| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09240009B2 |
Mobile devices for commerce over unsecured networks
Techniques for managing modules or applications installed in a mobile device are described. To provide authentic and secured transactions with another device, each of the installed applications is provisioned with a server through data communication capability in a mobile device. A provisioned application is associated with the personalized secure element in the mobile device and works with a set of keys that are generated in accordance with a set of keys from the personalized secure element. Further management of controlling an installed application is also described. |
| US09240007B2 |
Vending system
An embodiment includes a system comprising a first vending machine (VM), the first VM comprising: an exterior chassis having a top, bottom, backside, front side, and first and second sides that couple the front side to the backside; a wireless short range communications node included in the chassis; and an actuator coupled to a compartment included in the chassis; wherein (a) the actuator provides a vended good to an aperture in the front side upon actuation, and (b) each of the front side and first and second sides includes no physically manipulatable consumer interface with which the consumer can control the first VM via direct physical manipulation of the first VM. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US09240005B2 |
Methods for risk management in payment-enabled mobile device
A payment-enabled mobile device such as a “smart phone” incorporates risk management features that are applicable to its use in contactless payment transactions. Some features may govern when verification of the cardholder's identity is required for consummation of the current transaction. The features may be configurable by the payment card account issuer and/or the user of the mobile device. |
| US09240002B2 |
Systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data
This disclosure describes systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data. The graphical interface platform may receive medical data and provide medical safety reporting capabilities including reporting of history data and real-time visual monitoring data. The graphical interface platform may be configured to identify potential problems and corrections to medical devices in operation while a reporting cycle is underway through visual representation of performance metrics. |
| US09240001B2 |
Systems and methods for vehicle survivability planning
System and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, Mission information may be obtained regarding a mission of at least one vehicle. The mission may comprise a plurality of mission stages, and the mission information may comprise at least one model associated with the at least one vehicle and at least one threat to the at least one vehicle. A potential action of the at least one vehicle may be selected by calculating a numerical measure for the potential action based at least in part on a mission stage of the plurality of mission stages during which the potential action is to be taken and the at least one model. |
| US09239998B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer readable medium storing program
An information processing apparatus includes an analysis unit, a gathering place determination unit, and a correction unit. The analysis unit analyzes an action history including at least a position of a subject, in accordance with action information obtained by detecting an action of the subject. The gathering place determination unit determines a position of a gathering place where plural subjects including the subject are together, in accordance with position information indicating the position of the subject which is included in the action information. The correction unit corrects position information about the subject, in accordance with the position of the gathering place determined by the gathering place determination unit. |
| US09239987B1 |
Trigger repeat order notifications
Methods, systems, and apparatus for receiving a particular set of user data; obtaining a predictive model that estimates a likelihood of a user to order a food item, wherein the predictive model is generated using observation data that includes historic user data and user data from other user devices; providing the particular set of user data to the predictive model; obtaining an indication of a likelihood of the user to order a food item; based on the indication of a likelihood of the user to order a food item, determining whether to output a notification on the user device inviting the user to order a food item; and in response to determining to output a notification on the user device inviting the user to order a food item, selectively outputting a notification on the user device inviting the user to order a food item. |
| US09239985B2 |
Apparatus and methods for processing inputs in an artificial neuron network
Apparatus and methods for processing inputs by one or more neurons of a network. The neuron(s) may generate spikes based on receipt of multiple inputs. Latency of spike generation may be determined based on an input magnitude. Inputs may be scaled using for example a non-linear concave transform. Scaling may increase neuron sensitivity to lower magnitude inputs, thereby improving latency encoding of small amplitude inputs. The transformation function may be configured compatible with existing non-scaling neuron processes and used as a plug-in to existing neuron models. Use of input scaling may allow for an improved network operation and reduce task simulation time. |
| US09239982B2 |
RFID antenna modules and increasing coupling
A transponder with an antenna module having a chip module and an antenna; a booster antenna having a first antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end, and a second antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end; the inner end of the second antenna structure connected with the outer end of the first antenna structure. The antenna module may be positioned so that its antenna overlaps one of the first antenna structure or the second antenna structure. An antenna module having two additional antenna structures is disclosed. Methods of enhancing coupling are disclosed. |
| US09239981B2 |
RFID label comprising an interface to external sensors
A sensor-front-end processor (SFEP) predrives external sensors during a predominant part of time. In a low-consumption state it waits to receive a command (sc; st) to acquire and condition sensor signals. After receiving the command it drives the sensors, sets its own measuring range, acquires a coarse code (ccc, vcc) of a current and voltage sensor signal, conditions said signal and acquires a signal fine code (ccf, vcf). The command (sc) is generated in adjustable time intervals. The sensor-front-end processor acquires and conditions the signals from the sensors consecutively one after another. The command (st) is generated whenever a request (irq) to interrupt predriving one of the sensors was generated, i.e. whenever a level of the sensor signal or its relative change with respect to the previous measurement drops out from an interval for this sensor. The detected codes are stored in the memory. |
| US09239979B1 |
Synthetic barcode payment system and method
A payment management system includes a synthetic barcode module, which may be part of a smart phone. The module comprises light management components and a controller. The light management components may include an optical receiver (e.g., camera or light sensor) and an optical emitter (e.g., display elements). A processor decodes drive data from files corresponding to barcodes. The decoded data is used to drive the controller which causes the emitter to emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a series scanned barcode to communicate the payment barcode optically. The barcodes convey payment information to a point of sale. |
| US09239973B1 |
Image forming apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section that receives print data and forms an image on a sheet; a stacking section that stacks the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming section; and a notification section that issues notification prompting the user to change orientation of the sheet stacked on the stacking section in the case where an output mode, by which the sheet with the image formed thereon by the image forming section is outputted onto the stacking section, is changed between the sheet and a next sheet, wherein the notification section determines a change of the output mode based on any one of a sheet output orientation that is an orientation in outputting the sheet, on which the image is formed, onto the stacking section and a printing orientation that is an orientation in forming the image on the sheet. |
| US09239971B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and program product determining show-through of image formed on translucent print medium
An image processing apparatus including: a unit configured to acquire a translucency reference value indicating optical translucency in a specified translucent printing medium; a show-through determination unit configured to determine whether an image that is formed on the translucent printing medium in accordance with print data shows through by determining whether there exists a difference between the density of a pixel in the print data and the density specified by the acquired translucency reference value and whether the density of the pixel in the print data is lower than the density specified by the translucency reference value; and a first determination unit configured to determine whether a user should be notified of information about whether an image that is formed on the translucent printing medium in accordance with the print data shows through in accordance with the results of the determination by the show-through determination unit. |
| US09239970B2 |
Image forming system
An image forming system (100) is provided with plural image forming apparatuses (200) that form images on can bodies (10), a can-body supply mechanism (300) that supplies can bodies (10) to the plural image forming apparatuses (200) successively, and a can-body discharge mechanism (400) that discharges the can bodies (10) on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatuses (200). Each of the image forming apparatuses (200) receives, at a can-body receiving position (1C), can bodies (10) supplied by the can-body supply mechanism (300). Each of the image forming apparatuses (200) also discharges, at a can-body discharging position (1D), can bodies (10) on which images have been formed. The can-body receiving positions (1C) and the can-body discharging positions (1D) are arranged more to the inner side than a circular virtual line (1B) that passes through the centers of the image forming apparatuses (200). |
| US09239968B2 |
Image recognition system based on cascaded over-complete dictionaries
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a technique for image reconstruction that employs cascaded over-complete dictionaries (i.e., collections of bases) for extracting features and building representations for images at different reconstruction levels. Each dictionary on a different reconstruction level can be learned and optimized for the purpose of capturing either generic or discriminative features. By finding sparse representations through the cascaded dictionaries, an image can be reconstructed and recognized. |
| US09239965B2 |
Method and system of tracking object
Provided is a method and system for tracking an object that may track a point into which an object is to move by combining the object in an image and position coordinates of the object acquired through a position tracking apparatus provided to the object and thereby displaying the position coordinates. |
| US09239963B2 |
Image processing device and method for comparing feature quantities of an object in images
An image processing device comprises a part-point specifying unit configured to specify a part point of an object; a feature-quantity extracting unit configured to extract one or a plurality of feature quantities from a pixel of a sampling point or from a pixel group including the pixel of the sampling point, for each of a plurality of sampling points, and extract candidate feature quantities corresponding to the part point constituted by the extracted plurality of feature quantities corresponding to the respective sampling points, the plurality of sampling points comprising the part point specified by the part-point specifying unit and at least one point on the image other than the part point; and a feature-quantity generating unit configured to generate one or a plurality of comparison feature quantities corresponding to the part points based on a predetermined standard by using the candidate feature quantities extracted by the feature-quantity extracting unit. |
| US09239960B2 |
Three-dimensional object detection device
A three-dimensional object detection device includes an image capturing unit, an image conversion unit, a three-dimensional object detection unit, a movement speed calculation unit, a three-dimensional object assessment unit, a non-detection-object assessment unit and a control unit. The image conversion unit converts a viewpoint of the images to create bird's-eye view images. The three-dimensional object detection unit detects a presence of a three-dimensional object within the predetermined detection area based on difference waveform information. The movement speed calculation unit calculates a movement speed of the three-dimensional object. The non-detection-object assessment unit detect san amount of variability in the movement speed of the three-dimensional object, and assesses whether the three-dimensional object is a non-detection object based on the amount of variability. The control unit inhibits the three-dimensional object assessment unit from assessing that the three-dimensional object is the another vehicle based on the assessment results. |
| US09239959B1 |
Multi-resolution, wide field-of-view, unmanned ground vehicle navigation sensor
An imaging system includes: a transmit side that generates a plurality of switched beam laser signals and scans each of the switched beam laser signals into a respective field of view by two polygon facets simultaneously of a polygonal mirror, the respective fields of view overlapping in at least a portion thereof; and a receive side that receives a plurality of reflections of the laser signals, detects them, and captures them as three-dimensional imagery data. A method includes: generating a plurality of switched beam laser signals from a single laser signal; scanning each of the switched beam laser signals in seriatim into a respective field of view by each of two polygonal facets of a polygonal mirror, the respective fields of view overlapping in at least a portion thereof; receiving reflections of the switched beam laser signals; and generating a set of three-dimensional imagery from the received reflections. |
| US09239956B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding of eye and eye movement data
An apparatus and method of encoding eye movements and eye tracking data (DAT), represented as time and space parameters (t, x, y) obtained by an eye tracking device and assigned each to a viewpoint (A, B, C, D, E . . . ). Pairs of numbers (Z0,Z1; Z0,Z2; Z0,Z3 . . . ) are taken from the groups of numbers and are combined with each other to obtain for each combination a value (W) that indicates at least a spatial distance (S) between two viewpoints (E, C), wherein the obtained values (W) represent an encoding of the eye movement and eye tracking data (DAT). Preferably the values (W) are determined and stored in form of a first matrix (M) or array. The matrix is subjected to one or more operations (smooth filtering, anisotropic filtering, threshold filtering, anisotropic diffusion) such that the resulting matrix represents an encoding of fixations, saccades and smooth pursuit of a raw data scanpath. |
| US09239952B2 |
Methods and systems for extraction of data from electronic images of documents
A system for extracting data from a document may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The processor may identify one or more landmarks based on predefined characteristics that are associated with known landmarks. After one or more landmarks are defined, business rules may indicate one or more areas that may contain data to be extracted. The business rules may also indicate the type of data in the area and processing methods that may be used to extract the data. After determining the business rules, the processor may determine whether the data is in the area and/or extract the data. |
| US09239950B2 |
Dimensioning system
An object-analysis system includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor detects the movement and positioning of a user's hands within a three-dimensional space. The processor is communicatively connected to the sensor, and receives the movement and positioning information from the sensor. The processor determines the dimensions of the object based on the detected movements and positioning of the user's hands substantially adjacent to opposing sides of the object. |
| US09239943B2 |
Object recognition for exception handling in automatic machine-readable symbol reader systems
Systems and methods for exception handling in an automated machine-readable symbol reader system having a machine-readable symbol reader that captures machine-readable symbols within a view volume. One or more image capture devices obtain a plurality of images of an exception object in response to an exception generated in the view volume. A processor receives the images, identities visual object recognition features from each image, and compares the features to determine one or more descriptive measures indicative of a likelihood that an operator (e.g., store employee) will be able to identify the exception object by viewing the image. The processor displays at least one of the images (e.g., the most descriptive image) on a display device according to the descriptive measure so that an operator can rapidly identify the identity of the exception object and take steps to resolve the exception. |
| US09239941B1 |
RFID integrated circuit identifier self-check
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag IC stores an identifier and a check code. The IC determines whether the stored identifier is corrupted by comparing it to the check code. If the stored identifier does not correspond to the check code then the IC may terminate operation or indicate an error. The IC may also reconstruct the correct identifier from the check code. |
| US09239939B2 |
Base seat structure for supporting chip card
A base seat structure for supporting a chip card includes a tray which is utilized to configured a chip card and capable of being formed by a reciprocally-moved type, a base frame disposed on the tray, a fastening frame disposed on the tray and having a retarding portion, and a carrier which is configured between the base frame and the fastening frame and capable of being motioned between a first position and a second position to follow the reciprocally-moved tray. When the carrier is motioned toward the first position, the retarding portion of the fastening frame presses the carrier to pass through a limitation of the base frame to motion toward the second position, thereby pushing or allowing the tray for movement. Moreover, when the tray and the carrier are motioned toward the first position, the chip card is located or electronically connected. |
| US09239937B2 |
Targeted security policy override
An aspect provides a method, including: gathering, with an information handling device, client system identification data of a client system; providing, with the information handling device, the client system with at least one cryptographic key; transmitting, with the information handling device, the client system identification data and a request for security policy override to a third party; receiving, with the information handling device, encrypted approval data from the third party; and transmitting, with the information handling device, encrypted approval data to the client system. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09239934B2 |
Mobile computing system for providing high-security execution environment
A mobile computing system for providing a high-security execution environment is provided. The mobile computing system separates execution environments in the same mobile device on the basis of virtualization technology and manages user-specific execution environments using the same hardware security module, thereby facilitating protection of personal privacy. |
| US09239933B2 |
Piracy prevention and usage control system using access-controlled encrypted data containers
This is a system for controlling and restricting access (reading, writing, creating, deleting, manipulating, and control) to data and data representations of arbitrary processing engines through the use of secure containers, an access processing engine, and cryptographic keys. |
| US09239931B2 |
Identifying shared content stored by a service
Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for providing an updated list of public content items to a search engine. A system is configured to determine whether a sharing property of a content item stored by a first service has been altered, wherein the sharing property indicates whether the content item is available to a different set of users, update a list of content items if the sharing property has been altered, and provide the updated list of content items to a second service. |
| US09239930B2 |
System and method for assigning permissions to access data and perform actions in a computer system
A method for setting permissions for a group of users of a computer system. The method includes receiving data that defines a role for a first group of users, the role including one or more permissions each defining a permitted activity of the first group of users with respect to data of users in a second group of users, and setting the one or more permissions based on the defined role. |
| US09239927B2 |
Static analysis for discovery of timing attack vulnerabilities in a computer software application
Discovering timing attack vulnerabilities in a computer software application by statically analyzing instructions of a computer software application to identify multiple possible execution paths traversing any of the instructions, calculating, for each of the possible execution paths, a cost associated with the execution of the instructions traversed by the possible execution path, comparing the costs of at least two of the possible execution paths having inputs of the same size, and identifying as a timing attack vulnerability any of the compared possible execution paths whose cost differs, by at least a predetermined amount, from the cost of any other of the compared possible execution paths. |
| US09239925B2 |
Processor security
A device comprises a processor arranged to automatically execute boot code upon start-up or reset. The boot code comprises a code authentication procedure to verify whether additional code is authenticated for execution on the processor. A separate security unit comprises a private unlock key and cryptography logic configured to use the private unlock key to sign a portion of data, thereby generating a signed unlock file for supply to a storage location. The processor is arranged to access the unlock file from the storage location, making it available without requiring connection to the security unit. The boot code further comprises an unlocking authentication procedure configured to check for the unlock file in the storage location, and if available to verify whether the unlock file is authenticated for use on the processor based on its signature, so as to de-restrict the boot authentication procedure on condition of verifying the unlock file. |
| US09239924B2 |
Identifying and characterizing electronic files using a two-stage calculation
A computer system includes a server having a memory connected thereto. The server is adapted to be connected to a network to permit remote storage and retrieval of data files from the memory. A file identification application is operative with the server to identify errant files stored in the memory. The file identification application provides the functions of: (1) selecting a file stored in said memory; (2) generating a unique checksum corresponding to the stored fire; (3) comparing said unique checksum to each of a plurality of previously generated checksums, wherein the plurality of previously generated checksums correspond to known errant files; and (4) marking the file for deletion from the memory if the unique checksum matches one of the plurality of previously generated checksums. |
| US09239922B1 |
Document exploit detection using baseline comparison
An application document known to include malware (such as a document exploit) is opened and executed by its corresponding software application. Behaviors of this document (such as registry, file system, network and process) are monitored and recorded using internal software drivers and hook modules. A behavior report is generated and a baseline pattern is created including a number of regular expressions. A suspicious document of the same type as the monitored document is opened and executed by the same corresponding software application. Behaviors are monitored in the same way and a behavior report is generated. This behavior report is compared to the baseline pattern and a determination is made as to whether a document exploit is present. Known benign documents may also be opened, monitored and their behavior recorded, resulting in creation of a known benign pattern for the corresponding software application. |
| US09239917B2 |
Gesture controlled login
An embodiment provides a method, including: activating, at an information handling device, an optical sensor; initiating, using a processor, an identification sequence; receiving, at the optical sensor, a sequence of user gesture input; determining if the sequence of user gesture input matches a predetermined sequence of user gesture input stored as training data, the determining comprising comparing, using the processor, data points derived from a three dimensional limb movement of the user gesture input with the stored training data; and providing an identification result. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09239915B2 |
Synchronizing between host and management co-processor for network access control
In network access controlled networks, it is desirable to prevent access to the network by any non-authenticated entities. Access control may be established through a trusted agent that, in some embodiments, may be implemented with a management co-processor. In some cases, active management technology may establish a connection while a host is inactive. Then, after the host becomes active, the host can attempt to use the management co-processor connection without obtaining the necessary authentications. This may be prevented, in some embodiments, by scanning for an active host and, if such an active host is found, blocking the host from using a layer 2 authentication channel unless the host is properly authenticated and has a proper Internet Protocol address. |
| US09239914B2 |
Method for setting up an access level for use of a software system, and computer program products and processor devices thereof
A method for setting up an access level for use of a software system including different levels of user accesses. The method includes the steps of: using a first user login to log in to the software system, the first user login having a first access level including a first set of permissions; using a second user login to log in to the software system, the second user login having a second access level including a second set of permissions; and combining the permissions of the first set of permissions and the second set of permissions in the software system, thereby setting up the access level for the use of the software system, the access level including the combined permissions of the first set of permissions and the second set of permissions. The invention also relates to computer program products and processor means. |
| US09239909B2 |
Approaches for protecting sensitive data within a guest operating system
Approaches for preventing unauthorized access of sensitive data within an operating system (OS), e.g., a guest OS used by a virtual machine. Dummy data may be written over physical locations on disk where sensitive data is stored, thereby preventing a malicious program from accessing the sensitive data. Alternately, a delete operation may be performed on sensitive data within an OS, and thereafter the OS is converted into a serialized format to expunge the deleted data. The serialized OS is converted into a deserialized form to facilitate its use. Optionally, a data structure may be updated to identify where sensitive data is located within an OS. When a request to access a portion of the OS is received, the data structure is consulted to determine whether the requested portion contains sensitive data, and if so, dummy data is returned to the requestor without consulting the requested portion of the OS. |
| US09239902B2 |
Method of preparing a layout and system for performing the same
A method of preparing a layout for manufacturing an integrated circuit chip according to a circuit design, the method includes generating a pattern for the layout based on the circuit design, determining, by a processor, if at least one layout rule is violated by including the generated pattern in the layout and modifying the layout if the at least one layout rule is violated. The at least one layout rule includes a constraint on a relationship between a power line pattern and a device pattern in the layout. The at least one layout rule is specified by comparing a predetermined threshold value with one of an estimated voltage drop along a signal path in a second layout different than the layout or an estimated current density on the signal path in the second layout. The constraint includes a minimum number of contacts per device or power vias per device. |
| US09239899B2 |
System and method for improved transaction based verification of design under test (DUT) to minimize bogus fails
A method and system for transaction-based verification of a design under test (DUT) by a test bench that configures the DUT with at least one configuration including one or more configuration values. At least one input to the DUT is applied to generate at least one output based on a configuration value. A list of changed one or more configuration values is associated with at least one abstract input transaction to generate at least one input transaction. A list of changed one or more configuration values is associated with one or more abstract output transactions to generate at least one output transaction. One or more expected transactions is generated based on the at least one input transaction using one or more transfer functions. An outcome is generated as pass/fail based on comparing the at least one output transaction with each of the one or more expected transactions. |
| US09239898B1 |
Circuit simulation with rule check for device
In some embodiments, in a method, a netlist is received. The netlist comprises a subcircuit that comprises a device and a rule check module. The rule check module specifies a plurality of terminals of the device subject to an operating space, and at least one parameter that controls a non-rectangular boundary of the operating space. The netlist is simulated to obtain simulation data associated with the terminals of the device. The operating space that has the non-rectangular boundary is formed by using the at least one parameter. The simulation data is checked against the operating space. A situation in which the checked simulation data does not fall within the operating space is reflected. |
| US09239891B2 |
System and method for determining a mated surface of an object having a plurality of members
A method for determining a mated portion of an object can include receiving design data defining a three-dimensional object having a first member mated with a second member. Each member can be represented by a plurality of triangles. The method can include determining an outer layer of the three-dimensional object and a mated surface of the three-dimensional object. The mated surface may be determined by utilizing a recursive process to analyze each specific triangle of the plurality of triangles. The recursive process can classify a triangle as: (i) on the outer layer when all of its vertices are on the outer layer, and (ii) in the mated surface when none of its vertices are on the outer layer. When a triangle has at least one but not all of its vertices on the outer layer, the triangle can be subdivided into sub-triangles, which are then analyzed individually. |
| US09239888B1 |
Determining word boundary likelihoods in potentially incomplete text
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining word boundary likelihoods in potentially incomplete text. In one aspect, a method includes selecting query sequences from the query, each query sequence being at least a portion of a word n-gram, the word n-gram being a subsequence of up to n words selected from the second sequence of words of the query, and for each query sequence: determining one or more query sequence keys for the query sequence; determining at least one of a word boundary count and a non-word boundary count for each query sequence key, each word-boundary count and non-word boundary count being dependent on the context of the query sequence; and associating, in a data storage device, the at least one word boundary count and non-word boundary counts with each query sequence key. |
| US09239887B2 |
Automatic correlation of dynamic system events within computing devices
Systems and methods are described herein for logging system events within an electronic machine using an event log structured as a collection of tree-like cause and effect graphs. An event to be logged may be received. A new event node may be created within the event log for the received event. One or more existing event nodes within the event log may be identified as having possibly caused the received event. One or more causal links may be created within the event log between the new event node and the one or more identified existing event nodes. The new event node may be stored as an unattached root node in response to not identifying an existing event node that may have caused the received event. |
| US09239886B2 |
Partitioned list
Initial items can be partitioned into a plurality of partitions. The partitions can be stored in a partitioned list in computer storage. An index to the partitions can be generated. One or more initial items can be invalidated, and additional items can be appended to the partitioned list in a storage space previously occupied by the invalidated initial items. The index can be updated to omit references to the invalidated items, and to include references to the additional items. Also, a slice of an application call tree can be generated from a partition loaded into memory from a log. A representation of the slice can be displayed on a computer display, even before the entire application call tree is generated from the log. |
| US09239882B2 |
System and method for categorizing answers such as URLs
A correlator extracts a plurality of related queries corresponding to each one of a plurality of answers. A classifier matches each one of the related queries corresponding to the answer with a category. A statistical tool determines the relevance of each category relative to the categories matched to the related queries corresponding to the answers. |
| US09239876B2 |
Automatic document classification via content analysis at storage time
Techniques are disclosed for efficiently and automatically classifying textual documents or files. In some embodiments, the classification process is integrated into or otherwise made part of the storage function, such that when the user initiates a save process for a given file, the file is processed through a classifier prior to (or contemporaneously with) completing the save function. In some such embodiments, textual content of the file is analyzed using natural language processing to identify a main or substantial concept discussed in the file, and one or more corresponding tags are then assigned to that file. Subsequently, the user can access that file based on the one or more tags, for instance, through a user interface that allows the user to select one or more content categories associated with the assigned tags. The files can be text-based, but may include other content as well, such as images, video, and audio. |
| US09239875B2 |
Method for disambiguated features in unstructured text
A method for disambiguating features in unstructured text is provided. The disclosed method may not require pre-existing links to be present. The method for disambiguating features in unstructured text may use co-occurring features derived from both the source document and a large document corpus. The disclosed method may include multiple modules, including a linking module for linking the derived features from the source document to the co-occurring features of an existing knowledge base. The disclosed method for disambiguating features may allow identifying unique entities from a knowledge base that includes entities with a unique set of co-occurring features, which in turn may allow for increased precision in knowledge discovery and search results, employing advanced analytical methods over a massive corpus, employing a combination of entities, co-occurring entities, topic IDs, and other derived features. |
| US09239874B1 |
Integrated search for shared storage using index throttling to maintain quality of service
A method of searching shared files stored on a shared storage includes providing a search functionality in the shared storage having a set of search indexes to perform a search based on a search term; providing an event stream of update events associated with the shared files in the shared storage; processing the event stream to generate a processed event stream; and responding to update events in the processed event stream by indexing files referenced in the update events in the processed event stream where the indexing is performed to maintain a predetermined level of quality of service at the shared storage. |
