at least one further module into the configuration tool, and executing the programming and configuration of the programmable logic controller in a high-level language using a C-Code editor, and wherein the at least one further module is configured to provide a definition of interfaces between an IEC61131 code and a high-level language code, and provide a configuration of the high-level language code. |
| US09235380B2 |
Software modeling framework
A system and method for providing a software modeling framework which supports different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, and which allows software developers to develop models that strategically layer different components for different implementations. A service provider interface (SPI) enables different DI frameworks to be incorporated into the system; while an application provider interface (API) enable machines or implementations to be constructed. Extenders can be modeled so that, for example a particular bundle requires a handler for a particular configuration manifest entry; while a particular module provides handling of that manifest entry. |
| US09235378B2 |
Vehicle damage detection system and method of manufacturing the same
An impact detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine impact criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the impact criteria to determine a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event. |
| US09235376B2 |
Electronic device, and control method and storage medium storing control program
There is provided an electronic device that can execute a function using characters inputted during a telephone call, and a control method and a control program thereof. An application control unit inputs a character as an input character using an input control unit in a state where a call with a predetermined communication counterpart is continuing using a communication unit. When a predetermined function is selected after the input character is inputted with the input control unit, the application control unit executes a predetermined function in a state where the input character is inputted. |
| US09235373B2 |
Real-time management of content depicted on a plurality of displays
The subject disclosure provides devices, methods, and computer readable programs for establishing a secure wireless connection among a plurality of displays thus forming a screen for purposes of depicting a larger version of a content. The formation of the screen may be initiated by a master display detecting a presence of a plurality of slave displays in the master display's vicinity and requesting permission to connect to the detected slave displays. Furthermore, provided are methods and computer-executable programs that may facilitate easier collaboration and exchange of the content among users, a real-time adjustment of the content displayed on the screen, as well as an easier depiction of 3-dimensional content on a screen created by arranging the plurality of displays in a 3-dimensional configuration. |
| US09235369B2 |
Mobile information processing terminal and method therefor, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for charging payment of unprinted portion of a print job
The invention provides a system in which, in a case where an event requiring a user operation occurs on a mobile terminal side, a printer can continue the print processing even if the terminal is moved outside the range of short distance communication by paying in advance a print fee to the printer. When the printer receives a print job from the terminal using short distance wireless communication, it charges the terminal every time one paper sheet is printed. If the terminal receives an incoming call, it transmits an advance payment request for an unprinted portion to the printer so that printing is continued even if the terminal is moved outside the range of short distance wireless communication. Upon receiving the request, the printer performs charging according to an amount indicated by the request, and continues printing of the unprinted portion. |
| US09235365B2 |
Method for transmitting an enable signal to a client device when a printing device is available to execute an order
The invention relates to a method for operating a network system (2) having at least one client device (4.1, 4.2), at least one management device (16) and at least one printing device (14), comprising: provision of a first order from the client device (4.1, 4.2) for execution by the at least one printing device (14), storage of the order in a memory device (10.1, 10.2) of the client device (4.1, 4.2), transmission of an order request from the client device (4.1, 4.2) to the management device (16), wherein the order of execution of orders is managed by the management device (16), transmission of requests from the client device (4.1, 4.2) to the management device (16) at first prescribable intervals of time to determine whether the printing device (14) is available for executing the order from the client device (4.1, 4.2), and transmission of an enable signal from the management device (16) to the client device (4.1, 4.2) in response to the request from the client device (4.1, 4.2) when the printing device (14) is available for executing the order from the client device (4.1, 4.2). |
| US09235363B2 |
Network system, interface board, method of controlling printing on an network system, and program
A client terminal includes a web page acquisition unit that acquires from a web application server a web page embedding a print control script that operates on a web browser and controls printing related to the web page, a display unit that displays the acquired web page as a displayed web page, a drawing process unit that accepts an input operation on the displayed web page and draws a result of the input operation in a specific drawing area, a print data generation unit that generates print data by converting image data written in the drawing area to a form enabling processing by a printer according to the print control script as a result of a print operation performed on the displayed web page, and a print command unit that commands the printer to print the print data according to the print control script. |
| US09235360B2 |
Printing system, server for distributing print job, method for resubmitting print job, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
A printing system includes a registration portion configured to, when a print job to print an image onto a sheet of paper is executed after specified conditions are modified, store attribute data containing a user identifier and a job identifier into a storage portion, the user identifier being for identifying a user who has given a command to execute the print job, the job identifier being for identifying the print job; a determining portion configured to, when the user identifier is entered, determine whether or not the print job corresponding to the job identifier of the attribute data containing the user identifier can be executed in accordance with the conditions; and a re-execution portion configured to, when the determining portion determines that the print job can be executed in accordance with the conditions, execute the print job once again. |
| US09235359B2 |
Print service provider risks applied to decision making
A system that generates risk values for a print service provider. The print service provider may calculate probabilities of an event occurring, calculate the effect that the given event will have on the print service provider, and determine various risks associated with calculations. These risks may then be utilized to determine overall operational strategies for the print service provider when compared to threshold risk levels for the print service provider. |
| US09235356B2 |
System and method for in-place data migration
Methods and systems for the in-place or post-facto migration of data to a cloud-based data storage service or other virtual storage environment, include a Cloud Storage Import Utility (CSIU) device having a file selection module and configured to generate a user interface. The user interface allows a storage administrator to select one or more files, file folders, or shares to be published to the cloud and optionally migrated from a current storage device to another storage service, and for providing an indication of the selection. The CSIU is configured to capture metadata for the selected files or file folders. The CSIU also provides one or more commands understandable by the cloud-based data storage service, to migrate the metadata to the cloud-based data storage service independently of the files or file folders, so that they are usable by the cloud-based storage service without being moved to the cloud-based storage service. |
| US09235355B2 |
Reverse mirroring in raid level 1
Disclosed is a reverse mirroring RAID Level I system and method that decreases read access times. By recording mirrored data in a mirrored disk in a reverse order, spindle access time for data to be read from either the primary disk or the mirrored disk is reduced. As such, overall performance of the reverse mirroring technique is increased. |
| US09235351B2 |
Selective interfacing apparatus and method
An optical disc drive, and a method of driving the optical disc drive are provided. Where the optical disc drive has a connectivity or a compatibility with a host that is incompatible with the optical disc drive, a file system and device information accepted by the host are provided. The host may have a compatibility with limited external medium devices and a specific command set for data exchange. The optical disc drive and the method of driving the optical disc drive may transmit compatible information to the host and select the specific command set accepted by the host, so that the optical disc drive is compatible with the host. |
| US09235348B2 |
System, and methods for initializing a memory system
Systems and methods for initializing a memory system are provided. One system includes a processor and a memory including a storage volume coupled to the processor. The storage volume includes a first bitmap for tracking an initialization process for the storage volume and a second bitmap for tracking a copying process for the storage volume. A method includes performing, via the processor, an initialization process for the storage volume and tracking, via the processor utilizing the first bitmap, the initialization process. The method further includes performing, via the processor, a copying process for the storage volume prior to completing the initialization process and tracking, via the processor utilizing the second bitmap, the copying process. Also provided are computer storage mediums including computer program code for performing the above method. |
| US09235347B2 |
System, method and computer program product for synchronizing data written to tape including writing an index into a data partition
A system, method and computer program product for synchronizing data written to tape with improved data recovery. When writing data to tape, an index is kept in memory and updated to reflect change(s) to a file system mounted on tape. After a predetermined amount of data is written to a tape, a device may perform a sync operation, causing the index to be written into a data partition of the tape. If the sync operation is successful, the index in the index partition of the tape can be updated using a copy of the index in the data partition of the tape next time the tape is mounted. If the sync operation is not successful, the device may write the data to a different location on the same or another tape, update the index, and force another sync operation. This process can be repeated. |
| US09235346B2 |
Dynamic map pre-fetching for improved sequential reads of a solid-state media
Described embodiments provide a solid-state drive (SSD) including a media controller and a solid-state media. A control processor of the media controller determines a logical address, a transfer size, and map data based on the logical address and transfer size, associated with a read request received from a host device. Based on the logical address and a sequential zone defined based on one or more previous read requests, the control processor determines whether the received read request is a sequential read. A map data pre-fetch size is adjusted based on the transfer size of the received read request and whether the received read request is a sequential read. A corresponding portion of the map data is transferred from the solid-state media to a map cache coupled to the control processor, the transferred portion having a size equal to the adjusted map data pre-fetch size. |
| US09235344B2 |
Identifying redundant data for disk image streaming
Redundant data in a streaming disk image is identified using commands to indicate unused disk blocks, such as TRIM/UNMAP commands. A TRIM/UNMAP layer is added between an operating system and a disk driver to support the use of TRIM/UNMAP commands. Using the TRIM/UNMAP layer, blocks of a streamed disk image that are unallocated by the operating system are identified. The identified unallocated blocks are streamed to a server for analysis and storage. |
| US09235339B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processing apparatus, method, and recording medium which acquire movement trace information and automatically determine a division point for dividing the movement trace information based on an analysis result of the movement trace information. Optionally a movement trace track is generated from the movement trace. Various criteria used for how the division points are generated include using distance and time; altitudes; repeated track; mode of transportation; and lapse of data, for example. |
| US09235338B1 |
Pan and zoom gesture detection in a multiple touch display
Systems and methods of zooming and panning an image on a multi-touch enabled computing device are provided. The difference in the mean absolute deviation of consecutive move events is used to determine the scaling factor to apply, and the translation of centroids of consecutive move events is used to determine the pan gesture to apply. |
| US09235331B1 |
Systems and methods for providing sales content
In one aspect, a method for providing sales content that can include displaying a home page using a computing device such as a tablet computer is disclosed. The home page can include a meeting page element and content area elements. The meeting page element can link to at least one meeting presentation page. Content area elements can link to at least one content selection page which can include one or more selection controls. Selection controls can correspond to a respective content portion and can have a state indicating the selection status of the corresponding content portion. If one of the selection controls has the “selected” state, the processing circuitry can add the respective content portion, and a content portion element, which can be linked to the respective content portion, to the meeting presentation page. The electronic display of the computing device can be used to display a meeting presentation page. |
| US09235330B2 |
Computer implemented methods and apparatus for dynamic windowing in user interfaces
Disclosed are implementations of methods, systems, and computer program products for displaying a personalizable links presentation. In some implementations, a server provides link data identifying a plurality of links comprising a first link linked with a first identifiable portion of content of a page and a second link linked with a second identifiable portion of the content of the page. The user interface has a first state in which a first view of the page of content is displayed, with the links presentation being displayed in a designated region of the user interface. The user interface is updatable from the first state to a second state in which a second view of the page of content different from the first view is displayed. Responsive to a selection of the first link, the server updates the user interface to the first state. |
| US09235329B2 |
System and method for cursor-based application management
A system and method of managing applications and event notifications using a cursor-based GUI, wherein the cursor-based GUI is located adjacent to the cursor and provides a user with the ability manage and monitor a plurality of dynamically updated applications, commands and event notifications via a persistent and centralized interface. Since the cursor-based GUI is persistent in nature, the plurality of applications, commands and event notifications can be accessed regardless of the user's computer environment. The user can manage user authentication requirements and other configuration information for the cursor-based GUI. |
| US09235327B2 |
Applying contextual function to a graphical user interface using peripheral menu tabs
A computing device displays a set of graphical user interface (GUI) elements each having a respective transparent portion positioned over all or part of an underlying GUI element, which displays underlying content. Each set of GUI elements includes a respective set of peripherally located menu tabs and each menu tab includes a respective set of icons including a first icon corresponding to the first menu tab of a first GUI element. Each selected icon affects content that is displayed in a corresponding transparent portion, including the underlying content displayed within the underlying GUI element that is within the corresponding transparent portion. The computing device receives input selecting the first icon and in response applies a first modification to the content displayed within a first transparent portion which corresponds to the first GUI element and includes the underlying content that is within the first transparent portion. |
| US09235325B2 |
Persona chooser
Systems and methods described herein are directed to persona management within a user's single and unified online identity, including defining a plurality of personas for a single identity, the single identity comprising a plurality of personal attributes, associating each of the defined personas with at least one of the plurality of personal attributes, separating the plurality of personas associated with the single identity based on the at least one of the plurality of personal attributes, selecting one of the personas to use in an online interaction with an online application, and controlling access of the online application to the associated at least one of the personal attributes, based on whether the selected one of the plurality of personas corresponds to the online application. |
| US09235324B2 |
Touch interpretation for displayed elements
A machine-implemented method for processing touch elements of an application of a device is provided. The method includes receiving application data associated with the application, the application data providing for the touch elements, each of the touch elements comprising an activation area configured to receive a user input and to trigger at least one function of the application upon receiving the user input. The method further includes determining, from the application data, that plural ones of the touch elements are for display in a group in the application; and classifying, in response to the determining, each of the touch elements of the group into two or more categories based on the application function of the touch element. The method further includes defining a size of the activation area for at least one of the touch elements based on the classification. |
| US09235321B2 |
Animation sequence associated with content item
In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first content item on a screen of a computing device, the first content item occupying the entire screen and comprising an icon representing a second content item; and in response to a first user input, displaying a first animation sequence depicting the icon opening up to reveal the second content item, the second content item eventually replacing the first content item and occupying the entire screen. In one embodiment, the method further includes in response to a second user input, displaying a second animation sequence depicting the second content item closing down and returning to the icon included in the first content item, the second content item eventually disappearing from the screen. |
| US09235320B2 |
Phantom image data bank (3D)
The invention relates to the generation of phantom images on the basis of an image data bank (10), comprising a plurality of first image data elements, wherein each first image data element displays a facial section of a human face in a first view/perspective, and wherein the image data bank (10) comprises a corresponding second image data element for each first image data element such that the second image data element displays, at least in part, the same facial section of the same human face in a second view/perspective. The user thereby selects a first image data element (26a) of a first facial section of a human face and a first image data element (26b) of a second facial section of a human face. The selected first image data elements are graphically displayed in a first display region (22) of a graphic user interface. Furthermore, the second image data elements (28a, 28b) corresponding to the selected first image data elements are identified, and are graphically displayed in a second display region (24) of the graphic user interface. |
| US09235313B2 |
Efficient motion estimation for remote desktop sharing
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for estimation of motion in a frame as compared to a reference frame based upon knowledge of windows in the frame and reference frame. |
| US09235310B2 |
Apparatus to detect dual gesture on a resistive screen
A resistive touch screen controller provides two-finger gesture recognition. Current mirror circuitry, coupled to the XP/XN and YP/YN conductors, generates a screen current IL corresponding to X/y plate currents, and a corresponding mirror current IL/N. A variable resistor receives mirror current IL/N, and a resistance controller sets the resistance value R1 of the variable resistor, and monitors a variable resistor voltage VR1 based on IL/N*R1. A processor determines calibration voltages for the X and Y plates corresponding to the mirror current IL/N for X/Y voltage values of VR1 for a no touch condition, and X/Y offset voltages VOFS and HOFS of VR1 for a two touch condition. For a two touch condition, the processor determines touch resistance relative to no touch, and generates an adjusted X/Y plate resistance ΔX/ΔY based on VOFS/HOFS, and based on X/Y, determines a distance and angle between the two touches. |
| US09235306B2 |
Operating and display device for a domestic appliance, and domestic appliance
The invention relates to an operating and display device (11) for a domestic appliance, comprising operating means for setting at least one parameter of an operating process of the domestic appliance, a light conductor part (24, 34) for conducting light, a plurality of function symbols (13, 14, 15), which each symbolize a respective selectable value of the parameter, and a lighting device (47) for backlighting the function symbols (13, 14, 15), by means of which lighting device the function symbol (13, 14, 15) associated with the presently selected value of the parameter can be optically distinguished from the other function symbols (13, 14, 15), wherein the operating means are designed as touch-sensitive operating means and have a touch-sensitive actuation surface (16), which is arranged such as to overlap with the function symbols (13, 14, 15) and thus the value of the parameter associated with one of the function symbols (13, 14, 15) can be selected by touching the actuation surface (16) in an overlap area (17) that overlaps with one of the function symbols (13, 14, 15). |
| US09235301B2 |
Touch-control method for liquid display device and touch-controllable liquid crystal display device
A touch-control method for a liquid crystal display device, includes: switching from a display mode to a touch-control mode; determining whether there is a touch made by an object or whether there is an input made by an active pen; in the case where there is the input made by the active pen, starting an active pen detecting sub-mode in which an X-axis direction common electrode of the liquid crystal display device is defined as an X-axis direction receiving electrode, and a Y-axis direction common electrode or a signal electrode is defined as a Y-axis direction receiving electrode; and determining a position or an action of the active pen according to amplitudes of signals of the X-axis direction receiving electrode and the Y-axis direction receiving electrode. A touch-controllable liquid crystal display device is further provided. |
| US09235298B2 |
Transparent capacitor with multi-layer grid structure
A transparent capacitor apparatus includes a first transparent substrate including a first patterned conductive layer having a first conductive material located over the first transparent substrate; a dielectric layer located over the first patterned conductive layer; a second patterned conductive layer including a second conductive material located over the dielectric layer, wherein the second pattern is different from the first pattern; and a second transparent substrate located over the second patterned conductive layer. Portions of the first conductive material of the first patterned conductive layer overlap portions of the second conductive material of the second patterned conductive layer. The overlapping portions of the first and second conductive materials form matching patterned electrical conductor(s) having spatially matching conducting and non-conductive areas, the non-conductive areas of the first and second patterned conductive layers having encapsulated coalesced conductive material structures. |
| US09235297B2 |
Capacitive sensing apparatus and method applied to touch screen using the capacitive sensing apparatus
A capacitive touch screen sensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a protecting layer; a sensing layer under the protecting layer for sensing a touch to generate a position signal; and a DC common voltage signal layer electrically connected with a DC voltage for shielding against signal interferences. |
| US09235293B2 |
Optical touch device and touch sensing method
An optical touch device includes an indication plane, two image sensing units and a processing unit. The two image sensing units are disposed at two corners of the indication plane diagonal to each other, respectively, and the two corners define a diagonal line connected therebetween. The processing unit is electrically connected to the two image sensing units. When two touch points are performed on the indication plane, the processing unit determines whether the two touch points are located at opposite sides of the diagonal line, respectively, according to images sensed by the two image sensing units. Once the two touch points are located at opposite sides of the diagonal line, respectively, the processing unit calculates and outputs coordinates of the two touch points immediately according to the images sensed by the two image sensing units. |
| US09235292B2 |
Interactive projector system and method
An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon movement of the image projecting device or the detection of another image. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes a position indicating emitter that generates a position indicator and an image sensor that is operable to detect the position indicator from either the device including the image sensor or a position indicator from another device. Based upon the sensed position indicator from another device, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from a first device can interact with an image from a second device. The first and second devices each have a wireless transceiver such that the devices can communicate with each other during operation. |
| US09235287B2 |
Touch panel apparatus and touch panel detection method
A touch panel apparatus includes a detector configured to detect contact or approach of an object to a panel within a detection range of the panel, a controller configured to execute the detection on the entire panel and control the detection range in accordance with a result of the detection, and an output unit configure to determine and output a position corresponding to the contact or the approach of the object within the detection range controlled by the controller. |
| US09235281B2 |
Touch-sensitive device with protection function and protection method
A method for protecting a touch-sensitive device includes: switching the touch-sensitive device from a normal mode to a protection mode when a preset operation is exerted; determining whether a touch operation is exerted after the touch-sensitive device enters the protection mode, and further determine whether a duration of the touch-sensitive device in the protection mode exceeds a preset time interval; comparing a touch size of the touch operation with a preset size when the duration of the touch-sensitive device in the protection mode exceeds the preset time interval; and generating an alarm signal when the touch size is less than the preset size. A related touch-sensitive device is also provided. |
| US09235279B2 |
Wake up method and optical input device using the same
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wake up method and an optical input device using the same. The method includes the following steps. A first image is captured and set as a reference frame when the optical input device enters a sleep mode. A second image is captured and set as a compare frame while the optical input device operates in the sleep mode. The second frame is further being compared with the reference frame to generate a histogram difference. Subsequently, whether a peak histogram value of the histogram difference is less than a predetermined threshold is determined. When the determined that the peak histogram value is less than the predetermine threshold, configures the optical input device to operate in an active mode. |
| US09235272B1 |
User interface
A method includes receiving a first input through a hands-based input device. A prompt is then output, and input responsive to the prompt may be received through either of a hands-based input device or a hands-free input device. Responsive to receiving a second input through a hands-free input device, a determination that the second input is responsive to the prompt may be made, an operation based on the second input may be performed, and cessation of the output of the prompt may occur. |
| US09235269B2 |
System and method for manipulating user interface in vehicle using finger valleys
A method for manipulating a user interface within a vehicle using finger valleys includes receiving, by a controller, a captured image and detecting finger valleys from the captured image. In addition a hand gesture is recognized by the controller using the finger valleys and a vehicle equipment operation that corresponds to the recognized hand gesture is selected. Accordingly, the passenger is able to manipulate a vehicle steering wheel with one hand and look forward while operating many in-vehicle electronic devices with simple motions of the other hand, thereby improving passengers' convenience and driving safety. |
| US09235268B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a virtual interactive workspace
An approach is provided for creating a virtual workspace among devices based, at least in part, on location information. The virtual workspace corresponds to an application or a service common to the devices. Monitoring of the movement of one or more of the devices causes manipulation of the virtual workspace, the application, the service, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the movement. Example applications and services include media editing, media playback, image processing, social networking, and social control functionality. |
| US09235267B2 |
Multi touch with multi haptics
Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multi-touch sensing device such as a multi-touch touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multi-touch sensing device, and identifying at least one multi-touch gesture based on the data from the multi-touch sensing device and providing an appropriate multi-haptic response. |
| US09235264B2 |
Method and system for organizing electronic messages using eye-gaze technology
Organizing messages received and transmitted over a network is described. In one aspect, a method includes tracking where a user is gazing as the user is composing an outgoing message on a first computer system; during a composition time period in which the user is composing the message, determining a number of times the user's gaze dwells on a displayed message after the user's gaze is directed away from the message, determining a relevance rating for the gaze areas, each gaze area associated with one of the messages based on the number of times the user's gaze dwells on the associated message; identifying, based on at least one of the relevance ratings, at least one displayed message that is related to the outgoing message; and associating with the outgoing message an identifier for at least one of the at least one displayed message that is related to the outgoing message. |
| US09235261B2 |
Tri-axis foot controller
A novel control device for a personal computer which is manipulated by a user's feet. The control device is intuitively manipulated by application of the appropriate pressure to the control device via two pedals for the user's feet. At any one time, the control device may be manipulated such that the control device moves in three distinct directions: the device pivots forwards or backwards, rotates left or right, and dips to the left or to the right. For each movement in a distinct direction, the control device generates an input for a personal computer. |
| US09235259B2 |
Method for detecting audio ticks in a noisy environment
A method for detecting, in an audio signal including a stream of audio samples (y(n), (y′(n)), ticks in a noisy environment, comprises the steps of applying the signal to a coarse tick detection processor arranged to decide whether it is likely that the signal includes a tick and, only then, enabling a fine tick detection processor to decide, by more thorough processing the audio signal, whether the audio signal represents an audio tick. The coarse processing step preferably includes buffering audio samples (y(n), (y′(n)), determining the maximum and minimum values of each sample, forming their local range, delaying the local range with one or more samples and comparing the difference between the actual local range and the delayed local range with a threshold value (Tc), and, if the difference exceeds the threshold value, outputting a trigger (nc) for enabling the fine detection processor The fine processing step preferably includes buffering audio samples (y(n), (y′(n)), computing, for each buffer content (Bp(n,m)), a Fast Fourier Transformed buffer content (Ec(ω,m)), determining the difference (Fc(ω,m)) between the resulting frequency components, comparing the difference (Fc(ω,m)) to the content of a previously trained fingerprint set (F*(ω,m)) and calculating a correlation coefficient (p(Fc,F*)) between them, comparing the correlation coefficient to a threshold value (TP) and, if the correlation coefficient exceeds the threshold value, outputting a signal indication the presence of a tick in the audio signal. |
| US09235257B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for modifying operating states based on monitored HDMI CEC communications
Systems and methods provide control of operating states of an electronic device. A first exemplary electronic device detects a consumer electronic control (CEC) communication sent from a second electronic device to a third electronic device, the CEC communication communicated over high-definition multimedia (HDMI) connectors communicatively coupling the first electronic device, the second electronic device and the third electronic device; determines, based on information in the CEC communication, whether the CEC communication is one of a first kind of CEC communication or a second kind of CEC communication; in response to determining that the CEC communication is one of the first kind of CEC communication, transitions the first electronic device to a predefined operating state; and in response to determining that the CEC communication is one of the second kind of CEC communication, maintains the first electronic device in a current operating state. |
| US09235253B2 |
Control system for power control
A power control system for saving power by powering on enough application servers to satisfy the current load workload as well as any required reserve capacity based on administrative settings is disclosed. As the load increases, more servers are powered on. As the load decreases some servers are powered off. The power control system provides a reasonable end user experience at the least cost based on power consumption of the servers. |
| US09235251B2 |
Dynamic low power mode implementation for computing devices
The aspects enable a computing device or microprocessor to determine a low power mode that provides the most system power savings by placing selected resources in a low power mode while continuing to function reliably, depending upon the resources not in use, acceptable system latencies, dynamic operating conditions (e.g., temperature), expected idle time, and the unique electrical characteristics of the particular device. Aspects provide a mechanism for determining an optimal low power configuration made up of a set of low power modes for the various resources within the computing device by determining which low power modes are valid at the time the processor enters an idle state, ranking the valid low power modes by expected power savings given the current device conditions, determining which valid low power mode provides the greatest power savings while meeting the latency requirements, and selecting a particular low power mode for each resource to enter. |
| US09235239B2 |
Flexible display with display support
A display system includes a continuous flexible display and two main display supports being hingeable with respect to each other between a closed storage position and a planar configuration for fixing the flexible display in an open position. At least one additional display support supports a segment of the flexible display located between the said respective portions of the flexible display in the open position. This additional display support is movable with respect to the display segment between a non-operational position and a support position when the two main display supports are moved between the storage position and the planar position, such that in the open position substantially the whole surface of the display is supported by the respective display supports. |
| US09235235B2 |
Slide device having a multi constraint function
A slide device includes a first body, a second body and a constraint mechanism. The constraint mechanism includes a linkage set disposed on the second body, and a first hook and a second hook respectively disposed on the first body. The linkage set includes a first rod disposed on a first side of the second body, a second rod disposed on a second side of the second body, a first bar disposed between the first rod and the second rod, and a second bar disposed between the first rod and a third side of the second body. The first hook is for hooking a hole on the first rod, and the second hook is for hooking holes on the first rod or the second rod. |
| US09235232B2 |
All-weather enclosure for flat panel displays
A lightweight, weatherproof, protective enclosure for flat panel displays comprising a containing element in the form of an open, shallow rectangular prism with a regular network of shallow reinforcing depressions formed in its outer surface and a substantially transparent planar viewing element hingedly connected to the containing element such that when the viewing element is closed over, and sealed to, the containing element the protective enclosure forms a lightweight, monocoque structure with enhanced structural rigidity. |
| US09235228B2 |
Direct current link circuit
An electronic circuit for converting power from a floating source of DC power to a dual direct current (DC) output is disclosed. The electronic circuit may include a positive input terminal and a negative input terminal connectible to the floating source of DC power. The dual DC output may connectible to the input of an inverter. A positive output terminal connected to the positive input terminal of the inverter and a negative output terminal and a ground terminal which may be connected to the input of the inverter. A series connection of a first power switch and a second power switch connected across the positive input terminal and the negative input terminal. A negative return path may include a first diode and a second diode connected between the negative input terminal and the negative output terminal. A resonant circuit may connect between the series connection and the negative return path. |
| US09235222B2 |
Hybrid regulator with composite feedback
A hybrid voltage regulator includes a shunt circuit, a shunt feedback circuit, a pass circuit, and a bias controller. The bias controller is configured to control the pass circuit. The hybrid voltage regulator may also include a current source. This hybrid voltage regulator reduces current consumption at low load conditions (improving power efficiency and battery life, particularly for CMOS based regulators), and also provides wideband power supply rejection and fast transient response. |
| US09235212B2 |
Conflict resolution based on object behavioral determination and collaborative relative positioning
Using distributed positioning, collaborative behavioral determination, and probabilistic conflict resolution objects can independently identify and resolve potential conflicts before the occur. In one embodiment of the invention, interactive tags and other sensor resources associated with each of a plurality of objects provide among the objects relative positional data and state information. Using this information each object develops a spatial awareness of its environment, including the positional and action of nearby objects so as to, when necessary, modify its behavior to more effectively achieve an objective and resolve potential conflicts. |
| US09235209B2 |
Display system for graphic representation of alarm reports of a technical plant or technical process
A display system includes a processing device for graphic representation of alarm reports from measured values of a technical plant or process. Measurement points of the measured values each respectively have a hierarchically structured identifier held in the processing device. The processing device decomposes the hierarchically structured identifiers into hierarchical levels of different significance, selects the identifiers of the hierarchical levels with the highest significance, and transmits them to a preconfigured mass alarm display unit. The identifiers of the hierarchical levels with the highest significance can be assigned to a correspondingly identified area within an overview image of the plant or process of the preconfigured mass alarm display unit. The alarm reports which are generated from the measured values can be represented graphically, taking into account the generated assignment of the identifier of the measurement points to the correspondingly identified area within the overview image of the plant or process. |
| US09235204B2 |
Method for establishing a secure connection from a service technician to a component of an automation environment that can be remotely diagnosed and/or maintained and is experiencing failure
A method for establishing a secure connection from a service technician to a component of an automation environment that can be remotely diagnosed and/or maintained and is experiencing failure. A service certificate is required for establishing the secure connection, wherein a secure initial connection is first established to the automation environment by the service technician using a one-time password. With the initial connection, a service certificate required for establishing the secure connection to the component of the automation environment experiencing the failure is subsequently transmitted from the automation environment to the service technician. The secure connection from the service technician to the component experiencing the failure is then established by means of the service certificate. The invention further relates to an automation environment that is suitable for carrying out a method of said kind. |
| US09235203B1 |
Mobile device audio playback
This disclosure is directed to providing audio playback to a mobile device user. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a mobile device may be to modify audio playback in response to detecting an inclination of the mobile device (and thereby a user) with respect to a reference plane. According to another aspect of this disclosure, a mobile device may be configured to automatically identify an audible sound that may be motivational to a user, and store an indication of the audible sound in response to the identification. According to another aspect of this disclosure, a mobile device may automatically play back a previously identified motivational song in response to detection of user movement. |
| US09235194B2 |
Elapsed time indicator
An elapsed time indicator (2), comprises an activator arrangement (25) comprising a fluid reservoir (20) and a conduit (22) configured to provide a predetermined flow rate of fluid (21) along the conduit (22). The elapsed time indicator (2) further comprises a visual display arrangement (18) configured to change appearance on exposure to the fluid (21). The conduit (22) connects the fluid reservoir (20) to the visual display arrangement (18). The activator arrangement (25) is configured to release fluid (21) from the fluid reservoir (20) in response to an activation event to permit the fluid (21) to flow. |
| US09235187B2 |
Removal device and image forming apparatus
A removal device includes a scraping member extending in a crossing direction that crosses a movement direction in which a cleaning object moves, the scraping member scraping waste off a surface of the cleaning object at a contact portion of the scraping member that is in contact with the surface; and a pair of sealing members disposed on both outer sides of the scraping member in the crossing direction and sealing the both outer sides by contacting the surface. Each of the sealing members includes a protruding portion that protrudes beyond the contact portion upstream in the movement direction of the cleaning object. The protruding portion has a slit that extends diagonally from an edge of the protruding portion outward in the crossing direction and upstream in the movement direction, the edge facing inward in the crossing direction. |
| US09235181B2 |
Fixing device including fixing belt, detected member co-rotated with fixing belt and rotation detecting part detecting rotation of detected member and image forming apparatus including the same
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring rotation body, a drive source, a heat source, detected members, rotation detecting parts, a storing part and a controlling part. The storing part stores standard condition for occurrence difficulty of a slip between the fixing belt and detected members co-rotated with rotation of the fixing belt. The controlling part stops heating of the fixing belt by the heat source on a condition that both rotation detecting parts do not detect the rotation of the detected members within a first time when the drive source rotates the fixing belt in a situation unsatisfying the standard condition. The controlling part stops the heating on a condition that at least one of the rotation detecting parts does not detect the rotation of the detected members within a second time when the drive source rotates the fixing belt in a situation satisfying the standard condition. |
| US09235176B2 |
One-way clutch, driving transmission unit, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
In the present invention, a one-way clutch has an input gear, a planet gear provided in the input gear, an output gear, a stopper wall. When the input gear rotates in the backward direction, the stopper wall is separated from the planet gear. Wherein any one of the planet gear and the input gear has a boss being coaxial with the center of the other of the planet gear and the input gear, and the other of the planet gear and the input gear has a groove in an elongated hole shape which the boss fits in. When the input gear rotates in the forward direction, the boss slides to one end of the groove, and the planet gear is wedged between the stopper wall and the inner teeth. When the input gear rotates in the backward direction, the boss slides to the other end of the groove so that the planet gear separates from the locking member. |
| US09235171B2 |
Fixing device having heating portion with rigidity adjusting portions and image forming apparatus
Provided is a fixing device including a heating unit that includes a circularly moving heating belt, and a pressurizing roller that presses an external face of the heating belt, the fixing device fixing a toner image on a sheet onto the sheet by nipping the sheet between the heating belt and the pressurizing roller and by heating and pressurizing the sheet transported with the toner image being held. |
| US09235168B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes an endless belt for heating a toner image on a sheet in a nip. An inner surface of the belt is coated with a lubricant. The apparatus also includes a lubricant; a driving roller cooperative with the belt to form the nip, an urging member provided inside the belt to urge the belt toward the roller, a first regulating portion for regulating the position of the belt and configured to be abutted by one end edge of the belt, a first heat sink provided on the first regulating portion to cool the first regulating portion, a second regulating portion for regulating the position of the belt and configured to be abutted by the other end edge of the belt, and a second heat sink provided on the second regulating portion to cool the second regulating portion. |
| US09235157B2 |
Developing device having developing roller, layer thickness regulation blade and seal member
A developing device including a housing, a developing roller rotatably provided to the housing, a layer thickness regulation blade contacting the developing roller, and a seal member arranged between the housing and each end of the developing roller, wherein the layer thickness regulation blade includes a blade main body extending along an axial direction of the developing roller, and a blade rubber part protruding from a surface of the blade main body facing the developing roller and contacting the developing roller, wherein an end surface of the blade rubber part in the axial direction is in contact with an inner end surface of the seal member in the axial direction, and wherein a suppression part configured to suppress a strength of flow of the developer is provided at a corner part between the blade rubber part and the seal member. |
| US09235153B2 |
Electrostatic image developer
An electrostatic image developer having little change in charge amount, no generation of fog and excellent environmental stability under all of low temperature and low humidity environment, normal temperature and normal humidity environment, and high temperature and high humidity environment is provided. Disclosed is an electrostatic image developer comprising a colored resin particle containing a binder resin and a colorant, and an external additive, wherein the external additive contains an alumina fine particle in plate-like shape subjected to a hydrophobicity-imparting treatment having a number average primary particle diameter of 20 to 120 nm and an aspect ratio of 3 to 15, and a content of the alumina fine particle is in the range from 0.05 to 1 part by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the colored resin particle. |
| US09235152B2 |
Toner and method for producing the same
There is provided a toner, including toner mother particles which contain a binder resin, a colorant, and a wax, wherein a difference between a density of the wax in a solid state and a density of the wax in a liquid state is not less than 0.11 g/cm3; the density of the wax in the liquid state is not more than 0.835 g/cm3; and a heat quantity of the wax per unit mass which is obtained from an endothermic peak area at a low temperature side measured by a differential scanning calorimetry is not less than 190 mJ/mg. |
| US09235151B2 |
Magnetic toner
A magnetic toner containing: magnetic toner particles containing a binder resin and a magnetic body; and inorganic fine particles, as described in the specification, present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles. A coverage ratio A of the magnetic toner particles' surface by the inorganic fine particles, as described in the specification, and a coverage ratio B of the magnetic toner particles' surface by the inorganic fine particles each of which is fixed to the magnetic toner particles' surface, as described in the specification, have prescribed values and a prescribed relationship in the magnetic toner. The alumina fine particles and/or titania fine particles are present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles as described in the specification. |
| US09235150B2 |
Magnetic one-component developing toner
A magnetic one-component developing toner including a plurality of toner particles is provided. Each of the plurality of toner particles contains a binder resin including a polyester resin; and a magnetic powder. Water absorptions of the toner and the magnetic powder shown in an environment of 10° C. and 20% RH and in an environment of 28° C. and 80% RH respectively fall in predetermined ranges. |
| US09235147B2 |
Alcohol-soluble hole transport materials for organic photoconductor coatings
An alcohol-soluble organic coating including a hole transport material formed on a surface of organic photoconductor is provided. The coating comprises a cationic alternate fluorene-based copolymer with phosphonium salt terminal groups embedded in an in-situ cross-linked polymer. |
| US09235145B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive substrate, and a photosensitive layer provided on the conductive substrate, and an outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is constituted with a polymerized product or crosslinked product of a composition including at least one selected from reactive compounds represented by the formulae (I) and (II) and a non-reactive charge transporting material, a content of the non-reactive charge transporting material in the composition is from 5% by weight to 40% by weight based on the weight of the outermost surface layer, and a content of the unreacted reactive compound in the outermost surface layer after forming the outermost surface layer is 3% by weight or less based on the weight of the outermost surface layer. |
| US09235141B2 |
Inspection apparatus and method for measuring a property of a substrate
An inspection apparatus measures a property of a substrate including a periodic structure. An illumination system provides a beam of radiation with an illumination profile including a plurality of illuminated portions. A radiation projector projects the beam of radiation onto the substrate. A detector detects radiation scattered from the periodic structure and separately detects first order diffracted radiation and at least one higher order of diffracted radiation of each of the illuminated portions. A processor determines the property of the substrate from the detected radiation. The plurality of illuminated portions are arranged such that first order diffracted radiation arising from one or more of the illuminated portions are not overlapped by zeroth order or first order diffracted radiation arising from any other of the illuminated portions. Furthermore, the plurality of illuminated portions are arranged such that first order diffracted radiation arising from the one or more of the illuminated portions are overlapped by at least one of the higher orders of diffracted radiation arising from any other of the illuminated portions. |
| US09235139B2 |
Exposure method, substrate stage, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting a pattern image onto the substrate through a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system by which the pattern image is projected onto the substrate, and a movable member which is movable relative to the projection optical system. A liquid-repellent member, at least a part of a surface of which is liquid-repellent, is provided detachably on the movable member, the liquid-repellent member being different from the substrate. |
| US09235137B2 |
Illumination optical unit for microlithography
An illumination optical unit includes a collector mirror which produces a polarization distribution that is applied to the first faceted optical element during the operation of the illumination optical unit. There are at least two first facet elements to which radiation having a differing polarization is applied. The first faceted optical element has at least one first state in which the normal vectors of the reflective surfaces of the first facet elements are selected so that a first predetermined polarization distribution results at the location of the object field during the operation of the illumination optical unit. |
| US09235132B2 |
Large-mesh cell-projection electron-beam lithography method
A lithography method based on the projection of cells, notably direct-write electron-beam lithography. One of the main limitations of the methods of this type in the prior art is the writing time. To overcome this limitation, according to the method of the invention, the size of the cells is increased to the maximum aperture of the lithography device. Advantageously, this size increase is obtained by modifying the size of the apertures of the projection stencil level closest to the substrate to be etched. Advantageously, a strip is added to the outside of the block to be etched onto which is radiated a dose calculated to optimize the process energy latitude. Advantageously, this strip is spaced apart from the edge of the block to be etched. Advantageously, the projected cells are not adjoining. |
| US09235131B2 |
Optical imaging device with image defect determination
An optical imaging device, including an imaging unit and a measuring device. The imaging unit includes a first optical element group having at least one first optical element, which contributes to the imaging. The measuring device determines an imaging error, which occurs during the imaging, using a capturing signal. The measuring device includes a measurement light source, a second optical element group and a capturing unit. The measurement light source emits at least one measurement light bundle, The second optical element group includes an optical reference element and a second optical element, which guide the measurement light bundle onto the capturing unit, to generate the capturing signal. Each second optical element has a defined spatial relationship with a respective one of the first optical elements, The second optical elements differ from the first optical elements. The measuring device determines the imaging error with the capturing signal. |
| US09235128B2 |
Forming patterns using crosslinkable reactive polymers
Various patterning methods utilize certain crosslinkable reactive polymers comprise -A- and -B- recurring units, arranged randomly along a backbone. The -A- recurring units comprise pendant aromatic sulfonic acid oxime ester groups that are capable of providing pendant aromatic sulfonic acid groups upon irradiation with radiation having a λmax of at least 150 nm and up to and including 450 nm. The -A- recurring units are present in the reactive polymer in an amount of up to and including 98 mol % based on total reactive polymer recurring units. The -B- recurring units comprise pendant groups that provide crosslinking upon generation of the aromatic sulfonic acid groups in the -A- recurring units. The -B- recurring units are present in an amount of at least 2 mol %, based on total reactive polymer recurring units. |
| US09235125B2 |
Methods of providing patterned chemical epitaxy templates for self-assemblable block copolymers for use in device lithography
A method of forming a patterned chemical epitaxy template, for orientation of a self-assemblable block copolymer including first and second polymer blocks, on a surface of a substrate, the method including applying a primer layer of a primer composition to the surface, the primer composition including a first polymer moiety having a chemical affinity with the first polymer blocks and a second polymer moiety having a chemical affinity with the second polymer blocks, selectively exposing the surface, the primer layer and any overlying layer to actinic radiation to provide exposed and unexposed regions, to render labile the first polymer moiety in the exposed region, and removing the labile first polymer moiety from the exposed region to deplete the primer layer surface in the exposed region of first polymer moiety to form the patterned chemical epitaxy template. |
| US09235123B2 |
Resist composition and resist pattern forming method
A resist composition includes a high-molecular weight compound having a constituent unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1), an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, and a photodegradable base (D1) which is decomposed upon exposure to lose acid diffusion controlling properties, and a mixing ratio of the component (D1) to the component (B) is 0.5 or more in terms of a molar ratio represented by (D1)/(B). In the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Ya01 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; X01 represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; and Ra01 represents an optionally substituted cyclic group, an optionally substituted chain alkyl group, or an optionally substituted chain alkenyl group. |
| US09235121B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive film, permanent resist and method for producing permanent resist
The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition comprising an (a) component: an acid-modified epoxy resin, a (b) component: a photopolymerizable monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group, a (c) component: a photopolymerization initiator, a (d) component: an epoxy resin, and an (e) component: an inorganic filler, wherein the (a) component comprises an acid-modified bisphenol novolak type epoxy resin and further the photosensitive resin composition satisfies a predetermined condition, and provides a photosensitive film, a permanent resist and a method for producing a permanent resist using the same. |
| US09235120B2 |
Negative actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film using the same, resist-coated mask blanks, resist pattern forming method, and photomask
As a negative actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition capable of forming a pattern excellent in sensitivity, resolution and pattern profile and reduced in line edge roughness (LER), scum and development defect, a negative actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising (A) a polymer compound containing (a) a repeating unit capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation and (b) a repeating unit having a phenolic hydroxyl group, and (B) a crosslinking agent, is provided. |
| US09235116B2 |
Actinic-ray- or radiation sensitive resin composition, actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive film therefrom and method of forming pattern
According to one embodiment, an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a compound (P) containing at least one phenolic hydroxyl group and at least one group with a phenolic hydroxyl group whose hydrogen atom is replaced by any of groups of general formula (1) below. |
| US09235114B2 |
Reflective mask and method for manufacturing the same
A reflective mask includes a substrate and a multilayer reflective film formed on the substrate. An absorption pattern is formed on the multilayer reflective film. A recess is formed in the multilayer reflective film in a peripheral region of the absorption pattern. |
| US09235113B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
Embodiments of a drain in a lithographic projection apparatus are described that have, for example, a feature which reduces inflow of gas into the drain during a period when no liquid is present in the drain. In one example, a passive liquid removal mechanism is provided such that the pressure of gas in the drain is equal to the ambient gas pressure and in another embodiment a flap is provided to close off a chamber during times when no liquid needs removing. |
| US09235108B2 |
Projection system
A projection system includes a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a projecting unit. The light source applies light beam having a predetermined wavelength. The imaging unit captures a subject to which the light beam is applied. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the captured image. The storage unit stores plural pieces of figure information each representing image data of an object having a predetermined figure. The projecting unit projects a projection image onto the subject. The control unit selects figure information from the stored figure information, based on a degree of similarity with an image of a captured region responding to the light beam. The control unit generates the image data for projection such that an image including a figure indicated by the selected figure information is projected onto the region responding to the light beam. |
| US09235107B2 |
Camera module and method for assembling the same
Disclosed are a camera module and a method for assembling the camera module, the camera module including a cover part having an opening formed therein and a lens guide formed in the opening to prevent removal of a lens to an outside, a lens mounted to the opening of the cover part, and a back cap coming into close contact with the lens and mounted to the opening. |
| US09235105B2 |
Tunable optical frequency converter based on a phase modulator
The present invention provides a tunable optical frequency converter based on a phase modulator, which comprises a laser, a first optical isolator and a circulating frequency shift module. Said circulating frequency shift module is composed of an optical coupler, a phase modulator, an optical amplifier, a second optical isolator, a first optical circulator, an optical fiber Bragg grating, a second optical circulator, a tunable filter and a tunable attenuator. Light outputted by said laser is inputted to said circulating frequency shift module to conduct frequency converting repeatedly after passing through the first optical isolator, and then separated by a tunable filter and a second optical circulator, then the frequency converted light is outputted from the port of the circulating frequency shift module. The frequency converter provided in the present invention has a compact volume and fewer optical components, which means it is easy to be integrated, a big frequency converting range, a high frequency converting efficiency and a high output power. |
| US09235104B2 |
Tunable optical frequency converter based on an amplitude modulator
The present invention provides a tunable optical frequency converter based on an amplitude modulator, which comprises a laser, a first optical isolator, a circulating frequency conversion module. Said circulating frequency conversion module is composed of an optical coupler, an amplitude modulator, an optical amplifier, a second optical isolator, a first optical circulator, an optical fiber Bragg grating, a second optical circulator, a tunable filter and a tunable attenuator. Light outputted by said laser is inputted to said circulating frequency conversion module to conduct frequency converting repeatedly after passing through the first optical isolator, and then separated by a tunable filter and a second optical circulator, then the frequency converted light is outputted from the port of the circulating frequency conversion module. The frequency converter provided in the present invention has a compact volume and fewer optical components, which means it is easy to be integrated, a big frequency converting range, a high frequency converting efficiency and a high output power. |
| US09235102B2 |
Apparatus to manipulate colloidal particles in a bistable medium
A device for manipulating colloidal particles in a bistable medium, the device includes a microcontroller, which stores a color and/or design scheme for a bistable medium, and a mechanism for changing the bistable medium from a first state to a second state. |
| US09235101B2 |
Optical source
An integrated optical device and method for generating photons by manipulating path entanglement is provided. An integrated optical splitter splits pump light between two interferometer arms wherein each arm comprises a substantially identical photon pair source configured to be able to convert at least one pump light photon into a signal and idler photon pair. An integrated optical combiner device in optical communication with a first and a second optical output path interferes light from the first and second arms and outputs the signal and idler photons by bunching the signal and idler photons together in one of the optical output paths, or anti-bunching the signal photon in one output path and the corresponding idler photon in the other optical output path. |
| US09235084B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display device that includes a first alignment film and a second alignment film that are provided on opposing face sides of a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first alignment film and the second alignment film and that includes liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric constant anisotropy, wherein the first alignment film includes a compound in which a first polymer compound that includes a cross-linked functional group or a polymerized functional group as a side chain is cross-linked or polymerized, the second alignment film includes a compound in which a second polymer compound is cross-linked or polymerized, and a pretilt is conferred on the liquid crystal molecules by cross-linking or polymerizing the first polymer compound by the first alignment film and vertically aligning the liquid crystal molecules by the second alignment film. |
| US09235082B2 |
Light emitting diode package, method of fabricating the same, and display apparatus having the same
A light emitting diode package, a method of fabricating the same, and a display apparatus having the same are provided. The light emitting diode package includes a light emitting diode, a quantum dot layer, a band pass filter, disposed in a housing. The light emitting diode emits light of a first color. The quantum dot layer includes a plurality of quantum dots disposed on the light emitting diode to absorb a portion of the light emitted by the diode, and then emit light of a second color. The band pass filter is disposed on the quantum dot layer and has a first pass band corresponding to the light emitted from the diode and a second pass band corresponding to the light emitted from the quantum dots. |
| US09235078B2 |