| US09239873B2 |
Process-aware code migration
A mechanism is provided for process-aware code migration. A plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges are annotated within a call graph with information from execution data for executing the code and a topology of the data processing system to form an annotated call graph. Each node in the plurality of nodes is clustered into an associated cluster based on a subset of attributes used from the execution data or the topology to generate the annotated call graph to form a clustered call graph comprising a plurality of clusters. The execution data associated with each cluster in the plurality of clusters is process mined to form an existing process model. Processes identified within the existing process model are mapped to a proposed business-process model thereby forming a set of correlations between the existing process model and the proposed business-process model. |
| US09239869B1 |
Replication and synchronization for protecting NTFS deduplication volumes
Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include systems, methods, and computer program products to protect NTFS deduplicated volumes. Some embodiments select a data protection mode from various modes to protect deduplicated volumes. Some data protection modes retrieve the deduplicated files and associated data chunks without rehydrating the files and send them to a replica. Some data protection modes rehydrate deduplicated files as they are retrieved, send the rehydrated files to the replica, and turn on deduplication at the replica so the files can be deduplicated on the replica. Deduplication settings can also be transferred to the replica so that deduplication on the replica mimics deduplication on the source. Some data protection modes replicate the deduplicated files to the replica. |
| US09239867B2 |
System and method for fast identification of variable roles during initial data exploration
Systems and methods are provided for identifying data variable roles during initial data exploration. A variable type, unique data value count values, and an overflow count value are determined for a variable. The unique data value count values include a number of occurrences of each of a plurality of unique data values for the variable in a data set. The overflow count value is a number of occurrences of data values other than the plurality of unique data values for the variable in the data set. When a number of the plurality of unique data values is greater than a value for a high cardinality threshold, the variable is determined to be a high cardinality variable. When the variable is not determined to be the high cardinality variable, a class variable role is assigned to the variable. When the variable is determined to be the high cardinality variable, Whether or not the variable is a numeric variable type is determined based on the determined variable type. When the variable is determined to not be the numeric variable type, the overflow count value is compared to the unique data value count values to determine whether or not rare visible values occurred for the variable. When the determination is that rare visible values occurred for the variable, a record identifier variable role is assigned to the variable. |
| US09239864B2 |
Distributing and processing streams over one or more networks
In an embodiment, a method for distributing and processing streams over wide area networks comprises receiving, at a unified data processing node, a continuous query; determining a parallel portion of the continuous query; sending the parallel portion to a plurality of distributed data processing nodes located in a plurality of data centers; at each distributed node in the plurality of distributed nodes, locally executing the parallel portion against independent data partitions, producing a partial summary data, sending the partial summary data to the unified node; continuously receiving, at the unified node, in real-time, the partial summary data. |
| US09239862B2 |
Web acceleration based on hints derived from crowd sourcing
In an embodiment, a UE determines to load a web page via a mobile browsing application on the UE. The UE obtains, from a web server, web page resource information for loading the web page on the UE. The UE loads the web page using the web page resource information and identifies one or more hints for assisting one or more mobile browsing applications on at least one other UE to perform an initial load of the web page, which the UE then reports to a hints server. The hints server collects hints from the UE as well as other UEs, evaluates their relevance and generates and/or updates a crowd-sourced hints list based on their perceived relevance. The hints server provides the crowd-sourced hints list to a target UE, and the target UE uses the crowd-sourced hints list to load the web page. |
| US09239859B2 |
Metadata brokering server and methods
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for supplying rich multimedia metadata usable to generate, e.g., sophisticated entertainment user interfaces in the home. These methods and systems can be implemented as a server-based software application that feeds multiple, diverse clients. The server functionality could be distributed, even co-located physically with one or more clients, or centralized. The server aggregates, filters, validates, augments and links metadata from disparate sources. The server transforms the metadata into a more manageable and extensible internal format. The server communicates with client devices using a schema-independent protocol, providing metadata in the appropriate format that suites the clients needs. |
| US09239858B1 |
High-concurrency transactional commits
Systems and methods are presented for performing concurrent updates on a shared value. A request to update a shared value is stored in a secondary database table, and the update to the shared value is deferred. Application of an aggregation function to delta values stored in the secondary database table may produce an aggregate value that can be applied to the shared value in a consolidated update. |
| US09239855B2 |
Method and system of retrieving data in a data file
A method and system for retrieving at least a portion of a first data file are provided. The method includes receiving a request for the at least a portion of the first data file, the request including a start of the at least a portion and a size of the at least a portion; computing a data offset that is aligned to an integer multiple of a block size of the storage device and nearest to the start of the at least a portion; computing a byte-range that is an integer multiple of the block size of the storage device; reading data within the byte-range; and transmitting the at least a portion starting at an offset relative to the data offset that is aligned to an integer multiple of the block size of the storage device. |
| US09239854B2 |
Multi-domain impact analysis using object relationships
Systems and methods for impact analysis across multiple domains using non-data types of relationships between objects are provided. A data model can be formed. The data model can include objects representative of physical data in separate domains and relationships of non-data types between the objects. An impact analysis interface can be generated using the data model. The impact analysis interface can depict the objects and the non-data types of relationships between the objects. |
| US09239852B1 |
Item collections
A distributed database management system comprising a plurality of computing nodes may distribute data evenly across all nodes. A definition of a primary key that divides the primary key into at least a first key portion and a second key portion may be utilized to locate items related by a first key portion to a specific computing node. Application-consistent queries, local transactions and pivoting operations may be performed on items related by a first key portion. |
| US09239850B2 |
Feature descriptor encoding apparatus, feature descriptor encoding method, and program
An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of encoded feature descriptors. A feature descriptor encoding apparatus includes a feature point detection unit that detects feature points from an image and outputs coordinate values; a local feature descriptor extracting unit that extracts local feature descriptors from local regions centered on the coordinate values of the feature points; a coordinate value scanning unit that converts the coordinate values into index values according to a specific scanning method; a sorting unit that sorts the index values; a difference calculation unit that calculates a differential value between two adjacent index values of the sorted index values and outputs a sequence of differential values; a differential encoding unit that encodes the sequence of the differential values in a sequential permutation; and a local feature descriptor encoding unit that encodes the local feature descriptors of the corresponding feature points in the same permutation as that of the sorted index values. |
| US09239849B2 |
Mobile device access of location specific images from a remote database
Methods, systems, and devices are described for identifying images to a user. Mobile devices are used to provide position information that may be used to identify a set of images associated with the position information. The position information may include location, ordinal direction, and orientation information of the mobile device, all of which can be used to identify an object or location where a user of the mobile device desires an image. A data store of images is queried to identify a set of images having location information similar to that provided by the mobile device. Images from the set of images are provided to the user, such as through a display at the mobile device and/or a separate system such as a personal computer of the user. A user may select one or more images for local storage, in some cases making a payment for the received image. |
| US09239848B2 |
System and method for semantically annotating images
Techniques for semantically annotating images in a plurality of images, each image in the plurality of images comprising at least one image region. The techniques include identifying at least two similar images including a first image and a second image, identifying corresponding image regions in the first image and the second image, and assigning, using at least one processor, annotations to image regions in one or more images in the plurality of images by using a metric of fit indicative of a degree of match between the assigned annotations and the corresponding image regions. The metric of fit may depend on at least one annotation for each image in a subset of the plurality of images and the identified correspondence between image regions in the first image and the second image. |
| US09239846B2 |
Sharing and synchronizing electronically stored files
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to architectures, methods and systems and structures that facilitate the sharing and synchronization of electronically stored files among and between cloud entities and a number of computers, systems, devices and/or users. One particular exemplary architectural aspect includes the concurrent determination of file system changes within a cloud file system and a client file system, the serial ordering of necessary file system operations in response to the determined file system changes, and the concurrent execution of file system operations such that the cloud file system and the client computer file system are synchronized. |
| US09239845B2 |
Backup system
A backup copy from a first data volume to a second data volume is executed according to either a synchronous mode, in which write data is copied from the first data volume to the second data volume in synchronous with a write request, or an asynchronous mode, in which journal data of a first storage apparatus is reflected on the second data volume in asynchronous with the write request. A second storage apparatus acquires secondary load information representing its own load status, and transmits the information to the first storage apparatus. The first storage apparatus acquires primary load information representing its own load status, determines switching between the modes based on the secondary load information, the primary load information and mode information, and transmits determination information representing determination results to the second storage apparatus. When the determination information represents the switching from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode, the second storage apparatus acquires the journal data from the first storage apparatus and reflects the journal data on the second data volume. |
| US09239842B2 |
Real-time identification of data candidates for classification based compression
Identification of data candidates for data processing is performed in real time by a processor device in a computing environment. Data candidates are sampled for performing a classification-based compression upon the data candidates. A heuristic is computed on a randomly selected data sample from the data candidate for determining if the data candidate may benefit from the classification-based compression, wherein a ratio is summed between the actual number of the characters and the expected number of the characters, and then dividing the ratio by a number of the data classes that are not empty, wherein the non-classifiable data are included in the number of the data classes during the dividing, and the number of the data classes, that are not empty, have characters that belong to the class that were observed in the input; and the classification-based compression is performed on the data candidates if the ratio exceeds a threshold. |
| US09239841B2 |
Hash-based snapshots
Methods and systems configured to provide hash-based snapshot services for a virtual storage are provided. The system includes a processor and memory coupled with the processor. The memory is configured to provide the processor with instructions for maintaining, by a hash-based snapshot module executing on the system, a file system of the virtual storage. The file system is associated with a plurality of data blocks. The virtual storage is supported by a hash-storage having a hash base-file and a hash-database. The hash-database is configured for storing the plurality of data blocks. And the hash base-file includes hash codes generated by applying a hash function to the plurality of data blocks. The memory is further configured to provide the processor with instructions for accessing, by the hash-based snapshot module, the file system using hash codes contained in the hash base-file to identify data blocks stored in the hash-database; creating, by the hash-based snapshot module, a first snapshot for the file system, wherein the first snapshot is associated with a first hash snapshot file copied based on the hash base-file; and accessing, by the hash-based snapshot module, the first snapshot using hash codes contained in the first hash snapshot file to identify data blocks stored in the hash-database. |
| US09239840B1 |
Backup media conversion via intelligent virtual appliance adapter
A system is provided for migrating, in an automated way, old backups created using older software to the current vendor. Generally, backup products are composed of a few broad sub-systems. The migration system organizes old backup data and can present the backup data to a new vendor's system. The embodiments include a virtual appliance, which can include a client (e.g., a consumer of the XBSA API) to drive the legacy vendor with user selections to pull data from existing media and create a server personality that can be presented to the new backup software. The new backup system can then use existing means to discover, backup, and catalog data made available via the virtual appliance. |
| US09239837B2 |
Remote control system for connected devices
Systems and methods utilize a display to provide universal remote control functionality. A menu of options appears on a display of a display device. A user can navigate the various options to control devices that are separate from the display device. The menu may be dynamically configured according to the context in which the display device is being used. The menu may be activated using a remote control device or other device and the menu may include options for controlling one or more devices that are absent from the remote control device. |
| US09239836B1 |
Hierarchical modeling for network sites
Disclosed are various embodiments for hierarchical modeling of network sites. A page model from a hierarchy of page models is provided in at least one computing device. The page model includes a plurality of features. Each one of the features is assigned to a respective network page region. The features include at least one original feature and at least one inheritable feature from a parent page model that is determined not to conflict with the at least one original feature. The features exclude at least one inheritable feature from the page model that is determined to conflict with the at least one original feature. A network page is generated in the at least one computing device corresponding to the page model. Each one of the features of the page model is encoded for rendering within the respective network page region. |
| US09239830B2 |
System and method for building relationship hierarchy
The various embodiments herein provide a method and system for building a relationship hierarchy from big data. The method comprises extracting a plurality of relationships defined between entities from a big data, building relationship recognition models adapted to identify different forms of generic relationships, resolving the relationships by grouping the similar relationships together and separating the relationships which are syntactically and semantically dissimilar and reconciling the resolved relationships to build the relationship hierarchy. The relationship hierarchy comprises groups and subgroups of relationships created based on generic relationship similarity based on a contextual aspect and a specialization aspect using a Language and Domain model. The method of extraction of plurality of relationships from the unstructured data is a self-learning process which uses open information extraction techniques for learning new relationships. |
| US09239827B2 |
Identifying collocations in a corpus of text in a distributed computing environment
Technologies pertaining to computing a metric that is indicative of whether an n-gram in a large corpus of text is a collocation are described herein. The metric is computed in connection with a distributed computing framework, wherein n-grams of varying lengths can be analyzed in a single input data pass, and wherein secondary sorting functionality of the distributed computing framework need not be invoked. |
| US09239822B1 |
Incorporating media objects in yearbooks
A yearbook customization system maintains customizable yearbooks for students and allows students to include media objects in printed copies of customizable yearbooks. The customizable yearbook includes a video presentation page with an attached video presentation device. A student may customize the layout of the video presentation page. The yearbook customization system suggests media objects for inclusion in the printed yearbook. The media objects are selected for suggestion based on various criteria including the time of capture or the media object, an association of the media object with a school event, and so on. The information describing the videos to be included in the yearbook and the layout of the video presentation page is stored as information of the customizable yearbook and sent for generation of printed yearbooks. |
| US09239820B1 |
Method and apparatus for selective visual formatting of an electronic document using a style element lock status
A method for managing display of electronic documents is described. A user interface is generated for a visual style set of visual styles that affect display of electronic document content. A visual style of the visual style set comprises a style element set of style elements. A lock status for a style element of the style element set is received via the user interface. The lock status indicates whether the style element is editable or non-editable by a user of an electronic document associated with the visual style set. The visual style set is stored with the lock status for the style element. |
| US09239814B2 |
System and method for creating or reconfiguring a virtual server image for cloud deployment
A system and method to convert a software application, such as a Java application into a virtual server image that is suitable for cloud deployment. In accordance with an embodiment, the system and method allows for building a hypervisor appliance containing a virtual machine running an application. In particular, the hypervisor appliance can be compatible with any hypervisor for server virtualization and the application virtual machine can be a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). |
| US09239799B2 |
Memory management unit directed access to system interfaces
A memory management unit (MMU) for servicing transaction requests from one or more processor threads is described. The MMU can include a translation lookaside buffer (TLB). The TLB can include a storage module and a logic circuit. The storage module can store a bit indicating one of a plurality of interfaces. The bit can be associated with a physical address range. The logic circuit can route a physical address within the physical address range to the one of the plurality of interfaces. |
| US09239797B2 |
Implementing enhanced data caching and takeover of non-owned storage devices in dual storage device controller configuration with data in write cache
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing enhanced data caching and takeover of non-owned storage devices in a computer system. Each of a first controller and a second controller has a cache memory. During normal run-time, each storage device controller validates cached write data after it is written to its cache memory by reading the write data from its cache memory. If any error is detected on the read, then unit check failed storage device controller, which results in a reset of the failed storage device controller. When a storage device controller detects its dual partner controller fails, the surviving storage device controller queues host read/write operations for its storage devices already owned, and tests a cache mirrored copy from its cache memory of the failed first storage device controller before takeover of the failed controller's storage devices. |
| US09239793B2 |
Mechanism for using a GPU controller for preloading caches
Provided is a method and system for preloading a cache on a graphical processing unit. The method includes receiving a command message, the command message including data related to a portion of memory. The method also includes interpreting the command message, identifying policy information of the cache, identifying a location and size of the portion of memory, and creating a fetch message including data related to contents of the portion, wherein the fetch message causes the cache to preload data of the portion of memory. |
| US09239785B2 |
Stochastic block allocation for improved wear leveling
Systems and methods are disclosed for stochastic block allocation for improved wear leveling for a system having non-volatile memory (“NVM”). The system can probabilistically allocate a block or super block for wear leveling based on statistics associated with the block or super block. In some embodiments, the system can select a set of blocks or super blocks based on a pre-determined threshold of a number of cycles (e.g., erase cycles and/or write cycles). The block or super block can then be selected from the set of super blocks. In other embodiments, the system can use a fully stochastic approach by selecting a block or super block based on a biased random variable. The biased random variable may be generated based in part on the number of cycles associated with each block or super block of the NVM. |
| US09239771B2 |
Method and system for collecting and providing application usage analytics
Methods and systems for collecting and analyzing application usage are disclosed. A usage analytics module is integrated within an application. The application is deployed to a device. Usage analytics are received, at a server, in response to usage of the application at the device. The usage analytics are provided to the developer, wherein the usage analytics includes at least one of: information identifying a user of the application or information linking the usage analytics to an existing user identity. |
| US09239767B2 |
Selective database replication
A method and system for selectively replicating data from a primary database associated with a primary server to a secondary database associated with a secondary server. The secondary server determines that a replication task using a first update command has modified the primary database. The secondary server determines a primary table in the primary database has been updated. The secondary server generates a secondary federated table that is coupled to the primary table. The secondary server obtains a second update command based on the first update command from the primary database and applies the second update command to a secondary table in the secondary database using the secondary federated table. |
| US09239757B2 |
Method and apparatus for relocating data in non-volatile memory
Apparatus and methods implemented therein are disclosed for relocating data stored in pages of a non-volatile memory. The number of memory chunks with invalid data in an SLC type first page is determined and if the number is above a first threshold and above a second threshold, a bit error rate (BER) for the valid data in the set of memory chunks of the first page is compared with a first BER threshold. If the BER is below the first BER threshold, an error correcting code (ECC) for valid data in a set of memory chunks of a second page is computed and the invalid data of the first page with valid data is replaced with valid data from the second page and the computed ECC. The valid data of the first and second page is relocated to a third page. |
| US09239754B2 |
Single read based soft-decision decoding of non-volatile memory
A Solid-State Disk (SSD) controller performs soft-decision decoding with a single read, thus improving performance, power, and/or reliability of a storage sub-system, such as an SSD. In a first aspect, the controller generates soft-decision metrics from channel parameters of a hard decode read, without additional reads and/or array accesses. In a second aspect, the controller performs soft decoding using the generated soft-decision metrics. In a third aspect, the controller generates soft-decision metrics and performs soft decoding with the generated soft-decision metrics when a hard decode read error occurs. |
| US09239745B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing security vulnerability lifecycles
Vulnerability testing of a web application can be done using external testing, wherein an external test system runs with permissions of a user of the web application and interacts with the web application over a network, the external test system might obtain a schedule for a vulnerability test, execute the schedule using the external test system, log at least portions of responses of the web application to interactions of the external test system with the web application, compare portions of the responses to expected possible responses associated with particular possible vulnerabilities of the web application, thereby detecting possible vulnerabilities of the web application and, for at least one detected possible vulnerability, generating a retest script that comprises at least instructions to place the web application in a state at least similar to the state at which the at least one detected possible vulnerability was detected during execution of the schedule and that comprises at least instructions to interact with the web application in an attempt to recreate the detection without requiring reexecution of the schedule. |
| US09239744B2 |
Hybrid objects
Embodiments illustrated and described herein provide systems, methods, and software of a system platform that enables apps, applications, processes and the like with functionality and data present in an enterprise-class computing system, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning system. Some such embodiments include a hybrid object that exists in part within a web infrastructure and in part within the enterprise-class computing system. The portion of the hybrid object in the web infrastructure exposes resources of the enterprise-class computing system outside of the enterprise-class computing system to be accessible by apps and other data processing assets. These and other embodiments are illustrated and described herein. |
| US09239742B2 |
Embedded systems and methods for threads and buffer management thereof
Embedded systems are provided, which includes a processing unit and a memory. The processing unit simultaneously executes first thread having a flag for performing a data acquisition operation and second thread for performing a data process and output operation for the acquired data in the data acquisition operation. The flag is used for indicating whether a state of the first thread is in an execution state or a sleep state. The memory which is coupled to the processing unit provides a shared buffer for the first and second threads. Before executing the second thread, the flag is checked to determine whether to execute the second thread, wherein the second thread is executed when the flag indicates the sleep state while execution of the second thread is suspended when the flag indicates the execution state. |
| US09239738B2 |
Migration of logical partitions between two devices
A method includes receiving, into a target machine communicatively coupled to a first subnetwork, data for migration of a virtual partition from a source machine communicatively coupled to a second subnetwork. The virtual partition has a source network address defined by network addressing of the second subnetwork. The method includes initiating restart of the virtual partition on the target machine, wherein the initiating comprises determining a socket connection providing network communication between the virtual partition and a host and transmitting, through a network tunnel communication from the target machine to the host, a communication providing a target network address that is assigned to the virtual partition after the virtual partition is migrated to the target machine. The method includes routing a packet, from a process executing in the virtual partition of the target machine, to the host based on the virtual partition having the target network address. |
| US09239736B2 |
System and method of providing a fixed time offset based dedicated co-allocation of a common resource set
Disclosed are a system, method and computer-readable medium relating to managing resources within a compute environment having a group of nodes or computing devices. The method comprises, for each node in the compute environment: traversing a list jobs having a fixed time relationship, wherein for each job in the list, the following steps occur: obtaining a range list of available timeframes for each job, converting each availability timeframe to a start range, shifting the resulting start range in time by a job offset, for a first job, copying the resulting start range into a node range, and for all subsequent jobs, logically AND'ing the start range with the node range. Next, the method comprises logically OR'ing the node range with a global range, generating a list of acceptable resources on which to start and the timeframe at which to start and creating reservations according to the list of acceptable resources for the resources in the group of computing devices and associated job offsets. |
| US09239731B2 |
Method and system for acquiring a quiesceing set of information associated with a virtual machine
A method and system for acquiring a quiesceing set of information associated with a virtual machine. A virtual machine is cloned. The cloned virtual machine has an associated persistent storage device. The state of the persistent storage device is transformed into a quiesced state of the cloned virtual machine by utilizing a shut-down process. The shut-down process is executed on the cloned virtual machine to quiesce the cloned virtual machine and the quiesceing set of information of the cloned virtual machine is automatically reduced to information stored on the persistent storage device. |
| US09239726B2 |
Misoperation-preventing method and device
A misoperation-preventing method for use in a mobile terminal having a touch screen, includes: monitoring a distance between the mobile terminal and an object in a surrounding environment, after the mobile terminal transitions from a standby state to an active state; determining if the distance satisfies a preset distance condition; and disabling the touch screen if it is determined that the distance satisfies the preset distance condition. |
| US09239725B2 |
System and method for installing an OS via a network card supporting PXE
The disclosure provides a computer system and a boot method thereof performing steps of: establishing an order of interrupt vectors for an interruption according to an order of BBS tables of hardware peripherals; preserving empty spaces in a first address space of a memory when the hardware peripherals are being initialized; inserting the BBS tables into the empty spaces if the initialized hardware peripherals are first hardware peripherals, or inserting the BBS tables into the first address space except the empty spaces if the initialized hardware peripherals are not the first hardware peripherals; disabling the hardware peripherals except a second hardware peripheral; and rebooting the computer system to activate the remote operating system under a preboot execution environment via one of the first hardware peripherals after the second hardware peripheral boots the preboot execution environment to install a remote operating system into the one of the first hardware peripherals. |
| US09239718B2 |
System for field upgrading of firmware in multiple units
A system for upgrading firmware in multiple units or devices of a building control or automation system. A computer may have a tool that can reflash the firmware with an upgrade. The tool may reflash the firmware of multiple devices automatically without intervention of an operator. Devices having firmware that need an upgrade may be identified and classified as eligible for a firmware upgrade. Devices having firmware similar to firmware in other devices may be grouped with the latter devices for upgrading together, sequentially or in parallel, to simplify and expedite firmware upgrading of the devices. Firmware of devices in the field may be upgraded via a communication network or the like by the computer with the tool. The firmware upgrade, communications and/or associated activity associated with the upgrade may be proprietary and/or secured from public availability. |
| US09239715B1 |
Cancel and rollback update stack requests
At a time after receiving a request to cancel and rollback an update request for a computer system, one or more computer resources within a computer system invoke one or more computer system capabilities at least to cancel computer system operations to update the computer. When the computer system operations to update the computer system are cancelled, one or more computer resources within a computer system invoke one or more computer system capabilities at least to roll back the computer system to a previous good state. |
| US09239712B2 |
Software pipelining at runtime
Apparatuses and methods may provide for determining a level of performance for processing one or more loops by a dynamic compiler and executing code optimizations to generate a pipelined schedule for the one or more loops that achieves the determined level of performance within a prescribed time period. In one example, a dependence graph may be established for the one or more loops, and each dependence graph may be partitioned into stages based on the level of performance. |
| US09239707B2 |
Model framework for applications
A model framework is used to implement the model component of application using a model-view-controller design pattern. The model framework provides built-in functionality that defines a default behavior. Application programming interfaces (APIs) allow an application developer to modify the default behavior of the model framework in a manner that suits the data model of the application. |
| US09239706B2 |
Selective speculative class-based optimization
A method, apparatus, and/or computer program product performs selective speculative class-based optimization through the use of a type propagation analysis of class. Responsive to a determination that the type of class is not a fixed type, a determination is made as to whether the class is sub-classed. Responsive to a determination the class is not sub-classed, a virtual synthetic property method is created. The virtual synthetic property method is accommodated in an enhanced java virtual machine using a stack frame type. The stack frame type has associated metadata for throwing an exception and an invisibility property. The virtual synthetic property method, along with a virtual guard, is inlined, and a slow path is created. The slow path handles executions of the virtual synthetic property method when sub-classes of the class, which override an implementation of the virtual synthetic property method, are loaded in the future. |
| US09239705B2 |
Method and apparatus for customized software development kit (SDK) generation