Curvature adjustment structure of curved liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a curvature adjustment structure of a curved liquid crystal display device, which includes: a backplane (1) and at least one bracing assembly (3) fixedly mounted to the backplane (1). Each bracing assembly (3) includes a first bracing member (31) in contact engagement with the backplane (1), a second bracing member (33) opposite to the first bracing member (31) and distant from the backplane (1), and a cooling chip array (35) arranged between the first and second bracing members (31, 33). The cooling chip array (35) includes a plurality of cooling chips (2). Each of the cooling chips (2) includes a heat absorption surface (22) and an opposite heat dissipation surface (24). The heat absorption surface (22) and the heat dissipation surface (24) of each of the cooling chips (2) are respectively in engagement with the first and second bracing members (31, 33), whereby through energizing the cooling chip array (35), the first and second bracing members (31, 33) are respectively caused to undergo thermal expansion and contraction to achieve curving and deformation of the bracing assembly (3) so as to forcibly change the curvature of the backplane (1). |
| US09235073B2 |
Display device and television reception apparatus
A display device includes a display device main body including a display panel provided on a circumferential portion thereof with an electrode unit and a dummy electrode unit, a chassis housing the display device main body, a source driver FPC configured to be electrically connected to the electrode unit and supply an electric signal to the display panel, and a flexible fixing board connected to the dummy electrode unit and fixed to the chassis. |
| US09235068B2 |
Static electro-optical phase shifter having a dual pin junction
A semiconductor electro-optical phase shifter may include a first optical action zone having a minimum doping level, a first lateral zone and a central zone flanking the first optical action zone along a first axis, doped respectively at first and second conductivity types so as to form a P-I-N junction between the first lateral zone and the central zone. The phase shifter may include a second optical action zone having a threshold doping level, and a second lateral zone flanking the second optical action zone with the central zone along the first axis doped at the first conductivity type so as to form a P-I-N junction between the second lateral zone and the central zone. |
| US09235066B2 |
Optical modulator
An optical modulator that includes a substrate 1 composed of a material having an electro-optical effect, an optical waveguide 2 formed in the substrate, and a modulation electrode 3 for modulating lightwaves propagating through the optical waveguide, in which output light L2 that is output from the optical waveguide is guided with an optical fiber, wavelength dispersion characteristics of the optical fiber transmission line are compensated for by performing polarization reversal 10 of the substrate along the optical waveguide with a predetermined pattern so that the substrate along the optical waveguide has waveform distortion with characteristics that are inverse to the wavelength dispersion characteristics of the optical fiber transmission line, and the compensation for the wavelength dispersion characteristics is adjusted to a predetermined level by disposing an adjustment member made of a dielectric material or a metal material in the vicinity of the modulation electrode. |
| US09235064B2 |
Digital eyewear
Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like. |
| US09235056B2 |
Three-dimensional image display device
A three-dimensional image display device is provided which enables viewing an image displayed on a screen of an image display device as a three-dimensional image having a compact structure. The three-dimensional image display device which three-dimensionally displays an image displayed on the screen of an image display device using a mirror device includes a main body case for accommodating an image display device, and a minor device supported in a rear part of the main body case. A plurality of mirrors are rotatably supported on the mirror device in parallel at predetermined intervals in the depth direction, and when a three-dimensional image is displayed, the mirror device rotates about a shaft toward opening from the main body case so that the plurality of mirrors are supported at a predetermined angle toward a viewer relative to the screen of the image display device, and reflects the image displayed on the screen of an image display device toward the viewer. |
| US09235046B2 |
Low-voltage MEMS shutter assemblies
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing relatively thinner and less stiff compliant beams for a shutter assembly. A protective coating is deposited and patterned over the shutter assembly before it is released from a sacrificial mold over which the shutter assembly is formed. Because some primary surfaces of the compliant beams are in contact with the sacrificial mold, these primary surfaces are not coated with the protective coating. Therefore, when the shutter assembly is finally released, the resulting compliant beams are relatively thinner and less stiff providing a reduction in an actuation voltage used to operate the shutter assembly. In some instances, the protective coating is patterned into discontinuous segments before release. |
| US09235040B2 |
Biological sample image acquiring apparatus, biological sample image acquiring method, and biological sample image acquiring program
A biological sample image acquiring apparatus includes: an objective lens magnifying a region of a biological sample; an imaging device imaging the region magnified by the objective lens; a movement controller moving the focus of the objective lens in the thickness direction of the target region of the biological sample and moving the image of the region, which magnified by the objective lens to be imaged onto an imaging device, in an in-plane direction; and a biological sample image acquiring unit acquiring a biological sample image of the region by exposing the imaging device to light while the movement controller is moving the image of the region. |
| US09235038B1 |
Tube lens with long front tube length within optical system for digital pathology
A tube lens includes a singlet and a doublet with a long front tube length between a lens stop and the tube lens. The front tube length is 1.0 to 1.5 times an effective focal length of the tube lens. The front tube length provides sufficient space for an optical platform, a folding mirror, and a telescope. The telescope rotates between a 2× mode with front and back doublets and a 1× mode with a clear aperture. The field angle of the tube lens is 4.0 degrees. Specific glass types correct the lateral color in a system for digital pathology with a white LED and a color CCD sensor. The system for digital pathology further includes an objective lens with a numerical aperture at 0.50-0.55, and a Kohler illumination system with a numerical aperture of critical illumination at 0.75-0.85 times the numerical aperture of the objective lens. |
| US09235032B1 |
Photographing optical lens, image capturing device and electronic device
A photographing optical lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The second lens element, the third lens element, and the fourth lens element have refractive power. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has an aspheric object-side surface and an aspheric image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has an aspheric object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof and an aspheric image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof, wherein the image-side surface thereof has at least one inflection point. The photographing optical lens further includes a stop located between an object and the second lens element. |
| US09235031B2 |
Wide-angle image taking lens system
A wide-angle image taking lens system includes an aperture stop and an optical assembly including: in order from an object side to an image side: first, second, third, fourth and fifth lens elements, the system has a total of five lens elements with refractive power, wherein Abbe numbers of the first and fifth lens element are V1, V5, a distance along an optical axis between the first and second lens element is T12, a central thickness of the first lens element is CT1, focal lengths of the system, second and third lens elements are f, f2, f3, maximum effective diameters of an object-side surface of the first lens element and an image-side surface of the fifth lens element are CA11, CA52, satisfying: 1.5 |
| US09235028B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus including the imaging lens
An imaging lens substantially consists of, in order from an object side, five lenses of a first lens that has a positive refractive power and is convex toward the object side, a second lens that has a negative refractive power, a third lens, a fourth lens that has a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens that has a negative refractive power and has an object side surface and an image side surface which have aspheric shapes. Further, the imaging lens satisfies predetermined conditional expressions. |
| US09235026B2 |
Optical instrument
An optical instrument comprises a ring member which is arranged to be rotatable with respect to a lens barrel, and also to slide in an optical axis direction, a movement mechanism for slide movement of the ring member to a first position or a second position in the optical axis direction, an encoder that generates signals in accordance with a rotation operation of the ring member, a slide position determination section for determining positional change accompanying slide movement to the first position or the second position by the movement mechanism, and a control section for performing determination of the signals from the encoder to switch the display operation, and prohibiting switching of the display operation when the slide position determination section has determined a positional change accompanying the slide operation. |
| US09235025B2 |
Imaging optical system and image pickup apparatus including the same
An imaging optical system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, an aperture stop, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. The second lens unit moves toward the image side during focusing from a far object to a near object. The third lens unit includes, in order from the object side to the image side, two lenses having concave surfaces that face each other with a largest air gap in the third lens unit provided therebetween, and a positive lens. A focal length of the entire imaging optical system and a focal length of the second lens unit are appropriately set. |
| US09235024B2 |
Lens barrel
A lens barrel comprises an outer frame and an inner frame. The lens barrel has a first state, a second state, and a third state during operation in which the outer frame and the inner frame rotate relatively. In the first state, a first cam follower is guided by a first cam. In the second state, the first cam follower is guided by the first cam, and a second cam follower is guided by a second cam. In the third state, the second cam follower is guided by the second cam. In the third state, at least part of the first cam follower enters a space formed by a recess portion or a hole portion. |
| US09235021B2 |
Optical fiber / electrical composite cable assembly with sealed breakout kit
A cable breakout kit has a cable portion, an inner wall portion and a furcation portion with at least one fiber port. The cable portion and the furcation portion are dimensioned to couple with one another, enclosing a furcation area. The inner wall portion is coupled to the furcation portion and a fiber bundle of the cable, enclosing a fiber area within the furcation area; the fiber area is coupled to the at least one fiber port. An assembly including a cable with a fiber and an electrical conductor utilizes a transition housing to pass the fiber and conductor to respective furcation tubes, isolated from one another. |
| US09235013B1 |
Low-profile optical transceiver connector receptacle
An optical communications module includes a receptacle with a stop member. The receptacle has a keyway and a latchway. The keyway is configured to receive and guide a body of the connector plug in a direction along a keyway axis. The latchway is defined by a total flexure range of the flexible latch arm between a fully flexed state and a fully relaxed state. The latchway is configured to receive and guide the flexible latch arm through a range of movement having a directional component perpendicular to the keyway axis. The stop member extends from a wall of the receptacle into the latchway. The stop member is configured to restrain the flexible latch arm in a latched state between the fully flexed state and the fully relaxed state. |
| US09235010B2 |
Robust optical crimp connector
An optical connector with a cable gland dimensioned for coupling with a body includes a crimp seat with a shoulder dimensioned larger than a bore of the cable gland. A duplex shell is dimensioned to retain a pair of optical connectors; the duplex shell provided with a crimp support. The crimp seat and the crimp support are dimensioned to receive a crimp ferrule and a connect crimp ferrule, respectively, thereover, for securing yarns of an armored cable within the optical connector. |
| US09235008B2 |
Optical connector and optical module having the same
Disclosed herein is an optical module including: an optical element mounted on a substrate; and an optical connector mounted corresponding to the optical element so as to change a path of an optical signal of the optical element and transfer the optical signal having the changed path. The optical module may provide various communication performances using an optical connector in which first and second connector parts are optically coupled stably to each other. Particularly, the optical module does not have a silicon optical bench (SiOB) as a medium, thereby making it possible to reduce a thickness of a product. |
| US09235006B2 |
Optical channel monitor
Described herein is an optical channel monitor (100), including a plurality of input ports in the form of optical fibers (102) disposed in a vertical “port displacement” dimension. Each fiber (102) inputs a respective optical beam (103) having a plurality of individual wavelength channels. A lens (104) collimates each beam and converges the beams in the port displacement dimension to a focal plane (105). The collimated and converged beams are incident onto a rotatable micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror (106), which selectively directs each optical beam onto a wavelength dispersion element in the form of a grism (108) at a predetermined angle (denoted by φ) in a horizontal “dispersion” plane. The grism (108) spatially separates, in the dispersion plane, the wavelength channels contained within each optical beam (103) by diffraction. The angle at which each channel is diffracted is controlled by the angle φ. |
| US09235000B2 |
Optical semiconductor apparatus
An optical semiconductor device includes a silicon oxide layer configured to be formed on a substrate; an optical waveguide part configured to be formed on the silicon oxide layer; a cladding layer configured to be formed covering the optical waveguide part; and a semiconductor laser configured to be disposed on the substrate. Laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser enters the optical waveguide part. The optical waveguide part increases transmittance of light when the wavelength becomes greater within an oscillation wavelength range of the semiconductor laser. |
| US09234999B2 |
System and method for making distributed measurements using fiber optic cable
A method for determining the physical location of a fiber optic channel in a fiber optic cable comprises the steps of a) providing at least one location key having a known physical location, b) establishing the location of the location key with respect to the fiber optic channel, and c) using the location information established in step b) to determine the physical location of the channel. The location key may comprises an acoustic source, a section of fiber optic cable that is acoustically masked, or at least one magnetic field source and step b) comprises using a Lorentz force to establish the location of the magnetic field source with respect to the fiber optic channel. |
| US09234996B2 |
Display device and television device having holding member
A liquid crystal display device includes an LED, a liquid crystal panel, a light guide plate, a chassis, a frame, a board attachment member, an LED board, and a holding member. The chassis is arranged on an opposite side of the light guide plate from the liquid crystal panel. The frame is arranged on a display surface side of the liquid crystal panel and in contact with the chassis. The frame and the chassis hold the liquid crystal panel, the LED, and the light guide plate therebetween. The board attachment member is mounted on the chassis and spaced apart from the frame. The LED board is in contact with the board attachment member and includes the LED mounted on a plate surface thereof. The holding member sandwiches the board attachment member and the LED board so as to hold the LED board to the board attachment member. |
| US09234992B2 |
Optically variable device with diffraction-based micro-optics, method of creating the same, and article employing the same
A security device includes an optically variable device (OVD) having diffraction-based micro-optics including at least one moiré magnified visual representation of a micro-object. A diffractive structure provides micro-objects with unique optical effects when the OVD is viewed through the micro-object structure from a predetermined relative observation point. In addition to magnifying the micro-objects, the diffractive structure can impart optical effects such as change in observed color, enhanced contrast, animation of the observed visual representation, and change in size or shape of the observed visual representation. The micro-objects and the diffractive structure can be disposed on the same or different portions of a substrate. A method of making OVDs, and an article employing such OVDs are also disclosed. |
| US09234991B2 |
Highly compliant resonant diffraction gratings, and methods and use thereof
Highly-compliant polymer-based resonant diffraction gratings, and methods of use thereof, are provided. In one illustrative embodiment, an amount of pressure applied to a grating surface may be determined by straining a grating, adapted to move into a plurality of pitches, to an applied pitch in the plurality of pitches in response to an application of strain onto a surface adjacent the grating. Electromagnetic radiation comprising a plurality of wavelengths may be applied to the grating, and a resonance wavelength, in the plurality of wavelengths, may be identified while the strain is applied to the grating. The amount of strain applied to the grating surface may then be determined based on the resonant wavelength. |
| US09234984B2 |
Photochromic composition
A photochromic composition, which can function as an adhesive layer for bonding optical sheets made from a polycarbonate resin, may include a polyurethane-urea resin (A) obtained by reacting a polyol compound (A1), a polyisocyanate compound (A2) that has two or more isocyanato groups in the molecule, and an amino-containing compound (A3) that contains two or more isocyanato-reactive groups in the molecule, with at least one of the isocyanato-reactive groups being an amino group; and a photochromic compound (B). |
| US09234983B2 |
Rain sensor
A rain sensor equipped to a transparent substrate includes a light emitter emitting irradiation lights toward the transparent substrate, light receivers receiving reflected lights of the irradiation lights being reflected on the transparent substrate, a defining section defining an incident angle of each reflected light with respect to each light receiver, and a detection section detecting rainfall amount based on signals output from the light receivers. The light emitter emits the irradiation lights toward an irradiation region defined on the transparent substrate. The irradiation region is divided into multiple detection regions. The detection regions correspond to respective light receivers. The defining section defines the incident angle of each reflected light reflected on the detection region such that each reflected light enters corresponding light receiver. The detection section detects the rainfall amount based on the signals output from the light receivers corresponding to the irradiation regions. |
| US09234982B2 |
Aircraft systems and methods for displaying weather information along a flight path
A display system for an aircraft is provided. The system includes a processing unit configured to receive weather information associated with a flight path of a flight plan and to generate display commands based on the weather information. The flight plan includes a first waypoint associated with a first altitude. The system further includes a display device coupled with the processing unit and configured to receive the display commands and to display symbology representing the weather information. The weather information includes first weather information for the first altitude and second weather information at a second altitude, different from the first altitude. |
| US09234980B2 |
Mining systems and methods
The present invention provides systems and methods capable of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a coiled tubing directional drilling system capable of treating interior portions of the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a system and method capable of capturing real time temperature and resistivity data pertaining to pregnant solution characteristics in the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize one or more wire line deployed X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers capable of quantitatively measuring concentrations of desired metals in the heap/formation during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes multiple passes of elemental capture spectroscopy logs acquired at regular time intervals to monitor metal concentrations during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides one or more subsurface barriers capable of optimizing leaching operations. |
| US09234979B2 |
Wide activation angle pinch sensor section
In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor. |
| US09234976B2 |
Device and method for removal of multiples from seismic data vintages
A method, an apparatus and a computer readable medium for generating an image of a subsurface based on seismic data corresponding to at least two different times, for a same surveyed area are provided. A cost function, which is a sum over the seismic data vintages of a norm of differences between data and model predicted multiples, is minimized subject to minimizing residual multiples that are differences of corresponding multiples belonging to different vintages among the seismic data vintages. |
| US09234974B2 |
Apparatus for evaluating rock properties while drilling using drilling rig-mounted acoustic sensors
Apparatus for identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of an embodiment of such an apparatus includes one or more acoustic sensors positioned to detect drill sounds emanating from the drill bit and the rock encountered during drilling operations, connected to select components of a drilling rig to maximally pick up the drill sounds of the drill bit engaging rock during drilling operations. The apparatus also includes an inductive telemetry, wireless telemetry, or wired transmitting system. The apparatus also includes a computer to analyze the acoustic signals received from the acoustic sensors through the respective transmitting system for lithology type and petrophysical properties. |
| US09234973B2 |
Deployable ground sensors
A method includes enabling a power supply of a ground sensor device to provide power to one or more components of the ground sensor device based on one or more rotations of a rotor of the ground sensor device. |
| US09234971B2 |
Direct reservoir signature using the drag wave
A monofrequency signal is used to record signature properties of subsurface reservoir formations. While recording conventional Vibroseis data after certain prescribed distances, the monofrequency signal is transmitted to evaluate the presence of reservoir rocks underneath that source location. When a compressional wave travels through a permeable and fluid-saturated reservoir formation, the Drag Wave travels through reservoir fluid interconnections at a slower velocity than the compressional wave in the rock matrix. Due to the Doppler Effect, a unique lower frequency is generated. This lower frequency becomes an indicator of the presence of reservoir formations. Its character depends on the tortuosity of pore interconnections, presence of pore fluids, and permeability. A transfer function is calculated to convert the swept frequency signal used for conventional seismic recording. This converted swept frequency signal is cross-correlated with the normally recorded signal. Only the presence of the reservoir formation is highlighted; non-reservoir formations are not displayed. |
| US09234967B2 |
System and method for linearization of multi-camera flat panel X-ray detectors
System and method for linearization of photometric response of an imaging sensor of a multi-camera flat panel X-Ray detector. The linearization includes acquiring by the imaging sensor, during a linearization phase, at least two images related to detectable radiation radiated by a scintillator in response to X-Ray radiation generated by an X-Ray source at a field of view of the imaging sensor, wherein the intensity of the X-Ray radiation generated by the X-Ray source is different for each of the images, measuring by a light energy measurement unit, substantially simultaneously with the acquiring of each of the images, at least two corresponding levels of energy of the detectable radiation, wherein the light energy measurement unit is substantially linear at the range of operation, and calculating an inverse response function to the imaging sensor based on the images and on the corresponding levels of energy. |
| US09234966B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus, method of controlling the same, and radiation imaging system
A radiation imaging apparatus including pixels; driving lines; a driving circuit; bias lines; an acquisition unit configured to acquire an evaluation value based on a current flowing in the bias line; a determination unit configured to compare the evaluation value with a comparison target value to determine whether radiation is irradiated; a control unit configured to control the acquisition unit and the determination unit; and a storage unit configured to store the evaluation value used in the determination process, is provided. A comparison target value used in a given determination process is based on one or more evaluation values used in one or more determination processes which are performed before the given determination process and in which it is determined that radiation has not been irradiated. |
| US09234965B2 |
Indoor positioning using pressure sensors
A pressure sensor can be implemented on a network device to minimize vertical positioning errors of the network device in an indoor environment. A reference altitude and a reference pressure associated with an access point in the indoor environment are received at the network device via a communication network. A pressure is determined at the network device in the indoor environment. An altitude of the network device associated with the pressure at the network device in the indoor environment is calculated based, at least in part, on the pressure at the network device, the reference pressure, and the reference altitude. A position of the network device in the indoor environment is determined based, at least in part, on the altitude of the navigation device and location information received from at least the access point. |
| US09234963B2 |
Optically augmented weapon locating system and methods of use
A method of locating a weapon includes detecting a weapon firing event with an optical sensor, the detected weapon firing event indicative of a detected firing of the weapon and indicative of a detected time of the weapon firing event. The method also includes detecting a projectile fired from the weapon with a radar system. The method also includes calculating a state vector associated with the projectile detection. The method also includes identifying a location of the weapon by backtracking the state vector to the detected time of the weapon firing event time. The method also includes communicating the location of the weapon. A system that implements the method is also described. |
| US09234961B2 |
Radar device and method of processing reflection signal
A radar device is provided, which includes a receiver for transmitting a pulse-shaped radio wave and receiving a corresponding reflection signal as a reception signal, a Doppler processor for generating Doppler processed signals that are signals obtained by separating the reception signal according to Doppler frequencies or signals obtained based on the signals separated, an improvement level calculator for calculating a signal improvement level by comparing an amplitude value of the reception signal with amplitude values of the Doppler processed signals, a signal synthesizer for synthesizing the reception signal and the Doppler processed signals based on the signal improvement levels, and a display processor for generating a radar image based on the synthesized signal. |
| US09234955B2 |
Reduced Q low frequency antenna
A rod antenna and antenna circuit are described which make use of negative feedback to reduce the Q of the antenna, but which also makes use of a different coil tapping arrangement to significantly reduce electric field susceptibility on the detected signal from the main coil as well as different biasing arrangements to reduce noise. More particularly, in some embodiments of the invention the main detector coil of the antenna has a centre tap that is AC grounded with signal taps then being taken from the opposite ends of the main coil, and being respectively fed to the inputs of a differential amplifier. The output of the differential amplifier is then fed to the magnetic circuit of the rod antenna via a second inductor winding that is magnetically coupled to the resonance circuit of the main antenna coil. |
| US09234948B2 |
Single-package bridge-type magnetic field sensor
A magnetoresistive sensor bridge utilizing magnetic tunnel junctions is disclosed. The magnetoresistive sensor bridge is composed of one or more magnetic tunnel junction sensor chips to provide a half-bridge or full bridge sensor in a standard semiconductor package. The sensor chips may be arranged such that the pinned layers of the different chips are mutually anti-parallel to each other in order to form a push-pull bridge structure. The sensor chips are then interconnected using wire bonding. The chips can be wire-bonded to various standard semiconductor leadframes and packaged in inexpensive standard semiconductor packages. The bridge design may be push-pull or referenced. In the referenced case, the on-chip reference resistors may be implemented without magnetic shielding. |
| US09234945B2 |
Differential transformer type magnetic sensor and image forming apparatus
A differential transformer type magnetic sensor includes a first coil layer, a second coil layer, and an insulating layer formed between the first coil layer and the second coil layer. The first coil layer includes a detection coil and a first drive coil. The second coil layer includes a reference coil and a second drive coil. The first drive coil and the second drive coil are electrically connected together so that a direction of drive current flowing in the first drive coil is the same as a direction of drive current flowing in the second drive coil. The detection coil and the reference coil are electrically connected together so that a direction of induced current flowing in the detection coil is reverse to a direction of induced current flowing in the reference coil. |
| US09234940B2 |
Integrated fan-out wafer architecture and test method
A fan-out wafer comprises a first IC die having at least a first boundary scan cell (BSC) and a second BSC. The first BSC is coupled to a first demultiplexer. The second BSC is coupled to a first pad. A second IC die has at least a third BSC coupled to a second demultiplexer, and a second pad connected to the first pad. A first master path connects the first demultiplexer to the second demultiplexer. A first slave path connects the first demultiplexer to the second demultiplexer. The first pad and second pad are located between the first master path and the first slave path. |
| US09234937B2 |
Measuring phase noise in radio frequency, microwave or millimeter signals based on photonic delay
Techniques and devices for measuring phase noise in radio frequency (RF), microwave, or millimeter signals based on photonic delay. |
| US09234932B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring ion lens connections
This technology is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring or testing defects associated with an ion lens connected within a mass spectrometer. In some implementations, the testing mechanism monitors a connection of one or more ion lenses configured in the mass spectrometer to determine if voltage is effectively applied to the ion lens. The testing circuit of the present technology includes at least one Zener diode added to the voltage divider and monitoring a change in slope of the applied voltage versus the voltage at the read-back circuit. The change in slope may be easily measured. |
| US09234931B2 |
Fault detection system with leakage current detection
A fault detection system for a machine having a plurality of electrical conducting elements insulated from a frame ground of the machine is disclosed. The fault detection system may include a high voltage DC power source, a positive high voltage bus connected to a positive terminal of the high voltage DC power source and providing high voltage electrical power to the plurality of electrical conducting elements, and a negative high voltage bus connected to a negative terminal of the high voltage DC power source and returning high voltage electrical power from the plurality of electrical conducting elements. At least one of the positive and negative high voltage buses may be selectively connected through a plurality of switches to plural zones of the electrical conducting elements, with each of the plural zones being electrically connected in parallel, and selectively connected to the high voltage DC power source by one of the plurality of switches. A low voltage DC power source may be configured to form part of a leakage current detector selectively connected through each of the plurality of switches to each of the plural zones for detecting leakage current between an electrical conducting element and the frame ground. |
| US09234929B2 |
Monitoring method and system and integrated monitoring device for antenna oscillator of base station
Disclosed are a monitoring method and system and an integrated monitoring device for an antenna oscillator of a base station, which are used to monitor whether an anomaly occurs in the antenna oscillator of the base station. The monitoring method for an antenna oscillator of a base station in the present invention comprises: performing wave detection and analog-to-digital conversion on an obtained transmission signal of the antenna oscillator of the base station, to acquire a digital signal of a direct-current signal of the transmission signal; determining the amplitude of changes of the digital signal in a set time length, and when the amplitude of the changes is greater than a preset amplitude change threshold, determining that an anomaly occurs in the antenna oscillator; otherwise, determining that the antenna element is normal. |