A system and method operative to generate a custom software development kit (SDK) in a virtual code provider (VCP) including analyzing a plurality of process code corresponding to a plurality of predefined functions offered by at least one classical service component (CSC). The method further includes retrieving native SDKs for each function of the plurality of functions, receiving a selection of at least two functions among the plurality of predefined functions, and parsing SDK code from the native SDKs for the at least two selected functions. The method linking the parsed SDK code and storing the linked parsed SDK code as a custom SDK. |
| US09239703B2 |
Full adder circuit
A full adder circuit includes a first logical operation unit suitable for outputting an inverse of the second input signal and a first output signal corresponding to either a second input signal or the inverse of the second input signal in response to a first input signal, a second logical operation unit suitable for outputting an inverse of the first output signal and a sum signal corresponding to either the first output signal or the inverse of the first output signal in response to a carry input signal, and a third logical operation unit suitable for outputting a carry output signal in response to the inverse of the second input signal, the first output signal, the inverse of the first output signal, and the sum signal. |
| US09239702B2 |
Data processing apparatus
A programmable data processing apparatus having a bit-plane extraction operation is described, for extracting data from a value of, for example, 32 bits containing 4 bytes, 1a to 1d. Each byte 1a to 1d comprises 8 bits, (a0-a7, b0-b7, c0-c7 and d0-d7, respectively). The bit-plane extraction operation retrieves one bit from each of these bytes, for example the second bit (a1, b1, c1, d1), which is specified by an argument. The operation involves concatenating these bits (a1, b1, c1, d1) and returning a result value 5. Depending on the particular data processing application, the result value may be bit-reversed to provide a result value 7 (for example, if a bit-reversal is required to deal with endianness, or other reasons). The bit-plane extraction operation can be used as a pre-processing operation in data processing operations such as “sum-of-absolute-differences” in the processing of video data. |
| US09239700B2 |
System and method for automatically producing haptic events from a digital audio signal
In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator. |
| US09239699B2 |
Enabling hardware acceleration in a computing device during a mosaic display mode of operation thereof
A method includes providing a memory unit in a computing device already including a number of processors communicatively coupled to a memory through a system bus, and providing a non-system bus based dedicated channel between the number of processors and the memory unit. The method also includes rendering a different video frame and/or a surface on each processor of the number of processors, and leveraging the memory unit to store a video frame and/or a surface rendered on a processor therein through the non-system bus based dedicated channel. Further, the method includes copying, to other processors, the stored video frame and/or the surface rendered on the processor from the memory unit through the non-system bus based dedicated channel, and scanning out, through the number of processors, the video frame and/or the surface rendered on the processor following the copying to enable display thereof on a corresponding number of displays. |
| US09239698B2 |
Display device and display system including a plurality of display devices and electronic device using same
An exemplary display system includes a plurality of display devices spliced together, to increase a display size of the display system. Each of the display devices includes a screen, an image processing circuit, a first data interface, and a second data interface. The first data interface receives image signals from a signal source and outputs the image signals. The image processing circuit is connected to the first data interface, receives the image signals, converts the image signals into corresponding gray scale voltages, and outputs the gray scale voltages. The screen is connected to the image processing circuit, receives the gray scale voltages, and displays images based on the gray scale voltages. The second data interface is connected to the first data interface, receives the image signals from the first data interface, and outputs the image signals to another display device connected to the second data interface. |
| US09239697B2 |
Display multiplier providing independent pixel resolutions
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a display multiplier. First image data is received for a first display device and second image data is received for a second display device, where the second display device has fewer scan lines than the first display device. A scan line of the second image data is duplicated and a display multiplier output stream is generated that includes a first scan line of the first image data, the scan line of the second image data, a second scan line of the first image data, and the duplicated scan line of the second image data. |
| US09239695B2 |
Multi-region interactive display
A multi-region interactive display is provided. In some embodiments, a multi-region interactive display includes a display including a plurality of display regions, the display configured to provide content in at least a first display region and a second display region; a processor configured to select content for display in at least one of the display regions; and a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions, in which the first display region and second display region are configured so that when a first user interacts with the first display region, a second user's view of the second display region is at least partially visible. |
| US09239693B2 |
Automatically printing only pages containing blank signature lines
Methods and devices receive, into a graphical user interface of a computerized device, an instruction to print an item. Such methods and devices automatically identify one or more blank signature lines within the item using a processor of the computerized device, and automatically output an option on the graphical user interface to print only one or more pages of the item that contain the blank signature lines. Upon selection of the option through the graphical user interface, these methods and devices automatically print only the pages of the item containing the blank signature lines using a printer operatively connected to the computerized device. |
| US09239690B2 |
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. |
| US09239686B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless devices access to external storage
Traditionally, wireless device, such as cell phone or personal data assistant device (PDA), has relatively smaller storage capacity. Therefore, it is quite often that a user of the wireless device has difficulty to find more storage space for storing ever increased personal data, such as storing multiple Gig bytes of multimedia data including digital video, music, or photo picture etc. Instant application disclosed a system and method for a storage system providing storage service to the wireless device for the wireless device remotely storing personal data into an external storage space allocated exclusively to a user of the wireless device by the storage system. |
| US09239684B2 |
Electronic device and method for testing redundant array of independent disks level
A Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) card is coupled to a baseboard management controller (BMC) of an electronic device. The BMC is coupled to a host device, and includes a storage unit for storing data of RAID level. A method can include obtaining a boot command from the host device, and generating a control signal according to the stored RAID level in response to the boot command. The method further includes transmitting the control signal to the RAID card, to direct the RAID card to set the stored RAID level, testing whether the stored RAID level is correctly set, and storing data indicative of the tested result in a register of the RAID card. The method further includes determining whether the stored RAID level is correctly set in the RAID card according to the data in the register, and storing the determined result in the storage unit. |
| US09239683B2 |
Magnetic disk device
According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic disk device including a magnetic disk, a storage unit, and a control unit. The magnetic disk includes a recording region. The storage unit is configured to store a value according to number of accesses to each of a plurality of regions obtained by dividing of the recording region of the magnetic disk in association with each of the plurality of regions. The control unit is configured to count a value according to the number of accesses to each of a plurality of regions in a count step unit that is a value determined according to an elapsed time from occurrence of a specific situation and is a value counted per unit access, and to update the value stored in the storage unit. |
| US09239678B2 |
Electronic device and method, cell phone, program to achieve preset operation command thereof
A touch-input device and an electronic device and a cell phone are described and include a touch acquisition module with an input area to execute touch acquisition operations. The input area includes a first area and a second area. A pointing object location module is used to determine the start location of the touch operation according to the data acquired by the touch acquisition module. A process module is used to calculate a first result indicating the coordinate of the pointing object according to the data acquired by the touch acquisition module when the start location of the touch operation is in the first area, and to calculate a second result indicating the movement of the pointing object according to the data acquired by the touch acquisition module when the start location of the touch operation is in the second area. |
| US09239673B2 |
Gesturing with a multipoint sensing device
Methods and systems for implementing gestures with sensing devices are disclosed. More particularly, methods and systems related to gesturing with multipoint sensing devices are disclosed. |
| US09239667B2 |
Arranging display areas utilizing enhanced window states
Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and user interfaces (UIs) for manipulating display areas on a GUI workspace by transitioning the display areas from an original state to one of a set of enhanced window states are provided. Initially, an indication to resize a display area is received at an operating system, which consequently invokes an appropriate window state. The indication may include capturing an edge of the display area and vertically dragging the edge to a dock-target region, thereby invoking a vertically-maximized state. Accordingly, configuration settings of the vertically-maximized state are applied such that the display area is stretched to approximately the screen height. In another instance, the indication may include capturing the display area and dragging a display area into a dock-target region, thereby invoking a semi-maximized state. Configuration settings of the semi-maximized state are applied, thus, extending the display area to approximately cover a predefined GUI workspace region. |
| US09239666B2 |
Methods and systems for maintaining desktop environments providing integrated access to remote and local resources
A method for maintaining a full-screen, integrated desktop environment on a remote machine for display to a user by a local machine includes monitoring, by a first agent on the remote machine, a desktop environment providing integrated access to a resource provided to a user of the local machine by the remote machine and a resource provided by the local machine to the user. The first agent generates a proxy window representing a window on the local machine displaying output data generated by the second resource and receives an identification of a change to the window on the local machine. The first agent modifies at least one data object in the desktop environment responsive to the change. The first agent transmits, to a second agent on the local machine, an identification of the modification. The second agent modifies attribute data associated with a data object displayed by the local machine. |
| US09239658B2 |
User interface technology for displaying table data
The displaying of data from a table in a manner that at least some of the rows are each represented with row visualization, and in which the positioning of the row visualization conveys information regarding column values of the row. In particular, those row visualizations that correspond to rows in which one or more column values satisfy certain value characteristics are clustered within a common region. Thus, intuitive knowledge of the characteristics of the rows may be obtained by simply noticing the position of the row visualization within the user interface. In some cases, a given row visualization may have a control that may be interacted with to show a more detailed row representation, or a given region may have a control that may be interacted with to show further details regarding the rows represented within that region. |
| US09239654B2 |
Touch screen panel
A touch screen panel includes a plurality of pixels on a substrate, a sealing thin film on the substrate, and a plurality of sensing electrodes on the sealing thin film, each of the sensing electrodes having a mesh structure, the mesh structures of the sensing electrodes and the pixels overlapping different portions of the substrate. |
| US09239652B2 |
Current conveyor circuit
A current conveyor circuit, which comprises: a first current transmitting route; a second current transmitting route, which has the same devices as the first current transmitting route; and at least one control circuit, to control the first current transmitting route and the second current transmitting route to enter a normal mode or a current splitting mode, wherein the first current transmitting route and the second current transmitting route are both enabled and can transmit current in the normal mode, where the first current transmitting route is enabled to transmit current but the second current transmitting route is disabled thus can not transmit current in the current splitting mode. |
| US09239646B2 |
Electronic device and electronic note system using the same
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device which is sensitive to touch, and an electronic note system using the same. An electronic device according to one exemplary embodiment includes a wireless communication unit to receive color information from an external touch tool via a wireless communication, a display unit to output an image object displayed with a color corresponding to the received color information, and a controller to activate an electronic note function in response to a touch input applied onto the image object, wherein the controller controls the display unit to display information with a color corresponding to the color information, the information being input by a touch input applied onto the display unit. |
| US09239645B2 |
Input device and method for detecting loads on multiple points using the input device
An input device includes a capacitance type touch panel sensor configured to detect positional coordinates of multiple pressing points that are simultaneously pressed on an operation face, load detection sensors configured to detect barycentric coordinates of and a barycentric load on the pressing points, and a controller configured to calculate loads on the pressing points on the basis of the positional coordinates of, the barycentric coordinates of, and the barycentric load on the pressing points. |
| US09239643B2 |
Method and system for touch shape recognition, related screen apparatus, and computer program product
An embodiment of a method of recognizing finger detection data in a detection data map produced by a touch screen includes converting the data from the x, y, z space into a three-descriptor space including: a first coordinate representative of the number of intensity peaks in the map, a second coordinate representative of the number of nodes (i.e., pixels) absorbed under one or more of the intensity peaks. A third coordinate may be selected as the angular coefficient or slope of a piecewise-linear approximating function passing through points having the numbers of nodes absorbed under the intensity peaks ordered in decreasing order over said intensity peaks, which permits singling out finger data with respect to non-finger data over the whole of the touch screen. The third coordinate may be also selected as an adjacency value representative of the extent the intensity peaks are adjacent to one another, which permits singling out finger data produced over a portion of the touch screen with respect to non-finger data produced over another portion of the touch screen. |
| US09239640B2 |
Touch screen, electronic equipment and method of preventing light leakage of a touch screen
The embodiment of the present invention provides a touch screen, an electronic equipment and a method of preventing light leakage of a touch screen, wherein the touch screen comprises a substrate and a plurality of printing layers, the plurality of printing layers at least include a first printing layer adjacent to the substrate and a second printing layer adjacent to the first printing layer; the touch screen further includes an additional printing layer which covers at least an area of the second printing layer that is not covered by other printing layers of the plurality of printing layers, wherein color of the additional printing layer is the same with that of the first printing layer. The additional printing layer arranged in the touch screen and having the same color with the first printing layer can effectively prevent light leakage of the touch screen, and can avoid occurrence of color difference and enhance display effect. |
| US09239636B1 |
System and method for adjusting a field of view in a camera of an electronic device
A system and method for adjusting a field of view in a camera of an electronic device are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes an image capturing device; a sensor data interface to receive sensor data from at least one orientation-determining device; and an adaptable field of view (FOV) subsystem in data communication with the sensor data interface, the adaptable FOV subsystem being configured to modify the field of view of the image capturing device based on an orientation or operational mode of an electronic device associated with the sensor data. |
| US09239631B2 |
Keyboard input control method and system
A method for processing input from a keyboard of a hand-held computing device includes receiving a plurality of key input events and, from the plurality of key input events, determining whether there is a double selection event corresponding to a specified key from the keyboard. Further, the method includes, when it is determined that there is the double selection event corresponding to the specified key, determining a key selection offset between a first and second key selection action of the double selection. The method also includes deciding whether the key selection offset is substantially equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and, when it is decided that the key selection offset is substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, using at least a first key as key input of the double selection event. The first key and the specified key are different. |
| US09239629B2 |
Keystroke determination method and device thereof
A keystroke determination method and a device thereof are applicable to a keyboard input device. The keystroke determination device performs the keystroke determination method including the following steps. A triggering signal corresponding to both a first circuit node and a second circuit node of the keyboard input device is received. Whether a first key definition of the first circuit node represents a null key is determined. When the first key definition of the first circuit node represents the null key, a signal specifying a second key definition of the second circuit node is outputted. |
| US09239628B2 |
Method and apparatus for adapting applications over multiple devices
A method and apparatus that incorporate teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, presenting at a display of a computer device a first graphical user interface depicting a game space of a gaming application, receiving a detected stimulation from a mobile communication device associated with a second graphical user interface depicting a virtual peripheral controller for capturing control information for controlling the gaming application, detecting a request to swap between the computer device and mobile communication device presentation of the first graphical user interface depicting the game space and the second graphical user interface depicting the virtual peripheral controller, and presenting at the display of the computer device an adaptation of the second graphical user interface depicting the virtual peripheral controller responsive to the detected request to swap. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09239621B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum
Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect. |
| US09239620B2 |
Wearable device to control external device and method thereof
A wearable device that is worn on a user body includes a motion sensor to recognize a motion of the wearable device, a bending sensor to sense bending of the wearable device, a controller to generate a control signal according to a movement that is sensed by the motion sensor and the bending sensor, a communication unit to transmit the control signal to an external device, and, when an audio reproducing operation is adjusted according to the control signal in the external device, to receive a result of the adjusting from the external device, and a display to display the result of the adjusting. Accordingly, a content of the external device is easily adjusted. |
| US09239619B2 |
Use of light transmission through tissue to detect force
Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of using light transmission thought compressed living tissue to detect force. Transmission of light through living tissue such as a finger is affected by how much the tissue is compressed, for example by the finger being pressing on a surface. Light is introduced into the tissue, passes through the tissue, and a sensor receives the light exiting the tissue. The compression of the tissue can be determined using various characteristics of the received light, such as the light intensity, as determined based at least partly on sensor readings. |
| US09239615B2 |
Reducing power consumption of a wearable device utilizing eye tracking
Systems and methods that enable a reduction of the power consumption involved in measuring a user's affective response to content with a sensor belonging to a wearable device. The reduction in power consumption is achieved by utilizing eye tracking to determine when a user is paying attention to the content, and accordingly setting a mode of operation of the wearable device to measure the user. Thus, by using different modes of operation, which are characterized by different energy consumption rates, the total power consumption of the wearable device may be reduced, essentially without loss of relevant measurements. |
| US09239614B2 |
Method of dynamically scaling a power level of a microprocessor
A method of dynamically scaling a power level of a microprocessor is provided. The method includes: receiving a plurality of workload rates of a microprocessor in a first duration period; determining a second duration period by adjusting a length of the first duration period; calculating a period workload rate based on the plurality of workload rates in the first duration period; dynamically scaling a power level of the microprocessor; and maintaining the scaled power level of the microprocessor in the second duration period. |
| US09239612B2 |
First power-on reset circuit with higher power consumption than a second power-on reset circuit
A data processing device includes: a first power-on reset circuit; a second power-on reset circuit with higher power consumption and higher reset voltage accuracy than the first power-on reset circuit; a storage unit storing information for determining whether to keep the second power-on reset circuit in an active state or an inactive state; and a central processing unit initialized in response to respective outputs of the first and second power-on reset circuits and setting the information in the storage unit. |
| US09239610B2 |
Systems and methods for managing data in a system for hibernation states
The present application is directed to systems and methods for managing data in a system for hibernation states. In one implementation, a memory device comprises a controller memory, a main memory, a buffer to the main memory and a controller comprising a processor. The processor is configured to manage data storage in conjunction with hibernation of the memory device. The processor is in communication with the controller memory, the main memory and the buffer, and is configured to read data from the controller memory; write at least a portion of the data read from the controller memory into the buffer prior to the memory device entering a hibernation state; and after writing the at least a portion of the data read from the controller memory into the buffer and prior to the memory device entering the hibernation state, reduce an amount of power provided to the buffer of the to a reduced power level. |
| US09239607B2 |
Storing data using a direct data path architecture to reduce energy consumption and improve performance
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for obtaining file information regarding a file to be downloaded from a remote location to a computing device, creating at least one empty file in a destination storage based on the file information and communicating block information regarding the empty file to a network interface, and receiving a data packet of the file in the network interface and directly sending a payload of the data packet from the network interface to the destination storage according to the block information, while a host processor of the computing device is in a low power state. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09239604B2 |
Video processing device with ring oscillator for power adjustment and methods for use therewith
A video processing device includes a substrate. A plurality of ring oscillators generate a corresponding plurality of ring oscillator outputs. A control circuit generates power adjustment signals for adjusting at least one power supply voltage of the video processing device, based on the plurality of oscillator outputs. |
| US09239602B2 |
Portable electrical energy source with increased power supply efficiency
A portable electrical energy source provides power for a portable electronic device and includes a base, a chargeable battery, and a connector. The base includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The base defines a receiving room between the first surface and the second surface. The chargeable battery is received in the receiving room. The connector is positioned on the first surface and is electrically connected to the chargeable battery, which is electrically connected to the portable electronic device. The chargeable battery charges the portable electronic device through the connector. |
| US09239594B2 |
Display device and method of controlling the same
A display device and a method of controlling the display device are provided. The display device includes: a display unit for displaying visual information to a user on an overall screen region, and being configured to bend with respect to a bending portion between screen regions of the overall screen region that display the visual information; a pressure sensor a location corresponding to the bending portion, and being configured to sense a first pressure applied to the bending portion when the display unit is bent with respect to the bending portion; and a control unit for controlling the visual information provided through the display unit based on sensing information transferred from the pressure sensor. |
| US09239593B2 |
Information processing equipment
An information processing equipment is described. The equipment includes: a first shell being configured to contain an arithmetic unit, a second shell being configured to contain a display unit, a third shell being configured to contain an input unit, a first connect unit being configured to separately connect the second shell and the third shell; and a second connect unit being configured to separately connect the first shell with the third shell. When the first shell, the second shell and the third shell are separated from each other, the display unit wirelessly exchanges data with the arithmetic unit and the input unit wirelessly exchanges data with the arithmetic unit. |
| US09239592B1 |
Docking station
A docking station including fixing base and at least one latching module is provided. The latching module includes a latching element, a first restoring element, a stopping element, a second restoring element and a pushing element. The first restoring element is connected to the latching element and the fixing base and drives the latching element to latch a tablet device. The stopping element is coupled to the latching element and has a recess. The second restoring element is connected to the stopping element and the fixing base and drives the stopping element to stop the latching element. The pushing element is adapted to be pushed and inserted into the recess to drive the stopping element to move away from the latching element, and the tablet device is adapted to be released from the latching element by pushing the latching element after the stopping element moves away from the latching element. |
| US09239588B2 |
Method and system for calculating a clock frequency of a clock signal for an IC card
A clock frequency of a clock signal is calculated, with the clock signal being received by an IC card from a terminal or an internal clock within the IC card. A first time-stamp is received from the terminal, and a first value of the timer is set. The timer of the IC card is started when the first time-stamp is received. A second time-stamp is received, and a second value of the timer is read when the second time-stamp is received. The frequency is calculated by comparing a difference between the second and the first timer values, and a difference between the second and the first time stamps. |
| US09239584B2 |
Self-adjustable current source control circuit for linear regulators
A self-adjustable current source control circuit utilizes a replica output stage, a sink current source that generates a reference current, and a negative feedback circuit to generate a sink current between a linear regulator output terminal and ground only when a load circuit connected to the linear regulator is in a low power consuming state. The replica output stage includes an 1:N scaled replica of the linear regulator's NMOS (or NPN) output stage transistor, and the negative feedback circuit utilizes two PMOS (or PNP) negative feedback transistors having the same N:1 size ratio and connected as a common gate amplifier, whereby one of the two negative feedback transistors turns on to draw the desired sink current from the regulator output terminal only when the load current falls below N times the reference current (i.e., only the load current is drawn through the output stage transistor during high load current conditions). |
| US09239582B2 |
Timing control circuit and electronic device using the same
A timing control circuit for an electronic device is disclosed. The timing control circuit includes a first power supply voltage input, a second power supply voltage input, a third power supply voltage input, a first output, a second output, a switch circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit is connected with the switch circuit and configured to turn the switch circuit on/off. The switch circuit is connected between the first power supply voltage input and the first output and responds to the control circuit to delay, by means of adjustable (different capacitance values) capacitors, the power connections when the electronic device is turned on but to immediately disconnect the power connections when the electronic device is shut down, thereby controlling the sequence of power applications and avoiding the need for expensive chips or circuits. |
| US09239581B1 |
Variable online dilution
A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system includes a sample pump configured to pump a sample in a specified time interval and a first carrier syringe pump configured to pump a volume of a carrier to be combined with the sample in the specified time interval. A control module is configured to receive a specified dilution level for the sample (e.g., input by an operator) and selectively adjust the volume of the carrier pumped by the first carrier syringe pump in the specified time interval to furnish the specified dilution for the sample. |
| US09239579B2 |
Precise ascertainment of actuating position for a motor-driven vehicle part
In order to ascertain the actuating position of a vehicle part that is moved by an electric actuating motor via an actuating mechanism, an angle of rotation correlating with the number of motor shaft rotations during the actuation process or a motor signal correlated therewith are ascertained during an actuation process. An actuating position measure for the actuating position of the vehicle part is derived from the angle of rotation or the motor signal correlating therewith. During this process, an unloaded angle of rotation, through which the motor shaft rotates during an initial no-load phase of the actuation process without motion of the vehicle part is compensated by a predetermined correction term. The correction term is changed according to a stored dependency on a characteristic quantity for the age of the actuating mechanism. |
| US09239578B2 |
Wireless engine monitoring system
A wireless engine monitoring system (WEMS) includes an engine monitoring module that is mounted directly on an aircraft engine and records, stores, encrypts and transmits full flight engine data. The system preferably interfaces to the Full Authority Digital Engine Controller/Engine Control Unit (FADEC/ECU) and can record hundreds of engine parameters with a preferred sampling frequency of about one second. The engine monitoring module is preferably formed as a miniaturized module directly mounted on the aircraft engine within its cowling and has a conformal antenna. The engine monitoring module can also upload data for onboard processing. |
| US09239569B2 |
Timepiece balance spring
Balance spring including, tangent to each other: a first inner coil at a first angle at the center and of decreasing section in a first ratio; a second coil at a second angle at the center and of constant section; a third coil at a third angle at the center and of increasing section in a third ratio; a fourth coil at a fourth angle at the center and of constant section; a fifth coil at a fifth angle at the center and of increasing section in a fifth ratio; a sixth outer coil at a sixth angle at the center and of increasing section in a sixth ratio. In a variant, a seventh more rigid segment deviates from this sixth coil.Movement including this balance spring.Watch including this movement. |
| US09239567B2 |
Data processing apparatus, condensation removal method and program thereof
An image forming apparatus includes a condensation removal unit configured to perform condensation removal absorbing condensation with toner in the image forming apparatus, and a setting unit configured to set an amount of toner to be used for the condensation removal, wherein the condensation removal unit performs the condensation removal by using the mount of toner set by the setting unit. |
| US09239556B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring rotator, a pressing member, a heat source, a supporting member, and an end cap. The fixing belt is rotatably provided. The pressuring rotator is rotatably provided, and comes into pressure contact with the fixing belt to form a fixing nip between the fixing belt and the pressuring rotator. The pressing member presses the fixing belt from inside toward the pressuring rotator. The heat source is disposed outside of the fixing belt, and heats the fixing belt. The supporting member faces the heat source across the fixing belt, and supports the fixing belt from inside. The end cap is mounted to an end part in the direction of a rotation axis of the fixing belt, and is rotatably supported by the supporting member. |
| US09239551B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A conveying belt is disposed so as to guide a recording medium on a side opposite to an image carrying belt across an extension line of a stretch surface formed by a transfer nip and a pressure member. Thus, the recording medium delivered from the transfer nip is guided on the side opposite to the image carrying belt across the extension line of the stretch surface. Therefore, even in a case of guiding a recording medium whose bending rigidity is high in particular, it is possible to suppress a rear end of the recording medium to move in a direction of separating from the image carrying belt at upstream of the transfer nip. |
| US09239549B1 |
Cleaning device having detection mechanism and image forming apparatus including same
A cleaning device includes a cleaning member that has a plate shape and cleans an outer circumference surface of a revolving cleaning target member with one end side of the cleaning member coming into contact with the outer circumference surface by removing adhering substances adhering to the outer circumference surface, and a detection mechanism that is attached to an end surface of the other end side of the cleaning member and detects vibration of the cleaning member. |
| US09239548B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, which executes, after an image forming operation is stopped, a cleaning operation in which toner that remains on an intermediate transfer belt is transferred to a photosensitive drum and is removed by a cleaning blade while the image forming apparatus causes the intermediate transfer belt to move for circulation, causes a charging roller or a laser scanner to change the surface potential of the photosensitive drum such that the toner to be transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to the photosensitive drum is part of the toner that is to remain on the intermediate transfer belt, when the cleaning operation is executed. |
| US09239547B2 |
Image forming apparatus for forming images with liquid developer
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyor configured to convey a sheet in a first direction; and an image forming portion which uses liquid developer to form an image on the sheet, wherein the image forming portion includes a first transfer unit, which transfers a first image to the sheet, and a second transfer unit, which transfers a second image after the first transfer unit, the first transfer unit includes a first rubbing unit configured to rub the first image on the sheet, and the second transfer unit includes a second rubbing unit configured to rub the second image on the sheet. |
| US09239545B2 |
Toner conveying device, image forming apparatus
Toner conveying device includes cylindrical member, shutter member, and shutter opening/closing mechanism. Cylindrical member is provided at end of toner conveyance path in which toner is conveyed, cylindrical member having first opening from which toner is discharged, end of toner conveyance path being on downstream side in toner conveyance direction. Shutter member is formed in shape of cylinder with bottom and configured to be externally fitted with cylindrical member and open and close first opening. Shutter opening/closing mechanism is configured to cause shutter member to pivot between open position at which first opening is opened and closed position at which first opening is closed, while moving shutter member in direction along axis around which shutter member pivots such that at closed position, bottom surface of shutter member and side edge of cylindrical member are pressed against each other. |
| US09239543B2 |
Developer supply container and image forming apparatus
A developer supply container for use with an image forming apparatus includes a shell having an air passage and a discharge nozzle, a developer storage pouch storing developer contained inside the shell, and a discharging nozzle for discharging the developer accommodated in the developer storage pouch to outside of the developer supply container. In addition, an air passage allows air to communicate between inside and outside of the shell, and a seal attached to the shell seals the air passage to maintain a pressure inside the shell in a negative pressure state which is lower than a pressure outside the shell. The developer storage pouch is deformed to discharge the developer by peeling the seal off the shell to permit air to enter the shell through the air passage. |
| US09239542B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming stations, each including a developing device, a toner container containing a colored or special toner, and a replaceable supply-toner conduit extending from the toner container to the developing device; and a toner type identifier to identify a type of toner used in the supply-toner conduit of each of the plurality of image forming stations. |
| US09239540B2 |
Developing device and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided a method for manufacturing a developing device including a developer carrier having a rotation axis extending in a first direction, a blade and including a first end portion and a second end portion, and a supporting member supporting the blade. The method includes the steps of positioning the blade, and welding the blade onto the supporting member by irradiating a laser beam onto the blade while moving at least one of the blade and the laser beam relative to the other of the blade and the laser beam. The positioning includes positioning the first end portion in the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and positioning the second end portion in the second direction without being positioned with respect to the first direction. The welding includes moving the laser beam from a first end portion side toward a second end portion side. |
| US09239536B2 |
Image forming apparatus with electrophotographic system
An image forming apparatus that is capable of simplifying controls for light sources. A polygon mirror with four reflective surfaces deflects light beams emitted from first and second light sources. A housing in which the light sources and the polygon mirror are arranged is configured so that optical paths of the light beams toward the polygon mirror are parallel to a virtual plane containing a rotating axis of the polygon mirror, and so that the light beams are incident on adjoining reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror. First and second driver ICs drive the first and second light sources in one of operation modes. A control unit outputs the same operation mode signal to the first and second driver ICs at the same timing so that the first and second light sources operate in the same operation mode. |
| US09239535B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
There is provided an optical scanning device and an image forming apparatus including the optical scanning device. The optical scanning device includes an optical box containing light source units, a rotating polygon mirror, and a motor. In order to prevent the entire optical box from being deformed by deformation occurring in the installation region due to heat of the driving unit, the optical box includes a connection region between a second sidewall and an installation region where a driving unit is installed. The optical box further includes regions provided next to the connection region and having heights different from each other. A concave portion is formed in the connection region. |
| US09239533B2 |
Electrostatic ink composition, ink container, printing apparatus and printing method
Disclosed is an electrostatic ink composition, comprising a single charge director and a charge control agent that counters the build up of negative optical density memory on the intermediate transfer member of a printing apparatus using the electrostatic ink. |
| US09239530B2 |
Toner for forming electrostatic image, developer, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
To provide a toner, which contains a colorant, a binder resin, and a releasing agent, wherein the toner satisfies the following (a) to (c): (a) the toner contains at least a polyester resin as the binder resin; (b) the toner has Tg1st of 25° C. to 50° C.; and (c) the toner has a TMA compressive deformation rate (TMA %) of 10% or lower at 50° C. under a condition having relative humidity of 70%, wherein the Tg1st is glass transition temperature of the toner for first heating, as the toner is measured by a DSC system (a differential scanning calorimeter). |
| US09239528B2 |
Toner
A toner comprising toner particles which comprise a binder resin and a colorant, and also inorganic fine particles as external additives, wherein the inorganic fine particles are silica fine particles and a group 2 element titanate fine particles, the inorganic fine particles have specific particle diameters, the silica fine particles have a coverage ratio X1 on the surfaces of the toner particles, which is not less than 40.0 surface area % and not more than 75.0 surface area %, when the theoretical coverage ratio by the silica fine particles is X2, the diffusion index defined as “diffusion index=X1/X2” satisfies the condition: diffusion index≧−0.0042×X1+0.62, and the external additives have an embedding ratio on the toner particles, which satisfies a specific range. |
| US09239526B2 |
Exposure apparatus and transfer characteristics measuring method
According to one embodiment, an exposure apparatus includes a light blocking unit that blocks an exposure light reflected on a reflective mask at a part other than an aperture; a detection unit that measures a light intensity of the exposure light passed through the light blocking unit; and a calculation unit that calculates, based on the light intensity, a transfer characteristic when a pattern on the reflective mask is transferred to a substrate. In the light blocking unit, a position on an aperture plane and a position in an optical axis direction of the exposure light are adjusted. The calculation unit calculates the transfer characteristic based on the position in the optical axis direction in which the light intensity is maximized. |
| US09239524B2 |
Exposure condition determination method, exposure method, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method involving detection of the situation of a liquid immersion region
The situation of a liquid immersion region (LR) formed on the surface of a substrate (P) is detected while changing at least one of the movement condition of the substrate (P) and the liquid immersion condition when forming the liquid immersion region (LR), and an exposure condition is determined based on the detection results. |
| US09239520B2 |
Photoresist defect reduction system and method
A system and method for reducing defects in photoresist processing is provided. An embodiment comprises cleaning the photoresist after development using an alkaline environment. The alkaline environment may comprise a neutral solvent and an alkaline developer. The alkaline environment will modify the attraction between residue leftover from development and a surface of the photoresist such that the surfaces repel each other, making the removal of the residue easier. By removing more residue, there will be fewer defects in the photolithographic process. |
| US09239518B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and method of forming pattern using the same
A photosensitive resin composition includes: an acrylic copolymer comprising a polymerization product of a first monomer comprising at least one selected from an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, and a second monomer comprising an olefin-based unsaturated compound; a photosensitive component comprising at least one 1,2-quinonediazide-5-sulfonic acid ester compound selected from compounds represented by Chemical Formulae 1 to 4; a coupling agent; and a solvent, wherein a total amount of asymmetric compounds in the photosensitive component is greater than or equal to 45 area percent as determined by high performance liquid chromatography: wherein R1 is a hydroxyl group or a methyl group, and NQD is a 1,2-quinonediazide 5-sulfonyl group. |
| US09239516B2 |
Method of manufacturing reflective extreme ultraviolet mask
A reflective extreme ultraviolet mask includes a mask substrate having an exposing region and a peripheral region, the mask substrate including a light-scattering portion in the peripheral region, a reflective layer on an upper surface of the mask substrate, the reflective layer having a first opening exposing the light-scattering portion, and an absorbing layer pattern on the reflective layer, the absorbing layer pattern having a second opening in light communication with the first opening. |
| US09239515B2 |
Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography
To provide an EUV mask blank which has an absorber layer having such a structure that the phase difference between a reflective layer and the absorber layer is in the vicinity of 180°, and the change of the phase difference between the reflective layer and the absorber layer is small to the film thick change of the absorber layer, and of which the absorber layer can be expected to be further thinner than a conventional absorber layer.A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, comprising a substrate, and a reflective layer for reflecting EUV light and an absorber layer for absorbing EUV light formed in this order on the substrate, wherein the absorber layer consists of a layer (upper layer) on the surface side and a layer (lower layer) on the substrate side, one of the upper layer and the lower layer of the absorber layer is a Cr film containing chromium (Cr) as the main component and containing at least one of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N), the other is a TaPd film containing tantalum (Ta) and palladium (Pd) as the main components and containing at least one of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N), and the absorber layer satisfies the following conditions (1) to (5): (1) the total film thickness (L) of the absorber layer is at least 30 nm and at most 45 nm; (2) the film thickness of the TaPd film is at least 8 nm and at most 36 nm; (3) the peak reflectivity of the surface of the absorber layer to EUV light is at least 5% and at most 12%; (4) the phase difference (φ) between EUV reflected light on the surface of the reflective layer and EUV reflected light on the surface of the absorber layer, is within a range of 180°±10°; and (5) the gradient (Δφ/ΔL) of the change (Δφ) of the above phase difference (φ) to the change (ΔL) of the total film thickness (L) of the absorber layer is at most 15 deg/nm. |
| US09239511B2 |
Focal plane shutter and optical apparatus
A focal plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; blades opening and closing the opening; an electromagnet supported by the board; a drive lever adsorbed to and held by the electromagnet, and swingably supported by the board; a drive arm connected to the drive lever, swingably supported by the board, and driving the blades; a first biasing member always biasing the drive lever away from the electromagnet and moving the blades; a first adjusting member that stepwisely adjusts a biasing force of the first biasing member; a second biasing member always biasing the drive arm in a direction opposite to a biasing direction of the first biasing member to such an extent that the blades are moved in accordance with the biasing force of the first biasing member; and a second adjusting member that steplessly adjusts a biasing force of the second biasing member. |
| US09239507B2 |
Grating based optical coupler
An apparatus including a waveguide region configured to guide light propagating along a first direction; a reflector region configured to reflect incident light; an interference region formed between the waveguide region and the reflector region, the interference region configured to confine at least a portion of interference light formed by the incident light and the reflected incident light; and a grating region including a grating formed on a region confining at least a portion of the interference light, the grating configured to couple at least a portion of the light along a second direction that is different from the first direction. |
| US09239502B2 |
Pixel structure with data line, scan line and gate electrode formed on the same layer and manufacturing method thereof
A pixel structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The pixel structure includes a substrate, a scan line, a data line, a first insulating layer, an active device, a second insulating layer, a common electrode and a first pixel electrode. The data line crossed to the scan line is disposed on the substrate and includes a linear transmitting part and a cross-line transmitting part. The first insulating layer covering the scan line and the linear transmitting part is disposed between the scan line and the cross-line transmitting part. The active device, including a gate, an oxide channel, a source and a drain, is connected to the scan line and the data line. The second insulating layer is disposed on the oxide channel and the linear transmitting part. The common electrode is disposed above the linear transmitting part. The first pixel electrode is connected to the drain. |
| US09239501B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device is provided. The LCD device includes a substrate having at least one pixel region defined by a pair of gate lines extending in a first direction and a pair of data lines extending in a second direction. A first insulating layer is disposed on the substrate corresponding to the pixel region. A first common electrode is disposed on the first insulating layer. A pixel electrode pattern is disposed above the first common electrode. A second insulating layer is interposed between the first common electrode and the pixel electrode pattern. A pair of second common electrodes is formed on the second insulating layer and corresponds to the pair of data lines. |
| US09239500B2 |
Thin film transistor array substrate, manufacturing method thereof, and liquid crystal display device
A TFT array substrate includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, in which the pixel includes a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode conductively connected to a drain electrode, and a common electrode that is formed opposite the pixel electrode with an insulation film interposed therebetween. In the TFT array substrate, when one of the pixels is focused, the pixel electrode is divided into a plurality of divided pixel electrodes and includes a plurality of branch conductive parts that conductively connect each of the drain electrode and the plurality of divided pixel electrodes, and in plane view, the common electrode is not formed in at least a part of a formation region of the plurality of branch conductive parts. |
| US09239498B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device, which includes a plurality of pixel units. Each of the pixel units further includes a liquid crystal layer, a pixel electrode and a corresponding electrode. The pixel electrode and the corresponding electrode are disposed on two opposite sides of liquid crystal layer. The corresponding electrode further includes a first electrode pattern disposed oppositely to the pixel electrode, and a second electrode pattern connected to the first electrode pattern for applying an external voltage to the first electrode pattern so as to form an alignment electric field for the liquid crystal layer between the first electrode pattern and the pixel electrode. The present invention changes the way in which the external voltage is applied, and introduces the external voltage from one side of the color filter substrate to improve success rate of liquid crystal alignment, reduce energy-consumption and reduce waste. |
| US09239497B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device
It is an object to provide a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal layer which exhibits a stable blue phase. The following steps are performed: a first step of forming a thermosetting first sealant so as to form a frame over a first substrate; a second step of forming a photocurable and thermosetting second sealant on an outer side than the first sealant over the first substrate; a third step of dropping a liquid crystal material which exhibits a blue phase at a given temperature on an inner side than the first sealant; a fourth step of attaching a second substrate to the first substrate in a reduced-pressure atmosphere; a fifth step of performing polymer stabilization treatment on the liquid crystal material; and a sixth step of curing the first sealant through heat treatment. |
| US09239492B2 |
Liquid crystal display
Provided is a liquid crystal display capable of reducing a texture by increasing a liquid crystal control ability. The liquid crystal display includes a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other with a liquid crystal layer therebetween. The first electrode includes a horizontal extension forming a boundary between adjacent subregions and a vertical extension connected to the horizontal extension, and the horizontal extension includes a portion which has a largest width at a position proximate to the vertical extension, and which has a smaller width at a position farther from the vertical extension. |
| US09239491B2 |
Optical element
An optical element is provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. The optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image. |
| US09239482B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display
A backlight module and a liquid crystal display are disclosed. The backlight module includes a back frame and a support. The back frame is arranged on the support and is fixedly connected with the support. A receiving cavity is formed between the back frame and the support for receiving flexible circuit boards and printed circuit boards connecting to the flexible circuit boards. By adding the support at the outer side of the back frame, the receiving cavity is formed between the back frame and the support to receive the doubled flexible circuit boards and printed circuit boards. Not only the resolution of the liquid crystal display is achieved, but also the reliability of the mechanical components of the liquid crystal display is enhanced. |
| US09239477B2 |
Parallel-coupled dual racetrack silicon micro-resonator
An apparatus, resonator and method for modulating light including a mechanism to compensate for parameter deviations. The apparatus may be capable of phase shift keying and quadrature amplitude modulation, and includes a waveguide, a plurality of micro-resonators, and an electronic structure. The plurality of micro-resonators are positioned adjacent to the waveguide and have a parameter deviation in at least one resonator characteristic. The electronic structure is electrically biased so as to cause electro-optic modulation of amplitude and a phase of the light output by the apparatus, each bias voltage comprising a numerical offset that is determined based upon the parameter deviation, thereby reducing any overall effect caused by the material or manufacturing imperfections. An electronic encoder may provide driving voltage levels for phase shift keying or quadrature amplitude modulation. The number of output amplitude and phase states of light depends on the number of output voltage levels of the encoder. |
| US09239476B2 |
Layer arrangement for the regulation of light transmission
The present invention relates to a layer arrangement which changes the transmission of light depending on its temperature, where the layer arrangement has a first polarization layer, a switching layer which influences the polarization properties of light depending on the temperature, and a second polarization layer, as well as an additional NIR transmission-preventing layer. |
| US09239475B2 |
Optical semiconductor element having ring modulators
An apparatus includes an optical semiconductor element comprising: a waveguide into which input light is input; a plurality of ring modulators that have different optical perimeter lengths and are optically coupled to the waveguide; and a control unit configured to selectively apply a modulation signal to at least one of the plurality of ring modulators having a resonant wavelength that is the same as a wavelength of the input light. |
| US09239474B2 |
Thermochromatic element and thermochromatic display apparatus
A thermochromatic element includes a color element and at least one heating element configured to supply heat for the color element such that the color element changes color. The at least one heating element includes at least one carbon nanotube film. Each carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube linear units and a number of carbon nanotube groups. Each carbon nanotube linear unit includes a number of carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a first direction, and are spaced from each other and substantially extending along the first direction. The carbon nanotube groups are combined with the carbon nanotube linear units by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotube groups between adjacent carbon nanotube linear units are spaced from each other in the first direction. |
| US09239473B2 |
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. |
| US09239470B2 |
Adjustable eyewear
Eyewear includes a frame front (14) having first and second sides (26, 28) to which are attached respective first and second temple arms (40, 42). The frame front is pivotally coupled to the temple arms to provide multiple tilt adjustment positions that enable a person wearing the eyewear to rotate the frame front about a pivot axis (48) between forward-facing and near-field adjustment positions (52, 56). First and second nose pad arms (70l, 70r) couple respective first and second nose pads (72l, 72r) to the frame front and have respective first and second nose bridge-contacting surfaces (74l, 74r). The nose pad arms extend from the frame front in a direction that sets an offset distance (92) between the nose bridge-contacting surfaces and the frame front to establish a vertical drop distance (98) that allows the user rotating the frame front about the pivot axis to the near-field adjustment position to see over the top long side (86) of the frame front. |
| US09239469B2 |
Eyeglasses
Eyeglass assemblies include an eyeglass lens having an engaging portion. The junction between the body portion of the lens and the engaging portion can consist essentially of smoothly curved surfaces. The engaging portion can be extend from the periphery of the lens or can be a recess in the lens. In some assemblies, under typical conditions of use, the engaging portion is maintained in contact with an eyeglass frame member by means of a removable bonding member (RBM). Under selected atypical ambient conditions, the RBM changes so that the engaging portion and the frame member can be separated. The RBM can be a suitable adhesive (RBA), or a component composed of a shape memory metal (RBSMA) or a material which softens when subjected to heat or other atypical condition. |
| US09239468B2 |
Imaging device
An imaging device is described having an electro-mechanical image stabilization system capable of removing the effect on a generated image of vibration and angular movement of the device. The system includes a mechanical coupling interposed between the optics and the drive electronics of the device. The coupling ensures that movement generated by vibration is translated into linear movement of the optics and the drive electronics relative to each other. |
| US09239467B2 |
Optical pattern projection
Optical apparatus includes first and second diffractive optical elements (DOEs) arranged in series to diffract an input beam of radiation. The first DOE is configured to apply to the input beam a pattern with a specified divergence angle, while the second DOE is configured to split the input beam into a matrix of output beams with a specified fan-out angle. The divergence and fan-out angles are chosen so as to project the radiation onto a region in space in multiple adjacent instances of the pattern. |
| US09239462B2 |
Image display device and head-mounted image display device
A head mounted image display device includes: a frame including a front section having a nose pad; a light transmitter supported by the front section and allowing visible light to pass therethrough; an optical scanner that receives signal light modulated according to an image signal and made incident thereon and that two-dimensionally scans the incident signal light toward the light transmitter; a half mirror on a surface on which the signal light from the optical scanner is incident and having a curved surface that reflects the signal light; and a condensing lens on an optical axis between the optical scanner and the half mirror and condensing the signal light from the optical scanner between the optical scanner and the half mirror to convert the signal light reflected by the half mirror into parallel light. |
| US09239460B2 |
Calibration of eye location
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to calibrating a predetermined eye location in a head-mounted display. For example, in one disclosed embodiment a method includes displaying a virtual marker visually alignable with a real world target at an alignment condition. At the alignment condition, image data is acquired to determine a location of the real world target. From the image data, an estimated eye location relative to a location of the head-mounted display is determined. Based upon the estimated eye location, the predetermined eye location is then calibrated. |
| US09239457B2 |
Circuits for controlling display apparatus
A display apparatus includes an array of light modulators. Each light modulator has a first actuator configured to drive the light modulator into a first state and a second actuator configured to drive the light modulator into a second state. The display apparatus also includes a control matrix including, for each light modulator in the array, a single actuation voltage interconnect. The actuation voltage interconnect is configured to apply a first drive voltage to the first actuator of the light modulator and apply a second drive voltage to the second actuator of the light modulator. In addition, the actuation voltage interconnect is configured to control application of a data voltage to a latch circuit to control the application of the first and second drive voltages to the first and second actuators. |
| US09239448B2 |
Imaging lens, and imaging apparatus including the imaging lens
An imaging lens substantially consists of a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group in this order from the object side. The first lens group substantially consists of only a first lens, which is one biconcave lens. The second lens group substantially consists of, in the following order from the object side: a cemented lens, which is formed by bonding a second lens, i.e., a biconvex lens, and a third lens, i.e., a negative meniscus lens, in this order from the object side, and which has a positive refractive power as a whole; an aperture stop; and a cemented lens that is formed by bonding a fourth lens, i.e., a biconvex lens and a fifth lens, i.e., a negative meniscus lens in this order from the object side and that has a positive refractive power as a whole. |
| US09239441B2 |
Fiber optic drop cables and preconnectorized assemblies having toning portions
A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle. |
| US09239440B2 |
Receptacle ferrules with monolithic lens system and fiber optic connectors using same
Receptacle ferrules with at least one monolithic lens system and fiber optic connectors using same are disclosed. Ferrule assemblies formed by mating plug and receptacle ferrules are also disclosed, as are connector assemblies formed by mating plug and receptacle connectors. The fiber optic connectors and connector assemblies are suitable for use with commercial electronic devices and provide either an optical connection, or both electrical and optical connections. The monolithic optical system defines a receptacle optical pathway having a focus at the receptacle ferrule front end. When a plug ferrule having a plug optical pathway is mated with the receptacle ferrule, the plug and receptacle optical pathways are optically coupled at a solid-solid optical pathway interface where light passing therethrough is either divergent or convergent, and where unwanted liquid is substantially expelled. |
| US09239438B2 |
Optical semiconductor element and method of manufacturing the same
A disclosed optical semiconductor element includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface in which a plurality of first grooves are formed; a first optical waveguide defined by portions of the semiconductor substrate between the first grooves and having side faces defined by the first grooves; and a photoelectric converter configured to transmit or receive an optical signal propagating through the first optical waveguide. Moreover, the first grooves define part of a guide hole. |
| US09239437B2 |
Fiber optic connector removal clips
A removal clip is provided for disconnecting a fiber optic connector from an array of installed fiber optic connectors. The removal clip includes an engagement portion for engaging the connector and a force transmitting structure that allows digital removal force from a user to be applied at a distance from the connector. The engagement portion may be generally U-shaped and includes opposing latch arms configured to accommodate the body of a fiber optic connector. The latch arms permit the engagement portion to snap attach to the connector. The force transmitting structure may include a beam and a handle extending axially or radially from the gripping section. Also included is an assembly of a removal clip attached to a fiber optic connector. |
| US09239435B2 |
Optical fiber cable having connector and assembling method thereof
An optical fiber cable having an optical connector, includes: an optical connector assembled on a tip portion of an optical fiber cable, including a ferrule in which an optical fiber protruding from a terminal of the optical fiber cable is inserted and fixed; and a reinforced portion formed by heating and shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube and by solidifying a hot-melt adhesive of an inner portion of the heat-shrinkable tube after melting the hot-melt adhesive so as to integrate a rear end portion of the ferrule, the tip portion of the optical fiber cable which is disposed so as to be separated in a rear side of the ferrule, and the heat-shrinkable tube which accommodates the rear end portion of the ferrule and the tip portion of the optical fiber cable and in which the hot-melt adhesive is disposed in the inner portion of the heat-shrinkable tube. |
| US09239430B2 |
Integrated optical circuit with traversing attentuation zone
An integrated optical circuit includes an optically transparent substrate including: an input face, an output face, an upper face and a lower face, the upper and lower faces extending between the input and output faces; at least one optical waveguide which includes at least one first end situated on the input face and a second end situated on the output face; and at least one optical attenuation zone able to attenuate an optical signal transmitted via the substrate to the outside of the waveguide. The waveguide has a non-rectilinear optical path between the first and second end, the attenuation zone extends from the upper face to the lower face, and is positioned on a straight line segment joining the first and second end of the optical waveguide, the waveguide and the attenuation zone having respective dimensions such that the attenuation zone does not cut the waveguide. |
| US09239425B2 |
Tuneable AWG device for multiplexing and demultiplexing signals and method for tuning said device
The invention relates to a tuneable AWG device for multiplexing and demultiplexing signals and to a method for tuning said device. The inventive device is an integrated-optic device which enables a signal made up of a plurality of signals multiplexed by wavelength division to be injected through an input port such as to obtain, at the output, a demultiplexed signal with each component exiting via a different port. If the multiplexed signal is changed to another input port, the demultiplexed signals appear at different ports, but always according to a pre-determined relationship. The invention makes it possible to tune the AWG device by using stationary acoustic waves such that the acoustically excited optical guides are excited by a linear acoustic wave. |
| US09239420B2 |
Light guide plate, surface source device and transmission-type display device
A light guide plate 13 has a number of back surface-side unit optical structures 131 arranged in a back surface 13d along a light guide direction. Each back surface-side unit optical structure 131 is tapered in a direction away from a light exit surface 13c, and has a first inclined surface 132 lying on the light entrance surface side, a second inclined surface (133) lying opposite the first inclined surface and which totally reflects at least part of incident light, and a top surface region 134 lying between the first inclined surface 132 and the second inclined surface 133, and located farthest from the light exit surface 13c. The top surface regions 134 each include a plurality of surfaces 134a to 134d which are parallel to the light exit surface 13c and have different heights “h” in the direction away from the light exit surface 13c. |
| US09239419B2 |
Narrow border backlight module and manufacturing method thereof
A narrow border backlight module includes a frame, a reflective isolation layer, and a light guide element. The frame includes a plural of sidewalls connected to each other, and the bottom of the frame is hollow. The sidewalls define a cavity. The reflective isolation layer is disposed on an inner surface facing the cavity of the sidewalls. The light guide element is formed inside the frame, and the light guide element and the frame are integrally formed. |
| US09239413B2 |
Method of manufacturing metal grating
A method for making a metal grating is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, applying a metal layer on a surface of the substrate, forming a number of protrusions spaced from each other on a surface of the metal layer, wherein each of the number of protrusions is made of two resist layer, one of the two resist layers being made of silicone oligomer, etching the surface of the metal layer exposed out of the number of protrusions using a physical etching gas and a reactive etching gas, and dissolving the number of protrusions on the surface of the metal layer. |
| US09239412B2 |
Retroreflective member producing iridescent reflected light
A retroreflective member that can improve the visibility further. The retroreflective member includes a reflective layer and transparent microscopic beads 13. The retroreflective member gives a phase difference corresponding to a visible light wavelength to at least a part of incident light and recombines, emphasizes a light component having the visible light wavelength by interference, and returns coherent light having a visible light wavelength depending on the incident angle in the traveling direction of the incident light. The reflective layer includes a light-transmissive interference layer 14, and the interference layer 14 each has an optical layer thickness of 100 to 600 nm so as to generate an interference color having a visible light wavelength depending on the incident angle of light. |
| US09239411B2 |
Optical flim, optical film assembly using the optical film, and manufacturing method of the optical film