| US09234920B2 |
Electrically identifiable electrode lead and method of electrically identifying an electrode lead
An electrically identifiable medical electrode lead. The lead includes a flexible lead body having a distal end and a connector end. The lead also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed near the distal end of the flexible lead body. The lead further includes a connector disposed at the connector end of the flexible lead body, the connector including a plurality of contacts. The lead additionally includes a plurality of conductors supported by and passing through the flexible lead body, the plurality of conductors including electrical conductors that provide paths for electrical current from the connector to the plurality of electrodes. Finally, the lead includes a memory circuit supported by the flexible lead body and being in electrical communication with a contact of the plurality of contacts in the connector. |
| US09234919B2 |
Sensor assembly, sensor controller and current-measuring circuit
A sensor assembly for measuring an intensity of a current includes a first sensor apparatus configured to record an intensity of the electrical current with contact, a second sensor apparatus configured to record an intensity of the electrical current, the second sensor apparatus having a common measurement range with the first sensor apparatus, and a first analog-digital converter configured to convert analog measured values into digitized measured values. The first sensor apparatus, the second sensor apparatus and the first analog-digital converter are arranged on a common circuit carrier. |
| US09234915B2 |
Signal sensing device and circuit boards
Apparatus are provided for use in testing circuit boards. A signal sensing device includes one or more probes. Each probe includes a length of rigid coaxial conductor configured to define a sensing pin at one end. A circuit board defines a number of through vias lined in metal and configured to receive the sensing pin of a corresponding probe. The signal sensing device also includes a ground pin. Electrical pathways extending away from adjacent pairs of the through vias can be tested for electrical impedance and other signal propagating characteristics by way of the signal sensing device. |
| US09234912B2 |
Atomic far-off resonance trap (FORT) accelerometer system
One embodiment includes an accelerometer system. The accelerometer system can include a Far-Off Resonance Trap (FORT) control system configured to generate an optical trapping beam. The system can also include a FORT accelerometer detection system including a FORT that is configured to trap a cluster of atoms based on the optical trapping beam. The FORT accelerometer detection system can also include an interrogation system configured to determine motion of the cluster of atoms along at least one axis resulting from an external acceleration in the at least one axis based on a relative phase shift of an optical probe beam through the cluster of atoms. The system can further include an acceleration processor configured to calculate the external acceleration in the at least one axis based on the relative phase shift of the optical probe beam. |
| US09234907B2 |
Angular rate sensor with improved aging properties
An angular velocity sensor is described with improved ageing and hysteresis properties. The sensor may be of a ring type driven by a driver circuit, the sensor further comprising primary and secondary portions having corresponding signal pickoffs. The gain of the primary pickoff signal and the capacitance of the primary portions of the sensor are controlled relative to the gain of the secondary pickoff and the capacitance of the secondary portions of the sensor. Control electronics is provided that enables matching of the relative signals from the respective channels. In this way, temperature hysteresis and ageing effects of materials used in forming the sensor are overcome. |
| US09234903B2 |
Hepcidin inhibitors for regulating iron homeostasis
The invention concerns the use of hepcidin for the diagnosis and therapy of disorders of iron homeostasis. Hepcidin can be used in the treatment of disorders resulting from iron overload while inhibitors of hepcidin can be used in the treatment of anemia. |
| US09234899B2 |
Human βV-tubulin antibody and methods of use
Antibodies to human βV-tubulin, fragments thereof, and compositions comprising such are provided. Diagnostic, prognostic and identification methods employing such antibodies or fragments thereof are also provided. |
| US09234892B2 |
Multiple epitope detection in an FFPE tissue section
A method for labelling a tissue section is provided. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: (a) labeling a formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue section using a first set of labeling reagents that comprises a first primary antibody and a first labeled secondary antibody; (b) treating the labeled tissue with a protease, thereby digesting the first primary antibody and/or the first labeled secondary antibody and separating the label from the FFPE tissue section; (c) washing the tissue section to remove the separated label and the protease; and (c) labeling the FFPE tissue section using a second set of labeling reagents that comprises a second primary antibody and a second labeled secondary antibody. A kit for performing the method is also provided. |
| US09234891B2 |
Use of metal complexes
A method of immobilizing a target molecule on a substrate, which comprises exposing the target molecule to the substrate in the presence of a metal complex, wherein the target molecule is an unmodified target molecule, and wherein the metal complex is selected to provide a stable binding interaction between the target molecule and the substrate. |
| US09234885B2 |
Methods and assays for treating filoviridae infections
Methods and assays for treating a subject with a filovirus infection using an agent that inhibits Niemann-Pick CI (NPCI), VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A, VPS39, VPS41, BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4. Methods for screening for an agent that treats and/or prevents infection of a subject with a filovirus, where the methods comprise determining whether the agent inhibits one or more of Niemann-Pick CI (NPCI), VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A, VPS39, VPS41. BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4, wherein an agent that inhibits one or more of NPCI, VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A, VPS39, VPS41, BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4 is a candidate for treating and/or preventing an infection with a filovirus and wherein an agent that does not inhibit NPCI, VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A. VPS39, VPS41, BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4 is not a candidate for treating and/or preventing an infection with a filovirus. |
| US09234884B2 |
Microfluidic device
Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples. |
| US09234876B2 |
Durable miniature gas composition detector having fast response time
A miniature oxygen sensor makes use of paramagnetic properties of oxygen gas to provide a fast response time, low power consumption, improved accuracy and sensitivity, and superior durability. The miniature oxygen sensor disclosed maintains a sample of ambient air within a micro-channel formed in a semiconductor substrate. O2 molecules segregate in response to an applied magnetic field, thereby establishing a measureable Hall voltage. Oxygen present in the sample of ambient air can be deduced from a change in Hall voltage with variation in the applied magnetic field. The magnetic field can be applied either by an external magnet or by a thin film magnet integrated into a gas sensing cavity within the micro-channel. A differential sensor further includes a reference element containing an unmagnetized control sample. The miniature oxygen sensor is suitable for use as a real-time air quality monitor in consumer products such as smart phones. |
| US09234875B2 |
Simultaneous purification of cell components
Methods and devices for purification of different cell components from the same sample are provided. |
| US09234874B2 |
Dimensional stabilization of slab gel cassettes to prevent distortion caused by swelling gels
Slab gel cassettes for use in electrophoretic analyzes of biologically-derived mixtures are equipped with features that prevent the plastic walls of the cassettes from bowing outward when gels retained within the cassettes swell, as gels typically do during casting, storage, or both. In certain embodiments, these features are incorporated into, or mate with, the comb-shaped inserts that form the sample wells as the gels are being cast. In other embodiments, these features are complementary features incorporated into both the comb and the cassette. |
| US09234869B2 |
Data storing exhaust gas probe
The invention relates to an exhaust gas probe (120) for measuring properties of the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, wherein at least one data storage unit (135) is arranged in a circuit associated with the probe, in particular arranged in a probe plug (130) or a connecting element associated therewith. The following properties and/or adaption functions characterizing the probe (120) are stored or storable in said data storage unit: —fluctuations of heating resistances that are due to the production process and/or—parameters that characterize the aging of the probe (120), and/or—the shut-off state, in particular data that characterize the execution of an interval measurement for regenerating the exhaust gas probe or of a delayed shut-off and/or—data for adapting the probe (120) to different control devices (140) of internal combustion engines and/or—the number of operating hours of the probe and/or—the operating parameters of the probe in a previous specifiable time period. |
| US09234865B2 |
Analyte test instrument having improved versatility
An analyte test instrument that has a test strip circuitry that can be configured using information provided by a calibration strip to perform assays with test strips having two electrodes and test strips having three electrodes. The analyte test instrument of this invention comprises: (a) a test port for receiving a test strip; (b) a microprocessor for executing instructions downloaded into the analyte test instrument; (c) a test strip circuit capable of having a plurality of configurations, the configurations being set by the microprocessor, whereby an assay can be performed using the test strip. |
| US09234862B2 |
Analyte determination method and analyte meter
The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip. |
| US09234855B2 |
Apparatus, X-ray irradiation method, and structure manufacturing method
There is provided an apparatus configured to irradiate an object with an X-ray and detect a transmission X-ray transmitted through the object, including: a chamber member defining a first space; and a first supply port arranged in the first space to supply a temperature-controlled gas to a part of an X-ray source configured to irradiate the object with the X-ray. |
| US09234846B2 |
High-resolution microscope and method for determining the two- or three-dimensional positions of objects
The invention relates to a high-resolution microscope and to a method for determining the two- or three-dimensional positions of objects. The microscope and method includes the following: (a) The vertical (Z) position of imaged particles or molecules being determined from the orientation and shape thereof by means of an anamorphic lens, preferably a cylindrical lens, in the imaging, (b) the detection beam path being split into at least two partial detection beam paths having different optical path lengths, which are detected at an offset on a detector, (c) activation or switchover being performed by means of a multi-photon excitation process, preferably two-photon excitation. The following are also included: (d) a point-scanning activation or switchover, (e) a line-scanning activation or switchover, (f) the sample is excited and the sample light is detected in the wide-field mode, (g) manually or automatically predetermined sample regions are activated or switched over, (h) the activation or switchover is performed by means of AOTF or SLM or DMD, (i) laser pulses for activating or switching are spectrally split by means of a spectrally splitting element, preferably a grating, (j) an SLM or DMD in the beam path after the grating performs a controlled selection of split laser pulse fractions, (k) the laser wide-field excitation is guided by SLM or DMD, (l) ROIs are selected by SLM or DMD, (m) a multi-photon switching or activation is performed by means of a microlens array, preferably a cylindrical lens array, n) switching and/or excitation is performed by means of a line scanner, and (o) a line detection is performed by means of a spatially resolved sensor, wherein at least two sensor rows, each comprising a plurality of sensors, are illuminated with sample light by means of a slit diaphragm position. |
| US09234844B2 |
Chloride ion fluorescence detection method and device, and use thereof
A chloride ion fluorescence detection method and device, and a use thereof. The chloride ion fluorescence detection method utilizes chloride ions to influence luminescence characteristics of some photoluminescent substances to change the emission spectrum of the photoluminescent substances. The concentration of the chloride ions is detected through two processes comprising the fiber surface film forming and test liquid preparation of a fluorescent reagent sensitive to the chloride ions and measurement of information of fluorescence peak wavelengths or intensities. The method can be applied to the online assessment of the corrosion environment of steel bar concrete or the measurement of chloride ions in a laboratory. |
| US09234840B2 |
Determination of a material characteristic with the use of second-order photon correlation
An optical system and method for characterizing an object is provided. The system includes at least one light source configured to direct photons toward an object and an interferometer configured to receive photons from the object. The system also includes at least one detector system adapted to detect an optical signal at an output of the interferometer and to remove, from the detected optical signal, a signal portion representing first order photon correlations, when present. The system also includes a processor configured to receive data relating to second-order correlated photons from said at least one detector system, each photon or photon pair subject to at least two indistinguishable paths to a photon or photon pair, but differing in at least one of time and length. The processor is configured to characterize the object based on a self interference of the second-order correlated photons from a common location within the object. |
| US09234836B2 |
Measurement of a fiber direction of a carbon fiber material and fabrication of an object in carbon fiber composite technique
The fiber direction of a carbon fiber material of a test object is detected by means of the polarization direction of light reflected by the test object. If, for example, non-polarized light impinges upon carbon fibers, light reflected by the fibers is polarized in fiber direction. |
| US09234835B2 |
Apparatus and method for analysis of a fluid sample
An apparatus for analyzing a fluid comprises a chamber to receive a fluid sample. A pump reduces a pressure in the chamber below a vapor pressure of a component of the fluid sample. At least one light system provides a light at a predetermined modulation frequency to the fluid sample. An acoustic sensor detects an acoustic signal caused by the interaction of the light and the fluid sample. A controller relates the acoustic signal to at least one chemical component of the fluid sample. |
| US09234831B2 |
Particle analysis instrument and computer program
A particle analysis instrument is offered which can make a measurement in a shorter time than heretofore. The particle analysis instrument (100) is used to analyze a sample (S) containing plural particles by measuring the sample over plural fields of view. The instrument (100) includes a measuring section (10) for scanning primary rays (EB) over the sample (S) and detecting a signal emanating from the sample (S), a particle area totalizing portion (222) for finding the area of particles for each field of view from the results of the measurement made by the measuring section (10) and summing up such areas of particles for all of the fields of view to find a total area of particles, and a decision portion (226) for making a decision as to whether the measurement process should be ended, based on the ratio of the total area of particles to an area of the sample (S) measured to obtain the total area of particles. |
| US09234827B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining relative content of two rock specie in a wellbore rock sample
Method and apparatus for determining the relative content of a first rock species and of a second rock species in a rock sample extracted from a wellbore. The method comprises adding a reactant to the rock sample, measuring a first information (PT1) relative to a first amount of compound produced at a first instant (T1) and a second information (PT2) relative to a second amount of compound produced at a second instant (T2). The method also comprises calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample from the first information (PT1) and calculating the relative content of the second species in the rock sample from the second information PT2). The method comprises determining a corrected amount (Cv) of compound generated by the reaction of the second species with the reactant at the first instant (T1), and calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample and the relative content of the second species in the rock sample based on the corrected amount (Cv). |
| US09234826B2 |
Assessment of shear fatigue property of rolling contact metal material and estimation of fatigue limit maximum contact pressure using same assessment
A method of assessing the shear fatigue property of a metallic material that undergoes a rolling contact includes a testing step for determining the relation between the shear stress amplitude of a rolling contact metallic material and the number of loading by means of an ultrasonic torsional fatigue test, and a shear fatigue strength determining step for determining the shear fatigue strength τlim within the ultra long life regime from the relation between the shear stress amplitude and the number of loadings, which relation has been determined during the test step, in accordance with a predetermined standard. It is a completely reversed torsional fatigue test, in which torsional vibrations, respective torsions in the positive rotational direction and reversed rotational direction of which are symmetrical relative to each other, are applied to a test piece. |
| US09234823B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling tissue samples
A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming. |
| US09234817B2 |
Flow rate measuring apparatus
Dust with various particle diameters entering a bypass passage, particularly, relatively large dust with a particle diameter of 100 to 200 μm or so, is reliably caused to collide with a first step-shaped part, a second step-shaped part and a plate-like member to be sufficiently decelerated and reach a flow rate detecting device with low collision energy. This can prevent the flow rate detecting device from being damaged by collision of dust. Furthermore, the placement position of the plate-like member is optimized to suppress air turbulence at a flow rate detecting part, which achieves a good balance between flow rate detection accuracy and dust tolerance. |
| US09234814B1 |
Automated re-focusing of interferometric reference mirror
A reference surface is used to develop an empirical plot between a parameter of interest, such as roughness or modulation, and the position of the reference mirror in an interferometer by repeating measurements of the reference surface at different positions of the reference mirror so as to identify the in-focus position of the reference mirror. Serial quality-control measurements of samples of interest are carried out with the reference mirror in such in-focus position until a predetermined quality-control event triggers an automated system re-calibration by re-measuring the reference surface and, if the result does not correspond to the in-focus position of the reference mirror according to the plot, by finding a new in-focus position for the reference mirror using the same plot or, alternatively, a new similarly produced plot. Sample measurements are then resumed with the mirror placed at that new position. |
| US09234809B2 |
Differential deflection measurement in structural members
The invention relates to a deflection measuring device for measuring differential vertical deflection between first and second discrete points in response to the application of force to the device, the device comprising a transducer attachable to a structural member and comprising at least one strain responsive element, the transducer being operable to resolve any force applied thereto into a differential vertical deflection between a first point and a second point on the transducer when a load is applied thereto; the strain responsive element being operable to measure the differential vertical deflection in the transducer. |
| US09234808B2 |
Passive monitoring device of the inner pressure in a block of building material
A monitoring device is for the inner pressure distribution of building material in a building structure. The device may include planar sensing capacitors to be buried in contact with the building material, with each sensing capacitor including a pair of plates and a dielectric material layer therebetween adapted to undergo elastic deformation under pressure without deforming plastically. The device may also include a protection box to be buried in the building material, a dielectric material enclosed in the protection box, and connection terminals protruding from the protection box. Pairs of metal vias are buried in the dielectric material enclosed within the protection box, with each pair connecting the plates of a respective planar sensing capacitor to respective connection terminals. |
| US09234805B2 |
Temperature compensation for particulate matter sensor regeneration
The present disclosure relates to a controller apparatus for regenerating a particulate matter sensor. The controller apparatus includes a sensing module configured to detect a soot loading on a particulate matter sensor and generate a regeneration request indicating a desired regeneration temperature and a heating module configured to receive the regeneration request and send a heating command signal to a heating element based on the regeneration request. The controller apparatus also includes an electrical resistance module configured to detect an electrical resistance in the heating element, a calibration module configured to determine an actual temperature of the heating element based on a resistance-to-temperature model, and a temperature feedback module configured to modify the heating command signal according to the difference between the desired regeneration temperature and the actual temperature. |
| US09234803B2 |
Method and device for detecting winding temperature, method and device for thermal protection of a motor
A method and device for detecting the temperature of a motor winding, a method and device for thermal protection of a motor are provided, the method for detecting the temperature of a motor winding includes: obtaining the temperature of the motor winding at a first time before a time step; calculating the temperature rise of the rotor equivalent body after the motor runs for the time step; then calculating the temperature of the motor winding after the motor runs for the time step by superposing the temperature rise of the rotor equivalent body after the motor runs for the time step on the temperature of the motor winding obtained at the first time. By the method for detecting the temperature of a motor winding, the real-time monitoring on the temperature of the winding is achieved, thus applying the ability of the motor and improving sensitivity. |
| US09234802B2 |
Energy output measuring device for infrared heating device
An energy output measuring device including a main body having a light reflecting exterior and a window portion formed in the main body and produced from infrared-reflecting glass. At least one visible light sensor is disposed adjacent the window. The energy output measuring device is configured to pass through a heating device. An energy output of the heating device is determined from measurements taken by the heating device. |
| US09234797B1 |
Compact THz imaging detector with an integrated micro-spectrometer spectral tuning matrix
A focal plane array (FPA) imaging sensor includes an array of multiple tuning cells disposed on a monolithic substrate, in which each tuning cell includes: (a) a tunable etalon disposed in the monolithic substrate, and (b) a THz detector assembly comprised of at least two antennae disposed in the monolithic substrate. The THz detector assembly is disposed below the tunable etalon. Each tunable etalon includes a Fabry-Pérot interferometer comprised of upper and lower mirrors, spaced by a gap between the mirrors, the gap forming an etalon of the interferometer. The FPA imaging sensor may also be formed as a hybrid, in which portions of the tuning cells are fabricated separately from the THz detector assembly and aligned to each other. The lower mirrors may also be fabricated monolithically with the substrate and the upper mirrors may be formed separately and then aligned to the lower mirrors. |
| US09234787B2 |
Actuator mount for a combination weigher
A combination weigher (100) comprises actuator units (19) for actuating weighing hoppers (14), and a body (17) having a side wall (17C) attached with the actuator units (19), and a casing member used to accommodate feeders (12) is formed by the side wall (17C). |
| US09234785B2 |
Weighing device for weighing discrete and rapidly moving objects
The invention pertains to a weighing device for determining the weight of discrete weighing products in a speed-independent manner, wherein a weighing chute comprising a sliding surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal is fed detached weighing products, and the load introduction direction of a weighing cell supporting the weighing chute is aligned perpendicularly to the sliding surface. |
| US09234782B2 |
Volume dimensioning system and method employing time-of-flight camera
Volume dimensioning employs techniques to reduce multipath reflection or return of illumination, and hence distortion. Volume dimensioning for any given target object includes a sequence of one or more illuminations and respective detections of returned illumination. A sequence typically includes illumination with at least one initial spatial illumination pattern and with one or more refined spatial illumination patterns. Refined spatial illumination patterns are generated based on previous illumination in order to reduce distortion. The number of refined spatial illumination patterns in a sequence may be fixed, or may vary based on results of prior illumination(s) in the sequence. Refined spatial illumination patterns may avoid illuminating background areas that contribute to distortion. Sometimes, illumination with the initial spatial illumination pattern may produce sufficiently acceptable results, and refined spatial illumination patterns in the sequence omitted. |
| US09234779B2 |
Integrated acoustic phase separator and multiphase fluid composition monitoring apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for down hole gas separation from the multiphase fluid flowing in a wellbore or a pipe, for determining the quantities of the individual components of the liquid and the flow rate of the liquid, and for remixing the component parts of the fluid after which the gas volume may be measured, without affecting the flow stream, are described. Acoustic radiation force is employed to separate gas from the liquid, thereby permitting measurements to be separately made for these two components; the liquid (oil/water) composition is determined from ultrasonic resonances; and the gas volume is determined from capacitance measurements. Since the fluid flows around and through the component parts of the apparatus, there is little pressure difference, and no protection is required from high pressure differentials. |
| US09234777B2 |
Ultrasonic signal coupler
An ultrasonic signal coupler includes a pipe having a first ultrasonic waveguide and a second ultrasonic waveguide penetrating the pipe so that ultrasonic transducers attached to ends of the ultrasonic waveguides communicate ultrasonic signals through the ultrasonic waveguides directly through a fluid traveling through the pipe. |
| US09234776B2 |
Multivariable process fluid transmitter for high pressure applications
A multivariable process fluid transmitter module includes a base having a pair of recesses. A pair of pedestals is provided with each pedestal being disposed in a respective recess and being coupled to a respective isolation diaphragm. At least one line pressure assembly is mounted proximate one of the pedestals. The at least one line pressure assembly couples a respective isolation diaphragm to a line pressure sensor. A differential pressure sensor has a sensing diaphragm fluidically coupled to the isolation diaphragms by a fill fluid. At least one additional sensor is disposed to sense a temperature of a process fluid. Circuitry is coupled to the line pressure sensor, the differential pressure sensor, and the at least one additional sensor to measure an electrical characteristic of each of the line pressure sensor, the differential pressure sensor, and the at least one additional sensor. The circuitry is configured to provide an indication of fluid flow based on the measured electrical characteristic of each of the line pressure sensor, the differential pressure sensor and the at least one additional sensor. |
| US09234773B2 |
Self-compensating angular encoder
A method for self-compensating a method includes the steps of rotating the patterned element relative to the read heads, the rotation about the axis to a plurality of first angles covering a range of at least 360 degrees; obtaining, at each of the plurality of first angles, first angular readings for the m measure read heads and for the reference read head; calculating a first array for each of the m measure read heads, each first array including, for each of the plurality of first angles, a difference in the first angular readings of the measure read head and the first angular reading of the reference read head; calculating, for each of the m measure read heads, at least one first spectral component based at least in part on the first array; calculating, for each of the m measure read heads, at least one second spectral component, the second spectral component based, at least in part, on the at least one first spectral component and on estimates of the second angles of the m measure read heads; and recording, for each of the m measure read heads, the at least one second spectral component. |
| US09234771B2 |
Rotary encoder to detect a change of quantity and measure rotation angle
A guide detection type rotary encoder has first through fourth transmission windings, first through fourth reception windings, and first through fourth flux coupling bodies. The first and second transmission windings, the first and second reception windings, and first and second flux coupling bodies each form first and second angle detection tracks which generate an N1 time and N2 time cyclic change at one rotation of the first rotor. The third and fourth transmission windings, the third and fourth reception windings, and third and fourth flux coupling bodies each form third and fourth angle detection tracks which generate an N3 time and N4 time cyclic change at one rotation of the second rotor. N1 and N2 are different, and N3 time and N4 are different. |
| US09234770B2 |
Dynamic sensor range
A device for sensing a phenomenon using a dynamic measurement range includes: a sensing element configured to measure the phenomenon using a first measurement range and to provide an analog indication of a value of the phenomenon; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the sensing element and configured to convert the analog indication to a digital indication; and a processor coupled to the ADC and the sensing element and configured to analyze the digital indication to determine a second measurement range for the sensing element and to cause the sensing element to change from the first measurement range to the second measurement range for measurement of the phenomenon, the first measurement range being different than the second measurement range. |
| US09234769B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting small pattern changes in sensed data
In one embodiment, a system and a method involve receiving a raw signal collected by a sensor that pertains to a temporal trend, creating a reference signal of a known amplitude and frequency, adding the reference signal to the raw signal to form a modulated signal, decomposing the modulated signal to obtain a decomposed signal, and conducting time-frequency analysis on the decomposed signal to detect abnormal patterns. |
| US09234766B2 |
Fuel purchase planning along a route
A computer program product including computer readable program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer readable program code for obtaining a fuel tank size, amount of fuel in the tank, and a fuel efficiency for an automobile; accepting user entry of a destination for traveling in the automobile; and automatically identifying a current location and determining a route to the destination. Additional computer readable program code acquires, for each of a plurality of refueling stations along the route, a location and a current fuel price being offered at the refueling station. Computer readable program code also provides output recommending one or more refueling stations at which to stop and a quantity of fuel to purchase at each of the one or more refueling stations in order to reach the destination without running out of fuel and minimizing the price of fuel purchased. |
| US09234763B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying and selecting personalized waypoints for presentation on a map
Systems and methods for identifying and selecting personalized waypoints for presentation on a map are provided. In particular, a user's data can be analyzed to identify a plurality of candidate waypoints. The candidate waypoints can correspond to locations at which the user has a scheduled event, reservation, or appointment. When the user performs a search query in a mapping application or geographic information system, the plurality of candidate waypoints can be obtained and scored according to a scoring formula. One or more candidate waypoints can be selected based on the determined scores and presented on a personalized map in addition to the result of the search query. An exemplary scoring formula takes a candidate waypoint and a point of interest search result as inputs and analyzes a distance between the two locations and a likelihood that a user wants directions between the two locations. |
| US09234760B2 |
Portable mobile transceiver for GPS navigation and vehicle data input for dead reckoning mode
A mobile transceiver device comprises a GPS receiver module to receive GPS signals and calculate current positions. The current positions are used in a navigation module. The mobile transceiver device comprises one or more local interface technologies, such as Bluetooth and USB. These local interface technologies can be used to communicate with an automobile data system. In situations where there is sporadic GPS coverage, the mobile transceiver device receives inputs from the automobile data system, such as speed or velocity information, and heading information, such as output from a compass, as available. These inputs are used in the navigation module of the mobile transceiver device to navigate by dead reckoning until an updated position fix based on received GPS signals can be calculated. |
| US09234759B2 |
Method of enrichment of road information data
Road information data is enriched and a vehicle drive train is controlled on basis of this data. Based on vehicle position, data about possible routes which may be taken is collected from at least three sources (A, B, C). Data with the highest quality is chosen for controlling the drive train. When running, information about the traveled route is recorded and saved, thus providing a continuous update. |
| US09234753B2 |
Fluid or low friction permanent magnet compass
Low friction or nearly frictionless compasses are provided. One compass embodiment includes a housing having a wall forming a chamber, the housing having a closed end and an open end. The compass includes a fluid disposed within the chamber. The compass includes a magnetized material floating in the fluid, wherein the magnetized material is operative to indicate Earth's magnetic north. The compass includes a protective face adjacent to the open end, wherein the protective face closes the open end of the chamber. Also provided is a compass that includes low friction material deposited on at least one side of the magnetized material and the adjacent closed end of the housing to create a nearly frictionless interface. |
| US09234752B2 |
Positioning apparatus, in particular for adjusting lenses or lens system in optical devices
The invention relates to a positioning apparatus, comprising a rotatable spindle, a sliding member, wherein a spindle counter segment of the sliding member is displaced along the spindle when the spindle rotates, a first guide for the sliding member, which interacts with a first guide counter segment of the sliding member and, in the process, leaves the sliding member with a linear mobility along the first guide axis and a pivotability about the first guide axis, and a second guide for the sliding member, which interacts with a second guide counter segment of the sliding member and, in the process, restricts the pivotability of the sliding member about the first guide axis. |
| US09234751B2 |
Bubble level
A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure, such as an elongate pipe, that includes several differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that if the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, they can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a body portion having top and bottom rails that are chamfered in a manner to automatically align the level with the longitudinal axis of the pipe when the level is connected to the side of the pipe. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom rail of the level and can be used to releasably interconnect the level with a length of ferrous pipe. |
| US09234747B2 |
Apparatus which estimates inside of object and method of estimating inside of object
An apparatus which estimates an inside of an object, includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains light path models and a first light intensity distribution, based on an assumption that a first object includes no second object, distribution; a second obtaining unit which obtains a second light intensity distribution which is an intensity distribution of observed light; a voting value calculating unit which calculates a voting value for each of positions on a predetermined plane, based on a result of comparison in light intensity between the first and second light intensity distributions; a voting unit which votes the voting value to voting regions on a light path model along which light reaches each position; and an estimating unit which estimates whether the second object exists in each voting region, based on a result of the voting. |
| US09234745B2 |
Periodic patterns and techniques to control misalignment between two layers
A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal. |
| US09234740B1 |
Shearographic inspection system using a laser matrix
A method and apparatus for inspection of an object. The apparatus comprises an array of light sources and a support structure. The array of light sources is configured to generate beams of coherent light with a substantially uniform distribution of the beams of coherent light in an area on a surface of an object in the area that results in a number of speckle patterns in light reflected from the surface of the object in the area in response to the beams of coherent light in the area. The support structure is associated with the array of light sources. |
| US09234735B2 |
System and method of manufacture for a linear position sensor
A linear position sensing system includes a sensor, a conduit and an enclosure. The sensor has a connector and a converting element, where the connector includes a first end attached to the converting element and a second end that passes through the conduit and is configured for attachment to a moveable element of an external device. The enclosure houses the sensor. The conduit includes a first end fitting that is attached to the enclosure and a second end fitting that is affixed at a port or other aperture of the external device. The second end of the connector is configured to be inserted in the port other aperture and attached to the moveable element without disassembly of the external device. |
| US09234733B2 |
Speed tape
The framing layout assembly includes a housing that is positionable proximate the member. A tape is operationally coupled to the housing. The tape may be extendable from the housing. The tape has indicia printed thereon. The indicia indicates distance. The tape has a tape hole extending therethrough. A guide is operationally coupled to the housing. The tape extends through the guide. A stop is operationally coupled to the housing. The stop is extendable through the hole in the tape. The tape is retained at a pre-determined distance. A jig is operationally coupled to the housing. The jig is positionable on the member. A user marks the member at the pre-determined distance. |
| US09234730B1 |
Hand grenade
A hand grenade comprising a detonator, an explosive charge having a periphery, a hollow shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, an electronic circuit, and a power source. The hand grenade has at least two environments of control. |
| US09234720B2 |
Cable guard for compound bow
A cable guard for a compound bow deflects cables of the compound bow away from the path of an arrow and away from a plane in which a string of the compound bow travels to prevent interference between the cables and the arrow and string. The compound bow includes a riser and spaced apart limbs extending from the riser. The cables and the string extends between the limbs. The cable guard comprises a frame for attachment to the compound bow. A first bearing is supported by the frame and extends along an axis. A second bearing and a third bearing each extend along a respective axis transverse to the axis of the first bearing. The second bearing and the third bearing each present a bearing surface with the bearing surface of the second bearing spaced from and facing the bearing surface of the third bearing for receiving the cable therebetween. |
| US09234717B2 |
Quick detach barrel mounting system
A quick-detach barrel mounting system for removing and attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The quick-detach barrel mounting system can include a barrel nut having a body defining an axial bore. A proximal end of the barrel is received at least partially through the axial bore, and the barrel nut releasably engages a front end of the receiver. A hand guard can be mounted to the receiver and can define a cutout proximate the receiver. The hand guard at least partially encloses at least a portion of the barrel and the barrel nut, and the cutout is at least partially aligned with the barrel nut. At least a portion of the barrel nut is accessible via the cutout of the hand guard for at least partially disengaging and engaging the barrel nut with the receiver when the hand guard is mounted on the receiver. |
| US09234716B2 |
Gun barrel rifling
The present invention relates to rifling of a gun barrel to provide grooves and bores in the gun barrel separated by a single edge area and a polygonal area. |
| US09234707B2 |
Heat exchanger systems and methods for controlling airflow cooling
Heat exchanger systems and methods for controlling airflow cooling are provided. One system includes a bypass pre-cooler having a housing, an inlet configured to receive core engine airflow into the housing from one or more aircraft ducts, a heat exchanger within the housing and a bypass section within the housing having an airflow path separate from the heat exchanger. The bypass pre-cooler also includes a valve coupled to the inlet and configured to switch airflow between the heat exchanger and the bypass section and an outlet coupled to the heat exchanger and the bypass section. |
| US09234702B2 |
Prebake equipment and air discharge method thereof
A prebake equipment for drying a substrate (105) and an air discharge method, the prebake equipment comprising: a bottom plate (105), a periphery frame (101) and an upper cover plate, the bottom plate (105) and the upper cover plate being spaced from each other, the periphery frame (101) being provided between the bottom plate (105) and the upper cover plate such that the bottom plate (105), the periphery frame (101) and the upper cover plate define a cavity, wherein discharge holes are provided at the periphery frame (101) and a filler (104) for filtering moisture and dust in the air stream is provided between the bottom plate (105) and the periphery frame (101). |
| US09234701B2 |
Crushing drying device
A crushing drying device includes an object-to-be-treated supply port from which an object is supplied into a main body, a crushing portion for crushing the object by hammers rotated on a drive shaft, and a classifying portion having a space for circulating the object to be treated at a position away from the crushing portion, the crushing portion has a dry gas supply port from which the heated air is supplied in a predetermined direction along an inner surface of the device main body, and the classifying portion has discharge portions from which the crushed object is discharged together with the heated air, and deviation plates for changing a flow of the object transferred to the classifying portion, so that the crushing drying device is one machine. |
| US09234699B2 |
Garment band
An elongate flexible band may be formed into a self-adjusting closed loop for insertion into an opening in a garment. The loop expands against the sides of the garment opening, holding the garment open to enhance airflow into the garment. A loop connector limits the closed loop to a maximum preferred diameter. The flexible band includes an accessory connector for attaching accessories such as a scent container, holder, or electric fan. The accessory connector may include retaining posts or may alternatively include flanged retaining blocks. A scent container or other accessory may optionally include flanges, flanged retaining blocks, or other attachment means. An optional timer controls discharge from a spray container into a garment. An embodiment of the invention may optionally be provided together with garment such as a glove for a hand. |
| US09234693B2 |
Cryogenic cooling apparatuses and systems
An image sensing apparatus includes a focal plane array and a cold shield thermally isolated from the focal plane array. The cryogenic cooling apparatus further includes a first cryocooler assembly comprising a first cold finger thermally coupled to the focal plane array. The first cryocooler assembly is configured to maintain a focal plane array operating temperature. The cryogenic cooling apparatus includes a second cryocooler assembly comprising a second cold finger thermally coupled to the cold shield. The second cryocooler assembly is configured to maintain a cold shield operating temperature that is different from the focal plane array operating temperature. |
| US09234691B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling temperature in a cryocooled cryostat using static and moving gas
A cryostat for providing temperature regulation, one purpose being measuring physical properties of materials, the cryostat employing a superconducting magnet assembly for generating variable magnetic field in the sample space and a cryogenic cooler for cooling the sample space. The cryogenic cooler chamber configuration provides for efficient heat exchange between different stages of the cryogenic cooler without the need for physical heat links. This construction enables selective delivery of cooling power from the cryogenic cooler to the desired areas within the cryostat without using flexible physical thermal links. A counter flow exchanger and ambient temperature valves facilitate efficient use of the cryogenic cooler stages. The removal of large heat load generated by the superconducting magnet while operating in the sweeping mode is achieved, in part, by employing a solid plate thermal coupling element between the cryogenic cooler chamber and the magnet assembly. |
| US09234685B2 |
Methods and systems to increase evaporator capacity
Embodiments to increase the capacity of the evaporator of a vapor-compression refrigeration system are described. The refrigeration system may be configured to have a first stage suction line heat exchanger and a second stage suction line heat exchanger. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator can be heated by the first heat exchanger. A thermal bulb of an expansion device, such as a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) can be positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. The thermal bulb is capable of regulating a variable volume of refrigerant through the expansion device in response to temperature changes. Thus, the superheat refrigerant vapor region in the evaporator can be reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the refrigeration system. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator is a liquid/vapor refrigerant mixture. The mixture can be vaporized to a refrigerant vapor in the first heat exchanger. |
| US09234682B2 |
Two-phase heat exchanger mounting
A two-phase heat exchanger includes a hot side heat sink, a cold side heat sink, and one or more thermoelectric modules disposed between the hot side heat sink and the cold sink heat sink such that hot sides of the one or more thermoelectric modules are thermally coupled to the hot side heat sink and cold sides of the one or more thermoelectric modules are thermally coupled to the cold side heat sink. The two-phase heat exchanger is configured to be mounted at an angle from vertical. |
| US09234681B2 |
Method for designing and building reflectors for a solar concentrator array
The present invention discloses further improvement of the shape and disposition of the optical reflecting elements that make up the primary concentrating reflector and the secondary redirecting reflector disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/580,251 (Solar Energy Concentrator) filed by the same Inventor. In one aspect, it discloses a method for designing and building reflectors for a solar concentrator array comprising primary and secondary reflectors wherein the multiple components cooperate to continually concentrate the incoming solar radiation on a remote stationary absorber as the sun runs its course across the sky. |
| US09234680B2 |
Solar light reflecting plate and light collecting/heat collecting device
A solar light reflecting plate used for a light condensing and heat collecting device which includes a solar light reflecting plate that reflects and condenses solar light and a heat collecting tube that receives the solar light condensed by the solar light reflecting plate and is heated by the condensed solar light, wherein the solar light reflecting plate includes at least a rolled substrate, a surface roughness of a solar light reflecting surface that is an outermost surface and that reflects solar light is 0.02 μm to 1.0 μm in terms of arithmetic mean roughness Ra, and the solar light reflecting plate is disposed so that an angle between a rolling direction of the substrate and a longitudinal direction of the heat collecting tube is 80° to 100°. |
| US09234676B2 |
Hot water supply apparatus associated with heat pump
A hot water supply apparatus associated with a heat pump is provided. The hot water supply apparatus may employ a cascade heat pump including a two-stage cycle to perform a hot water supply operation. Refrigerants flowing through a heat side heat exchanger and a usage side heat exchanger may be heat-exchanged with water. Thus, the hot water supply operation may be continuously performed, without a defrosting operation, and hot water supply performance and heating performance may be improved. |
| US09234674B2 |
Next generation bare wire water heater
A heating unit for heating fluid is described having at least one electrical resistance heating element on an outer surface of a tube. At least one indexed groove is provided around a surface of the tube allowing for at least one retention clip to hold the electrical resistance heating element. A heating chamber is also provided to enclose a portion of the tube and to provide a flow channel therebetween. The heating chamber includes an optical sensor to detect overheating of the at least one electrical resistance heating element. Fluid is heated by flowing over the surface of the at least one electrical resistance heating element and through the tube. |
| US09234672B2 |
Lightweight cabin pressure thrust recovery outflow valve
An aircraft cabin pressure control system outflow thrust recovery valve includes a frame, a valve element, and actuation hardware. The frame, valve element, and at least a portion of the actuation hardware are made of composite material. The actuation hardware is disposed external to the frame. |
| US09234664B1 |
Backward-compatible, programmable, and on-demand water heater and recirculation pump control unit and method of using
A programmable and on-demand hot water heater unit that locally and remotely changes the set temperature for a conventional water heater and locally and remotely activates the hot water recirculation pump associated with a conventional hot water heating system. |
| US09234658B2 |
Active positioning system
The object of the present disclosure is an active positioning system for positioning at least one mobile device (100) by utilizing radio frequency technology, the positioning system comprising at least one essentially stationary fixed base station (101) i.e. an active positioning system antenna (101), and an electronics unit (106) i.e. a transceiver of the antenna (101), which transceiver comprises at least one antenna for transmitting signals comprising at least position information to at least one mobile device (100), which position information of the signals comprises information on an effect area of the antenna (102, 104) by using certain transmit power. The active positioning system comprises as the mobile device a TAG (100), which is fixed to the user or application of the TAG directly or indirectly, an electronics unit (106) of the base station (101), at least one antenna (102, 104) directed to different sections of a controlled area. The active positioning system antenna (101) receives said transmitted at least one signal of the formed measurement signals and information signals, and the positioning system antenna (101) comprises control means to control transmit power of said at least one antenna based on at least one signal of the formed measurement signals and information signals received at least by the base station for performing information processing of the mobile device position i.e. the TAG position at least based on transmit power level. |
| US09234656B2 |
Heaters for electromagnetic wave transmitting surfaces in cold-temperature environments
An electromagnetic wave transmitting device having a body and a heating assembly. The body can include a transmitting end and a receiving end. The heating assembly can be disposed on at least a portion of the transmitting end of the body. The heating assembly can include an electrically resistive element having an electrical connector. The heating assembly can also include a first electrically non-conductive film disposed over the electrically resistive element. |
| US09234653B2 |
Medical headlamp optical arrangement permitting variable beam width
A medical headlamp having a front from which light is selectively emitted. The headlamp includes a beam origination portion that produces a light beam and an iris assembly, positioned in front of the beam origination portion, having a user accessible actuator and an iris, responsive to the actuator to block a user-selectable portion of the light beam. The iris is also responsive to the actuator to block none of the light beam, for maximum efficiency, when a user so selects. |
| US09234652B2 |
LED display module with quick mounting-dismounting structure
A LED display module with a quick mounting-Dismounting structure comprising: a mask; a bottom shell; and an LED lamp board; the LED display module further comprises a quick mounting-dismounting unit, wherein the quick mounting-dismounting unit is adapted to be provided the LED display module to fixed to the frame of display screen or removed from the frame of display screen quickly. |
| US09234651B2 |
Lighting fixture mounting post
A light fixture mounting post includes an upper threaded portion for attaching the post to a light shade and a lower portion for attaching light fixtures to the post. The upper threaded portion has left handed threads, and an O-ring and a shaped rubber washer residing between a post nut and the shade. A post flange limits the insertion depth of the upper threaded portion through the shade. The threaded segments include right handed pipe threads for tightly engaging the light fixtures. Embodiments include a continuous lower portion with straight or tapered threads and a segmented lower portion with reduced thickness spaces separating the taper or straight threaded segments allowing easy shortening of the lower portion. |
| US09234648B2 |
Illumination apparatus and method for the generation of an illumination field
An illumination apparatus (10) for the generation of an illumination field (102) for an optoelectronic sensor (100) is provided which has at least one light source (12) and an illumination optics (14), in particular comprising a TIR lens (16) in order to guide the light of the light source (12) into the illumination field (102) in a directed manner, wherein the illumination optics (10) has a light entrance region (20), a light guidance region (22) having a jacket surface (24) and a light exit region (26) such that the light (28, 30) of the light source (12) is guided from the light entrance region (20) to the light exit region (26) in the illumination optics (14) by means of total reflection at the jacket surface (24). In this connection the illumination optics (10) has an adaptable optical beam forming element (18) at the light exit region (26) in order to set the light distribution of the irradiated light (28, 30). The beam forming element (18) has at least one elastic micro-lens field (32) having elastically deformable micro-lenses and a pressure element (26) in order to compress or to remove a load from the micro-lenses. |
| US09234647B2 |
Light engine
A light engine that includes light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board, which in turn is attached to a heat sink. An optic assembly is positioned over the printed circuit board to direct the emitted light as desired. The light engine can be positioned. within the ceiling within the opening of a mounting frame. In some embodiments, the light engine is retained on the mounting frame such that it can be moved clear of the mounting frame opening. |
| US09234643B2 |
LED lighting lamp
An LED lighting lamp contains a cover, having a port for power leads, ports for cover fixing, an external collar, catches, feeding socket and feeders' connecting cube, fixed inside the cover to its bottom; a housing, having an external collar with rectangular recess, protrusions arranged on the vertical walls inside the housing, bars, catches, a seat in which the PIN ends are fastened to be connected with feeding socket, wherein the catches are connected with cover catches; an electronic board of the feeder, with ports for housing bars, electronic elements and electrical connectors placed on the upper surface as well as connector support placed on the lower surface; insulation molder, fastened in the housing collar's recess and having a central rectangular cavity with rectangular and round ports in its bottom; a radiator in the form of a rectangular molder, fastened in the cavity of insulation molder and having on its upper surface a central rectangular seat, inside which, at least two bars and one port are placed on its lower surface. |
| US09234641B2 |
Optical lens and light source device
An optical lens including a first light exit surface, a total internal reflection (TIR) surface, a second light exit surface and a third light exit surface connected in an order, and correspondingly has a first intersection, a second intersection and a third intersection therebetween. A first line between the first intersection and a reference point on an optical axis of the optical lens intersects with the optical axis to form a first angle between 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and a first direction of the reference point pointing toward a point on the TIR surface intersects with a normal of the first light exit surface at the point to form a reflecting angle larger than a critical angle of TIR. A second line between the second intersection and the reference point intersects with the first line to form a second angle between 10 degrees to 30 degrees. |
| US09234640B2 |
Wall-wash fixture for directional light sources
A downlight reflector assembly for a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a kicker reflector and an upper scoop. The kicker reflector has a reflector wall extending between a small top opening and a large bottom opening along a transverse axis. The reflector wall has an internal surface with an illuminated area and a non-illuminated area. The upper scoop is mounted in the small top opening of the kicker reflector and has a reflective multi-faceted surface with a concave curvature relative to the LED light source. The upper scoop extends from the top opening in part along the transverse axis and covering a portion of the top opening. The multi-faceted surface faces both of the illuminated area of the kicker reflector and the top opening for reflecting light rays received through the top opening towards the illuminated area. |
| US09234639B2 |
Compact searchlight utilizing the concept of merging into a single beam the beams of multiple sources of concentrated light
An improved compact searchlight utilizing the merging of multiple single beams to a concentrated light. This provides or light beam that is nearly constant illumination intensity across the beam of light. This reduces or eliminates bight and dim areas that are created from previous light systems that use desecrate lighting elements. The lighting elements includes an a power supply a light source and a lens projection system, wherein the lens projection system including a collecting lens, a negative lens, and a collimating lens such that the illuminance of an area illuminated by a beam and searchlight is projected by the improved light is homogeneous throughout the whole of the illuminated area. |
| US09234632B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp A includes a plurality of LED modules 2 each including an LED chip 21, and a support member 1 including a support surface 1a on which the LED modules 2 are mounted. The LED modules 2 include a plurality of kinds of LED modules, or a first through a third LED modules 2A, 2B and 2C different from each other in directivity characteristics that represent light intensity distribution with respect to light emission directions. This arrangement ensures that the entire surrounding area can be illuminated with sufficient brightness. |
| US09234628B2 |
PVDF pyrolyzate adsorbent and gas storage and dispensing system utilizing same
A polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pyrolyzate adsorbent is described, having utility for storing gases in an adsorbed state, and from which adsorbed gas may be desorbed to supply same for use. The PVDF pyrolyzate adsorbent can be of monolithic unitary form, or in a bead, powder, film, particulate or other finely divided form. The adsorbent is particularly suited for storage and supply of fluorine-containing gases, such as fluorine gas, nitrogen trifluoride, carbo-fluoride gases, and the like. The adsorbent may be utilized in a gas storage and dispensing system, in which the adsorbent is contained in a supply vessel, from which sorbate gas can be selectively dispensed. |
| US09234627B2 |
System, apparatus and method for the cold-weather storage of gaseous fuel
A system for the cold-weather storage of gaseous fuels includes a gas source having an inlet pressure, a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively communicating with the gas source and the outlet having a discharge pressure greater than the inlet pressure, a heat exchange apparatus having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively communicating with the compressor so as to receive pressurized gas therefrom, a high-pressure storage tank having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively communicating with the compressor so as to receive pressurized gas therefrom, and a valve assembly for selectively directing the pressurized gas to the heat exchange apparatus and the high-pressure storage tank in dependence upon a temperature within the storage tank. |
| US09234622B2 |
Multipurpose support device and method
The invention is directed multipurpose support device for supporting an item such as a laptop computer or a book. The support device has a base that is adapted to be coupled to a structural support, such as a mobile cart, a desk, a sofa or a wall. |
| US09234617B2 |
Leakage free pipe fitting of quick connection for reverse osmosis membrane (RO) water treatment unit of household
A leakage-free pipe fitting of quick connection for Reverse Osmosis Membrane (RO) water treatment unit of household has a pipe fitting, a sealing O-ring, an annular cooperative bushing collar, a cylindrical elastic sleeving collet, an accessory latching clip with a cantilevered lug, and an annular reinforcing bolster with an inner bore. The annular reinforcing bolster is inserted into the cylindrical retainer of the pipe fitting sandwiched between the sealing O-ring and the bottom surface of the cylindrical elastic sleeving collet. |
| US09234613B2 |
Well assembly coupling
Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore and that can facilitate branch wellbore creation are described. An assembly can include threadedly coupled components having inner and outer sealing members in grooves. The sealing member can cooperate with the components to provide a pressure seal. The assembly can also include a venting member for equalizing pressure in a chamber defined by the coupled components. One of the components can be made from aluminum. At least part of that component can be coated with a coating material that is nonconductive. |
| US09234610B2 |
Aluminum foil based hose
An ultra low permeability fluid member for conveying a fluid (e.g., a hose, tube, etc.) having a metal vapor barrier layer (22) formed around an inner tube (14). The metal vapor layer (22) is formed from one or more metal strips (40a, 40b) having edge portions (44) that are bonded so as to seal the vapor barrier layer (22) preventing permeation of vapor. |
| US09234609B1 |
Abrasion-resistant braided hose
An abrasion-resistant braided hose (1) having an abrasion-resistant layer (4) located between an inner hose (2) and a braiding covering (3). The abrasion-resistant layer is preferably a strip of Teflon® helically or spirally wrapped around the inner hose to allow for flexibility. The abrasion-resistant layer reduces the amount of friction between the inner hose and the braided covering, thereby reducing the likelihood of the inner hose rupturing and failing. |
| US09234608B2 |
Heated rotary valve for chromotography
A heated rotary valve for use in connection with a sample to be separated in a column for heating the sample to temperature within the valve. The heated rotary valve permits introduction of compounds, having a wide boiling range, into a gas chromatograph with improved precision of area and retention time. The valve includes a stator, an elongate body, a rotor seal, a drive shaft, and an internal element for generating heat. The rotor seal may be laterally captured by a ring to prevent movement or creep due to heat absorption during operation. |
| US09234602B2 |
Tank opening-closing device
The tank opening-closing device is realized with a simple constitution of the opening-closing mechanism equipped with a pressure adjustment valve for regulating the internal pressure of the fuel tank. The opening-closing mechanism is equipped with a gasket provided on the opening peripheral edge part of the inlet of the tank opening forming member, the valve opening-closing mechanism for opening and closing the inlet and also regulating the internal pressure of the fuel tank, and a retraction mechanism that selectively moves the valve opening-closing mechanism to the closing position and the fueling position in conjunction with the fueling gun, The valve opening-closing mechanism has a closing position for opening and closing the inlet and a fueling position retracted from the inlet for which it is possible to supply fuel. |
| US09234601B1 |
Second dual preset pressure relief valve
Described herein is a pressure relief valve that vents contents from a rail tank car or similar container at two preset pressures. The lower preset pressure is attained whenever specific valve attachment devices melt well below the spontaneous combustion temperature of the contents of a rail tank car or similar container. When these attachment devices melt, formerly attached corresponding constant force spring assemblies disconnect from a spring plate. Without these operative attached spring assemblies there is less force to oppose the pressure from the contents of rail tank car or similar container. With less opposing force, the contents of the rail tank car or similar container escape from under a dislodged sealing disk before the rail tank car or similar container (i) over pressurizes and causes the tank shell to fail or (ii) the contents self-combust, and both of which events cause an explosion. |
| US09234599B2 |
Method and apparatus for damping an actuator on a fluid regulator
A damped actuator for a fluid regulator includes a diaphragm disposed in a housing, and a damper arranged to stabilize movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in pressure inside the housing. The damper includes a ball check valve arranged to allow air to exhaust out of the housing when above a preselected pressure. The damper may include interchangeable components so as to be modifiable to have different set point pressures to achieve different backpressures inside the housing. |
| US09234596B2 |