An optical film includes a substrate, several prism bars, and several connecting parts. The substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The prism bars are disposed on the second surface of the substrate. Each prism bar has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion of each prism bar is disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and each top portion has an edge. Each connecting part includes a flexible pillar and a connecting enlarged part. Each flexible pillar has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of each flexible pillar is disposed on one of the edges. Each connecting enlarged part is disposed on the second end of each flexible pillar. The outer width of each connecting enlarged part is larger than that of the cross-section of each flexible pillar. |
| US09239410B2 |
Photographing system
A photographing system 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 and a fifth lens element. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface. The object-side surface and an image-side surface of the fourth lens element are aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface. An object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fifth lens element are aspheric, and the fifth lens element has at least one inflection point formed on the image-side surface thereof. |
| US09239409B2 |
Silicone hydrogel lens with a crosslinked hydrophilic coating
The invention is related to a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a crosslinked hydrophilic coating thereon. A method of the invention involves heating a silicone hydrogel contact lens in an aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble, highly branched, thermally-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material having positively-charged azetidinium groups, to and at a temperature from about 40° C. to about 140° C. for a period of time sufficient to covalently attach the thermally-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material onto the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens through covalent linkages each formed between one azetidinium group and one of the reactive functional groups on and/or near the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens, thereby forming a crosslinked hydrophilic coating on the silicone hydrogel contact lens. Such method can be advantageously implemented directly in a sealed lens package during autoclave. |
| US09239408B2 |
Colored photosensitive composition
Disclosed is a colored (alkali-developable) photosensitive composition using a compound that is excellent in solubility and heat-resistance in a resin composition, and also relates to an optical filter using the colored (alkali-developable) photosensitive composition, specifically a color filter that does not decrease luminance and thus is preferable for image display devices such as liquid crystal display panels. Specifically, disclosed is a colored (alkali-developable) photosensitive composition containing (A) a dye that contains at least one kind of compound represented by any of the general formulas (1) to (4), (B) a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond or (B′) a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond, which has alkali-developability, and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, and use of the composition. The compound represented by any of the general formulas (1) to (4) is as described. |
| US09239407B2 |
Injection treatment simulation using condensation
An injection treatment on a subterranean zone is simulated by modeling physically separate rock blocks of the subterranean zone by separate block models. The block model for each physically separate rock block represents intra-block mechanics of the rock block by finite element method. Condensation is performed in the finite element method to reduce nodal degrees of freedom operation on by the finite element method. Interactions between adjacent pairs of the rock blocks are modeled by separate joint models. The joint model for each adjacent pair of rock blocks represents inter-block mechanics between the adjacent rock blocks. The injection treatment of the subterranean zone is simulated with the block models and the joint models. |
| US09239406B2 |
Downhole treatment monitoring systems and methods using ion selective fiber sensors
A disclosed system includes a plurality of ion selective fiber sensors configured to measure treatment concentration variance, and a computer in communication with the plurality of ion selective fiber sensors. The computer determines treatment coverage for different downhole zones using information received from the plurality of ion selective fiber sensors. A disclosed method includes collecting data from a plurality of ion selective fiber sensors configured to measure treatment concentration variance. The method also includes determining treatment coverage for different downhole zones using information received from the plurality of ion selective fiber sensors. A disclosed downhole treatment management system includes a data analysis unit that collects data from a plurality of downhole ion selective fiber sensors configured to measure treatment concentration variance, and that determines treatment coverage for different downhole zones using the collected data. The downhole treatment management system also includes a treatment control interface in communication with the data analysis unit. The treatment control interface updates treatment operations using treatment coverage information determined by the data analysis unit. |
| US09239405B2 |
Apparatus for detecting particles
A particle detection system is provided, including a sensing chamber having an inlet nozzle, an outlet nozzle, and an interrogation zone defined therebetween. Particles in a sampled environmental gas are prevented from escaping the interrogation zone by pressurizing the sensing chamber such that the pressure therein is higher than that in the outlet nozzle. This is accomplished by providing a source of extra gas to the sensing chamber, for example, by diverting gas from an inlet flow path directly to the sensing chamber. |
| US09239397B2 |
Electroseismic surveying in exploration and production environments
Systems, methods, and computer programs for monitoring a drilling operation in a subterranean formation include receiving, from a first sensor array, one or more signals caused, at least in part, by the fracturing operation in the subterranean formation; receiving, from the first sensor array, one or more electromagnetic signals generated by an electroseismic or seismoelectric conversion of the seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the fracturing operation in the subterranean formation; and determining a property of one or more of a fracture or the subterranean formation based, at least in part, at least in part, on the signals received from the first sensor array. The first sensor array is arranged to monitor the fracturing operation. |
| US09239396B2 |
Electroseismic surveying in exploration and production environments
Systems, methods, and computer programs for monitoring a drilling operation in a subterranean formation include receiving, from a first sensor array, one or more seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the drilling operation in the subterranean formation; receiving, from the first sensor array, one or more electromagnetic signals generated by an electro seismic or seismoelectric conversion of the one or more seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the drilling operation in the subterranean formation; and determining a property of one or more of the drillstring and the subterranean formation based, at least in part, on the seismic signals and the corresponding electromagnetic signals received from the first sensor array. The first sensor array is arranged to monitor the drilling operation. |
| US09239388B2 |
Pairwise grouping of joint sparsity models for sensing array processing
A scene is reconstructed by transmitting pulses into a scene from an array of transmitters so that only one pulse is transmitted by one transmitter at any one time. The one pulse is reflection by the scene and received as a set of signals. Each signal is sampled and decomposed to produce frequency coefficients stacked in a set of linear systems modeling a reflectivity of the scene. Then, a reconstruction method is applied to the set of linear systems. The reconstruction method solves each linear system separately to obtain corresponding solutions, which are shared and combined to reconstruct the scene. |
| US09239386B2 |
Sonic sensors and packages
Embodiments relate to integrated sonic sensors having a transmitter, a receiver and driver electronics integrated in a single, functional package. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric signal transmitter, a silicon microphone receiver and a controller/amplifier chip are concomitantly integrated in a semiconductor housing. The semiconductor housing, in embodiments, is functional in that at least a portion of the housing can comprise the piezoelectric element of the transmitter, with an inlet aperture opposite the silicon microphone receiver. |
| US09239384B1 |
Terrain detection and classification using single polarization SAR
The various technologies presented herein relate to identifying manmade and/or natural features in a radar image. Two radar images (e.g., single polarization SAR images) can be captured for a common scene. The first image is captured at a first instance and the second image is captured at a second instance, whereby the duration between the captures are of sufficient time such that temporal decorrelation occurs for natural surfaces in the scene, and only manmade surfaces, e.g., a road, produce correlated pixels. A LCCD image comprising the correlated and decorrelated pixels can be generated from the two radar images. A median image can be generated from a plurality of radar images, whereby any features in the median image can be identified. A superpixel operation can be performed on the LCCD image and the median image, thereby enabling a feature(s) in the LCCD image to be classified. |
| US09239379B2 |
Method and devices for processing radar signals
A method for processing signals received by a plurality of receiving antennas in a radar system, for example for road safety, which emits sequences of chirp-modulated signals, wherein the received signals are mixed with local replicas of the transmitted signals so as to generate, for each receiving antenna, a sequence of detection signals. The detection signals are subjected to Fourier-transform processing and beam-forming processing for generating values of range, azimuth, and speed for at least one obstacle or “target” detected by the radar system. The method includes an acquisition process for yielding approximate values of range and azimuth of the obstacle, and a tracking process for yielding accurate range, azimuth and speed values of the obstacle itself. |
| US09239378B2 |
Radar device
A radar device is provided, which includes a first sector radar and a second sector radar, each including a code generator that generates two code sequences, a multiplier that multiplies the two code sequences by a coefficient sequence, wherein the two coefficient sequences of the first and second sector radars, respectively, are orthogonal to each other, a transmission signal generator that modulates the orthogonalized two code sequences, and an RF transmitter that transmits the modulated signal including the two orthogonalized two code sequences. At least one of the two orthogonal coefficient sequences for the first and second sector radars, respectively, includes one or more negative coefficients. The two orthogonal coefficient sequences include coefficients, which are identical to each other, in a first transmission cycle, and include coefficients, which are different from each other, in a second transmission cycle different from the first transmission cycle. |
| US09239377B2 |
Pulse radar ranging apparatus and ranging algorithm thereof
A pulse radar ranging apparatus and a ranging algorithm thereof are provided. The pulse radar ranging apparatus includes a radio frequency pulse generator, a radio frequency filter, a radio frequency switch and a transceiver aerial. The radio frequency pulse generator generates a pulse signal. The radio frequency filter receives the pulse signal and generates a high-pass filter signal, wherein the high-pass filter signal includes a radio frequency pulse reference signal. The radio frequency switch controls an output of the radio frequency pulse reference signal. The transceiver aerial transmits the radio frequency pulse reference signal. The radio frequency pulse reference signal contacts an object and generates a return signal, and the transceiver aerial receives the return signal. The ranging algorithm processes and analyzes the signals obtained by the pulse radar ranging apparatus, and calculates a distance between pulse radar ranging apparatus and the object by using polynomial interpolation. |
| US09239375B2 |
Ultrasound probe with dynamic focus and associated systems and methods
Exemplary ultrasound probes with sub-aperture processing capable of dynamic focus are provided that generally include an array of transducer elements that form a sub-aperture in the ultrasound probe. The transducer elements can be assigned to dynamic delay update groups and an initial delay can be applied to ultrasound signals associated with the transducer elements of the sub-aperture. A sub-aperture processor can be configured to dynamically apply delay updates to the ultrasound signals associated with the transducer elements of the sub-aperture according to the dynamic delay update groups to which the transducer elements are assigned. Exemplary ultrasound systems with a dynamic focus and methods of transmitting ultrasound signals with a dynamic focus are also provided. |
| US09239372B2 |
Extracting spectral features from a signal in a multiplicative and additive noise environment
A spectral feature extracting engine, chirp detecting engine, and target classifying engine with corresponding method, system, and computer product are provided. Given a “noisy” signal having multiplicative and additive noise, the spectral feature extracting engine extracts spectral features from the noisy signal in the form of a spectral detection density. The extraction includes identifying an initial detection by comparing the spectral content of a subject time-frequency slice with an initial detection threshold calculated from a set of time-frequency slices, and determining the spectral detection density as a function of a number of identified initial detections and number of compared time-frequency slices. Based on the spectral detection density of the noisy signal, the chirp detecting engine detects multiple channel-induced and target-induced chirps present in the noisy signal and the target classifying engine classifies a target from the noisy signal. |
| US09239366B2 |
High resolution high contrast MRI for flowing media
An MRI device for providing high-contrast, high-resolution images of a fluid. The device includes: an envelope for at least partially confining the fluid; a plurality of magnets located at least partially around the envelope; and a CPU to process the images, including a computer readable medium containing instructions for generating at least one third image superimposing at least one image of the first images with at least one image of the second images, whereby a high-contrast, high-resolution real-time continuous images of the fluid is obtained. |
| US09239358B2 |
Optimized automated test equipment multi-path receiver concept
A multi-path receiver for automated test equipment. The multi-path receiver includes an input for receiving low-power signals and high-power signals. The high-power signals have signal amplitude higher than the low-power signals. The multi-path receiver further comprises an output for outputting a received signal, a first path for transmitting a received high-power signal from the input to the output and a second path for transmitting a received low-power signal from the input to the output. The second path comprises an amplifier. A first switch is provided for switching a received high-power signal to the first path and for switching a received low-power signal to the second path. A high-power amplifier is also connected between the input and the first switch for amplifying the received signal independent of its input power before it is switched with the first path or the second path. |
| US09239351B2 |
Injection protocol
An injection protocol for a cable includes selecting a cable for testing, selecting a pre-injection electrical discharge test for determining if electrical discharge activity occurs at or about operating voltage of the cable, configuring the cable for the pre-injection electrical discharge test; running the pre-injection electrical discharge test on the cable, and determining whether to inject the cable with a restorative fluid based upon electrical discharge activity detected at or about operating voltage of the cable. |
| US09239349B2 |
Time domain electromagnetic interference monitoring method and system
This invention relates to a method of, and a system for, monitoring electromagnetic interference. The method comprising capturing a plurality of time domain waveforms, and a plurality of scatter plots; receiving the plurality of captured time domain waveforms and scatter plots; applying a fast fourier transform (FFT) to each of the received time domain waveforms as it is received thereby to receive FFT outputs; storing the FFT outputs in a database; generating a statistically representative spectrograph or spectrogram in the frequency domain based on at least the stored FFT outputs and scatter plots or data associated with the scatter plots, combining constituent FFTs of the statistically representative spectrograph or spectrogram in such a manner as to emulate the result that would be produced by an EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) receiver or spectrum analyzer; and combining resultant outputs from a number of iterations of this process to produce a final result (EMI spectrum). |
| US09239344B2 |
Thermally stabilized power sensor
A power-measurement device includes a power detector and a tempering device. The power detector is integrated on a monolithic chip as an integrated circuit. It converts a high-frequency test signal into a signal which displays the power of the high-frequency test signal. The power-measurement device further includes a signal input. In this context, the tempering device is arranged outside the monolithic chip on a side of the monolithic chip facing away from the integrated circuit. The signal input is connected to the power detector by a first line on a synthetic substrate. The signal input guides the high-frequency test signal to the power detector by the first line. |
| US09239342B2 |
Device for measuring a supply voltage in electric vehicles
A sensor arrangement for measuring an electric voltage (Uterm), wherein the potential point, at which the electric voltage relative to a defined electric potential, in particular relative to earth, is intended to be measured, is connected to a capacitor, to which a comparator unit is connected which ascertains whether a first defined threshold voltage (Uref) is present at the capacitor, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured such that it provides an output signal which is dependent on at least one charging process of the capacitor and includes at least the information of the charging time for charging the capacitor to the first defined threshold voltage. |
| US09239340B2 |
Optomechanical sensor for accelerometry and gyroscopy
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards techniques and configurations for a MEMS device configured to determine inertial change applied to the device. In one instance, the device may comprise a laser arrangement configured to generate a light beam having a resonant wavelength, a waveguide configured to receive and output the light beam, and an optical resonator comprising a deformable closed loop and optically coupled to the waveguide to receive a portion of the light beam. A deformation of the optical resonator may result in a change of an optical path length of a portion of the light beam traveling through the optical resonator, causing a change in the resonant wavelength of the light beam outputted by the waveguide. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09239338B2 |
Vane device for a dynamic flow angle measurement
A vane for dynamic flow angle measurements may have improved performance for time lag responsiveness over a prior art delta-shaped vane. In various embodiments, a gust sensing vane may have a cropped-delta shape and configured to align to a fluid flow direction, where the gust sensing vane comprises a forward portion having a leading edge and an aft portion having a first trailing edge and a second trailing edge. A cross-sectional area of the forward portion may have a triangular shape. Furthermore, a cross-sectional area of the aft portion has two substantially parallel sides to form the cropped-delta shape of the gust sensing vane. The gust sensing vane may be coupled to, and extend away from, a rotary hub. |
| US09239336B2 |
Method and apparatus for clearing a blockage in a pitot or static pressure line of a duct of a pressure sensor
Apparatus and method for providing the apparatus, the apparatus including: a duct; and a non-return valve; wherein the duct has a first portion and a second portion; the first portion has a first end and a second end; the first end is open to a fluid (e.g. air); the second end is connected to the second portion such that fluid is permitted to flow between the first portion and the second portion; the non-return valve is positioned at or proximate to the second end; and the non-return valve is arranged such that, upon application of a suction force to the first portion at the first end, fluid flows into the first portion via the non-return valve from outside the duct, and through the first portion from the second end to the first end. |
| US09239328B2 |
Systems and methods for an integrated bio-entity manipulation and processing semiconductor device
An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples is disclosed. The device includes a microfluidic channel that is coupled to fluidic control circuitry, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, an optical component aligned with the photosensor array to manipulate a light signal before the light signal reaches the photosensor array, and a microfluidic grid coupled to the microfluidic channel and providing for transport of bio-entity sample droplets by electrowetting. The device further includes logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry and the sensor control circuitry, with the fluidic control circuitry, the sensor control circuitry, and the logic circuitry being formed on a first substrate. |
| US09239327B2 |
Particles comprising hollow surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES)-active core for long wavelength SERS
Embodiments include a particle comprising a surface enhanced spectroscopy (SES)-active core and a SES-active reporter molecule associated with the SES-active core wherein said particle has a measurable SES spectrum when excited by incident light having a wavelength of at least 1400 nm. Alternative embodiments include methods of manufacturing said particle and methods of tagging a material with said particle. The particle may include an SES-active core which supports plasmon resonance at a wavelength of at least 1400 nm. The particle may comprise an anisotropic core. The particle may include an SES-active reporter molecule which is resonant at one or more wavelengths greater than or equal to 1400 nm. |
| US09239326B2 |
Compositions, devices, kits and methods for detecting hookworm
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated. |
| US09239323B2 |
Sobriety monitoring system
A system and method of monitoring sobriety using a hand-held breath testing device that, on receipt of a user's breath, generates a breath test signal comprising substance content data and user identification data, and wirelessly transmits the breath test signal to a breath test signal receiving station. The breath test signal includes substance content data and user identification data. The substance content data includes at least one of: a blood alcohol level and a narcotics presence. The user identification data includes compressed image data. The signal receiving station is monitored by a supervisor who is able to intervene should the substance level be greater than a predetermined threshold, or should the user identification data no match with a reference user identification data. |
| US09239320B2 |
Method for verifying the plausibility of a measuring device for determining the quality of an aqueous urea solution in a reservoir of an SCR catalyst system
A method for verifying the plausibility of a measuring device for determining a quality of an aqueous urea solution in a reservoir of an SCR catalyst system comprises determining whether a filling of the reservoir has taken place, determining the quality of the aqueous urea solution in the reservoir and detecting whether an error of the measuring device is present or whether the reservoir was filled with an aqueous urea solution, the quality of which deviates from a default value consisting of a filling status of the reservoir and the quality of the aqueous urea solution in said reservoir. |
| US09239319B2 |
Valve and splitting system for multi-dimensional liquid analysis
A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis. |
| US09239316B2 |
Object information acquiring apparatus
An object information acquiring apparatus has: a holding unit which holds an object; a probe which receives an acoustic wave generated in the object via the holding unit and converts the acoustic wave to an electrical signal; a force measuring unit which measures a force applied to the object when the object is held by the holding unit; a sound speed acquiring unit which determines a sound speed in the object by using the force measured by the measuring unit and a contact area between the object and the holding unit; and a generating unit which generates object information data from the information about the sound speed determined by the sound speed acquiring unit and the electrical signal. |
| US09239315B1 |
Patch and methods for monitoring a structure including a patch
A patch and associated methods for monitoring and inspecting a structure are provided in order to facilitate such inspections. The patch includes a sheet of material configured to be attached to the structure and a frequency steerable array carried by the sheet of material. The frequency steerable array includes a plurality of sources for emitting structural waves in response to an input having a variable frequency such that variations in the frequency of the input cause the structural waves emitted by the plurality of sources to be controllably steered relative to the sheet of material. Methods utilizing one or more frequency steerable arrays for monitoring and inspecting a patch-repaired structure are also provided. |
| US09239314B2 |
Magnetic detector
A probe and method for detecting magnetic particles. In one embodiment, the probe includes a probe core having a first end and a second end, the probe core defining two regions for containing coils of wire, one of the regions being adjacent the first end of the cylindrical probe core; two sense coils, one each of the sense coils being located in a respective one of the regions; and two drive coils, one each of the drive coils being located in a respective one of the regions, wherein the regions are separated by a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of one of the coils and a source of a secondary magnetic drive field. In another embodiment, the frequency of the drive signal of the secondary magnetic drive field is less than the frequency of the drive signal of the primary drive coils. |
| US09239312B2 |
Methods of determining analyte concentration having enhanced stability and hematocrit performance
The present invention relates to methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 μg/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at −20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. |
| US09239307B1 |
Methods for screening PCD elements for EDM processing and methods for EDM processing such PCD elements
Methods of screening a polycrystalline diamond element for suitability for electrical discharge machining (“EDM”). The method includes providing a PCD element including a plurality of bonded diamond grains, determining at least one characteristic of the PCD table correlated to electrical conductivity of the PCD element, and EDM the PCD element if the value of the at least one characteristic correlates to an electrical conductivity above a threshold value. |
| US09239305B2 |
Sample holder
A two or three part sample holder for X-ray apparatus has a sample ring 2 and a counter ring 20. The sample ring 2 has two opposed surfaces and foils 8, 10 one on each surface holding a powder sample 6 within the central hole 4. The sample ring 2 is relatively thin, of thickness 0.2 to 4 mm. A counter ring 20 is provided to engage with the sample ring 2 to provide increased strength and/or stiffness. |
| US09239304B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus
The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray source, a grating that divides diverging X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source, and a detector that detects X-rays which are divided by the grating and pass through a sample. The grating includes a plurality of transparent objects which pass the diverging X-rays and a plurality of opaque objects that shield the diverging X-rays. A focused position at which a plurality of extended lines intersect each other and the X-ray source are arranged in different position. The extended lines are formed by extending center lines which connect a center of the X-ray source side of each of the plurality of opaque objects facing the X-ray source with a center of the detector side of each of the plurality of opaque objects facing the detector. |
| US09239299B2 |
Photoinduced carrier lifetime measuring method, light incidence efficiency measuring method, photoinduced carrier lifetime measuring device, and light incidence efficiency measuring device
A photoinduced carrier lifetime measuring method capable of obtaining photoinduced carrier effective lifetime of a semiconductor substrate with high accuracy regardless of the surface state of the sample. The method includes: irradiating a microwave onto a semiconductor substrate while periodically pulse-irradiating a light onto the semiconductor substrate; detecting the microwave transmitted through the semiconductor substrate or reflected by the semiconductor substrate; and obtaining the effective lifetime of photoinduced carriers generated in the semiconductor substrate by the pulse irradiation of the light, based on an irradiation duration T1 and a non-irradiation duration T2 when performing the light pulse irradiation and an integrated value of each microwave intensity obtained by the detection. |
| US09239297B2 |
Outer surface inspecting robot with flipping over flange mechanism
A pipe inspecting robot having a body, first and second independently articulating legs, and first and second leg motors for controlling the first and second articulating legs. The robot also has first and second pairs of wheels attached to the first and second legs at an opposite end of the legs from the body. The leg motors are configured so that when the first pair of wheels encounters an obstacle, the second leg motor rotates the second leg upward away from the surface of the pipeline and radially around the body until the second pair of wheels contacts the surface of the pipeline on an opposite side of the obstacle. Then the first leg motor rotates the first leg upward away from the surface of the pipeline and radially around the body until the first pair of wheels contacts the surface of the pipeline. |
| US09239289B1 |
Spatially resolved diffusive reflectance spectroscopy apparatus and method for use thereof
Provided is a spatially resolved diffusive reflectance spectroscopy apparatus that includes an emitter, a plurality of optical waveguides, a switch, a photon detector, and a controller, and a method for operation of the apparatus. The controller controls emitter intensity, identifies photons detected by the photon detector as belonging to a specific optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides, counts the detected photons, and identifies respective optical waveguides receiving each counted photon. The emitter emits optical photons in an optically turbid medium, and a distal end of each optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides receives the optical photons reflected or scattered in the optically turbid medium. |
| US09239283B2 |
Defect inspection method and device therefor
To process a signal from a plurality of detectors without being affected by a variation in the height of a substrate, and to detect more minute defects on the substrate, a defect inspection device is provided with a photoelectric converter having a plurality of rows of optical sensor arrays in each of first and second light-collecting/detecting unit and a processing unit for processing a detection signal from the first and the second light-collecting/detecting unit to determine the extent to which the positions of the focal points of the first and the second light-collecting/detecting unit are misaligned with respect to the surface of a test specimen, and processing the detection signal to correct a misalignment between the first and the second light-collecting/detecting unit, and the corrected detection signal outputted from the first and the second light-collecting/detecting unit are combined together to detect the defects on the test specimen. |
| US09239279B1 |
Sequential differential mobility analyzer and method of using same
The invention is essentially a sequential (“DMA”) apparatus using a novel arrangement of at least three electrodes and at least two block electrodes to produce a DMA apparatus having at least two sequential DMA regions between pairs of adjacent electrode walls within the same housing. This apparatus is used to improve the transfer of particles into the subsequent DMA region without a vacuum or pump, and to improve the separation of target particles from non-target particles and concentration and collection of the target particles. |
| US09239277B2 |
Material mechanical characterization method for multiple strains and strain rates
A specimen for measuring a material under multiple strains and strain rates. The specimen including a body having first and second ends and a gage region disposed between the first and second ends, wherein the body has a central, longitudinal axis passing through the first and second ends. The gage region includes a first gage section and a second gage section, wherein the first gage section defines a first cross-sectional area that is defined by a first plane that extends through the first gage section and is perpendicular to the central, longitudinal axis. The second gage section defines a second cross-sectional area that is defined by a second plane that extends through the second gage section and is perpendicular to the central, longitudinal axis and wherein the first cross-sectional area is different in size than the second cross-sectional area. |
| US09239276B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture. |
| US09239274B2 |
Evaluation of the relief of a tire surface by active stereovision
Acquisition device for taking a digital relief image of the surface of a tire having two color cameras for the acquisition of stereoscopic images. Each camera has N primary image sensors in a given primary color (R, G, B), where N is equal to or greater than two. Each camera is placed so as to acquire the light emitted (E) towards a predetermined area (Z) of the surface of the tire by N lights and reflected (F) by the surface of the tire. The N lights simultaneously project each independently and along the same direction onto the predetermined area of the surface of the tire. The projected light has a wavelength that corresponds to one of the primary colors of the cameras, according to a fringe system (S1, S2, . . . SN) consisting of an alternation of illuminated and non-illuminated bands of given width (L1, L2, . . . LN). |
| US09239263B2 |
Image mapped spectropolarimetry
A method for imaging a sample, the method includes, during a single acquisition event, receiving a first polarization-encoded EM field for a first point and a second polarization-encoded EM field for a second point. The method further includes re-directing the first polarization-encoded EM field along a first pre-determined direction to a first location on a dispersing re-imager and the second polarization-encoded EM field along a second pre-determined direction to a second location on the dispersing re-imager. The method further includes spectrally dispersing the first polarization-encoded EM field to obtain a first spectrum, re-imaging the first spectrum onto a first location on a detector, spectrally dispersing the second polarization-encoded EM field to obtain a second spectrum, re-imaging the second spectrum onto a second location on the detector, and detecting the first re-imaged spectrum and the second re-imaged spectrum. |
| US09239262B2 |
Methods and apparatus for authenticating articles with luminescent phosphor compounds
Methods and apparatus for article authentication include an exciting radiation generator that exposes an area of the article to exciting radiation, and at least two radiation detectors that detect emitted radiation from the area in a first band and in a second band that does not overlap the first band. The first band corresponds with a first emission sub-band of an emitting ion, and the second band corresponds with a second emission sub-band of the same emitting ion. A processing system calculates a comparison value that represents a mathematical relationship (e.g., a ratio) between a first intensity of the emitted radiation in the first band with a second intensity of the emitted radiation in the second band, and determines whether the comparison value compares favorably with an authentication parameter. When the comparison value compares favorably with the authentication parameter, the article is identified as being authentic. |
| US09239261B2 |
Ambient light sensing device and method
The invention provides an ambient light sensing device and an ambient light sensing method. The ambient light sensing device includes at least one pixel, a read out circuit, and a combination unit. The invention detects ambient light to obtain plural lower resolution exposure values corresponding to different dynamic ranges respectively, and combines the plural lower resolution exposure values to generate a higher resolution code combination, indicating the result of ambient light detection. |
| US09239258B1 |
High efficiency photoelectric cell
A photoelectric cell comprising: a cathode layer configured to eject electrons in response to receiving photons from a light source; a substantially-photon-transparent anode configured to receive the ejected electrons; first and second, substantially-photon-transparent, dielectric layers, wherein the first dielectric layer is disposed between the cathode layer and the anode layer and wherein the anode layer is disposed between the first and second dielectric layers such that the cathode layer, the first dielectric layer, the anode layer, and the second dielectric layer form a layered stack; and wherein at least a first portion of the layered stack overlaps a second portion of the layered stack. |
| US09239256B2 |
Flow-rate measurement device
A flow-rate measurement device includes a first transducer and a second transducer which are provided in a fluid flow path to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal, a timer unit which measures a propagation time of the ultrasonic signal propagating between the first transducer and the second transducer, and a flow-rate calculation unit which executes a unit measurement step a predetermined number of times and calculates a flow rate of a fluid flowing in the fluid flow path on the basis of the propagation times measured the predetermined number of times, the unit measurement step being an operation in which a direction of transmission to reception between the first transducer and the second transducer is switched and the timer unit measures the propagation times of the ultrasonic signal in both directions. The flow-rate calculation unit measures a flow rate value of the fluid by a precise measurement step in which the unit measurement step is executed a plural number of times to calculate the flow-rate and an exploratory measurement step in which the unit measurement step is executed a smaller number of times than the number of executions in the precise measurement step to calculate the flow rate. |
| US09239250B2 |
Safety pin system
A safety pin system for a product is provided and includes a safety pin disposable in a receiving element to disable the product, an obstruction disposable in a blocking position of a product disability indicator and a streamer configured to pass through an opening associated with the product and attached at opposite ends thereof to the safety pin and the obstruction. The opening and the obstruction are sized such that, when the obstruction is disposed in the blocking position with the streamer passed through the opening and the safety pin disposed in the receiving element, the obstruction is irremovable from the blocking position until the safety pin is removed from the receiving element. |
| US09239247B1 |
Verification of devices connected to aircraft data processing systems
A system and method for allowing access to an aircraft network data processing system on an aircraft. A data processing device receives an expected measurement of software on the data processing device. The expected measurement is generated by a device other than the data processing device. The data processing device identifies an actual measurement of the software on the data processing device. The data processing device is connected to the aircraft network data processing system on an aircraft. The expected measurement and the actual measurement are sent from the data processing device to the aircraft network data processing system to determine whether the data processing device is allowed to access the aircraft network data processing system. The data processing device accesses the aircraft network data processing system in response to a determination that the data processing device is allowed to access the aircraft network data processing system. |
| US09239245B2 |
Lane guidance display system, method, and program
A lane guidance display system causes a display section to display a forward image on which a first guide line is superimposed in the case where a travel lane is not branched, the first guide line having, as an end point of the first guide line on the front side, a first front-side end point indicating the center position of the travel lane in the width direction, and causes the display section to display the forward image on which a second guide line is superimposed in the case where the travel lane is branched into a plurality of branched lanes, the second guide line having, as an end point of the second guide line on the front side, a second front-side end point indicating a position in the travel lane on the target lane side with respect to the center position of the travel lane in the width direction. |
| US09239243B2 |
Vehicle navigation system
A vehicle navigation system having a database configured to store map data. The database includes links corresponding to road segments and attributes associated with the links. The map data includes at least some links associated with a curvature attribute. A mean absolute curvature ( κ) is stored for the curvature attribute for corresponding links. The mean absolute curvature ( κ) may be determined from a normalized sum or integral of absolute curvature values along the road segment corresponding to the link. The system includes a processing unit configured to estimate an energy consumption of the vehicle for a link using the curvature attribute retrieved from the database for the link. |
| US09239240B2 |
Storage medium for map data, method for generating maps, and navigation device
A storage medium on which geographic data of a geographic region are stored together as map units, a corresponding method for generating a map from the geographic data, and a corresponding navigation device. In order to reduce the amount of data to be processed, the map units are structured hierarchically, map units of an nth order respectively corresponding to one geographic partial region, n being a natural number, and map units of an (n+1)th order respectively corresponding to one geographic subregion of one of the partial regions. |
| US09239239B2 |
Geographic coordinates coding software product
A software product for easy-to-use naming, coding, and sharing of locations, including those with no addresses. |
| US09239236B2 |
System and method for testing compression panels
An alignment apparatus for aligning a test panel with a testing machine may include a laser measuring system and an adjustment mechanism. The laser measuring system may include at least one laser measuring device coupled to a test fixture and/or a testing machine. The laser measuring system may generate laser measurement data representative of an orientation of a test panel relative to a platen and/or a loading axis of the testing machine. The adjustment mechanism may adjust, based on the laser measurement data, a location and/or orientation of the test panel relative to the platen and/or the loading axis in a manner such that the test panel is moved into substantially alignment with the platen and/or the loading axis. |
| US09239235B2 |
Three-dimensional measuring apparatus, three-dimensional measuring method, and three-dimensional measuring program
A three-dimensional measuring apparatus 1 projects slit light from a projector 7 onto a work 2 and a stereo camera 5 captures an image of the work projected by the slit light. A control apparatus 10 of the three-dimensional measuring apparatus 1 temporarily identifies a correspondence between a bright line 4j on a first image of the captured stereo image and a light-section plane 6Pj and projects the bright line 4j onto the light-section plane 6Pj. The bright line projected onto the light-section plane 6Pj is projected onto a second image. The control apparatus 10 calculates the level of similarity between a bright line 4jX projected onto the second image and a bright line on the second image and determines a result of identified correspondence relationship between the bright line 4jX and the bright line on the second image. |
| US09239233B2 |
Projection control apparatus and projection control method
A projection control apparatus for controlling a projection apparatus is configured to: receive a video signal including a plurality of color components; extract, as control information, information of a specific color component for each frame of the received video signal; generate, frame by frame, projection control information for controlling operation of the projection apparatus based on the extracted control information; and provide the generated projection control information to the projection apparatus. |
| US09239232B2 |
Method and system for determining position and orientation of a measuring instrument
A method for determining position and orientation of a first measuring instrument is disclosed. A second MI and at least one reflective target including a retroreflector unit are arranged in the vicinity of the first MI. At least one imaging module is arranged in the first MI for determining orientation thereof. The at least one imaging module in the first MI can be used in a similar manner as a tracker unit of an optical total station, by way of detecting optical radiation emitted from the second MI and reflected by the at least one TGT. |
| US09239230B2 |
Computing device and method for measuring widths of measured parts
In a method to measure widths of measured parts placed on a platform, a computing device connects to one or more charge coupled device (CCD) cameras. The method controls each of the CCD cameras to capture a digital image from a measured part that is placed near the CCD cameras, obtains the digital image of the measured part from each of the CCD cameras in a predefined order, and obtains a binary expression from the digital image of the measured part. When the measured part is placed in a correct position on the platform, the method further obtains three points from an upper boundary of the measured part in the binary expression and another three points from a lower boundary of the measured part in the binary expression, and calculates width of the measured part according to the obtained six points. |
| US09239224B2 |
Natural light interferometer
Disclosed is a Natural Light Interferometer. The interferometer measures the amplitude and phase distribution of a coherent or incoherent electromagnetic signal, including natural light. In principle, the amplitude and phase distribution of any signal of any wavelength, incoherent or coherent, may be measured using this technique. The corresponding image may be reconstructed as well. The interferometer exploits Fourier transform heterodyne techniques but extends this technology to incoherent signals. The interferometer generates the analyzing signal by exploiting nanotechnology-based signal generation stimulated by the original signal. The Natural Light Interferometer applications include surveillance and reconnaissance; metrology; space-based free-flying, tethered or rigid interferometer arrays; and ground-based sparse interferometer arrays. There is also disclosed a homodyne embodiment of the Natural Light Interferometer that exploits quadrature phase techniques. |
| US09239221B2 |
Proximity sensor
The present disclosure relates to a proximity sensor having a coil (15) for generating a magnetic field and a sensor circuit (62) for detecting variations of the magnetic field caused by an external object, the sensor circuit (62) comprising at least one semiconductor component (36, 37, 67, 69, 70, 71) mounted on a circuit board (17), wherein the coil (15) and the circuit board (17) are arranged in a housing (2) through which the magnetic field is transmittable. In order to improve the resistance of the proximity sensor against harmful external influences, such as high temperatures, and to prolong its life cycle, the invention suggests that the semiconductor component (36, 37, 67, 69, 70, 71) is included in an enclosure (20) that is hermetically sealed and fixed on a surface (18, 19) of the circuit board (17). |
| US09239211B2 |
Stabilisation of firearms
A body-mountable firearm support assembly that is mountable to the body of a user to support a firearm in a stable configuration in use includes a first elongate support that is supportable, in use, at a first support zone on the body of the user in an operatively forwardly projecting configuration and a second elongate support that is supportable, in use, at a second support zone on the body of the user. The second support zone is lower on the user's body than the first support zone. The second elongate support is connected to the first elongate support at a third support zone spaced, in use, from the first and second support zones along the first and second supports. The assembly also includes an anchoring formation that is wearable, in use, by the user such that it provides the second support zone. |
| US09239209B2 |
Firearm accessory mounting interface
An improved firearm accessory mounting interface is herein disclosed. The interface can include one or more sets of first and second fasteners that interface through an elongated slot in a firearm in order to mount a firearm accessory to a firearm. The second fastener can be shaped and sized to clear the elongated slot and can, upon clearing the elongated slot, be pivoted to an oblique orientation relative to the elongated slot so that the second fastener cannot be retracted. The first fastener can continue to be turned thus drawing the first and second fasteners toward each other and locking the accessory to the firearm. |
| US09239205B2 |
Toy projectile launcher with spring loaded spools
A toy projectile launching system that launches a toy projectile. A launcher is provided with a first spring loaded spool and a second spring loaded spool. The first spring loaded spool and the second spring loaded spool are disposed on opposite sides of a common open area. At least one first elastic element is at least partially wound around the first spring loaded spool. Likewise, at least one second elastic element is at least partially wound around the second spring loaded spool. A first termination is coupled to each first elastic element. The first termination extends into the common open area. Likewise, a second termination is coupled to each second elastic element. The second termination extends into the common open area. The first termination and the second termination selectively interconnect with the toy projectile. |
| US09239204B2 |
Gun barrel caps
A barrel cap for attachment to a muzzle of a gun barrel and to cover the muzzle opening of the gun barrel. |
| US09239200B2 |
Safety device of a gun and method for using safety device
A safety device of a gun includes elements for determining the geographical location of the gun and the shooting direction, elements for receiving via a short range radio link from a gun user's mobile phone a safety area map related to the current location and location data of moving or fixed targets in this safety area. The safety device additionally has elements for determining those moments, when the gun is in the shooting position. When the gun is in the shooting position the safety device determines the risk area, within which there must be no targets preventing shooting. The safety device determines the size of the safety area based on the type of gun and the shooting direction of the gun. If it is detected that there are targets preventing shooting in the determined risk area, then the safety device generates a warning detectable with humans senses regarding this. |
| US09239199B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for loading moonclips
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for loading moonclips. Specifically, the present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that provide for the automatic loading of moonclips with rounds, to be used with handguns having revolver cylinders. More specifically, the present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that allow for quick, easy and efficient loading of moonclips by holding a moonclip and pressing a round into a round receiving receptacle of the moonclip. |
| US09239190B2 |
Method and system for improving spatial efficiency of a furnace system
A furnace system includes at least one lower radiant section having a first firebox disposed therein and at least one upper radiant section disposed above the at least one lower radiant section. The at least one upper radiant section has a second firebox disposed therein. The furnace system further includes at least one convection section disposed above the at least one upper radiant section and an exhaust corridor defined by the first firebox, the second firebox, and the at least one convection section. Arrangement of the at least one upper radiant section above the at least one lower radiant section reduces an area required for construction of the furnace system. |
| US09239189B2 |
Kiln
A kiln comprising a cylindrical drum (11) arranged to rotate about a generally horizontal central axis, the drum configured such that rotation will cause particulate material to flow from one end (13) of the drum to the other end (15). The one end being closed by an end assembly (23) fixed relative to a support structure. An inner face of the drum provides a plurality of ports (29) spaced about, and opening into, an interior of the drum,. The ports (29) being connected to the end assembly (23) via a set of passageways (27). The end assembly (23) having an opening (25) connected to a source of air (31) and positioned such that, on rotation of the drum, one or more passageways come into fluid communication with the opening for limiting air flow to the ports. |
| US09239188B2 |
System and method for drying of ceramic greenware
Systems and methods for controlling drying of ceramic greenwares accounting for the load presented to a radio-frequency (RF) source of an RF applicator to reduce the risk of overheating greenware during drying. The method includes partially drying the greenware and then substantially drying the greenware with RF radiation. The RF radiation provided to an electrode region is controlled based on the number of greenware pieces within the electrode region at a given time. The system includes a control unit electrically connected to the electrode and configured to provide a select RF voltage to the electrode based on the number of greenwares within the electrode region. The system adjusts at least one input voltage from a power supply. The adjusted voltage is stepped-up, DC-rectified to form a plate voltage, and then converted by a high-frequency DC/AC convertor to the select high-frequency AC RF voltage needed to dry the greenwares without overheating. |
| US09239185B2 |
Vegetable container for refrigerators and refrigerator having the same
A vegetable container includes a case having an opening formed at a front thereof, the case being provided with a receiving space to receive objects to be stored, a drawer to seal an interior of the case, a negative pressure part lower pressure in the case, and a reinforcing part to increase strength of the case, where the reinforcing part includes a reinforcing member coupled to at least one surface of the case, located adjacent to the opening, and having greater strength than the case. |
| US09239184B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes: a refrigerator main body having a cooling chamber; a cooling chamber door for opening and closing the cooling chamber; a shelf assembly provided within the cooling chamber such that a height thereof is adjustable; and a basket provided in any one of the refrigerator main body and the cooling chamber door such that a height thereof is adjustable. A space of the refrigerator main body or the cooling chamber door can be utilized to facilitate receiving and keeping food items. |
| US09239183B2 |
Method for reducing transient defrost noise on an outdoor split system heat pump
A method for reducing perceived defrost noise in a heat pump is provided. The method may include energizing a fan configured to urge a heat transfer medium across a heat exchanger, and initiating a defrost cycle to warm the heat exchanger. Initiating the defrost cycle may include de-energizing a compressor fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger, and delaying for a first delay period with the fan energized and the compressor de-energized. Initiating the defrost cycle may also include energizing a reversing valve after the first delay period, to reverse a flow of a refrigerant flow between the compressor and the heat exchanger, and delaying for a second delay period with the fan energized, the compressor de-energized, and the reversing valve energized. Initiating the defrost cycle may also include de-energizing the fan. The method may also include defrosting the heat pump during the defrost cycle, and terminating the defrost cycle. |
| US09239182B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator comprising a refrigerator body having a freezing compartment and a refrigeration compartment; a cooling circuit including a compressor, a first condenser, and a first evaporator to cool the freezing compartment and the refrigeration compartment using a first refrigerant; a thermosiphon that includes a second condenser provided at the refrigeration compartment and a second evaporator provided at the freezing compartment for a second refrigerant to flow; a valve provided to control a flow of the second refrigerant in the thermosiphon; a first heat transfer plate provided between the second condenser and the freezing compartment; a second heat exchange plate provided between the second evaporator and the refrigeration compartment; and a dew collection device provided at an inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment and positioned to correspond to a position of the second heat exchange plate to collect dew formed on the inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment. |
| US09239181B2 |
Refrigerator with ice maker in freezing compartment and transfer device to ice bank in refrigerating compartment
A refrigerator includes a cabinet including a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment door opening or closing the refrigerating compartment, a dispenser disposed in the refrigerating compartment door to dispense water or ice pieces, and an ice bank disposed in the refrigerating compartment door to define an insulation space for storing the ice pieces dispensed by the dispenser. The refrigerator also includes an ice maker disposed in the freezing compartment to make the ice pieces, a transfer device disposed in the freezing compartment to transfer the ice pieces supplied from the ice maker into the ice bank, and an ice chute connecting the transfer device to the ice bank. |
| US09239177B2 |
Hybrid absorption-compression chiller
The present invention envisages a hybrid absorption-compression chiller comprising: a vapor-compression system providing refrigeration effect in a primary evaporator (102a) by extracting heat from a medium to be cooled in a condensed primary refrigerant, and a vapor-absorption system in operative communication with the vapor-compression system for receiving primary refrigerant vapors via a compressor (104a), these vapors are cooled by a condensed secondary refrigerant in a secondary evaporator (106a) to provide cold condensed primary refrigerant which is recycled to the vapor-compression system. The hybrid absorption-compression chiller of the present invention is energy-efficient and provides a higher COP in comparison with the conventional chillers. |
| US09239166B2 |
Gas turbine diffuser with flow separator
A diffuser for use in a gas turbine engine, the diffuser having a first wall, a second wall, and a flow separator. The first and second wall define an annular cavity, with the annular cavity having an inlet. The first and second wall also forming a prediffuser that is proximate the inlet, and a dump region distal the inlet. The flow separator extends from the first wall into the annular cavity. |
| US09239165B2 |
Combustor liner with convergent cooling channel
A combustor liner includes a heat shield, a shell, a series of trip strips, and a series of projecting walls. The heat shield has a shield cold side. The shell is attached to the heat shield and includes a shell hot side facing the shield cold side, a shell cold side facing away from the shield cold side, and a row of cooling holes. The trip strips run parallel to each other and all project from the shield cold side the same distance. Each projecting wall runs parallel to, and opposite of, a corresponding trip strip and projects from the shell hot side such that the distance to which each projecting wall projects is greater for projecting walls farther from the row of cooling holes, creating successive gaps between the projecting walls and corresponding trip strips that decrease from the row of cooling holes to create a convergent channel. |
| US09239158B2 |
Battery-conserving flashlight and method thereof
A battery-conserving flashlight and method thereof are provided. The flashlight includes a body having a first end and a second end, the first end including an illumination source and the second end including an opening for accessing an interior of the body; at least one battery disposed in the body via the opening in the second end, the at least one battery coupled to and configured for powering the illumination source; and a controller disposed in the body configured to determine if the body is in motion, wherein if the body is not in motion for a predetermined period of time, the controller decouples the at least one battery from the illumination source to conserve energy in the at least one battery. Optionally, the flashlight may include a visual or audible indicator to alert a user that the flashlight will shutdown. |
| US09239153B2 |
Light fixtures and processes for use thereof
A light housing is provided. Housing comprises plate with light communication for LED luminaire attached to upper surface of plate, annular base having a rim, plurality of supports connecting plate to annular base, slots in each of plurality of supports; and retention clips engaged within slots. Housing includes j-box rotatably secured by support to plate with mounting brackets which include locking detents to maintain support in upper or lower positions. Also provided is fixture assembly comprising housing with LED light attached thereto. Further methods for installing assembly are provided and include positioning assembly through hole in ceiling substantially within above-ceiling space, locking retention clips against plurality of supports to maintain assembly in position relative to ceiling; and engaging upper rim of reflector with deflection clips attached to bottom surface of plate of assembly. |
| US09239149B2 |
Recessed luminaire
A recessed luminaire is described. The luminaire may include an aiming system allowing a rotation angle and/or a tilt angle of a light source to be adjusted while the light source is in operation. Additionally, the luminaire includes a light shield that is coupled to the aiming system such that the light shield may move in relation to the tilt angle and the orientation of the light source. The aiming system may be further coupled to a support panel such that rotation of the aiming system is provided by a rotatable coupling between one or more leaf Springs of the aiming system, and an upper surface of the support panel. |
| US09239148B2 |
Lighting fixture having spatial distribution control capabilities
Techniques are disclosed for a lighting fixture having spatial distribution control capabilities. In some cases, the lighting fixture may include an array of light modules that each contain one or more light sources (e.g., LED light sources) and multiple plates that can be used to control the spatial distribution (e.g., aim and focus) of the light modules. In such multi-plate lighting fixtures, the fixture may include a fixed base plate that includes multiple sockets for pivotally retaining a ball portion of each light module. The fixture may also include an XY plate that is movably coupled to the base plate and a focus plate that is rotationally coupled to the base plate, both plates including multiple slots that overlap to constrain a control arm of each light module. The multi-plate lighting fixture may be manually controlled or automated. |
| US09239147B2 |
Apparatus and method for obtaining uniform light source
An apparatus and method for increasing uniformity in light from a light source at a plurality of targets of the light include a plurality of movable aperture elements, locatable between the light source and the targets, each aperture element defining an aperture through which the light passes from the light source to an associated one of the plurality of targets associated with the aperture element along a longitudinal axis of the aperture element. A holder movably holds the plurality of aperture elements, each of the plurality of aperture elements being movable within the holder along the longitudinal axis of the aperture element to change a feature of light incident on the target associated with the aperture element. |
| US09239146B2 |
Bulkhead light fitting and lighting method
A light fitting and method for illuminating the exterior of spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like, the light fitting having a base component mounted through a spa wall; a lens or light diffuser on an exterior end of the base component; a light source on, in, or proximal to an interior end of the base component; a light clip for retaining the light source on, in, or proximal to the base component; a light shade located on or proximal to the exterior end of the base component; and an attachment plate for attaching the light shade onto the base component via a mounting support; the base component having a cylindrical hollow body having a hollow interior, a first end located within the spa wall, and a second end located proximal to the spa wall, with the mounting support being attached to the cylindrical hollow body. |
| US09239143B2 |
Aviation obstruction lighting
An aviation obstruction lighting system having a lamp mounted on the an aviation obstruction at an elevation sufficiently high to serve as a warning of the presence of the obstruction to pilots of approaching aircraft, a remote light source, and an optical waveguide connecting the lamp and the light source and conducting light from the light source to the lamp. The optical waveguide contains quartz glass fibers. The light source is mounted at an elevation to be manually accessible by a technician standing on, or on a platform less than two meters from, the ground. The lamp includes an optical waveguide end receiver, and a Fresnel lens surrounding a reflective element having a conical or frustoconical surface positioned to intercept and reflect light emanating from an optical waveguide, such that the reflected light is directed to an inner incident surface of the Fresnel lens. |
| US09239130B1 |
Support hanger for worm drive saw
An apparatus for supporting a worm drive saw in a hanging position from a beam of a support structure, such as a sawhorse. The support hanger comprises a beam attachment section for engaging an end of the beam and a saw support section, attached to or integral with the beam attachment section, for supporting the saw in a position that allows the user of the saw to easily, safely and quickly place the saw in or remove the saw from the support hanger. The beam attachment section has an insert component which is received in a slot in the beam and a pair of spaced apart side walls that define a beam opening which receives a portion of the beam therein. The saw support section comprises a handle engaging member for receiving and supporting a top handle of the saw and saw plates against which the saw leans. |
| US09239129B2 |
Holding force adjusting apparatus
A holding force adjusting apparatus to be attached to a posture holding apparatus having a base, a supporting member which is attached onto the base so that the supporting member freely swings between a standby state where the supporting member does not support a substance on the base and an active state where the supporting member supports the substance in an inclination state, and a swinging support member having a biasing force for returning the supporting member to the standby state when the supporting member is inclined, the holding force adjusting apparatus being designed to adjust a biasing force of the swinging support member, the holding force adjusting apparatus including a weighting detection member for detecting weight of the substance to be placed, and a returning force adjusting member for adjusting the bias force according to a detected weight by the weight detecting means. |
| US09239120B2 |
Protection valve
A protection valve includes: an input chamber into which air is introduced; a plurality of output ports through which air is discharged; and safety valves which open in response to a pressure increase on a primary side or close in response to a pressure decrease on a secondary side, the safety valves including a safety valve PV21 and a safety valve PV23. An air flow path from the input chamber is branched into a first branch line and a second branch line, and a time lag-creating valve having an opening pressure higher than the safety valve PV21 is provided at a upstream of the safety valve PV23 in the second branch line, so that the safety valve PV23 can open with a time lag after the safety valve PV21 opens, regardless of the difference between the opening pressures of the safety valves PV21 and PV23. |
| US09239119B2 |
Diaphragm and diaphragm valve
There is disclosed a diaphragm for a high pressure gas diaphragm valve. The diaphragm comprises a sealing body defining a sealing face for seating against a valve seat of the valve to close the valve; an outer flange for attaching the diaphragm to the valve, the outer flange defining a flange plane; and a deformable web that extends between the outer flange and the sealing body, the deformable web including a gusset that has at least one convolute portion. The gusset is deformable to allow the sealing body to move between a natural configuration in which the sealing body is on a first side of the flange plane, and a raised configuration in which at least part of the sealing body is on the opposing side of the flange plane, and wherein the at least one convolute portion biases the sealing body towards the natural configuration. |
| US09239118B2 |
Valve including multilayer wear plate
A valve is provided and includes a component including a surface and a wear plate including a surface disposed in sliding engagement with the surface of the component. The surface of the wear plate includes a corrosion resistant substrate, a secondary layer disposed on a surface of the corrosion resistant substrate, a noble metal layer disposed on a surface of the secondary layer and a tertiary layer disposed on a surface of the noble metal layer. |
| US09239116B2 |
Radial shaft seal
The invention relates to a radial shaft seal for sealing a shaft (2), which is guided through a housing wall opening (3). The seal comprises at least one first membrane-like, annular sealing element (15) with a sealing lip (22) which can be positioned against the shaft (2) in a sealing manner; a metallic, annular supporting element (16), onto which the sealing element (15) is pulled; and a centring surface (19) formed at the outer circumference of the edge area (18). In order to increase the lifespan of the seal, said seal can be surrounded by an adapter part (6) made from undulating curved sheet metal, which can be inserted flush into the housing wall opening (3). The adapter part (6) has a central, cylindrical opening (8) which is provided with a shoulder (11) at the rear end thereof in the compression direction. The centring surface (19) of the supporting body (16) has an allowance for the cylindrical opening (8) of the adapter part (6), and is pushed into said opening in a press-fitting manner. A second membrane-like sealing element (17), which can be firmly pressed between the shoulder (11) and the supporting body (16), is arranged between the supporting body (16) and the shoulder (11) provided in the opening (8) of the adapter part (6). |
| US09239114B2 |
Compressable sealing ring assembly
A compressible sealing ring assembly seals an annulus between a radially outer member and a radially inner member. The sealing ring comprises one or more sealing ring members (28), a radially outer wall for sealing with the inner wall of the radially outer member and radially inner wall for sealing with the outer wall of the radially inner member. A compression ring member (10) having a concave lower surface and a convex upper surface exerts an axial force on a sealing ring member to deform the sealing ring member to maintain a seal. |
| US09239101B2 |
Angular motion control system and method
An apparatus and method for imparting an angularly rotational movement. The apparatus includes a cylinder having an internal portion, a rod operatively positioned within the internal portion of the cylinder, a first bearing operatively positioned about rod; a second unidirectional bearing operatively positioned about the rod and a motion program for selectively inputting incremental radial motion to the rod. The apparatus may also include a force generator for linearly moving the rod in a linear axial motion along an axis of the cylinder. |
| US09239100B1 |
Rotary series elastic actuator
Example embodiments may relate to a series elastic actuator (SEA). The SEA may include a motor, a transmission assembly, and an output plate that collectively form a motor housing assembly. The motor housing assembly may be supported on bearings that allow for a rotation of the motor housing assembly. The bearings may be supported on a housing of the SEA that may be connected to a robot link. Springs may be connected between the housing and the transmission assembly. The springs may be connected such that friction is reduced between the balls and races of the bearings. A sensor may be configured to measure a rotary deflection of the transmission assembly. A string may be wrapped around a rotary shaft of the sensor and ends of the string may be attached to the transmission assembly such that a rotation of the transmission assembly causes a rotation of the rotary shaft. |