Valve for controlling the liquid flow in a plant for central heating
A valve with a valve housing for controlling the liquid flow in a plant for central heating is provided. The valve includes an insert part with valve parts for controlling a liquid flow through the valve: a first part and a second part being mutually rotatable. The first and the second parts are provided with complementary through-flow openings that combine to define a common opening area and are configured such that, upon mutual rotation of those valve parts, a larger or a smaller total opening area is provided. The valve includes a closure part which is disposed such that, upon axial displacement, the closure part is capable of completely or partially closing off the total opening area through the through-flow openings. |
| US09234593B2 |
Mechanical seal unit, particularly for a fire extinguishing pump
The present invention refers to a premounted mechanical seal unit, particularly for a fire extinguishing pump, with a rotating seal ring a stationary seal ring, the rotating seal ring and the stationary seal ring defining a seal gap thereinbetween, an inner sleeve which is connected to the rotating seal ring, an outer sleeve which is connected to the stationary seal ring, and a securing element which secures the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve in axial direction each have a length greater than a sum of the axial lengths of the rotating seal ring. The inner sleeve has a first form closure device on a first axial end and a second form closure device on a second axial end. |
| US09234592B2 |
Brush seal device
The present invention is to provide a brush seal device capable of following displacement in a radial direction of a rotational shaft appropriately. The brush seal device prevents leakage of process fluid, wear of a brush seal etc., and leakage of process fluid from an outer circumferential side. The brush seal device 100 of the present invention includes an inner circumferential brush seal 120 and an outer circumferential brush seal 140. The inner circumferential brush seal 120 has a brush portion 123 and a free end portion 125 at the inner circumferential side. The outer circumferential brush seal 140 is placed at an outer circumferential side of the inner circumferential brush seal 120, and has a brush portion 143 and a free end portion 145 at the inner circumferential side. |
| US09234591B2 |
High pressure lip seals with anti-extrusion and anti-galling properties and related methods
Sealing assemblies to provide sealing between a shaft and a housing comprising a sealing component comprising a body section as well as an outer flange and an inner flange both extending from said body section; a supporting component receiving said sealing component and comprising a relatively thick inner arm projecting into said sealing component and providing a supporting area spanning an inner portion of said body section and a portion of said inner flange; an anti-extrusion component engaged with said relatively thick inner arm; the minimum clearance between said anti-extrusion component and said shaft being less than the minimum clearance between said relatively thick inner arm and said shaft; said inner flange comprising a sealing area; wherein said sealing assembly is to be received in a cavity in said housing or on said shaft. |
| US09234590B2 |
Seal
A shaft seal includes a lip at the low pressure end with a tapered cylindrical body extending from the lip. The tapered cylindrical body has a first diameter where the tapered cylindrical body meets the lip and a second diameter at a distal end that is exposed to a high pressure fluid. An aperture is formed through the lip and through the tapered cylindrical body following an axis of the tapered cylindrical body. The aperture has a first end at the lip and a distal second end. At the first end, the aperture has a first inner diameter that is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the shaft at the distal end, the aperture tapers to a second inner diameter which is approximately the diameter of the shaft. An o-ring, is positioned around the tapered cylindrical body applying pressure on the tapered cylindrical body against the shaft. |
| US09234572B2 |
Wheel with a flexible toothing
Timepiece wheel (10) comprising teeth (2) with play compensation each including a catch (3) projecting from a catch foot (31), and an elastic strip (4) projecting from a strip foot (41) opposite said catch (3) from which said strip (4) is separated by a ventral notch (5) and an intrados profile (43) of which, on the side opposite said catch (3), delimits a dorsal notch (6), said strip foot (41) being delimited, towards the pivot axis (D) of said wheel (10), by an inner end (51) of said ventral notch (5) and by an inner end (61) of said dorsal notch (6).Said inner end (61) is located closer to said axis (D) than said inner end (51) and extends, on the side of said axis (D) underneath said catch foot (31) or underneath the inner extension (52) of said ventral notch (5) towards said pivot axis (D). |
| US09234569B2 |
Multi-speed gearbox
Multi-stage transmission comprising four planetary gear sets, eight rotatable shafts and six shift elements. Sun of first set is connected to eighth shaft connected to sun of second set and is connectable, via third clutch, to drive shaft. Drive shaft is connectable, via first clutch, to fourth shaft connected to carrier of first set and is culpable, via second brake, to housings. Drive shaft is connectable, via second clutch, to seventh shaft connected to carrier of fourth set and ring of third set. Sixth shaft is connected to ring of first set, carrier of second set and ring of fourth planetary gear set. Third shaft is connected to sun of third set and sun of fourth set and is couplable, via first brake, to housing. Fifth shaft is connected to ring of second set and is couplable, via third brake, to housing. Output shaft is connected to carrier of third set. |
| US09234567B2 |
Gear change transmission having axially adjusting countershafts
A change-gear transmission having an input shaft, a main shaft having at least one main shaft gear, a plurality of countershafts spanning between the input shaft and main shaft gear, and gear synchronizers between selectable gears. The bore of main shaft gears have a minimal radial clearance fit with its mating parts to prevent gear synchronizer wear, while the meshing between the input shaft gears and countershaft gears is equally distributed using a means to equalize the torque transfer between countershafts. The countershafts are rotatably supported and displace axially between bearing or bushing supports, while the meshed gears comprise a helical gear tooth arrangement to create axial load on the countershaft if excessive and uneven load is sensed in one countershaft over another. This presents a new and unique countershaft meshing design that allows multiple countershafts to achieve equal load sharing while permitting gear synchronizers use on the main shaft. |
| US09234566B2 |
Transmission
In a transmission, an input shaft connected to a startup clutch includes a first input shaft and a second input shaft. Drive gears are fixed to a first main shaft and a second main shaft, and driven gears are provided on an output shaft to be free to rotate relative thereto. The driven gears are connected to and disconnected from the output shaft by a gear switching mechanism. A shaft switching mechanism that switches a power transmission path between the first main shaft and the second main shaft is provided on the first main shaft, the second main shaft, and the second input shaft. A damping mechanism is provided between the first input shaft and the second input shaft in order to cut spike torque generated when the power transmission path is switched, to a set torque. |
| US09234559B2 |
Joined body, shock absorber, and method for manufacturing shock absorber
A joined body includes a first member having a female portion, and a second member having a male portion inserted in the female portion at one end, and an annular groove along an outer circumference of the male portion. The first member and the second member are fitted to each other. A plurality of joint portions is formed on a side wall of the female portion. The joint portions are joined to the male portion by being pushed in the annular groove. A pressing portion is formed at the female portion so as to face a position of the male portion axially different from the annular groove of the male portion. The pressing portion pressed against the male portion. |
| US09234558B2 |
Shock absorber
A flow of hydraulic oil induced by sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder is controlled by a pilot-type main valve and a pilot valve, which is a pressure control valve, to generate a damping force. The pilot valve is adjusted in its valve-opening pressure with the thrust of a solenoid and adjusts the pressure in a back pressure chamber to control the valve-opening pressure of the main valve. A baffle plate is provided in a reservoir to isolate the surface of hydraulic oil in the reservoir from an inlet port through which the hydraulic oil flows into the reservoir from a damping force generating mechanism, thereby suppressing the occurrence of aeration and cavitation. The baffle plate is secured by inserting a connecting port through a positioning opening and holding a separator tube with a pair of arm portions. |
| US09234554B2 |
Springs and spring assemblies
Various arrangements are disclosed based on springs formed from a plurality of individual resilient arms, including a spring having a substantially planar form in an unloaded state and rotational symmetry of at east order two about a symmetry axis perpendicular to the plane of the spring, the spring comprising: an inner hub and an outer hub, the inner hub being radially inward with respect to the outer hub; a plurality of resilient connecting arms each connected at an inner end to the inner hub and at an outer end to the outer hub, the plurality of resilient connecting arms being configured to provide a restoring force parallel to the symmetry axis when the inner and outer hubs are displaced relative to each other along the symmetry axis; wherein the inner hub, the outer hub and each of the plurality of resilient connecting arms are formed as physically separate elements and are connected to each other during assembly to form the spring. |
| US09234553B2 |
Bicycle brake disc
A bicycle disc brake rotor basically has an outer portion and a cooling fin. The outer portion has first and second base surfaces facing in opposite axial directions. The cooling fin is disposed radially offset from at least one of the first and second braking surfaces. |
| US09234550B2 |
Actuator for clutch
An actuator apparatus for a clutch that operates the clutch of a transmission according to operation of a motor, may include the motor including a stator and a rotator, wherein the rotator has a drive shaft and a rotator core receiving the drive shaft therein, a lead screw engaged to the drive shaft of the motor and movable in a length direction thereof according to the operation of the drive shaft in the motor, a rod disposed apart from the lead screw, a slider connecting the lead screw with the rod, and a guide rail disposed to contact with the slider and guiding a linear motion of the slider. |
| US09234548B2 |
Bearing arrangements and integrated cooling and/or heating devices and method for integrated heating or cooling
A bearing arrangement comprising mutually rotatable components, and devices for integrated heating and cooling of rolling-element raceways, or of mutually rotatable components, and a method for integrated heating or cooling applicable to the mutually rotatable components, and devices for integrated heating or cooling of the components and rolling-element raceways wherein the respective heating and/or cooling is effected by direct heat input into the components, or direct heat removal from the components, and is controllable, and is produced by the interaction of cold- or heat-producing elements, or functions or devices, and is adapted to switch between a heating effect and a cooling effect. |
| US09234540B2 |
Retainer—spring steel single thread engagement
A retainer for limited space attachment of a vehicle part with a class A surface to a vehicle. The retainer has an attachment base operable for being connected to a rib of the vehicle part. A securing portion including an aperture for receiving a fastener is provided in the retainer. The retainer includes at least one sidewall connected between the attachment base and the securing portion. The sidewall spaces the securing portion from the attachment base to allow for insertion of the fastener and provide predetermined torque tension characteristics. |
| US09234536B2 |
Receptacle for fasteners and an associated installation method
A receptacle for a fastener is provided that may be relatively light weight and compact, may reduce the number of parts required for mounting an object to a surface, and may allow for greater flexibility in positioning the fastener. Additionally, a corresponding method for installing a receptacle and mounting an object is provided. The receptacle has an outer housing and a floating insert, and the floating insert is positioned within an internal cavity of the outer housing. A fastener may be inserted into an internal cavity of the floating insert through apertures in the outer housing and the floating insert. The floating insert is configured such that it is movable within the outer housing. As a result, the location of the aperture of the floating insert is adjustable, providing greater tolerances during the installation process. |
| US09234534B2 |
Liquid piston arrangement with plate exchanger for the quasi-isothermal compression and expansion of gases
The invention relates to a liquid piston arrangement for compressing and expanding gases. The liquid piston arrangement includes a liquid piston which is embodied by a liquid level formed by a liquid in a high-pressure space and a stack of sheets with mutually spaced apart sheet metal plates which is supported in the high-pressure space dipping in the liquid and is sequentially flowed around by the liquid. |
| US09234529B2 |
Helico-axial pump, rotor for a helico-axial pump as well as method for journalling a rotor in a helico-axial pump
The invention relates to a helico-axial pump (1) for conveying a multiphase mixture (M), which helico-axial pump (1) includes a rotor (2) rotatably journalled about a longitudinal axis (A) in a pump housing (6) and having a first part rotor (21) and a second part rotor (22), wherein the first part rotor (21) and the second part rotor (22) include a compression stage (K, K1E, K1A, K2E K2A) having a helico-axial impeller (3) and a stator (4) for the compression of the multiphase mixture (M). In accordance with the invention, a hydrodynamic stabilization bush (70) having a stabilization surface (700) is provided and formed between the first part rotor (21) and the second part rotor (22) such that a stabilization gap (8) is formed before the stabilization surface (700) so that a hydrodynamic stabilization layer (S) is formed from a stabilization medium (M) in the stabilization gap (8) in the operating state. The invention further relates to a rotor (2) for a helico-axial pump (1), to a hybrid pump having a rotor (2) for a helico-axial pump (1) as well as to a method for the hydrodynamic journalling of a rotor (2) of a helico-axial pump (1). |
| US09234528B2 |
Motor base
A motor base includes a bottom plate and at least one vibration reduction unit. The bottom plate has opposite top and bottom surfaces. A shaft-coupling portion is arranged on the top surface. The at least one vibration reduction unit encloses the shaft-coupling portion. Each of the at least one vibration reduction unit includes at least one protrusion and at least one groove. The at least one protrusion is arranged on one of the top and bottom surfaces. The at least one groove is correspondingly arranged on the other one of the top and bottom surfaces. |
| US09234523B2 |
Submersible pump
A submersible pump includes an impeller (8) arranged in a pump housing (2). A seal (22) seals the impeller (8) with respect to a stationary part of the pump housing (2). The seal (22) includes a sealing ring (24) arranged on the impeller side. The sealing ring engages in a second sealing ring (26) arranged on the pump housing side. The sealing ring (26) on the pump housing side has at least one hole (28) for discharging solid particles from the impeller (8). |
| US09234518B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring reduced pressure supplied by a disc pump system
A disc pump system includes a pump body having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity for containing a fluid, the cavity being formed by a side wall closed at both ends by substantially circular end walls, at least one of the end walls being a driven end wall. The system includes an actuator operatively associated with the driven end wall to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall and an isolator is operatively associated with the peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce damping of the displacement oscillations. The isolator comprises a flexible printed circuit material that includes a strain gauge. The strain gauge measures data that may be used to determine the amount of pressure provided by the pump. |
| US09234517B2 |
Pump control device, oil well with device and method
A method of operating an oil well comprises applying through a variable frequency drive AC electrical energy from a power grid to an AC electric motor to operate a drive mechanism of an oil well pump. The motor speed is regulated in a manner to optimize oil production and maximize the operational life of the drive mechanism, decreasing motor speed by transferring the electrical energy to the power grid and increasing motor speed by transferring the electrical energy from the power grid to the motor. The drive mechanism has a predetermined stroke cycle and, over the course of each stroke cycle, the motor is operated at different regulated speeds initiated when the drive mechanism is at a predetermined position in each stroke cycle. |
| US09234516B2 |
Fluid ejection device and medical device
A fluid ejection device includes a pulse generation unit that changes the volume of a fluid chamber using a volume changing section to eject pulsating flow; a fluid supply unit including a pump chamber and a pump chamber volume changing section that changes the volume of the pump chamber to supply the fluid to the pulse generation unit; a drive control unit that inputs a pulsating flow drive signal for driving the pump chamber volume changing section and inputs a fluid supply drive signal for driving the fluid supply unit; and an operation command input unit that inputs an operation command to the drive control unit, wherein the fluid supply drive signal and the pulsating flow drive signal are input in conjunction with the input of the operation command. |
| US09234513B2 |
Foot operated snivel suction device
A snivel suction device includes a base plate, two pump cylinders, two pistons, two connection rods, a pedal and two casings. Each pump cylinder is provided with a manifold containing a suction check valve and a release check valve. Two suction pipes are connected between a suction tee and the suction check valves of the manifolds. Two release pipes are connected between a release tee and the release check valves of the manifolds. A relief valve is installed at one of the casings. The relief valve has a knob, an adjustment member, a bolt, a valve body, a spring, a plug and a sound member. By operating the two ends of the pedal alternately, the two pistons are operated to suck and release air. Particularly, the relief valve can be actuated when a higher vacuum pressure has occurred in the suction pipes so as to protect the user's nasal mucosa. |
| US09234509B2 |
Quick-return active material actuator
A quick-return active material actuator adapted for more rapidly returning a load, so as to reduce the de-actuation time of a system, includes in a first aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to the load, an active material de-actuation element drivenly coupled to the load non-antagonistic to the actuation element, and a reconfigurable mechanism interconnecting the elements and load, wherein the de-actuation element and mechanism are cooperatively configured to return the load while the actuation element is still activated, and, in a second aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to a biased load and operable to autonomously release, so that the load is caused to be returned while the actuation element is still activated, and subsequently re-engage the load. |
| US09234508B2 |
Bacterial spore based energy system
A method and system for providing an engine for producing mechanical energy through the absorption and evaporation of moisture uses a hygroscopic material in one or more configurations to do mechanical work. The hygroscopic material can include microbial spores, plant cells and cell materials, silk and hydrogel materials that absorb moisture and expand or swell when exposed to high relative humidity environments and shrink or return to nearly their original size or shape when exposed to low relative humidity environments wherein the moisture evaporates and is released. By exposing the hygroscopic material to a cycle of high relative humidity environments and low relative humidity environments, useful work can be done. One or more transmission elements can be used to couple the hygroscopic material to a generator that converts the mechanical energy to, for example, electrical energy. The hygroscopic material can be applied to flexible sheet materials that flex as the hygroscopic material absorbs or evaporates moisture. The hygroscopic material can also be applied to elastic conductive materials, such that the plates of a capacitor mechanically change the capacitance of the device. |
| US09234506B2 |
Estimation of wind properties using a light detection and ranging device
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining a property of wind approaching a wind turbine. A light detection and ranging equipment may be used to determine a property of the wind at a plurality of locations ahead of a turbine. A wind flow model may be used to determine the property of wind expected at the rotor of the wind turbine based on the readings of the light detection and ranging device. |
| US09234505B2 |
Tuned liquid damper of a wind turbine
A liquid damper in a wind turbine is provided. A damper system of a direct driven wind turbine is disclosed, whereby the wind turbine comprises a nacelle, a rotor hub and an electric generator. The electric generator comprises a rotor and a non-rotating part. The rotor hub is connected to the rotor of the electric generator. The non-rotating part of the generator is connected to the nacelle. The wind turbine comprises a damper system to at least partially eliminate an unwanted movement of the wind turbine resulting from wind loads, whereby the damper system comprises a liquid damper. The damper system is arranged at a non-rotating part of the electric generator. |
| US09234504B1 |
Variable altitude wind-powered generator system
A wind-powered machine system includes a base station including a machine for performing work and a crankshaft operatively coupled to the machine. The rotation of the crankshaft drives the machine to perform work. The system further includes a first and a second airfoil operatively coupled to the crankshaft. In a first stage, a wind-driven movement of the first airfoil in a first direction away from the base station causes the crankshaft to rotate. The rotation of the crankshaft causes a movement of the second airfoil in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction and toward the base station. In a second stage, a wind-driven movement of the second airfoil in the first direction away from the base station causes the crankshaft to rotate. The rotation of the crankshaft causes a movement of the first airfoil in the second direction toward the base station. |
| US09234502B2 |
Wind turbine and associated control method
A method for controlling a two-bladed pitchable swept-blade wind turbine in extreme wind conditions is described, wherein when extreme conditions are detected or forecast for the wind turbine, the wind turbine blades are pitched such that they will passively align in a substantially horizontal arrangement. The blades can be yawed such that a tip of one of the wind turbine blades points into the wind direction, resulting in a reduced surface area of the blades exposed to the extreme wind forces. This reduced surface area provides for a reduction in the extreme loads which may be experienced by the wind turbine in such extreme wind conditions. |
| US09234500B2 |
Method of producing a composite shell structure
A method of producing a composite shell structure in the form of a wind turbine blade shell part having a reinforced fiber material embedded in a cured resin includes: providing a mold part having a contour defining the outer surface of the composite shell structure; providing a preform forming part shaped complementary to the mold part molding surface; forming a preform of dry fiber material on the surface of the preform forming part; arranging the mold part and the preform forming part in an assembled position with the mold part molding surface facing the preform forming surface; releasing the preform from the preform forming surface so that it is received on the mold part molding surface; removing the preform forming part from the mold part; forming a mold cavity by means of a second mold part arranged on the preform; providing resin in the mold cavity; and curing the resin. |
| US09234499B2 |
Composite structures
A split core for a composite structure is described. The split core includes a first core layer, a second core layer, and a functional interlayer disposed between the first and second core layers. The first core layer separates the functional interlayer from a functional layer of the composite structure and/or from an outer surface of the composite structure. The thickness of the first core layer is substantially uniform across the composite structure and the distance between the functional interlayer and the functional layer and/or the outer surface of the composite structure is substantially constant across the composite structure. |
| US09234498B2 |
High efficiency wind turbine
A wind driven generator may have a first rotating element associated with a first set of vanes distributed so as to be driven by wind in a first rotational direction about an axis of rotation. A second element is associated with a second set of vanes distributed so as to be driven by the wind in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction concentric with the axis of rotation of the first rotating element. The first rotating element has magnetic elements disposed thereon that project a magnetic field towards and onto the second rotating element. The second rotating element has electromagnetic coils disposed thereon, the electromagnetic coils being exposed to the magnetic field projected from the first rotating element. |
| US09234492B2 |
Hydroelectric turbine testing method
A method of testing a hydroelectric turbine before the turbine is installed and secured on the seabed, in order to ensure that the turbine is operating as expected, the method involving securing the turbine to a vessel and displacing the vessel through water in order to effect rotation while monitoring one or more operating parameters of the turbine. |
| US09234491B2 |
Spark plug for internal combustion engine
A spark plug for an internal combustion engine includes a tubular housing, a tubular insulator, a center electrode, a ground electrode and a guide member. The guide member is configured to guide the flow of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of the engine to a spark gap formed between the center electrode and the ground electrode. Moreover, in the spark plug, the following dimensional relationships are satisfied: b≧−67.8×(a/D)+27.4; b≦−123.7×(a/D)+64.5; −0.4≦(a/D)≦0.4; and 0°≦b≦90°. Further, with an oblique angle θ being in the range of 0 to 30°, the following dimensional relationship is also satisfied: 0.8≦r/R≦1. Consequently, the spark plug can secure, with a simple configuration, a stable ignition capability regardless of the mounting posture of the spark plug to the engine. |
| US09234485B2 |
Fuel gas supply system of gas engine
The present invention provides a fuel gas supply system of a gas engine capable of supplying to a fuel gas supply unit a fuel gas of constant pressure which fluctuates little. In a fuel gas supply system, a high-pressure tank and a gas injector are connected to each other by a supply passage, and an electromagnetic pressure regulating valve is provided on the supply passage. The electromagnetic pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the gas, flowing through the supply passage, to pressure corresponding to a current supplied to the electromagnetic pressure regulating valve. The gas pressure downstream of the electromagnetic pressure regulating valve is detected by a low-pressure-side pressure sensor. A controller is electrically connected to the electromagnetic pressure regulating valve. The controller controls the current supplied to the electromagnetic pressure regulating valve such that pressure detected by the low-pressure-side pressure sensor becomes predetermined target pressure. |
| US09234481B2 |
Shared flow thermal management system
A thermal management system includes at least two of a multiple of heat exchangers arranged in an at least partial-series relationship. |
| US09234478B2 |
Diesel engine for automobile, control device and control method
A geometric compression ratio in an engine main body 1 is set to 15 or less. Injection control means (ECU 40) performs a main injection of injecting fuel near a compression top dead center, and a preceding injection prior to the main injection at a specific region of predetermined load within an operating region on a relatively low-speed side. The injection control means performs, as the preceding injection, a pilot injection of performing injection at a timing such that at least part of a fuel spray reaches outside a cavity 31 on a top face of a piston, and a pre-injection of injecting fuel at a predetermined timing after the pilot injection, to suppress thereby ignition of the fuel injected by the pilot injection and shorten an ignition delay of the fuel injected by the main injection. |
| US09234474B2 |
Control oriented model for LNT regeneration
A method of determining an amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) stored in a NOx trap of an engine exhaust assembly may include determining a mass flow rate of NOx into the NOx trap, determining an efficiency of storing of the NOx within the trap, and calculating the amount of NOx stored in the NOx trap based on the determined mass flow rate and the determined efficiency. The method may further include determining a mass flow rate of a reductant entering the NOx trap, determining a relationship between the determined reductant mass flow rate and the NOx removed from the NOx trap, and calculating the amount of NOx removed from the NOx trap based on the determined mass flow rate and the determined relationship. The calculated amount of NOx stored may be adjusted by subsequent amounts of calculated NOx stored and subsequent amounts of NOx removed from the NOx trap. |
| US09234473B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio detector, a fuel amount controller, an operational state parameter acquiring device, an extractor, a failure determination device, a variation state parameter calculator, and a determination stopping device. The operational state parameter acquiring device is configured to acquire at least one operational state parameter. The failure determination device is configured to execute failure determination of determining a failure in an air-fuel ratio control system of the internal combustion engine based on a specific frequency component extracted by the extractor. The variation state parameter calculator is configured to calculate a variation state parameter. The determination stopping device is configured to stop the failure determination if the variation state parameter calculated by the variation state parameter calculator is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. |
| US09234469B2 |
Condensate management for motor-vehicle compressed air storage systems
A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank. |
| US09234465B2 |
Fuel flow divider and ecology system for a gas turbine engine fuel flow control system
A flow divider valve for a gas turbine engine fuel supply system is provided. The flow divider valve is configured, whenever fuel pressure at its inlet port is between a first predetermined pressure and a second predetermined pressure, to supply the fuel to a start nozzle manifold outlet port at a substantially constant flow rate, and to direct any fuel flow in excess of the substantially constant flow rate to a run nozzle manifold outlet port. |
| US09234463B2 |
Thermal management system for a gas turbine engine
A thermal management system for a gas turbine engine includes a high pressure compressor rotor having a plurality of disks and a shaft; at least one forward cavity between a rim of at least one of the disks and the shaft and at least one aft cavity formed between a rim of at least one other of the disks and the shaft; a first flow of cooling air in the at least one forward cavity; and a second flow of cooling air in the at least one aft cavity. |
| US09234459B2 |
Turbocharger and wheel housing
A turbine housing of a turbocharger is formed by joining a scroll body with a base body. An exhaust passageway is formed between the scroll body and the base body. At the joint portion between the scroll body and the base body, an inside corner portion is formed by an inner peripheral surface of the scroll body that faces the exhaust passageway, and an outer peripheral surface of the base body that also faces the exhaust passageway. An inside fillet that is shaped to change the direction of exhaust gas along the inner peripheral surface of the scroll body to a direction along the outer peripheral surface of the base body is formed on the inside corner portion. |
| US09234453B2 |
Integrated thermostatic valve and charge air cooler cover assembly
A cover for a charge air cooler of a turbocharged engine. The cover body defines a cooling water plenum, which has an opening at a first side of the cover for attachment over a water outlet of the charge air cooler. A plurality of valve housings are formed integrally with the body of the cover at a second side of the cover opposite the cooling water plenum opening. Each valve housing has a peripheral wall that extends from the cover to define an inner chamber, which opens into an inner fluid passage formed in the cover. |
| US09234452B2 |
Direct injection gas engine and method
The disclosure describes an engine system having liquid and gaseous fuel systems, each of which injects fuel directly into an engine cylinder. A controller monitors and controls engine operation in a normal mode, during which the engine produces rated power, and in a limp-home mode, which is used when an abnormal operating condition of the gaseous fuel system is present. During limp-home mode operation, the engine uses more liquid fuel and less or no gaseous fuel relative to the normal mode, and produces power that is less than rated power. |
| US09234446B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine
A reduction in the accuracy of a failure determination of a filter due to a reduction in the detection accuracy of a PM sensor is suppressed. To this end, provision is made for an NOx selective reduction catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine to reduce NOx by means of a reducing agent supplied thereto, a supply device to supply urea water as the reducing agent from an upstream side of the NOx selective reduction catalyst, a PM sensor to detect an amount of particulate matter in an exhaust gas at the downstream side of the NOx selective reduction catalyst, and a control unit to make an amount of production of intermediate products from the urea water supplied from the supply device to ammonia smaller when an amount of particulate matter is detected by the PM sensor than when not detected. |
| US09234445B2 |
Systems and techniques for nozzle cooling of diesel exhaust fluid injection systems
A system is provided for delivery of diesel exhaust fluid or other reductant to an injector for release into an engine exhaust aftertreatment system. The injector includes a nozzle assembly that thermally shields the diesel exhaust fluid from the exhaust gas temperatures. A diesel exhaust fluid delivery procedure is also disclosed for nozzle cooling prior to operation of the injector for emissions reduction. |
| US09234436B2 |
Air-powered generator system with electromagnetic auxiliary power unit
A generator system uses compressed air as a power source and utilizes an electromagnetic auxiliary power unit. The generator system includes an engine (1), a multiple-column power distributor (2), a generator system (4), a controller system (6), an intake speed control valve (23), a high pressure gas tank (13), a constant pressure tank (16), an electronic control unit ECO (29), an electromagnetic auxiliary power unit (1000), a power distributor (1100) and an end gas recycle loop. The end gas recycle loop includes an air compressor (7), a condenser (11), an end gas recycle tank (9), an electro-drive turbine unidirectional suction pump (19) and an end gas muffler (22). |
| US09234434B2 |
Labyrinth seal for turbines
An improved labyrinth seal is described with the seal including a group of several fins forming circumferential barriers against the flow of a working fluid between stationary and rotating parts in a turbine, wherein within the group the volume between the penultimate fin and the last fin is altered compared to the average volume between other adjacent fins of the group. |
| US09234433B2 |
Flap seal spring and sealing apparatus
A biasing means is provided for securing a plurality of sealing components which are arranged to seal gaps between adjacent structural components in a turbine, the biasing means having three foot regions joined in a substantially linear fashion by two resilient curved arms, wherein each arm has securing means for securing the biasing means to one of said structural components such that when the biasing means is secured to said one of said structural components, each of said foot regions contacts one of said sealing components and the curved arms urge the sealing components towards one of said structural components so that the sealing components collectively create a seal over the gap between said structural components. An apparatus for sealing gaps between adjacent structural components which includes the biasing means is also provided as is a method of sealing gaps in a turbine. |
| US09234429B2 |
Method for producing a compressor blade by forging and uniaxially stretching
The invention relates to a method for producing a compressor blade, comprising the following steps: forging a blank made of an austenitic-ferritic steel; uniaxially stretching and plastically deforming the blank while at least the elongation and the deformation force of the blank are detected and monitored; and ending the stretching after a defined limit value for the stress has been reached. |
| US09234425B2 |
System and method for enabling machine movement
A system for enabling movement of a machine is provided. The system includes a support member provided on the machine. The support member is configured to be in a raised position or a lowered position relative to a frame of the machine. The system also includes an actuation module configured to selectively enable the movement of the machine. The system further includes an enabler valve coupled to the actuation module and the support member. The enabler valve is configured to selectively send a pilot signal to the actuation module based on the position of the support member. |
| US09234423B2 |
Super-hard tip for a pick tool and pick tool comprising same
A strike tip for a pick tool, comprising a strike structure joined to a substrate at an interface boundary, the strike structure comprising super-hard material and the substrate comprising carbide material. The strike structure has a strike end opposite the interface boundary, the strike end including a rounded apex having a radius of curvature in a longitudinal plane of at least 3.2 mm and at most 6 mm. |
| US09234422B2 |
Sensored pick assembly
A degradation assembly may comprise at least one sensor mounted on a pick; the pick comprising a first conductor in communication with the sensor. The assembly may also comprise a receiving element including a bore comprising a second conductor. The first and second conductors may combine to create a connection as the pick is inserted into the bore of the receiving element. |
| US09234419B2 |
High temperature downhole gauge system
A gauge system and method for monitoring well pressure at temperatures in excess of 300° C. used in permanent monitoring of oil and gas wellbores. The gauge system includes an analogue output transducer and a long cable which is an extruded mineral insulated multi-core cable with a seam welded corrosion resistant metal outer sheath. The transducer is enclosed in a pressure tight corrosion resistant housing and the housing is pressure sealed to the metal outer sheath. The method includes applying signal conditioning and processing to the measurements to compensate for characteristics of the transducer, the cable and the environment and thereby provide continuous monitoring of the wellbore. |
| US09234417B2 |
Systems and methods for separating oil and/or gas mixtures
A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation comprising water and a solvent; a mechanism to produce the water, solvent, oil, and gas from the formation; a separator to separate the oil, water, and a first portion of the solvent from the gas and a second portion of the solvent; and an absorption tower to expose the gas and the second portion of the solvent to water to remove the second portion of the solvent from the gas. |
| US09234416B2 |
Traveling undercut solution mining systems and methods
In-situ solution mining method of an ore bed, particularly containing trona, which comprises exposing to a solvent an ore region inside a borehole drilled in the ore, and dissolving a desired solute within the exposed region to provide a liquor and create a voided ‘undercut’, such undercutting making the ore susceptible to gravitational loading and crushing. Unexposed ore falls into the undercut by gravity without breaking the ore roof resulting in exposure of fresh ore to the solvent and in preventing solvent exposure to contaminating material near the roof. The desired solute is eventually dissolved away in the entire bed from its floor up to its roof. Solvent injection may be delivered through a conduit positioned inside the borehole, and may be moved by retracting or perforating the conduit. The method may employ an advancing undercut initiated up-dip and traveling down-dip, or a retreating undercut initiated down-dip and traveling up-dip. |
| US09234412B2 |
Tools and methods for use in completion of a wellbore
A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports, using a tool assembly deployed on tubing or wireline. |
| US09234410B2 |
Method for controlling a hydrocarbons production installation
For controlling a hydrocarbons production installation, comprising at least one hydrocarbons production string activated by a gas injection using a gas injection choke, and a production choke on the string, a method comprises a production phase during which the position of at least one of the chokes is adjusted by cascaded control loops. The loops are driven according to continuously or sequentially developing setpoint parameters. The installation can be controlled more accurately and quickly than in the prior art, as a cascade control loop architecture makes it possible to simplify each of the loops in order to increase the speed of implementation, while still taking account of a greater number of setpoint parameters. |
| US09234404B2 |
Downhole fluid flow control system and method having a fluidic module with a flow control turbine
A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluidic module having a turbine chamber. A flow control turbine is rotatably disposed within the turbine chamber. The flow control turbine is operable to provide fluid discriminating flow resistance such that a pressure drop for a desired production fluid passing through the fluidic module is less than a pressure drop for an undesired production fluid passing through the fluidic module. For example, the flow control turbine is operable generate a greater pressure drop in water produced therethrough as compared to oil produced therethrough due to differences in the density, viscosity or other property of the produced fluid. |
| US09234403B2 |
Downhole assembly
A downhole assembly includes a wave seal packer including a wave portion having a wave form shape in an un-expanded condition. The wave portion configured to radially encircle a tubular with alternating and interconnected uphole and downhole portions. The packer having a substantially uniform internal radius in the un-expanded condition. |
| US09234401B2 |
Nested cyclinder compact blowout preventer
A blowout preventer comprises a pair of ram assemblies which are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of a BOP housing. A cylinder-ram is slidably received within each ram assembly and includes a cylindrical cavity. A back plate couples with the outer end of the cylinder-ram and a piston head is positioned in the cavity, forming first and second piston chambers. Hydraulic pressure in the first and second piston chambers forces the cylinder ram from an open position to a closed position, thereby sealing the BOP bore. |
| US09234400B2 |
Subsea pump system
A subsea pump system is adapted to close a hydraulic ram of a blowout preventer. The subsea pump system has at least a first pump and a second pump configured to pump drive fluid from a source to the hydraulic ram. The system has a controller configured to automatically select at least one of the first and second pumps for pumping the drive fluid wherein at least the first pump is selected at a lower fluid pressure range and at least the second pump is selected at a higher fluid pressure range. A method of operating a pump system and an intervention skid for a pump system are also described. |
| US09234391B2 |
Shear cutter with improved wear resistance of WC-CO substrate
A cutting element having a substrate, an abrasive layer mounted to the substrate at an interface, and a longitudinal axis extending through the abrasive layer and the substrate is disclosed, wherein the substrate has a binder material, a plurality of metal carbide grains bonded together by an amount of the binder material, and at least one binder gradient, and wherein the amount of binder material decreases along at least one direction to form the at least one binder gradient. |
| US09234390B2 |
Bearing assembly for rotary drills
A bearing assembly is for a rotary drill, the drill including a base with a shaft and a bit. The bearing assembly includes a bearing having a central axis and including an inner member disposeable on the shaft and an outer member disposed about the inner member. The outer member is angularly displaceable about the axis with respect to the inner member and having an outer circumferential surface and a recess extending generally radially inwardly from the outer surface. At least one and preferably a plurality of retainer members are each disposed at least partially within the bearing outer member recess and is configured to engage with the bit so as to rotatably couple the bit with the shaft. Preferably, each retainer member includes a generally spherical ball rollable through a passage and into the bearing recess during installation into the recess. |
| US09234388B2 |
Removable window and door screens
Screens for use in door or window openings are disclosed. The screens have a screen frame having at least one portion fabricated from a material possessing spring-like characteristics and a screen mesh that is secured to the screen frame to cover the door or window opening. The screen frame and screen mesh are in tension when the screen resides in the door or window opening. The screen frame may be deformed temporarily, due to its fabrication, allow for simple and easy removal and insertion of the screens into the door or window opening. |
| US09234386B2 |
Door with closing profile and integrated ventilation
A door assembly including two opposite members, at least one of which is a rotatable door, and a closing system which is provided for mounting to one of the opposite members, and where the closing system includes a holder profile, and at least one engaging member for engaging a complementary edge part on the opposite member to maintain the door in closed position. The engaging is at least partly elastically deformable to enable opening of the door in at least one direction. The closing system also includes a blocking member to prevent opening of the door in one direction or the other. The engaging and blocking members are formed by mutually exchangeable strips which are compressible and are releasably mountable to the holder profile of the closing system. |
| US09234379B2 |
Paper sheet storage container and paper sheet handling apparatus
A paper sheet storage container and a paper handling apparatus that includes the container. The container includes an outer case, an open-closable door attached to the outer case, a lock that locks the door in a closed state with respect to the outer case, and a seal attachment portion that seals the door closed with respect to the outer case, so as to indicate that the door is closed with respect to the outer case, and to lock the door in the closed state with respect to the outer case. The paper sheet handling apparatus, includes a storage container mounting portion detachably mounted with the paper sheet storage container, which may function for storage of banknotes for handling within an outer case. |
| US09234378B2 |
Power tailgate system
A power tailgate system for a vehicle includes an actuator for moving a tailgate of the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power tailgate system also includes a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate and a coupler assembly for removably coupling the tailgate to the power tailgate system. |
| US09234374B2 |
Integrated lock and latch device for sliding windows
An integrated lock and latch device for use in sliding sash windows includes a lock assembly including a sweep cam that has a pinion portion adjacent and extending downwardly from it. The pinion portion presents gear teeth extending outwardly. A tilt latch assembly including a sliding bolt is biased toward an extended position where a terminal portion of the sliding bolt extends outwardly. The sliding bolt has at least one track portion. The sweep cam is rotatably shiftable between a locked position where the sweep cam is engaged to the keeper, an intermediate unlocked position where the sweep cam is disengaged from the keeper and a tilt position where the sweep cam is disengaged from the keeper and the first gear teeth are engaged to the second gear teeth and the sliding bolt is withdrawn inwardly from the extended position. |
| US09234371B2 |
Cable wrap security device
A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button cannot be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design. |
| US09234366B2 |
Mechanisms for shelter attachments
A shelter includes a number of vertical support legs, and a mounting member coupled to vertical support legs. A collapsible truss section interconnects the vertical support legs to support a canopy. At least one buckle mechanism comprising a first releasably engageable body and a second releasably engageable body. The first releasably engageable body is attached to the collapsible truss section and is configured to receive the second releasably engageable body attached to the canopy thereby coupling the canopy to the collapsible truss section. Additional examples include a cable that spans between an adjacent pair of vertical support legs around a periphery of the shelter. The cable is seated within the channel of the mounting member. At least one curtain coupled to the cable by a releasably engageable fastener. The fastener is slidable along the cable to facilitate movement of the curtain. |
| US09234363B1 |
Single-screen multiple-tier movie picture theater having separate service class sections
A mixed-class service multiple-tier theater that allows different patrons attending the same movie to experience differing levels of service depending on how much they wish to pay. There are two tiers for seating. The upper tier would be for regular, stadium style seating, while the lower tier would be for VIP seating with fully reclining seats. The lower and upper tiers are completely separated, each offering its own ingress/egress access, with a balcony overhang from the upper tier cantilevered over the lower tier. |
| US09234361B2 |
Powered telescopic seating riser assembly
A riser assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first skin. A second skin is spaced from the first skin. A core is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A framework is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A portion of the framework is positioned laterally outside the core. A method of supporting an accessory relative to a riser assembly is also disclosed. |
| US09234359B2 |
Tile floor adhesive spreading and leveling device
A tile floor adhesive spreader device and method of spreading tile adhesive in a defined pathway comprises a rectangular frame having a first and second set of roller wheels, removable side inserts, a rear trowel blade and a defined railway for guiding the second set of wheels along a straight pathway. The frame is one comprising four side panels having width adjustment, an open interior section for retaining pouring adhesive and upstanding posts for slideably retaining the frame side inserts and allowing the inserts to slide against and follow the subfloor surface. The rear trowel blade is adjustably mounted to the rear of the frame for defining the upper surface of the adhesive aft of the frame, while the first set of wheels rolls along a surface placed over installed tile and the second set of wheels travels along an upstanding portion of an L-shaped guide rail. |
| US09234356B2 |
Floor covering
Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove. |
| US09234355B2 |
Insulated sheathing panel and methods for use and manufacture thereof
Insulated wall and roof sheathing systems for use in building construction designed to provide moisture permeable wall panels that protect from bulk water, excess air, and thermal transfer. |
| US09234351B1 |
Polar-oriented lattice isogrid for circular structures
A new adaptable grid or lattice structure identified by the coined term “polargrid” is disclosed. A polargrid may be designed or engineered to fill any space between two generally circular structures and where the ribs will intersect with both circular structures at a node. The intersection of a polargrid with a circular structure will not occur mid-rib. Rather, a polargrid can be designed to always have ribs terminate at an inner or outer circular structure at a node. Polargrids have particular applicability in cylindrical structures or when interconnecting concentric circular or cylindrical structures that may or may not be co-planar. |
| US09234349B1 |
Concrete panel system and method for forming reinforced concrete building components
A concrete panel system includes first, second, and third rectangular precast concrete panels, each defining a respective top edge, bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges. A first type connector is formed in the concrete material at least along the top edge of the first panel and along the first lateral edge of the first panel. A second type connector is formed in the concrete material at least along the second lateral edge of the second panel, and along the bottom edge of the third panel. The first type connector and the second type connector are configured to connect together, and a cavity is formed between the respective panel edges. This cavity extends along both the top edge of the first panel and the first lateral edge of the first panel to facilitate positioning reinforcing bar traversing a corner of the first or second panel. |
| US09234343B2 |
Post and panel construction
An assembly for integrating an elongate structural member such as a post or a beam, and one or more panels is provided. The elongate structural member includes a notch defined within the elongate structural member. The notch includes a base surface and two side surfaces at opposite ends of the base surface. At least one of the side surfaces is tiered. The tiered side surface includes an inner portion and an outer portion that are substantially parallel to each other. The inner portion is substantially perpendicular and is adjacent to the base surface. The outer portion is offset from the inner portion and is positioned further away from the second side surface compared to the inner portion. A first panel is positioned within the notch and faces at least the base surface and the inner portion of the tiered surface. A second panel may be positioned within the notch. |
| US09234342B1 |
Handheld powered cable-drum drain cleaning machine
A hand-held drain cleaning machine which is of the type that employs a flexible snake that can be inserted into a waste line and rotated to remove a blockage, includes a drum in which the snake is coiled and a guide tube extending from a central front portion of the drum, through which the snake can be extended and retracted. An electric motor, which is coupled to the drum, provides rotational movement to the drum and the snake when AC line current is provided to the motor through an operator-activated switch located within a handle grip. The handle grip, which is secured to the electric motor, is preferably positioned directly above the machine' center of gravity. In addition, an extendable support, having a foot, is also secured to the electric motor and preferably positioned so that the foot is directly beneath the machine' center of gravity. |
| US09234337B2 |
Foot-actuated drain stopper
A foot-actuated drain stopper is provided that is interconnected to a strainer of a wastewater outlet of a bathtub. The foot-actuated drain stopper is interconnected to the strainer by way of an adapter that includes a hub that receives a carrier on which the foot-actuated stopper travels. |
| US09234333B2 |
Anti-freeze faucet
An anti-freeze faucet includes a housing engaged into a receptacle, a check valve device engaged into the housing, a cap mounted on the housing and having an opening communicating with the check valve device, a casing attached to the cap and having a space communicating with the opening of the cap and having one or more outlet orifices, a non-circular follower is slidably engaged in a non-circular chamber of the casing for guiding the follower to move up and down along the casing, a plug is attached to the follower for blocking and opening the cap, and a shank is engaged in the casing and has a threaded segment engaged with the follower for moving the follower along the casing and for moving the plug to engage with the cap. |
| US09234331B1 |
Dynamic deadband for automatic articulation
An articulation control system for a machine may include an actual steering sensor configured to provide a signal indicative of an actual steering angle, a timer configured to provide a signal indicative of an elapsed predetermined period of time, and a controller in communication with the actual steering sensor and the timer. The controller may be configured to regulate automatic articulation to zero based on signals received from the actual steering sensor and the timer. |
| US09234329B2 |
Adaptive control system and method for machine implements
An adaptive control system for a machine implement is provided. The adaptive control system includes a machine implement of a machine and an adaptive controller operatively coupled to the machine implement. The adaptive controller includes a processor configured to receive a position of the machine implement relative to a terrain from at least one position detection system, receive data regarding operating conditions of the terrain, compare the position with a target position stored in a memory, compare the data regarding the operating conditions with data stored in a reference model of the terrain stored in the memory, and adjust the position of the machine implement based upon the comparisons and based upon an updated reference model of the operating conditions of the terrain. |
| US09234327B2 |
Front loader arrangement with hook-shaped locking bar
A front loader arrangement includes a bracket, a mounting mast mounted on upper and lower bearings of the bracket, a loader arm which is articulated to a first pivot pin on the mast, a loader support articulated to a second pivot pin on the mast, and a locking device for locking the mast to the bracket. The locking device is arranged on the loader support. The locking device includes a pivoting locking bar which is mounted on a third pivot pin on the loader support, a pre-tensioning device which pre-tensions the locking bar depending on its position relative to the loader support into an open or a closed position, and an adjusting device arranged on the mast which can be brought into engagement with the locking bar, by which the locking bar can be moved into the closed position. |
| US09234326B2 |
Base frame for an offshore platform and method for installing such a base frame
A base frame for an offshore platform and a method for installing such a base frame includes a self-floating lower building structure having a stable trim, at least one tank in the lower building structure which is dimensioned such that the lower building structure sinks when the tank is flooded, mechanism for flooding at least one tank, and a mechanism for bearing piles in upright standing arrangement on the lower building structure. The method builds a base frame, transports the base frame to the sea in a self-floating manner and floods the base frame until it is on the sea floor and then anchors the base frame to the sea floor with piles. |
| US09234323B2 |
Post footing
This invention presents a security barrier post (10) which has an underground footing (12) and an impact post (14) that extends above the surface. The underground footing (12) has a substantially vertical tubular steel shaft (16) having an opening at its lower end on an impact facing side and a steel foot box (18) aligned with the opening. A bottom plate (20) is provided to which the shaft (16) and said foot (18) box are attached. A spring steel back plate (22) is arranged adjacent and perpendicular to rear facing side of the shaft (16), and extends to at least one side of it. The back plate (22) is located at a position that is flush with or slightly below the surface in which the footing is buried. The impact post (14) has at least a first spring steel element (32) which is L shaped, and at least one packing element (34, 36, 38) located behind the first element (32) to retain it in a position in which it extends into the foot box (18). |
| US09234321B2 |
Waterproof expansion joint
A waterproof expansion joint comprises a ballast protection plate and at least one locating device configured to retain the ballast protection plate over a deck joint. A flexible sealing member located below the ballast protection plate can include at least one flange portion and at least one expansion feature. Each expansion feature can include a shape preformed into the flexible sealing member extending downward into the deck joint and configured to deflect, enabling variation in the width of the flexible sealing member to match the width of the deck joint. |
| US09234317B2 |
Robust system and method for forecasting soil compaction performance
The present disclosure considers a system and method that can predict soil compaction and machine-specific productivity rate across multiple soil conditions without requiring site-specific samples and multi-variable lab testing. The method and system disclosed here can utilize predictive algorithms combined with a soils database to predict soil response to compaction energy across a range of soil moistures for the range of compaction machines available to predict compaction performance. |
| US09234314B2 |
Rail gauge-plate insulator
A gauge-plate insulator for positioning between and mounting to two rail-spacing members that in turn extend transversely between and mount to two parallel rails to mechanically interconnect but electrical insulate the rail-spacing members and thus the parallel rails. The insulator includes a plate, front and rear mounting holes extending vertically through the plate, and a tongue extending downward from the plate along its lateral midsection from front to back. In typical embodiments, the insulator includes elongated platforms surrounding the mounting holes and arranged perpendicular to the tongue, and the insulator is of a one-piece monolithic construction made of a material selected for mechanical strength and electric insulation. And in some embodiments the insulator includes a tented top surface, ribs extending perpendicular to the tongue, and/or multi-level platforms. |
| US09234311B2 |
Fluorine-free water repellent, preparation thereof, and applications thereof
The present invention provides a preparation method for a fluorine-free water repellent, comprising (A) a homogenization step in which the raw materials are mixed in single step to obtain a mixture; and (B) a polymerization step to react said mixture into said water repellent. The operation of the present method is simple, and the water repellent produced has the advantage of high stability and high washing durability. |
| US09234310B2 |
Fabric having ultraviolet radiation protection, enhanced resistance to degradation, and enhanced resistance to fire
A method for treating a fabric for ultraviolet radiation protection, enhanced resistance to degradation, and enhanced resistance to fire is disclosed which comprises the steps of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles to a solution of 3-glycidyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane, placing a fabric in the mixture of zinc oxide particles and 3-glycidyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane, curing the fabric, and washing the fabric. Other methods of treating a fabric are disclosed. |
| US09234306B1 |
Knitting loom
A knitting loom is provided with a base having top and bottom, the base including a plurality of knitting pegs equidistantly projecting upward from the top of the base, each of the knitting pegs having a top hole and a vertical groove formed on an outer surface; a plurality of convex risers each formed on a joining portion of the knitting peg and the top of the base, a plurality of cavities formed on the top of the base, each of the cavities communicating with the vertical groove, and a plurality of wells equidistantly formed on the bottom of the base; and a plurality of pins each including a shank fastened in the top hole, and an enlarged head. |
| US09234294B2 |
Property modulated materials and methods of making the same
A method of making property modulated composite materials includes depositing a first layer of material having a first microstructure/nanostructure on a substrate followed by depositing a second layer of material having a second microstructure/nanostructure that differs from the first layer. Multiple first and second layers can be deposited to form a composite material that includes a plurality of adjacent first and second layers. By controlling the microstructure/nanostructure of the layers, the material properties of the composite material formed by this method can be tailored for a specific use. The microstructures/nanostructures of the composite materials may be defined by one or more of grain size, grain boundary geometry, crystal orientation, and a defect density. |
| US09234290B2 |
Thiazole compounds as additives in electrolyte solutions in electrochemical cells and batteries
The present invention relates to an electrolyte solution comprising at least one solvent as component A, at least one electrolyte as component B and from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the total electrolyte solution, of at least one heteroaromatic compound of the general formula (I) as component C, the use of such a compound in electrolyte solutions, the use of such an electrolyte solution in an electrochemical cell or for metal plating, and also electrochemical cells comprising a corresponding electrolyte solution. |
| US09234289B2 |
Method for manufacturing a molding core
A method for manufacturing a molding core includes: providing a cylindrical roller having a circumference surface coated with a first film layer; coating a second film layer on the first film layer; coating a preprocessed molding film on the second film layer; engraving a number of molding patterns on the preprocessed molding film to obtain a molding film; separating the molding film from the roller and spreading out the molding film to be a flat plate; and manufacturing the molding core using the molding film by electroforming method. |
| US09234278B2 |
CVD conformal vacuum/pumping guiding design
The present disclosure relates to a guiding element for guiding gas flow within a chamber. The guiding element includes a structure, one or more inlets, an outlet, and a transportation region. The one or more inlets are formed on a first side of the structure. The inlets have inlet sizes selected according to a removal rate and to mitigate gas flow variations within the chamber. The outlet is on a second side of the structure, opposite the first side of the structure. The outlet has an outlet size selected according to the removal rate. The transportation region is within the structure and couples or connects the inlets to the outlet. |
| US09234271B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus, method of manufacturing the same, and radiation inspection apparatus
A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor panel including a plurality of sensors arranged on a substrate and configured to detect light, and a scintillator placed over the sensor panel, wherein the scintillator having a concentric characteristics distribution having a center outside an outer edge of the scintillator. |
| US09234269B2 |
Method of treating parts for kitchen utensils
A method for processing parts for kitchen tools in order to protect the parts from scratches, includes sequentially: a nitridation step, optionally including a nitrocarburizing step, between 592 and 750° C. in order to promote the formation of a nitrogen austenite layer; and a processing step for promoting the conversion of at least a portion of the nitrogen austenite into a phase with reinforced hardness. |
| US09234267B2 |
Hot-dip Al—Zn coated steel sheet
There is provided a hot-dip Al—Zn coated steel sheet that has a steel sheet containing Si and Mn as a base steel sheet and has excellent coating appearance and corrosion resistance. The Al—Zn coating layer has an Al content in the range of 20% to 95% by mass. The Al—Zn coating layer has a Ca content in the range of 0.01% to 10% by mass. Alternatively, the Ca and Mg content is in the range of 0.01% to 10% by mass. A steel sheet surface layer within 100 μm from a surface of the base steel sheet directly under the Al—Zn coating layer contains less than 0.060 g/m2 per surface of an oxide of at least one selected from Fe, Si, Mn, Al, P, B, Nb, Ti, Cr, Mo, Cu, and Ni in total. |