| US09239099B2 |
Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. |
| US09239093B2 |
Decoupling pulley
A decoupling pulley having a rim attached to a first power transmission element, and a torsion spring mounted in a receptacle attached to a second power transmission element, one of the power transmission elements being driving and the other of the power transmission elements being driven, the receptacle is a bell inside which is centered the spring, which spring has a first and a second end region, each of which bears on a bearing face of the bell, wherein the rim has a first drive abutment having a first face cooperating with the first end region of the spring to drive the latter in the direction of closure in a first relative rotational direction between the rim and the bell, the bell includes a first bell abutment, the angular position of which defines a first given maximum value α1 for the travel of the first end region of the spring driven to close by the first drive abutment. |
| US09239086B2 |
External control type fan clutch device
An external control type fan clutch device has a sealed housing with a torque transmission chamber incorporating a drive disk therein. The drive disk has an oil reserving chamber. The sealed housing is supported on a rotary shaft with the drive disk fixed thereto. A valve member (armature) controls opening and closing of an oil circulating flow passage hole provided on a side wall of the oil reserving chamber. The valve member has magnetism and is actuated by an electromagnet supported on the rotary shaft for opening or closing the oil circulating flow passage hole. A ring-like magnetic body is disposed between the electromagnet and the rotary shaft for efficiently transmitting a magnetic flux of the electromagnet to the armature of the valve member. The external control type fan clutch device achieves size reduction, weight reduction and power saving. |
| US09239085B2 |
Reduced parasitic hydraulic fan system with reversing capability
A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system having at least an implement pump, a fan-steering-braking (FSB) pump, a valve assembly, a fan drive system and one or more accumulators. The method may determine an operational state of a power source associated with the hydraulic system, actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the FSB pump charges the accumulators and operates at least the fan drive system if the power source is operating at less than maximum power, and actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the accumulators operate at least the fan drive system and such that the FSB pump supplements the implement pump as needed if the power source is operating at maximum power. |
| US09239076B2 |
Method of making a bearing ring, a bearing ring and a bearing
Method for manufacturing a bearing ring (14, 34, 36) from at least one steel bar (12) having ends. The method comprises the steps of forming said at least one steel bar (12) into at least one ring segment and flash butt welding the ends (12a, 12b) of said at least one ring segment to make a ring. The method also comprises the step of carburizing at least part (C) of a surface (12c, 12d) of said at least one steel bar (12) which is adjacent to said surface (12a, 12b) that is to be flash butt welded prior to said flash butt welding. |
| US09239071B2 |
Direct tension indicator plate and assembly
The disclosure describes a direct tension indicator (DTI) plate. The DTI plate may include a hub having an opening, and an annular array of circumferentially-spaced legs extending radially outwardly from the hub. Each leg may include a knee portion extending from the hub, a foot portion, and an ankle portion joining the knee and foot portions, and the foot portions may be oriented at least partially in a common, circumferential direction. In addition, the ankle portion may be narrower than the knee portion. |
| US09239069B2 |
Adhesive-coated dowel
A dowel coated with a heat-activated, B-staged formaldehyde-based resin and a related method of using the resin-coated dowel for joining separate components together. |
| US09239068B2 |
Processes for welding composite materials and articles therefrom
The invention is directed at a method for welding a composite material and to welded structures thus prepared. The method includes a step of contacting a substrate material with a composite material, wherein the composite material includes a pair of spaced apart steel sheets and a core layer between the sheets; the volume of the core layer is about 25 volume % or more, based on the total volume of the composite material; the core layer includes a plurality of steel fibers arranged in one or more masses of fibers that extend the thickness of the core layer so that the core layer is in electrical communication with the steel sheets; and the steel fibers have a cross sectional area perpendicular to the length of the fibers from about 1×10−5 mm2 to about 2.5×10−2 mm2. |
| US09239066B2 |
Hydraulic controller of driving force distribution device
In a hydraulic controller of driving force distribution device, including: a hydraulic circuit composed of an oil pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to a piston chamber of a clutch (or a driving force distribution device), an opening and closing valve installed in an oil passage between a check valve and the piston chamber, and an accumulator communicating to the piston chamber; control is performed so that the piston chamber reaches a target hydraulic pressure based on the 1st characteristic by closing the opening and closing valve and driving the oil pump at the time of pressurizing the piston chamber; and control is performed so that the piston chamber reaches a target hydraulic pressure based on the 2nd characteristic by prohibiting the driving of the oil pump along with opening the opening and closing valve. |
| US09239055B2 |
Cross flow fan and air conditioner having the same
A cross flow fan and an air conditioner having the same are provided. The cross flow fan may include a fixing member having a plate shape, and a plurality of blades fixed to one surface of the fixing member. The plurality of blades may be arranged spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. An inner edge may define an end of a side of each of the plurality of blades, the inner edge extending toward a rotational shaft of the plurality of blades, and an outer edge may define an end opposite to the inner edge. A protrusion may protrude from the outer edge in one direction. |
| US09239054B2 |
Scroll compressor with oil-cooled motor
A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a motor, a pumping mechanism, and a heat exchanger. The shell may define an internal cavity and an oil sump. The compression mechanism is disposed the said shell. The motor is coupled to a driveshaft for selectively powering the compression mechanism. The pumping mechanism may be in fluid-pumping communication with the oil sump. The first heat exchanger may be disposed external from the shell and in fluid communication with the pumping mechanism. The first heat exchanger may cool the oil prior to returning the cooled oil to the internal cavity. |
| US09239053B2 |
Hermetically sealed scroll compressor
In the hermetically sealed scroll compressor, an injection pipe for injecting a fluid to a compression chamber is connected to an injecting port of a fixed scroll. The injecting port includes a first injecting port which is provided in the vicinity of a fixed scroll inner curve and injects the fluid to an orbiting outer compression chamber, and a second injecting port 22b which is provided in the vicinity of a fixed scroll outer curve and injects the fluid to a orbiting inner compression chamber 8b. The second injecting port is placed in parallel in a radius direction with respect to the first injecting port and is placed so that an orbiting scroll wrap does not practically communicate with the orbiting outer compression chamber in the state in which the orbiting scroll wrap is in contact with the outer side of a fixed scroll wrap. |
| US09239050B2 |
Vane pump
A vane pump including a cam ring, a rotor, slits formed in the rotor, vanes inserted slidably into the slits, pump chambers defined by the vanes, back pressure chambers defined between respective base end portions of the vanes and the slits, back pressure grooves capable of communicating with the back pressure chambers as the rotor rotates, and connecting grooves connecting back pressure grooves that are adjacent in a circumferential direction of the rotor to each other, wherein a connecting groove that communicates with a back pressure groove positioned in a suction region formed above a rotary center of the rotor so as to suction a working fluid into the pump chambers is formed to have a larger passage sectional area than a connecting groove that communicates with another back pressure groove positioned in another suction region formed below the rotary center of the rotor. |
| US09239047B2 |
Bellows pump
A bellows pump with a case member that forms an axial space therein, closed-bottomed cylindrical bellows that are arranged in the space in an axially extendable/contractable manner and axially separate the space into a pump chamber and an operation chamber, suction valves that are provided on a suction side of the pump chamber and guide a fluid to be transferred to the pump chamber, and discharge valves that are provided on a discharge side of the pump chamber and discharge the fluid to be transferred from the pump chamber, and which extends/contracts the bellows by introducing a working fluid into the operation chamber to discharge the working fluid from the operation chamber, wherein each of the bellows is configured by alternately forming mountain portions and valley portions along the axial direction and having, on a predetermined position in the axial direction, annular ring portion integrally formed therewith. |
| US09239039B2 |
Active circulation control of aerodynamic structures
Active Circulation Control (ACC) of aerodynamic structures, such as a turbine blade, uses unsteady or oscillatory flow from either synthetic jets or pulsed jets to modify a velocity profile of the blade. The blade includes an opening disposed in a surface of the blade at a location proximate to a trailing edge, a leading edge, or both the trailing edge and the leading edge of the blade. An active flow control device in fluid communication with the opening produces a wall-jet of pulsed fluid that flows over the trailing edge, the leading edge, or both the trailing and leading edges of the blade and modify the velocity profile of the blade. |
| US09239037B2 |
Split bank and multimode skip fire operation
Various methods and arrangements for operating a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect of the invention, a distinct firing sequence is determined for each bank of working chambers that is used to operate the bank in a skip fire manner. Each firing sequence uses a different firing fraction. In another aspect of the invention, a determination is made as to whether a firing sequence should be dynamically generated or selected from a set of predefined firing sequences. |
| US09239035B2 |
Connection arrangement for a tubular fuel line
A connection arrangement for a fuel line. The fuel line has a pressure nipple having a forward a sealing surface and a rear pressure receiving surface. A cap screw element projects into the passage with a tube portion which when tightened exerts on a pressure transmission arrangement a force which is directed axially towards the nozzle holder and which is transmitted to the pressure receiving surface of the pressure nipple to press its sealing surface against a counterpart sealing surface on the nozzle holder. A sealing arrangement which seals off a first free space between the outside wall of the fuel line and the inside wall of the pressure transmission arrangement and a second free space between the outside wall of the pressure transmission arrangement and the inside wall of the passage relative to the exterior is positioned completely in the interior of the passage. |
| US09239020B2 |
Condensate accumulation model for an engine heat exchanger
Embodiments for controlling condensate in an engine heat exchanger are disclosed. In one example, a method for an engine comprises increasing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow responsive to condensation in an EGR cooler. In this way, condensate in the EGR cooler may be controlled via modulation of EGR flow. |
| US09239007B2 |
Gas turbine compressor inlet pressurization having a torque converter system
A supercharging system for a gas turbine system includes a compressor, a combustor, a turbine and a shaft. The supercharging system includes a fan assembly that provides an air stream and a torque converter coupled to the shaft and the fan assembly. The supercharging system also includes a subsystem for conveying a first portion of the air stream output to the compressor; and a bypass subsystem for optionally conveying a second portion of the air stream output to other uses. |
| US09239006B2 |
Gas turbine engine and system for modulating secondary air flow
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine system having a system for modulating secondary air flow. Another embodiment is a compressor vane stage with a plenum employed in providing secondary air flow. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for secondary air flow systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. |
| US09239004B2 |
Reverse core gear turbofan
A gas turbine engine has a fan at an axially outer location. The fan rotates about an axis of rotation. The fan delivers air into an outer bypass duct, and across a booster fan positioned radially inwardly of the outer bypass duct. The booster fan delivers air into a radially middle duct, and across a cold turbine into a radially inner core duct being directed into a compressor. From the compressor, air flows axially in a direction back toward the fan through a combustor section, and across an exhaust of the turbine section as directed into the middle duct. A gear reduction drives the fan from a fan drive turbine section. A method is also disclosed. |
| US09239001B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger (28) has a first inlet (29) and a first outlet (30), which are fluidically connected with one another via a first path (31) carrying for a first medium to be cooled. A second inlet (32) and a second outlet (33) are fluidically connected with one another via a second path (34) carrying a second medium. A third inlet (35) and a third outlet (36) are fluidically connected with one another via a third path (37) carrying a third medium. The first path (31) is coupled with the second path (34) and with the third path (37) in a heat-transferring manner and in such as way that the media are separated. The heat-transferring coupling between the first path and the second path takes place upstream of the heat-transferring coupling between the first path and the third path relative to the direction of flow of the first medium. |
| US09238999B2 |
Device and method for regulating a spark-ignition gas engine
A protective device for a spark-ignition gas engine is provided, which engine has a throttle valve for controlling a gas/air mixture and has an exhaust-gas turbocharger with a turbine that is associated with a throttle member for exhaust gas. A detection unit is configured to detect an actual differential pressure across the throttle valve, and a control unit is configured to change the position of the throttle member based on the actual differential pressure. The throttle member for the exhaust gas is provided only downstream of the turbine in relation to the flow direction of the exhaust gas. A method for regulating an exhaust-gas throttle member, connected downstream of a turbine of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, is also disclosed. |
| US09238997B2 |
Exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine having a fresh gas supply device and a corresponding arrangement
An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion machine, in particular a diesel engine, having an unburnt mixture supply device, includes at least one compressor; at least one exhaust gas turbine; a turbocharger shaft by which the compressor and the exhaust gas turbine are rotationally fixedly coupled; and an energy store for increasing a mass moment of inertia. The energy store is rotationally fixedly coupled to the at least one compressor and the at least one exhaust gas turbine by the turbocharger shaft. An arrangement for supplying unburnt gas to an internal combustion machine includes such an exhaust gas turbocharger and an unburnt gas supply device. |
| US09238995B2 |
Energy control systems and methods for a powertrain of a vehicle
A system includes a mode module and an energy module. The mode module generates a mode signal based on a temperature of an engine and at least one of a deceleration signal and a regenerative braking signal. The energy module, based on the mode signal, increases cooling of a coolant of the engine during at least one of a deceleration event of a vehicle and a regenerative braking event. The energy module, while increasing the cooling of the coolant, supplies an overvoltage to a cooling pump of the engine. |
| US09238989B2 |
Exhaust apparatus of construction machine
Provided is an exhaust apparatus provided in a construction machine with an engine and an engine room, the exhaust apparatus capable of suppressing vibration of an exhaust gas pipe and securing required strength thereof. The exhaust apparatus includes a duct provided in the engine room, a fan to suck air into the engine room and discharge through the duct the air to an outside as exhaust wind, and an exhaust gas pipe guiding exhaust gas of the engine into the duct. The exhaust gas pipe includes a duct inner portion inside the duct and a duct outer portion connected to the duct inner portion outside the duct. The duct inner portion has a plurality of discharge holes to allow the exhaust gas to be injected into the duct therethrough and discharged to the outside together with the exhaust wind. The duct inner portion is connected to the duct. |
| US09238983B2 |
Secondary air introduction system
Embodiments for heating an emission control device are provided. In one example, a method for a turbocharged engine comprises during an engine cold-start, delivering boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a wastegate duct coupled across a turbine and exothermically reacting a reductant with the boosted air upstream of an exhaust emission control device. In this way, boosted air may be used to initiate an exothermic reaction to heat the device. |
| US09238971B2 |
Gas turbine casing thermal control device
A device for directing gas impingement to an inner casing of a gas turbine may include a plate configured for attachment to the outer surface of the inner casing. The plate has a first surface opposing the inner casing when the plate is attached to an area of the inner casing and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate defines a plurality of holes through the plate from the first surface to the second surface. The holes are arranged with a predetermined non-uniform distribution in the plate corresponding to a desired preferential impingement pattern for providing non-uniform heat transfer from the area during operation of the gas turbine so as to control temperature of the inner casing across the area. Various options and modifications are possible. Related gas turbine assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US09238970B2 |
Blade outer air seal assembly leading edge core configuration
An example blade outer air seal assembly may consist of a blade outer air seal containing channels that communicate cooling air through at least some of the blade outer air seal. The blade outer air seal has at least one circumferentially extending barrier separating the leading channel into a forward portion and an aft portion. Cooling air outlets from the leading channel are exclusively coupled to the aft portion. |
| US09238967B2 |
Environmentally sealed combustion powered linear actuator
A combustion powered linear actuator features an actuator body having a first chamber therein and a power piston mounted in the first chamber movable between retracted and extended positions. The power piston has a combustion chamber therein. A first seal about the piston seals the piston with respect to the actuator body. A vent region in the body of increased diameter allows exhaust gases to bypass the first seal and flow into a space between the piston and the actuator body and to then vent out of the actuator body. A second seal proximate the distal end of the actuator body cooperates with another piston seal to seal the annular region when the piston is retracted. The vent region may include a vent gland in the first chamber about the piston defining a vent chamber between the actuator body and the vent gland. |
| US09238964B2 |
Real time data compression and transmission
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for compressing a variety of signals, such as measured signals from a hydrocarbon operation, that may be stored and/or transmitted in compressed form. Segmentation tools and techniques are used to compress the signals. Segmentation techniques include breaking a signal into segments and representing the data samples of the signal as segment boundary points, which may reflect where changes occur in the signal, and segment parameters, which may be utilized to model the segmented data. Embodiments can be used in real-time or in batch modes. New data samples can influence previous segment boundary points and/or segment parameters in some cases. Systems may modify what has already been stored or displayed as a result in revising segmentation information based on analysis utilizing the new data samples. Embodiments may utilize different Bayesian analysis techniques including the use of prior probability distributions and maximum a posteriori analyses. |
| US09238962B2 |
Pore pressure from spectroscopy and sonic data
A logging tool capable of making different types of measurements is provided, and a plurality of measurements on a formation are obtained. Certain mineral properties of the formation are assumed and a mixed properties theorem for the formation is invoked. Upper and lower velocity limits for sonic waves traveling through the formation are determined using the above information. Biot's constant is also computed using the above information. LWD data on the formation is obtained and an effective stress is determined. A total stress is determined and, from that and the other information, a pore pressure is determined. |
| US09238961B2 |
Oilfield operation using a drill string
Collecting temperature data at a plurality of locations along a wellbore, performing thermo-mechanical simulations of a drill string in response to mud circulation wherein the drill string comprises a tool string suspended in the wellbore from a pipe string, determining changes in length of the pipe string due to temperature changes, positionally fixing the tool string at one of the locations, and adjusting the length of the pipe string based on the determined change in length of the pipe string. Positionally fixing the tool string may comprise lowering the drill string a side entry sub of the drill string is proximate a top end of the wellbore wherein the side entry sub is configured to allow a wireline cable to enter a bore of the drill string, positioning the side entry sub above a blow-out-preventer, and closing the blow-out-preventer around the drill string below the side entry sub. |
| US09238952B2 |
Annular isolation with tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer
An apparatus comprising a first casing string comprising one or more profiled seats furrowed into the first casing string's inner casing wall, a second casing string comprising an upper casing joint, a lower casing joint, and a tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer positioned between the upper casing joint and the lower casing joint, wherein the tension-set EMC packer comprises a mandrel that is attached to the upper casing joint and to the lower casing joint, wherein the second casing string is disposed within the first casing string such that a casing casing annulus (CCA) is formed between the first casing string's inside diameter (ID) and the second casing string's outside diameter (OD), and wherein the recessed seats are positioned below the tension-set EMC packer prior to any engagement of the tension-set EMC packer with the first casing string. |
| US09238950B2 |
Blowout preventer with packer assembly and method of using same
A packer assembly for a blowout preventer for sealing a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has ram blocks with a front face engageable with another ram block. The packer assembly is carried by each ram block and includes a support, a face packer having a sealing surface engageable with the face packer of an adjacent ram block, and a pair of plates positionable about the face packer. The plates include an extended plate and a support plate with the face packer therebetween. The extended plate protrudes from the ram block a distance beyond the support plate such that, when the ram blocks are moved together, the extended plate makes contact with the extended plate of an adjacent ram block before the support plates make contact with the adjacent ram block whereby a sealing pressure between the face packers of the adjacent ram blocks is maintained. |
| US09238948B2 |
System for analysing gas from strata being drilled under high mud flows
A gas analysis system for determining the gas content of subterranean strata. A boring operation is commenced to form a borehole into or through a subterranean formation, such as a coal or shale formation to determine the gas content thereof. The drill fluid, cuttings and any desorbed gas is carried from the downhole location to surface analysing equipment in a closed system, so that the desorbed gases are not exposed to the air. The drill stem is capped or sealed at the surface, as well as the wellbore annulus to effectively seal the drill liquid, cuttings and desorbed gasses. The drill fluid, cuttings and desorbed gasses from the formation are coupled from the wellhead apparatus to the gas processing equipment via a closed system so that the constituents and volume of the gas can be determined. |
| US09238947B2 |
Wellbore tubular handling system
A wellbore tubular handling system and method for moving tubulars into a wellhead. The wellbore tubular handling system includes a service rig including a transport chassis, a mast pivotally connected to the transport chassis and moveable between a storage position and an erected position and a block supported on the mast; an upper snubbing unit pivotally connected to the mast, the upper snubbing unit including a first driving ram and a second driving ram, each including a mounted end and an outboard end, each of the first driving ram and the second driving ram being connected at the pivotal connection to the mast adjacent their mounted ends and a travelling snubbing slip assembly mounted to the outboard ends of the first driving ram and the second driving ram and being drivable toward and away from the mounted ends by the first driving ram and the second driving ram; and a stationary snubbing slip assembly configured for connection to the wellhead. |
| US09238946B2 |
Improvements relating to core barrel outer tubes
Described herein is a “cross-over” connector that can be used with core barrel outer tubes to prevent damage and destruction when they are connected to one another by automated equipment on a rig floor, for example, automated rig-floor torque wrenches. Standard core barrel outer tubes having a pin connector and a box connector are modified by adding “cross-over” sub elements to the pin and box connectors to increase their effective strength. The sub elements include portions which engage respective ones of the pin and box connections. The sub elements are designed to be the contact points for the automated equipment, so that it they are damaged, they can readily be replaced at a lower cost when compared to the scrapping and replacement of the core barrel outer tubes themselves. |
| US09238944B2 |
Tri-cone bit for high RPM drilling applications
This invention relates to a tri-cone bit for high RPM drilling applications, which comprises three head sections and three cones. Cutting elements are arranged on each cone. Upper parts of the three head sections are joined together to form a bit body, on which nozzle sockets are provided, and nozzles are installed in bores of the nozzle sockets. A bearing between the cones and the head sections is a composite roller-journal bearing which is formed by rollers and arc-shaped slides arranged in an alternating way, and a seal means for the bearing is of metal face type. The composite roller-journal bearing of the invention can withstand high RPM and high load, and also has a higher resistance to impact, thereby ensuring longer working life of the bearing under high RPM and medium-high WOB. The six-point gage protection structure enhances stability of the bit and reduces cutting element breakage caused by bit vibration. The above tri-cone bit is suitable for high RPM and medium-high WOB drilling applications and features high drilling efficiency and long service life. |
| US09238941B2 |
Vehicle access system
A vehicle access system and method with retractable access means (10) e.g. ladder or stairs and a retracting mechanism (25) therefor. Force applied to the access means is sufficient to retract the access means from a fully deployed position to a partially retracted position but not sufficient to not be physically resisted by a user during at least part of the retraction. With the access means in a fully retracted position, force exerted on the retracted access means can be sufficient to hold the access means in a retracted position without the need for auxiliary restraining means. |
| US09238939B2 |
Idler
A length adjustable fitting for blind systems, including a housing and a drive member fitted to said housing; a core component including a core member shaped for engaging a drive portion of said drive member, the core component including a support portion shaped for engaging a support member for supporting said fitting; wherein, the selective adjustment of the drive member relative to the housing moves the core member along an axis to a different position relative to the housing, wherein at each said position, the drive member engages the core member to resist movement of the core member along the axis from said position relative to said housing. |
| US09238934B2 |
Door jamb member, door jamb assembly incorporating same and kit therefor
A door jamb assembly comprises a plurality of longitudinal door jamb portions. Each door jamb portion comprises a longitudinal door jamb member comprising a longitudinal rounded channel and a plurality of longitudinal internal cavities, and a longitudinal frame member comprising a rounded longitudinal edge matingly engaging the rounded channel of the door jamb member. The door jamb assembly also comprises a plurality of corner keys forming generally right-angled joints between adjacent door jamb portions. |
| US09238929B2 |
Door locking apparatus and an enclosure having the same
A door locking apparatus and an enclosure comprising the same are disclosed. The door locking apparatus comprises an operation unit 52 installed on a door 30 for opening/closing a body frame 10, and one or more locking units 80 installed in the door 30 to be capable of being inserted into or released from a locking hole 11 formed in the body frame 30. At least one of the locking units 80 comprises an unlocking restraint module 83, 84 operated by an external force and caught by the body frame 10. |
| US09238928B2 |
Safer hinge and latch system for livestock access
The gate latching device of this invention is optionally a one piece design, although it could be constructed by interconnecting several individual components. An alley post channel blank is formed in such a manner that it has protruding slotted tabs for bolting the post bracket to the floor. This feature allows the alley post bracket to be a direct replacement of the conventional post design for updating existing applications. The formed bracket is also optionally formed from one piece of steel and is provided with appropriate mounting holes installed. The formed bracket is optionally free from protruding tabs that can cause injury to personnel and livestock. A latch security plate activates automatically when the gate is closed. As soon as the gate is closed it is secure. The latch security plate can be applied in other applications, including wall brackets, feeder brackets, back to back brackets and other similar applications. |
| US09238926B2 |
Keyless lock assembly
A keyless lock assembly for selectively locking and unlocking a door includes a plate that is coupled to a door. A guide is coupled to the plate. A tubular housing is coupled to the plate. A shaft is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. A locking pin is coupled to the shaft and is positioned within a pin groove. A rotation slot extends into the tubular housing. The rotation slot is in communication with the pin groove. A locking slot extends into the tubular housing. The locking slot is in communication with the rotation slot so the locking slot retains the locking pin. A handle is coupled to the shaft. A locking bracket is coupled to the door. The handle engages the locking bracket. A shaft cup extends into a support surface proximate the door so the shaft cup receives the shaft so the door is locked. |
| US09238925B2 |
Latch assembly
A water seal system is provided for a latch assembly that comprises a housing having a receptacle in which a handle extends therein. A trigger extends from the handle through an aperture in the receptacle to a latching mechanism on a rear side of the housing. The trigger is operative to cause the latching mechanism to operate, responsive to movement of the handle. The water seal system includes a gasket mounted to a metal backing plate, with slots extending through the backing plate and gasket. The trigger extends through the slots such that the backing plate abuts a stop surface of the trigger. Movement of the handle from the extended position to the retracted position is operative to cause the stop surface to urge the backing plate to compress the gasket adjacent portions of the receptacle that extend around the aperture. |
| US09238924B2 |
Collapsible fabric structure supported by hubs and rods
A structure including a first end panel, a second end panel, and a side panel that spans between the first end panel and the second end panel. The various panels are supported by a plurality of hubs and rods. When erected, the structure appears similar in shape to a hay bale. The structure may be manually collapsed into a very compact form for transport and storage. |
| US09238921B2 |
Method and arrangements relating to foundation for antenna mast of wireless communication system
A method of building a foundation, a foundation element (2), and a foundation for an antenna mast of a wireless communication system are provided. The foundation comprises at least three foundation elements (2). Each foundation element (2) comprises an elongated body (4). The elongated body (4) comprising a first end (6). At least one bar (16) extends from the elongated body (4) at the first end (6). An attachment arrangement (18) for the antenna mast is provided on the foundation element (2). The at least three foundation elements (2) are arranged to extend substantially symmetrically from a central portion (24) of the foundation (30). A central concrete portion is cast in the central portion (24) of the foundation (30) to join the at least one bar (16) of each of the three foundation elements (2). |
| US09238920B1 |
Liftable structure system
A liftable building system includes a building structure. A foundation is configured for supporting the building structure. A substructure is disposable between the foundation and the building structure. At least one guide post is in communication with the building structure, the substructure and the foundation. The liftable building system includes a lifting system including a first end and a second end. The first end is in communication with the substructure and the second end is in communication with the foundation so that actuating the lifting system applies a force to axially displace in a substantially up and down direction the substructure with the building structure along or with the at least one guidepost relative to the foundation. |
| US09238916B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting a downspout of a gutter
An apparatus and method provides for protecting a downspout elbow or extension of a rain gutter from suffering and inflicting harm. The apparatus has a protective outer surface to guard against one or more sharp edges or surfaces of the downspout elbow or extension from suffering or inflicting harm. Methods of protecting the downspout elbow or extension include at least elastically deforming, sliding, rolling, or inverting a portion or all of the apparatus onto the opening and adjacent portions of the downspout elbow or extension. |
| US09238908B1 |
Curb vent stack plunger
A curb vent stack plunger for clearing sewer drains includes an elongated pole. A first substantially circularly shaped rubberized disc is located adjacent the bottom end of the pole and lies in a first plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole. A second substantially circularly shaped rubberized disc is secured to the pole at a distance spaced upwardly from the bottom end. The second disc lies in a second plane perpendicular to the pole axis but parallel to the first disc. A soft rubberlike semi-spherically shaped bumper is secured to the remote bottom end of the pole. |
| US09238907B2 |
Splash guard for sink