| US09234265B2 |
Steel for induction hardening and crankshaft manufactured using the same
There is provided a steel for induction hardening in which cracks are less liable to occur and high hardness and seizure resistance are attained even if a tempering process after induction hardening is omitted. The steel for induction hardening according to the present invention contains, by mass percent, C: 0.20 to 0.34%, Si: at most 0.20%, Mn: 0.75 to 2.0%, P: at most 0.03%, S: at most 0.20%, Cr: 0.05 to 1.2%, Ti: at least 0.002% and less than 0.030%, Al: 0.005 to 0.04%, and N: 0.0040 to 0.020%, the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfies Formula (1): 1.20≦Mn+Cr≦2.10 (1) where the content (mass %) of each element is substituted for each of the symbols of elements in Formula (1). |
| US09234264B2 |
Magnesium alloys for hydrogen storage
A method of producing a hydrogen storage material including the steps of: forming a magnesium-nickel melt having up to 50 wt % nickel; adding up to 2 wt % of a refining element to the melt under a non-oxidizing atmosphere, the refining element having an atomic radius within the range of 1-1.65 times the atomic radius of magnesium, such as at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Na, K, Ba, Ca, Sr, La, Y, Yb, Rb and Cs; and solidifying the melt to produce the hydrogen storage material. |
| US09234263B2 |
Weldment
A weldment includes metal materials that are welded to each other. At least one of the metal materials includes pure copper including an inevitable impurity, more than 2 mass ppm of oxygen, and an additive element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Zr, Nb, Fe, Si, Al, Ca, V, Ni, Mn, Ti and Cr. A method of manufacturing a weldment includes melting a dilute copper alloy material by SCR continuous casting and rolling at a molten copper temperature of not less than 1100° C. and not more than 1320° C. to make a molten metal, forming a cast bar from the molten metal, forming a dilute copper alloy member by hot-rolling the cast bar, and welding the dilute copper alloy member to a metal material. The dilute copper alloy material includes the pure copper, more than 2 mass ppm of oxygen, and the additive element,? |
| US09234260B2 |
Method for isolating valuable metal
Provided is a method that selectively extracts and, at a low cost, recovers indium from an acidic solution containing indium and gallium. The present invention is a method that is for isolating a valuable metal and that, by means of subjecting an acidic solution containing indium and gallium to a solvent extraction that is by means of an extraction agent comprising an amide derivative represented by a general formula, extracts indium from the acidic solution. In the formula, R1 and R2 each indicate the same or a different alkyl group, R3 indicates a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R4 indicates a hydrogen atom or any given group, other than an amino group, bonded to the α-carbon as an amino acid. The general formula preferably has a glycine unit, a histidine unit, a lysine unit, an aspartic acid unit, or an N-methylglycine unit. |
| US09234259B2 |
Process for recovery of copper from copper-containing chloride media
A process for recovering copper from an acid aqueous solution containing cupric chlorides and alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal chlorides by a solvent extraction with a cation-exchange extractant, comprising the step of processing a solvent extraction in the presence of sulfate ions. |
| US09234257B2 |
Production method for high-purity lanthanum, high-purity lanthanum, sputtering target composed of high-purity lanthanum, and metal gate film containing high-purity lanthanum as main component
A method for producing high-purity lanthanum having a purity of 4N or more excluding rare earth elements other than lanthanum and gas components, wherein lanthanum having a purity of 4N or more is produced by reducing, with distilled calcium, a lanthanum fluoride starting material that has a purity of 4N or more excluding rare earth elements other than lanthanum and gas components, and the obtained lanthanum is subjected to electron beam melting to remove volatile substances. The method for producing high-purity lanthanum, in which Al, Fe, and Cu are respectively contained in the amount of 10 wtppm or less. The method for producing high-purity lanthanum, in which total content of gas components is 1000 wtppm or less. The present invention aims to provide a technique capable of efficiently and stably providing high-purity lanthanum, a sputtering target composed of high-purity lanthanum, and a thin film for metal gate that contains high-purity lanthanum as a main component. |
| US09234254B2 |
High-strength seamless steel tube, having excellent resistance to sulfide stress cracking, for oil wells and method for manufacturing the same
A seamless steel tube contains 0.15% to 0.50% C, 0.1% to 1.0% Si, 0.3% to 1.0% Mn, 0.015% or less P, 0.005% or less S, 0.01% to 0.1% Al, 0.01% or less N, 0.1% to 1.7% Cr, 0.4% to 1.1% Mo, 0.01% to 0.12% V, 0.01% to 0.08% Nb, and 0.0005% to 0.003% B or further contains 0.03% to 1.0% Cu on a mass basis and has a microstructure which has a composition containing 0.40% or more solute Mo and a tempered martensite phase that is a main phase and which contains prior-austenite grains with a grain size number of 8.5 or more and 0.06% by mass or more of a dispersed M2C-type precipitate with substantially a particulate shape. |
| US09234253B2 |
Method for producing a flat steel product which can be readily formed, flat steel product and method for producing a component from such a flat steel product
A readily formable flat steel product has a ductile edge layer that is from 10 to 200 μm thick and has a ductility greater than a ductility of an inner core layer of the flat steel product. The readily formable flat steel product is produced by annealing a flat steel product having a C content of from 0.1 to 0.4% by weight in a continuous furnace. The annealing is carried out under an annealing atmosphere that contains from 0.1 to 25% by vol. of H2 and H2O, with the balance being N2 and technically unavoidable impurities. A dew point is between −20° C. and +60° C., and a ratio of H2O/H2 is a maximum of 0.957. In the course of the annealing, the flat steel product is heated to a holding temperature of from 600 to 1100° C. and for a holding time of from 10 to 360 seconds. |
| US09234248B2 |
Simultaneous quantitative multiple primer detection of Clostridium difficile
This invention comprises a multiplex-capable oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing to at least one of the C. difficile tcdB, tcdC, or cdtB genes, wherein, wherein said primer consists of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 through 9, or a sequence that exhibits no more than one substitution of a base to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 through 9 and method for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) determining of the presence of a toxigenic strain of C. difficile in a biological sample utilizing said probes. |
| US09234244B2 |
Diagnostic tool for diagnosing benign versus malignant thyroid lesions
The present invention relates to the use of genes differentially expressed in benign thyroid lesions and malignant thyroid lesions for the diagnosis and staging of thyroid cancer. |
| US09234240B2 |
Measurement and comparison of immune diversity by high-throughput sequencing
A precise measurement of the immunological receptor diversity present in a sample is obtained by sequence analysis. Samples of interest are generally complex, comprising more than 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1010, 1011, 1012 or more different sequences for a receptor of interest. Immunological receptors of interest include immunoglobulins, T cell antigen receptors, and major histocompatibility receptors. The specific composition of immunological receptor sequence variations in the sample can be recorded and output. The composition is useful for predictive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to the immune capabilities and history of an individual. Such predictions and diagnoses are used to guide clinical decisions. |
| US09234233B2 |
Methods for enhancing nucleic acid hybridization
A composition comprising an oligonucleotide having the structure 5′-Y1-L1-X-L2-Y2-3′. Y1 comprises a sequence of one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a first nucleotide N1 having a 3′ phosphate covalently linked to L1. Y2 comprises a sequence of one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a second nucleotide N2 having a 5′ phosphate covalently linked to L2. L1 and L2 each independently are a direct bond or a C1-C7 alkyl, alkynyl, alkenyl, heteroalkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, substituted aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylaryl, or alkoxyl group. X is R1 is a hydrogen or a C1-C8 alkyl. M is a label or ligand comprising a fused polycyclic aromatic moiety. |
| US09234232B2 |
Multiplex amplification and detection
The invention relates to the field of multiplex amplification. In particular, the invention relates to methods for assaying a sample for one or more nucleic acid targets in a single reaction based on the distinct melting temperatures or melting profiles of primers and/or probes. The invention also provides probes and kits for use in such methods. |
| US09234231B2 |
Screening tool for anti-inflammatory drug discovery comprising the FPR2/ALX gene promoter
A screening tool for anti-inflammatory drug discovery and for the detection of the risk or presence of inflammatory conditions, comprising the sequence of the FPR2/ALX gene promoter, is disclosed. |
| US09234227B2 |
Recombinant phage and methods
This disclosure provided methods of cloning a phage genome. Also provided are methods of making a recombinant phage genome. In some embodiments the phage genome is engineered to comprise a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, for example a sequence comprising an open reading frame. In some embodiments the phage genome is cloned in a yeast artificial chromosome. Recombinant phage genomes and recombinant phage are also provided. In some embodiments the methods are high throughput methods such as methods of making a plurality of recombinant phage genomes or recombinant phage. Collections of recombinant phage genomes and recombinant phage are also provided. |
| US09234225B2 |
Method for generating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) or precursors thereof
A method for generating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) or precursors thereof, compounds obtainable by the method, and uses and compositions involving such compounds. The method comprising the steps of a) providing at least one donor selected from the group of compounds of any of formulae 5 to 10, b) providing at least one acceptor from a group of lactose, LNT, LNnT and derivatives thereof, c) providing at least one enzyme comprising a transglycosidase activity and/or a glycosynthase activity, d) preparing a mixture of the at least one donor, at least one acceptor and at least one enzyme provided in steps a), b) and c); and e) incubating the mixture prepared according to step d). |
| US09234223B2 |
Method for producing L-cysteine
A method for producing L-cysteine and the like is provided by developing a novel technique for improving bacterial L-cysteine-producing ability. The method includes the steps of culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has L-cysteine-producing ability, and in which expression of a gene involved in sulfite reduction is enhanced, in a medium containing thiosulfate, and collecting L-cysteine, a related substance thereof, or a mixture thereof which accumulate in the medium. |
| US09234222B2 |
Microbial strains producing sphingoid bases or derivatives thereof
The present invention provides microbial strains, in particular yeast strains, that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of a sphingoid base. The present invention further provides a method to obtain sphingoid base-producing microbial strains comprising incubating a population of microbial cells in the presence of a suitable concentration of a toxin, selecting cells that are resistant against said toxin, and isolating cells out of the toxin-resistant cell population that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I. Optionally, the method further comprises subjecting a population of toxin-resistant microbial cells that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I to DNA-mediated transformation with a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. The present invention further provides a polypeptide having dihydroceramide desaturase activity obtainable form Pichia ciferrii. |
| US09234221B2 |
Process for the production of lipids from biomass
Process for the production of lipids from biomass comprising polysaccharides. The biomass is subjected to acid hydrolysis to obtain a solid phase and an aqueous phase. The solid phase is subjected to acid or to enzymatic hydrolysis obtaining a further solid phase and a further aqueous phase. The aqueous phases obtained from both hydrolysis steps are subjected to fermentation with an oleaginous yeast. The obtained fermentation broth comprises oleaginous cellular biomass which is subjected to microfiltration for the isolation of lipids. Said lipids can be used in the production of biodiesel or green diesel. |
| US09234217B2 |
Method for producing isobutanol and recombinant microorganism capable of producing isobutanol
This invention is intended to produce isobutanol with excellent productivity via a fermentation process. A reaction in which NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase generates NADPH from NADP is used as a source of NADPH for the reaction of converting 2-acetolactate into 2,3-dihydroxy-isovalerate in the isobutanol biosynthesis pathway. |
| US09234214B2 |
Fermentation process at reduced pressure
A fermentation process includes contacting a carbohydrate source with a microorganism in an aqueous fermentation broth to form a fermentation product which is a salt or a product with a boiling point above the boiling point of water. The fermentation process is carried out at a pressure which is below atmospheric pressure and at least at the value where the reaction medium is at its boiling point at the fermentation temperature. Water is evaporated and removed from the reactor during the fermentation in an amount which is at least 20% of the volume of liquid present in the reactor at the start of the fermentation. A fermentation process at reduced pressure while removing a substantial amount of water removes a surplus of water in the system, ensures removal of reaction heat, and may lead to improved fermentation quality. |
| US09234210B2 |
Selectable markers and related methods
The invention relates to newly identified selectable marker systems, cells for use in a selectable marker system, and methods for using the selectable marker systems. |
| US09234209B2 |
Means for inducing apoximis in cultivated plants having sexual reproduction and use thereof for the production of completely or partially apomictic plants
The invention relates to the use of a gene of the Argonaute family, a transcript of said gene or the ORF of said gene in order to produce plants that are completely or partially apomictic. The invention can be used to control apomixis in cultivated species having sexual reproduction. |
| US09234205B2 |
Method for increasing plant yield by expressing a nucleic acid encoding an ornithine decarboxylase polypeptide and plants expressing the same
Plants having enhanced yield-related traits and a method for making the same The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various yield-related traits by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding an Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC) polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding an ODC polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. In another embodiment, the present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for increasing various plant yield-related traits, by increasing expression in a plant of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a benzothiadiazole-induced homeodomain λ_(BIHD1) polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having increased expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a BIHD1 polypeptide, which plants have increased yield-related traits relative to control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various yield-related traits by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a MYB30. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a MYB30 polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for improving various plant growth characteristics by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a THOM (tomato homeobox) protein. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a THOM polypeptide, which plants have improved growth characteristics relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for increasing various plant yield-related traits, by increasing expression in a plant of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a benzothiadiazole-induced Jiomeodomain 2 (BIHD2) polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having increased expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a BIHD2 polypeptide, which plants have increased yield-related traits relative to control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. |
| US09234201B2 |
Use of aptamers in therapy and/or diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
The present invention is directed to an aptamer comprising or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3 and/or a nucleic acid sequence being at least 80% identical to one of SEQ ID No. 1, 2 and 3 for use in therapy and/or diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, wherein the autoimmune disease is cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), idiopathic cardiomyopathy, Chagas' cardiomyopathy, Chagas' megacolon, Chagas' megaesophagus, Chagas' neuropathy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, scleroderma, psoriasis, Raynaud syndrome, pre-eclamsia, kidney allograft rejection, myocarditis, glaucoma, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, malignant hypertension, and/or Alzheimer's disease. |
| US09234199B2 |
Treatment of insulin gene (INS) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to an insulin gene (INS)
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of an Insulin gene (INS), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of an Insulin gene (INS). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Insulin Gene (INS). |
| US09234197B2 |
Genetic element that enhances protein translation
The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides that can serve as translation enhancing elements and their use in protein expression reagents and methods. |
| US09234190B2 |
Method for producing hyperactive transposase mutants
The present invention provides a method for producing a hyperactive MuA transposase variant comprising at least one single-amino-acid change, the method comprising the steps of modifying the nucleic acid encoding wild type MuA transposase in at least one of the positions 59, 97, 160, 179, 233, 254, 258, 302, 335, 340, 345, 374, 447, 464, 478, 482, 483, 487, 495, 507, 539, 594 or 617 so that the modified nucleic acid encodes a MuA transposase variant comprising at least one single-amino-acid change in its amino acid sequence, wherein said single-amino-acid change results in higher enzyme activity of the variant when compared to the wild type MuA transposase. The present invention also provides hyperactive MuA transposases and kits comprising the same. |
| US09234189B2 |
Hybrid type histidine kinase gene isolated from indica rice IR64
The present invention provides a hybrid-type histidine kinase gene isolated from indica rice IR64, and being capable of osmosensing and inducible by multiple stresses, and hence, being capable of improving the multiple stress tolerance of the crop plants even in subsequent generations so as to make the plants capable of coping-up with the more than one environmental abiotic stress conditions, and therefore, increasing the economic value of the crop plants while maintaining the yield thereof. The present invention also provides a method of isolation of hybrid-type histidine kinase gene from indica rice IR64, and its functional characteristics and its sequence listing and cloning, at least, with yeast expression vector and the plant expression vector, and clones produced thereby, and method of improving multiple stress tolerance of crop plant and crop plants having improved multiple stress tolerance. |
| US09234186B2 |
Star-worm luciferase
The present invention relates to a luciferase derived from a star-worm belonging to genus Diplocladon, the luciferase inducing luminescence such that a maximum luminous wavelength falls within a range of 557 to 562 nm over the entire pH range of 5.5 to 8.0, or the luciferase inducing luminescence having 1.5 times the luminous intensity of luminescence induced by Photinus pyralis firefly luciferase. |
| US09234185B2 |
Chimeric adenoviruses for use in cancer treatment
The present invention relates to oncolytic adenoviruses having therapeutic applications. Recombinant chimeric adenoviruses, and methods to produce them are provided. The chimeric adenoviruses of the invention comprise nucleic acid sequences derived from adenoviral serotypes classified within the subgroups B through F and demonstrate an enhanced therapeutic index. |
| US09234180B2 |
Method for inducing pluripotency in human somatic cells with PRDM14 or NFRKB
Methods of inducing pluripotency in human somatic cells and methods of maintaining pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are provided, as well as cells and uses of employing such cells. The methods comprise culturing cells in the presence of (i) OCT4 and SOX2; (ii) at least one of KLF4 and c-MYC; and at least one of PRDM14 and NFRKB. |
| US09234175B2 |
Creating bioengineered lymph nodes
The invention provides compositions and methods of treating various conditions, including tumors, with compositions comprising dendritic cells expressing exogenous chemokines. |
| US09234173B2 |
Regulating stem cells
Provided are methods for producing progenitor/precursor cells from a population of initiating cells (ICP) that have a density of less than 1.072 g/ml and at least 25% of which are CD31Bright by in vitro stimulating the ICP with different factors. |
| US09234172B2 |
Repair and regeneration of ocular tissue using postpartum-derived cells
Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of ocular tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed. |
| US09234171B2 |
Stem cell differentiation using novel light-responsive hydrogels
This application discloses a light-responsive hydrogel-based platform that can modulate multiple microenvironmental signals to direct the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells (hiPSC-NPCs) into neuronal cells. The invention provides novel methods for directing differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons useful for treatment of degenerative diseases or disorders, including but not limited to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or spinal cord injury (SCI). |
| US09234169B2 |
Enzymatical modification of cell glycosylation using serum albumin and divalent cations
The invention is directed to a method and kit to control and modify the status of cells, such as human stem cells, by changing their glycosylation, in particular sialylation and fucosylation, levels in a reaction condition where culture medium reagents, such as divalent cations, are present and cells are kept non-adherent. The invention is further directed to novel stem cells, the glycosylation of which has been specifically altered. |
| US09234167B2 |
System for management of yeast to facilitate the production of ethanol
A system and method for managing an ethanologen for use in biorefinery is disclosed. The method for propagating ethanologen for use in the production of a fermentation product from biomass comprises the steps of providing a medium for propagation of ethanologen and supplying a first cell mass of ethanologen to the medium. A first cell mass of ethanologen is propagated into a larger second cell mass of ethanologen. |
| US09234163B2 |
Laundry care composition comprising carboxylate dye
The present invention relates to laundry care compositions comprising mono-azo carboxylate dyes. |
| US09234160B2 |
Process for the preparation of complex oligomeric structures
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of complex oligomeric structures obtained from vegetable oils. These structures comprise esters containing acid groups which are in turn esterified. |
| US09234156B2 |
Low-color ester compositions and methods of making and using the same
Low-color ester compositions and methods of making low-color ester compositions are generally disclosed. In certain embodiments, methods of making low-color ester compositions from a biorefinery bottoms stream are disclosed. In some other embodiments, methods for recovering esters of 1,18-octadecanedioic acid are disclosed. |
| US09234153B2 |
Viscosity improver grafted with unsaturated acylating agent and a polyaromatic hydrocarbon
Disclosed is an oil-soluble lubricating oil additive composition, suitable for use as a dispersant viscosity index improver in lubricating oils; prepared by the process which comprises reacting a hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) between about 7,000 and about 500,000 wherein the polymer backbone has been functionalized with an ethylenically unsaturated acylating agent and a hydroxyl-linked polycyclic fused ring component. |
| US09234148B2 |
Process and apparatus for the utilization of the enthalpy of a syngas by additional and post-gasification of renewable fuels
A process for the generation of a syngas in an entrained-flow gasification process includes a solid, carbon-containing fuel which is introduced via burners into a reactor which also supplies the oxygen for gasification. The fuel is introduced on a burner level where the burners are arranged concentrically around the reaction chamber or in the head area. The syngas obtained is discharged from the reaction chamber via a discharge nozzle, so that the syngas is passed into a collecting chamber for cooling by addition of low-temperature gaseous, vaporous or liquid cooling agents. A quench chamber is provided between the reactor and the collecting chamber. Additional burner levels are in the quench chamber via which a fuel material of renewable fuels or biofuels is introduced into the syngas, so that the heat enthalpy of the syngas can be utilized for the endothermic gasification reaction of the biological raw material. An apparatus for this generation of synthesis gas includes several burner levels, the renewable fuel being supplied to the gasification chamber with or without water vapor or oxygen and the enthalpy of the hot syngas being utilized for the gasification of the renewable fuel. |
| US09234147B2 |
Gasification reactor and process
A gasification reactor (1) and a process for the production of syngas by gasification of a carbonaceous feed. The reactor comprises a gasifier unit with a discharge channel (4) for discharging a stream of slag-loaded hot syngas and a quencher (5) for supplying a flow of quench gas into the discharge channel (4). At least one blaster (10) is arranged comprising at least one blast nozzle (12), such as a blast lance, in line with the flow direction of the quench gas. The blaster (10) can be connected to a source of pressurized gas, such as syngas, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, steam or the like. The blaster can be actuated periodically to blast away slag deposits. |
| US09234145B2 |
Hydroprocessing and apparatus relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for hydroprocessing. The process can include providing a hydroprocessing zone having at least two beds, and quenching downstream of a first bed of the at least two beds with a first vacuum gas oil that may be lighter than another vacuum gas oil fed to the first bed. |
| US09234144B2 |
Process and apparatus for producing diesel
A process and apparatus is disclosed for pretreating a hydrocarbon stream in a hydrotreating reactor and separating the diesel materials from the pretreated effluent before the heavier liquid materials are fed to a hydrocracking unit. Thus diesel materials are preserved but recovered along with the hydrocracked effluent. A recovered diesel stream can be sent to a hydrotreating unit to improve its cetane rating. |
| US09234141B2 |
Process, method, and system for removing heavy metals from oily solids
Oil is recovered from a mercury containing Hg-containing solids containing abradants by mixing the solids with a sulfidic compound in a molar ratio of sulfur compound to mercury from 5:1 to 5,000:1, and the sulfidic compound when dissolved in water, yields S2-, SH—, Sx2-, or SxH— anions, and optionally a solvent, forming a mixture. The mixture is then separated to recover a first phase containing treated oil in water, and a second phase containing treated abradants having a reduced concentration of mercury. In one embodiment, the treated abradants contain less than 100 ppmw mercury. The abradants are provided by removing at least a portion of a mercury-containing coating from a surface by abradant blasting, laser ablation, laser thermal desorption, and sponge jet blasting. |
| US09234135B2 |
Liquid-crystalline medium and liquid-crystal displays
The present invention relates to liquid-crystal media and liquid-crystal displays (LC displays) comprising these media with homeotropic (vertical) alignment of the liquid-crystalline medium (LC medium). The LC medium having positive dielectric anisotropy according to the invention comprises particles having a mass of at least 450 Da which have been functionalised by a polar, organic anchor group. It is preferably stabilised by a polymerisable component. |
| US09234134B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics such as high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature thereof, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and heat; an AM device having short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. The liquid crystal composition has negative dielectric anisotropy and contains a compound having high maximum temperature as a first component and a specific compound having large negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having small viscosity as a third component, and a specific compound having large negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component. A liquid crystal display device includes the composition. |
| US09234133B2 |
Etching gas
Disclosed is an etching gas provided containing CHF2COF. The etching gas may contain, as an additive, at least one kind of gas selected from O2, O3, CO, CO2, F2, NF3, Cl2, Br2, I2, XFn (In this formula, X represents Cl, I or Br. n represents an integer satisfying 1≦n≦7.), CH4, CH3F, CH2F2, CHF3, N2, He, Ar, Ne, Kr and the like, from CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H4, C3H6, C3H8, HI, HBr, HCl, CO, NO, NH3, H2 and the like, or from CH4, CH3F, CH2F2 and CHF3. This etching gas is not only excellent in etching performances such as the selection ratio to a resist and the patterning profile but also easily available and does not substantially by-produce CF4 that places a burden on the environment. |
| US09234132B2 |
Conversion LED with high color rendition index
A conversion LED comprising a chip which emits primary radiation and a luminescent substance-containing layer which is on the chip or positioned so that it intercepts the primary radiation emitted from the chip and which converts at least some of the primary radiation of the chip into secondary radiation, wherein a first luminescent substance of the A3B5O12:Ce garnet type which emits yellow green and a second luminescent substance of the MAlSiN3:Eu calsine type which emits orange red is used, wherein the peak wavelength of the primary radiation lies in the 435 to 455 nm range, the first luminescent substance being a garnet having essentially the cation A=75 to 100% Lu, remainder Y and a Ce content of 1.5 to 2.9%, where B=10 to 40% Ga, remainder Al, while the second luminescent substance is of the basic MAlSiN3:Eu type where M is Ca alone or at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, preferably at least 95% Ca and the remainder of M may be Sr, Ba, Mg, Li or Cu, in each case alone or in combination, wherein some of the Al up to 20%, preferably at most 5%, can be replaced by B, and wherein N can be partially replaced by O, F, Cl, alone or in combination. |
| US09234127B2 |
Angular abrasive proppant, process for the preparation thereof and process for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells
An angular abrasive proppant comprises angular sintered particles of a material selected from bauxite, clay-minerals, and mixtures thereof, with particle sizes varying from 30 mesh to 150 mesh. A process for the production of an angular abrasive proppant comprising sintered particles of a material selected from bauxite, clay-minerals, and mixtures thereof comprises the steps of drying, grinding, pelletizing, and sintering a bauxite starting material, grinding the sintered pellets, and sizing said particles to a particle size varying from 35 to 150 mesh. A hydraulic fracturing process uses as proppant the angular abrasive proppant as the described above. |
| US09234125B2 |
Corrosion inhibitor systems for low, moderate and high temperature fluids and methods for making and using same
A corrosion control system is disclosed including an anionic oxygen inhibitor, a cationic acid inhibitor or dispersant, and a noxious species inhibitor or scavenger for use in a fluid in contact with a metallic surface at low temperature, moderate temperature and especially at high temperature. A drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid and a geothermal fluid including an effective amount of the corrosion control system is also disclosed as well as methods for making and using same. |
| US09234122B2 |
Black silane primer for improving the adhesion of adhesive tapes to glass surfaces
The invention relates to a primer, comprising a mixture dissolved or dispersed in one or more solvents, the mixture composed of a copolymer obtained through copolymerization, preferably free-radical copolymerization, of vinylcaprolactam and/or vinylpyrrolidone, and one or more of the following monomers: a) an acrylic acid ester of a linear primary alcohol containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the alcohol, b) an acrylic acid ester of a branched, non-cyclic alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the alcohol, and c) acrylic acid; one or more organofunctional silanes; a dye or a pigment based on a metal complex or a metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide is of a spinel-type. Such primer provide reliable and excellent adhesion between pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and hydrophilic surfaces, in particular glass, and ensures at the same time a good coloration of the primer, thereby producing an opaque primer layer. |
| US09234120B2 |
Method for applying a first metal onto a second metal, an isolator or semiconductor substrate, and the respective binding units
The present invention concerns a method for applying a first metal onto a second metal, an isolator or semiconductor substrate by a Diels-Alder reaction, in particular a Diels-Alder reaction with inverse electron demand. The present invention further concerns the binding units L 1960 and F 160. |