A splash guard includes a central base having a first linear margin and a second linear margin parallel to the first linear margin, a first wall connected to the central base along the first linear margin, the first wall having an upper portion extending upward from the central base to define a splash shield and having a lower portion extending downward from the central base to engage a host structure, and a second wall connected to the central base along the second linear margin, the second wall extending downward from the central base such that a channel for engaging a host structure is defined by the central base, the lower portion of the first wall, and the second wall. |
| US09238899B2 |
Front loader
When maintaining a ground pivot angle of the bucket constant irrespective of any vertical pivotal movement of the boom, a ground angle maintaining controlling section stops a bucket actuator when it is detected that a vertical pivot angle of the bucket has reached an elevation restricted angle which is set smaller by a set angle than an elevation limit angle of the bucket 15 or a lowering restricted angle which is set greater by a set angle than a lowering limit angle of the bucket. |
| US09238893B2 |
Tooth and retainer for a milling drum
A milling drum adapted to be rotated in a cutting direction about an axis defined by the cylindrical surface of the drum. A plurality of pairs of overlapping recesses in the cylindrical surface of the drum. A tooth or cutting bit with a base configuration matching a first of the pair of the overlapping recesses, and a lower portion of a side surface including a retainer engagement feature. A retainer has a base configuration matching a second of the pair of overlapping recesses, and a side surface including a tooth engagement feature. A fastener secures the retainer in the second of the overlapping recesses so that the tooth engagement feature of the retainer engages the retainer engagement feature of the tooth or cutting bit to hold the tooth or cutting bit in the first of the overlapping recesses. |
| US09238892B2 |
Tamping pick
A tamping tine (5) for a tamping machine consists of a tine shaft (8) and, positioned at the lower end thereof, a tine pad (9) having a pad bottom edge (10) spaced from the tine shaft (8). The tine pad (9) has pad side surfaces (11), spaced from one another in the direction of the pad bottom edge (10) and extending perpendicularly to the same, each of which connect a pad front side (12) to a pad rear side of the tine pad (9). Hardened metal plates (14) for increasing the abrasion resistance are fastened to the tine pad (9). The hardened metal plates (14) situated side by side along the pad bottom edge (10) form a common boundary line (15) both on the pad front side (12) as well as on the pad rear side. Armoring (17) in the shape of a build-up welding, standing out from a plane (16) of the pad front- or -rear side, is provided adjoining each boundary line (15). |
| US09238889B2 |
Apparatus and method for closed-loop control of creped tissue paper structure
A method includes obtaining measurements associated with one or more controlled variables related to a structure of creped tissue paper during production of the creped tissue paper. The method also includes generating at least one control signal that adjusts one or more manipulated variables associated with the production of the creped tissue paper in order to alter the structure of the creped tissue paper. The one or more controlled variables include a number of folds per unit length of the creped tissue paper, a caliper of the creped tissue paper, a macro crepe of the creped tissue paper, and/or a micro crepe of the creped tissue paper. The manipulated variable(s) could include a crepe percentage, a creping blade angle, a flow of sizing agent, and/or a cross direction (CD) profile of nozzle positions associated with a spray boom that sprays sizing agent onto a Yankee dryer. |
| US09238887B2 |
Drying method and profile
A drying method in a dryer machine which involves sending a pulse according to a pulse pattern formed by: energizing each of a plurality of actuators of a heater for a first determined set time; de-energizing one actuator of the heater for a second determined set time; de-energizing another actuator of the heater for a third determined period of time; compare, during the previous steps, the temperature detected by a temperature detector versus a target value; in case the temperature detected is higher than the target value, interrupting a drive signal to drivers for the heater; in case the temperature detected is lower than the target value, uninterrupting the signal to the drivers; and repeat the previous steps at least one time. |
| US09238882B2 |
Needle bar and sewing machine
In relation to a sewing machine having a function of rotating a sewing needle in order to prevent occurrence of hitch stitches, there is provided a needle bar that obviates a necessity for an additional rotation mechanism for rotating the sewing needle.A needle bar includes: a needle bar body having a vertically-movable sleeve and a guide bush; a sleeve provided in the needle bar body and having openings, and the like, where balls are to be placed; a cam shaft that has a disc-shaped portion which is provided in the needle bar body, an upper shaft which is provided with a pair of grooves or the like having helical grooves and which is inserted in the sleeve, and a lower shaft which is formed so as to protrude downward from a guide bush; and a joint secured to the lower shaft for securing a sewing needle. |
| US09238881B2 |
Roving machine for producing a roving and method for piecing a fiber sliver
A roving machine and method for producing a roving from a fiber sliver has at least one spinning station with a vortex chamber, an infeed opening for the fiber sliver, and a roving forming element in the form of a spindle that has an inlet port and extends at least partially into the vortex chamber. The vortex chamber is associated with spinning nozzles through which air can be guided into the vortex chamber to impart, after a piecing process, a protective twist to the fiber sliver in the region of the inlet port. The spindle has a draw-off channel via which the roving provided with the protective twist is drawn out of the vortex chamber. Piecing nozzles are additionally associated with the vortex chamber, wherein each of the piecing nozzles has a flow direction which is aligned in the direction of the inlet port of the spindle. |
| US09238880B2 |
Chitosan yarn having a crystal structure corresponding to the anhydrous allomorph and a tensile strength, after immersion in demineralized water for fifteen hours, of at least 150 MPA
The invention relates to a method for producing an elongate polysaccharide element, in particular a chitosan thread, comprising an operation of extruding an extrusible solution of said polysaccharide through an extrusion die and an operation of coagulating the extruded solution. The extrusible solution is a hydroalcoholic solution containing an alcohol that does not form an azeotrope with water and which has a boiling point of more than 150° C. at atmospheric pressure. The coagulation operation includes a step of evaporating the water, preferably over the alcohol, producing a gelled extruded elongate element in the form of a mainly alcoholic gel, in particular by subjecting the extruded solution to a hot air flow. At least one operation of eliminating the alcohol contained in said gel makes it possible to obtain the elongate polysaccharide element. The chitosan thread has a crystalline structure corresponding to the anhydrous allomorph and a rupture stress of at least 150 MPa after being immersed in demineralized water for fifteen hours. The apparatus (1) for the wet extrusion of polysaccharide thread (10) includes an extruder (2) with at least one extrusion die (3), an evaporation enclosure (4) placed immediately after the output (3a) of the extrusion die (3) and supplied with a hot air flow, a neutralization unit (5), a washing unit (6), a drying unit (8) and a winding unit (9). |
| US09238878B2 |
Aldehyde-tagged protein-based drug carriers and methods of use
The disclosure provides aldehyde-tagged protein carriers that can be covalently and site-specifically bound to drug to provide a drug-containing scaffold. The invention also encompasses methods of production of such drug-containing scaffolds and intermediates, as well as methods of use. |
| US09238874B2 |
Method and apparatus for electroplating metal parts
A supply of metal parts are electroplated by progressively transferring the parts with a computer controlled robot into a series of open top tanks containing solutions. The tanks have submerged metal fixtures which temporarily support the parts, and each fixture in the electroplating tank is individually connected to a direct current power source through a corresponding timer switch controlled by the computer so that each part is plated for a precise time period independently of the time the part remains in the plating solution. Each fixture is coated with an insulation material and has a base with metal contact with a removable fixture member having limited metal line contact with the supporting part. A plurality of electroplating lines each include the above components, and common tanks in the lines receive an electroplating solution recirculated through a common filter and service tank where the solution is heated and controlled. |
| US09238873B2 |
Eco-friendly smelting process for reactor-grade zirconium using raw ore metal reduction and electrolytic refining integrated process
The manufacturing method for high-purity Zirconium is characterized by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) of a raw material having zirconium raw ore containing ZrO2, ZrSiO4, KZr2(PO4)3, or a mixture thereof and a reducing agent that is metal powder, to prepare zirconium intermetallic compound or zirconium nitride, followed by the recovery of high-purity Zr by electrolytic refining the reaction product of the SHS. |
| US09238870B2 |
Plasma etch for chromium alloys
A reactive ion etching (RIE) process comprising a chlorine source gas and an oxygen source gas with an atomic ratio of chlorine to oxygen in the plasma of at least 6 to 1 is used to etch chromium alloy films such as SiCr, SiCrC, SiCrO, SiCrCO, SiCrCN, SiCrON, SiCrCON, CrO, CrN, CrON, and NiCr for example. Additionally, a fluorine source may be added to the etch chemistry. |
| US09238869B2 |
Methods and systems for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost. |
| US09238866B2 |
Rod-type polysilicon having improved breaking properties
Rod-type, polycrystalline silicon having a rod diameter of >100 mm are obtained by deposition of silicon-containing gas according to the Siemens method, wherein the Si rods are brought into contact with hydrogen at the end of the deposition process during cooling in the reactor, and the cooled Si rods obtained have in perpendicular cross section cracks and/or radial stresses having a defined size. |
| US09238865B2 |
Multiple vapor sources for vapor deposition
A vapor deposition method and apparatus including at least two vessels containing a same first source chemical. A controller is programmed to simultaneously pulse to the reaction space doses or pulses of a gas from the vessels, each of the doses having a substantially consistent concentration of the first source chemical. The apparatus may also include at least two vessels containing a same second source chemical. The controller can be programmed to simultaneously pulse to the reaction space doses or pulses of a gas from the vessels containing the second source chemical, each of the doses having a substantially consistent concentration of the second source chemical. The second source chemical can be pulsed to the reaction space after the reaction space is purged of an excess of the first source chemical. |
| US09238863B2 |
Method for blackening white fluoride spray coating, and fluoride spray coating covered member having a blackened layer on its surface
This invention is to provide a fluoride spray coating covered member having excellent resistance to halogen corrosion and resistance to plasma erosion and displaying identification symbols such as letters, numeric characters, graphic, pattern, firm name, serial number and so on. In the invention, one or more implanting gases selected from fluorine-containing gas, oxygen gas and inert gas are ion-implanted onto a white fluoride spray coating formed on a surface of a substrate, whereby at least a part of the surface of the white fluoride spray coating is changed into a black color to form a black ion-implanted layer. |
| US09238861B2 |
Closed-space annealing process for production of CIGS thin-films
In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a CIGS precursor layer onto a substrate, introducing a source-material layer into proximity with the precursor layer, where the source-material layer includes one or more of Cu, In, or Ga, and one or more of S or Se, and annealing the precursor layer in proximity with of the source-material layer, where the annealing is performed in a constrained volume, and where the presence of the source-material layer reduces decomposition of volatile species from the precursor layer during annealing. |
| US09238860B2 |
Method of carrying out post-treatment to sprayed coating and agent used for the same
A method of carrying out post-treatment to a sprayed coating includes spraying aluminum-containing material onto a surface of a steel for forming a sprayed coating on the steel, and coating electrolytic aqueous solution or water base paint containing electrolytic aqueous solution therein onto the sprayed coating. |
| US09238852B2 |
Process for making molybdenum or molybdenum-containing strip
A method of making a molybdenum or molybdenum alloy metal strip is disclosed. The method includes roll compacting a molybdenum-based powder into a green strip. The method also includes sintering the green strip followed by a combination of warm rolling, annealing, and cold rolling steps to form the final metal strip which may be cut-to-length. The strip at the final thickness may also undergo an optional stress relief step. |
| US09238846B2 |
Reduction processing apparatus for steel-making slag and reduction processing system for steel-making slag
This reduction processing apparatus for a steel-making slag that continuously performs reduction processing to a hot steel-making slag by using an electric furnace includes: a slag-supplying container that charges the hot steel-making slag into the electric furnace; an electrode that is provided at the electric furnace and heats a molten slag layer on a molten iron produced by reducing the hot steel-making slag; an auxiliary-raw-material supplying unit that supplies an auxiliary-raw-material including a reducing agent to the molten slag layer; and a tilting unit that tilts the slag-supplying container and adjusts a charging amount of the hot steel-making slag to the electric furnace. |
| US09238840B2 |
Method for single cell genome analysis and kit therefor
A method for analyzing a genome of a single cell is provided, and a kit is also provided. The method for analyzing the genome of the single cell may comprise separating and lysing the single cell to obtain a whole-genome DNA of the cell; subjecting the whole-genome DNA to a whole-genome amplification to obtain a whole-genome amplification product; performing a PCR amplification using the whole-genome amplification product as template and using housekeeping-gene-specific primers to detect the housekeeping gene of the whole-genome amplification product; and determining whether the whole genome amplification product meets a requirement for sequencing based on the detection result, wherein a uniform distribution of the amplification product in each chromosome is an indication of the amplification product meeting the requirement for sequencing. |
| US09238839B2 |
Primer set, method and kit for detecting pathogen in animals or plants
The invention provides a method for rapidly detecting a pathogen in animals or plants comprising using a specific primer set and nucleic acid in a sample to carry on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification. If at least one amplification occurs, the sample comprises the pathogen. The invention also provides a primer set, probe and kit for detecting a pathogen in animals or plants. |
| US09238838B2 |
Microrna patterns for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of melanoma
The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing, staging, prognosticating and treating melanoma based on evaluating the expression of specific patterns of oncogenic or suppressive microRNA (miR) molecules in a patient in need thereof. |
| US09238837B2 |
Biomarkers for determination of temporal phase of acute kidney injury
The invention relates to a method for determining the temporal phase of acute kidney injury, comprising obtaining a test sample from a subject and measuring the expression level of at least one biomarker selected from the group comprising Chac1, Birc5 and Angptl7. The invention also relates to a method for determining the early early phase, the late early phase, the severity and/or timing of acute kidney injury via analysis of the biomarkers Chac1, Birc5 and/or Angptl7, in addition to a test kit for carrying out said methods and antibodies directed against Chac1, Birc5 or Angptl7. |
| US09238835B2 |
Nanowire-based system for analysis of nucleic acids
System for detection and/or analysis of nucleic acids using nanowires to detect covalent modification of nucleic acids. |
| US09238828B2 |
Keto-isovalerate decarboxylase enzymes and methods of use thereof
Provided herein are polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides which have ketoisovalerate decarboxylase activity. Also provided are recombinant host cells comprising such polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods of use thereof. |
| US09238825B2 |
Multi plasmid system for the production of influenza virus
Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided. |
| US09238824B2 |
Lentiviral triplex DNA, and vectors and recombinant cells containing lentiviral triplex DNA
The present invention provides nucleic acid, vectors, viruses, and recombinant cells comprising triple-stranded structures, such as those resulting from central initiation and termination of HIV-1 reverse transcription at the center of HIV-1 linear DNA genomes. These triplex structures can act as a cis-determinant of HIV-1 DNA nuclear import, allowing infection of non-dividing target cells. In one aspect, the presence of the DNA triplex sequence in an HIV vector strongly stimulates gene transfer in hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides methods of using these triplex structures for making recombinant cells, as well as methods of using the recombinant cells to express proteins of interest both in vitro and in vivo. |
| US09238821B2 |
Metabolic engineering for plant disease resistance
The invention provides methods and compositions for making a dicotyledonous plant that is susceptible to Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot (PRR) more resistant to PRR, by metabolic engineering of the plant's flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Thus, methods for increasing the synthesis and accumulation of medicarpin and/or 7,4′-dihydroxyflavone in plants such as alfalfa are provided. |
| US09238816B2 |
Amyloid protein oligomer-binding aptamer
An aptamer having a G-quartet structure and being at least one selected from the group consisting of the following polynucleotides, the aptamer having a binding ability to an amyloid protein oligomer: (1) a polynucleotide comprising a base sequence represented by any one of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:18; (2) a polynucleotide comprising a base sequence that includes at least four sets of at least two consecutive guanosine nucleotides and in which one or several bases has been deleted, substituted, or added in a base sequence represented by any one of SEQ ID NO:18; and (3) a polynucleotide that is a multimer including the polynucleotide of (1) or (2) as a structural unit. |
| US09238815B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting human host factors required for influenza virus replication
This application relates to the modulation of host cell factors required for influenza virus replication. The application relates to compounds, including nucleic acid compounds (such as, e.g., small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)) and small molecules, that target human host cell factors involved in influenza virus replication, and the use of such compounds for modulating influenza virus replication and as antiviral agents. The application also relates to methods of treating an influenza virus infection and methods of treating or preventing a symptom or disease associated with influenza virus infection, comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising a compound, such as a nucleic acid compound (e.g., an siRNA) or small molecule, that targets a human host cell factor involved in influenza virus replication. |
| US09238808B2 |
Modular adjustable pulse generator
A pulse generation system for applying electric pulses across a load includes a first plurality of energy storage modules connected in series on a positive chain and configured to apply a positive potential to the load and a second plurality of energy storage modules connected in series on a negative chain and configured to apply a negative potential to the load. Each energy storage module of the positive chain and the negative chain includes a rectifier and a storage element, and at least one control element. |
| US09238800B2 |
Avian adenoassociated virus and uses thereof
The present invention provides an Avian adeno-associated vims (AAAV) vims and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAAV vectors and particles. Methods of isolating the AAAV are provided. |
| US09238798B2 |
Method of producing a pharmacologically stable form of lyophilised, active preparations of purified bacteriophages
The subject the present invention is a method of producing a pharmacologically stable form of purified and lyophilised bacteriophage preparations of increased stability and antibacterial activity, characterized in that phages produced from a bacterial lysate, for example by ultrafiltration on ultrafiltration membranes, containing a high molecular weight preparation of purified phages is stabilised most preferably with a probiotic extract in the presence or absence of neutral salts and/or organic solvents, lyophilised, characterised via HPLC chromatography, by SDS-PAGE, and bacterial lysis biological assays, and then stored under a vacuum, where the active lyophilisate is destined for phage therapy of infections and tumors. |
| US09238790B2 |
Incubator, schedule management method, and program
An input section of an incubator accepts, from a user, a first input selecting a specified incubation container which registers an observing schedule, and a second input specifying an imaging condition of the specified incubation container in an observing sequence. A calculating section calculates, according to the above-mentioned imaging condition, an observing duration of the specified incubation container from a first data relating to a carrying period of an incubation container and a second data with regard to an imaging duration. A schedule management section extracts, based on a schedule data, a registrable time zone in which an observing sequence of the specified incubation container can be executed without overlapping with previously registered observing schedules, and outputs to display the registrable time zone for presentation to the user. |
| US09238789B2 |
Baffled single use bioreactor
A flexible disposable bioreactor having three, stagger-baffled compartments wherein the middle compartment houses a sparging rod is described to provide the highest degree of sparging and mixing to produce biological products. |
| US09238785B2 |
Method for biodiesel and biodiesel precursor production
The invention relates to a method for the production of biodiesel and biodiesel precursor. |
| US09238783B2 |
Monoester-based lubricants and methods of making same
The present invention is generally directed to monoester-based lubricant compositions. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such monoester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols so as to produce high value monoester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such monoester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation. |
| US09238776B2 |
Liquid crystal blue phase
Methods of forming a liquid crystal blue phase from composite materials having a chiral nematic liquid crystal host and a bent-shape molecule are described. The stable temperature range of the liquid crystal blue phase may be improved by controlling the thickness of the composite materials. For example, a given composition may have a maximum stable temperature range for the liquid crystal blue phase at about 1 μm. |
| US09238775B2 |
Switch element comprising a liquid-crystalline medium
The present invention relates to a switch element, which is thermoresponsive and which switches between a less transmissive state for radiant energy and a more transmissive state for radiant energy, and which comprises a liquid-crystalline medium. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the switch element for the regulation of radiant energy flow between interior spaces and the environment and for the regulation of the temperature of interior spaces. The invention furthermore relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterized in that it comprises a compound of the formula (I), in particular for use in the switch elements according to the invention. |
| US09238773B2 |
Lutetium oxide-based transparent ceramic scintillators
In one embodiment, a transparent ceramic of sintered nanoparticles includes gadolinium lutetium oxide doped with europium having a chemical composition (Lu1-xGdx)2-YEuYO3, where X is any value within a range from about 0.05 to about 0.45 and Y is any value within a range from about 0.01 to about 0.2, and where the transparent ceramic exhibits a transparency characterized by a scatter coefficient of less than about 10%/cm. In another embodiment, a transparent ceramic scintillator of sintered nanoparticles, includes a body of sintered nanoparticles including gadolinium lutetium oxide doped with a rare earth activator (RE) having a chemical composition (Lu1-xGdx)2-YREYO3, where RE is selected from the group consisting of: Sm, Eu, Tb, and Dy, where the transparent ceramic exhibits a transparency characterized by a scatter coefficient of less than about 10%/cm. |
| US09238768B2 |
Abrasive particles having complex shapes and methods of forming same
An abrasive grain is disclosed and may include a body. The body may define a length (l), a height (h), and a width (w). In a particular aspect, the length is greater than or equal to the height and the height is greater than or equal to the width. Further, in a particular aspect, the body may include a primary aspect ratio defined by the ratio of length:height of at least about 2:1. The body may also include an upright orientation probability of at least about 50%. |
| US09238761B2 |
Adhesive composition
A adhesive composition that includes at least the main components of a hydrolyzable tannin and at least one cationic polymer selected from the group including (poly-)lysine, (poly-)-DL-ornithine, ε-poly-ornithine, (poly-)arginine, (poly-)glutamine, (poly-)asparagine, (poly-)histidine, (poly-)proline, putrescine, spermidine, spermine, cadaverine, agmatine, citrulline and mixtures thereof. |
| US09238758B2 |
Stretch releasable adhesive tape
An adhesive tape that is stretch releasable, articles that contain the adhesive tape, and uses of the adhesive tape are disclosed. The adhesive tapes include a backing layer that is adjacent to at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The backing layer typically is optically clear and includes a poly(alkylene) copolymer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is a silicone-based adhesive composition. In many embodiments, the adhesive tape is optically clear. |
| US09238751B2 |
Polyimide precursor composition, method for preparing polyimide, polyimide prepared by using the method, and film including the polyimide
A polyimide precursor composition, including a polyamic acid including a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1 and transparent metal oxide nanoparticles coordinated to a ligand represented by RCOOH, wherein R is a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl or a linear or branched C2-C4 alkenyl: wherein variables Cy, A3, R31, and n34 in Chemical Formula I are described in the specification. |
| US09238750B2 |
Printable coating
A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle. |
| US09238748B2 |
Aqueous bicomponent baking type automobile finishing varnish with improved acid etching resistance and preparation method thereof
Provided are an aqueous bicomponent baking type automobile finishing varnish with improved acid etching resistance and preparation method thereof, the aqueous bicomponent baking type automobile finishing varnish consisting of component A and component B; component A and component B both consist of a methylacrylate monomer, an acrylate monomer, a non-acrylate monomer, an acrylic monomer, a hydroxyl-containing acrylate monomer, and a chain transfer agent. The preparation method comprises: mixing component A and component B respectively with all the starting materials to prepare a solute, adding a solvent, uniformly mixing to obtain a solution, then adding an initiator to cause a solution polymerization reaction, lastly adding a neutralizer and adjusting to a desired level of neutralization, giving an aqueous acrylic resin A and an aqueous acrylic resin B respectively, lastly mixing the two given substances, adding a crosslinking agent and then water to adjust to the desired viscosity, thus obtaining the product. The product has excellent overall performance, especially good acid etching resistance, and lower raw material prices, and is an environmentally-friendly aqueous finishing varnish. |
| US09238743B2 |
Ink, ink cartridge, and image-recording method
An ink contains a pigment dispersed with polymer, a surfactant, a water-soluble organic solvent, and water. The mass ratio of a content of the pigment to a content of the polymer in the ink is more than 3. The surfactant includes a fluorinated surfactant which is represented by Formula (1) and which has an HLB of 11 or less as determined by a Griffin method. The water-soluble organic solvent includes at least one selected from specific Group A. The total content of the water-soluble organic solvents of the Group-A in the ink is larger than the total content of water-soluble organic solvents other than the water-soluble organic solvents of Group A in the ink. |
| US09238739B2 |
Effect pigments
The present invention relates to effect pigments based on coated, flake-form substrates, where an organic coating which contains fluoroalkyl groups and hydrophilic groups and is built up from at least one siloxane and/or at least one silane is applied to the substrate as outer layer. |
| US09238738B2 |
Germanate-containing thermal barrier coating
A thermal barrier coating having a reduced high temperature thermal conductivity includes group II germanate constructs. This thermal barrier coating may be applied directly to a substrate, applied to a bond-coated substrate, and/or incorporated into a protective coating including one or more other thermal barrier coating layers. The thermal barrier coating provides improved thermal protection properties over current industry standards and materials considered for thermal protection applications. |
| US09238737B2 |
Radiation-curable, electrically conductive coating mixture
The present invention relates to electrically conductive and electrically weldable anti-corrosion compositions for coating metal surfaces, a process for coating metal surfaces with electrically conductive organic coatings, as well as the correspondingly coated and optionally painted metal strips, sheets or parts, the coatings comprising: an organic binder, an anti-corrosion pigment, at least one conductive pigment with a density of at least 3 g/cm3 and optionally at least one conductive pigment with a density of less than 3 g/cm3. |
| US09238735B2 |
Copper containing infrared reflective pigment compositions
Pigment compositions are described that advantageously increase total solar reflectance. Also described are methods of making pigment compositions. The pigment compositions can contain copper oxide; copper antimony oxides, copper bismuth oxides, or combinations thereof; and alkaline earth metal oxides, early-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal oxides, metalloid (semi-metal) oxides, rare-earth metal oxides, or combinations thereof. |
| US09238729B2 |
Functionalized silica with elastomer binder
A functionalized silica product includes particles of a hydrophobated silica having a coating of a polymer. A ratio of the hydrophobated silica to the polymer is from about 0.3/1 to about 100/1. The functionalized silica product may be in the form of a friable crumb or a powder, or in the form of a bale, that may be mixed into an elastomer formulation for a rubber article, such as a tire component. |
| US09238725B2 |
Infrared reflective film, infrared reflective paint and infrared reflective body
Provided is infrared ray reflective paint which is used to form a film having a high reflectance in an infrared ray wavelength region, a high transmittance in a visible ray wavelength region, and a self-cleaning ability, and the infrared ray reflective paint contains: an acrylic resin that contains at least one of a silyl group and a silanol group, and a metal oxide-coated mica wherein one or more metal oxides selected from a tin oxide, a titanium oxide, and a silicon oxide is coated on a surface of mica, and the infrared ray reflective paint contains the metal oxide-coated mica in an amount of 0.4% to 1.5% in terms of PVC (Pigment Volume Concentration). |
| US09238721B2 |
Rigid polyurethane foam and system and method for making the same
An embodiment of a closed-cell polymeric rigid foam may be made using a one-shot method and a reaction system that includes a hydrofluoroalkene physical blowing agent and a polyol mixture having an aminic polyol. The hydrofluoroalkene blowing agent has 3 to 5 carbon atoms and a boiling point between 10° C. and 40° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure. Embodiments of rigid foams may have high closed cell content and are particularly well suited for thermal insulation. |
| US09238720B2 |
Prepreg and laminate
This invention relates to a prepreg having a low thermal expansion coefficient in plane direction and a high rigidity, and more particularly to a prepreg comprising a glass cloth (A), and a resin composition including a cyanate ester resin (B), a non-halogen based epoxy resin (C) and an inorganic filler (D), wherein the glass cloth (A) is characterized that when the weight per 1 m2 is W (g/m2), the thickness is t (μm), the number of warp threads per inch is X (thread/inch), and the number of weft threads per inch is Y (thread/inch), the total of X and Y is 150 to 240, t is 17 to 35, and the value of W/t as the apparent density is 1.1 to 1.5, and that the volume fraction of the glass cloth (A) in the prepreg is 32% to 42%. |
| US09238712B2 |
Tagged polymers and methods of use
A polymer includes a monomeric repeat unit represented by Formula I: In Formula I, R1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl; R2 is alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl; R3 is alkyl, OH, halo, or alkoxy; R4 is alkyl, OH, halo, or alkoxy; Y is absent, C(O), C1-C4 alkylidene, or C1-C4 alkylideneamino; L is alkylidene, alkylidene-O-alkylidene, alkylidene-S-alkylidene, alkenylidene, cycloalkylidene, arylene, heteroarylene, C(O)O, or C(O)S; n1 is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; and n2 is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. |
| US09238708B2 |
Organosiloxane-modified novolak resin and making method
An organosiloxane-modified novolak resin comprising structural units having formula (1) wherein R1 is an organosiloxy group having a monovalent C1-C10 hydrocarbon group bonded to silicon, and R2 is H or C1-C4 alkyl or alkoxy. The resin has high heat resistance and high strength inherent to novolak resins and low stress inherent to organosilicon compounds. |
| US09238699B2 |
Styrenic (meth)acrylic oligomers
Styrenic (meth)acrylic oligomers that are prepared at lower temperature than conventional solid grade oligomers, or are hydrogenated, contain fewer terminal vinylic unsaturations, when compared to such conventional styrenic (meth)acrylic oligomers prepared by the customary high temperature processes. Styrenic (meth)acrylic oligomers that contain fewer terminal vinylic unsaturations demonstrate improved thermal stability and may provide improved resistance to UV weathering compared to the conventional and non-hydrogenated styrenic (meth)acrylic oligomers. |
| US09238696B2 |
Production method for powdered hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane
The present invention aims to provide a method of producing a powdered hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane, which enables production of a powdered hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane excellent in storage stability in an industrially advantageous way. The present invention provides a method of producing a powdered hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane, comprising: a hydrophilic modification step of preparing a solution of a hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane by modifying all or part of hydroxy groups on a cyclodextrin of a polyrotaxane with hydrophilic modifying groups, the polyrotaxane containing the cyclodextrin, a polyethylene glycol included in the cavities of the cyclodextrin molecules in a skewered manner, and a capping group that is placed at each end of the polyethylene glycol and prevents dissociation of the cyclodextrin molecules from the polyethylene glycol; and a drying step of spraying the prepared solution of the hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane and drying the solution of the hydrophilic modified polyrotaxane in a heated gas stream. |
| US09238695B2 |
Sodium pump antibody agonists and methods of treating heart disease using the same
Antibodies that are agonists of sodium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase; NKA) activity are provided. In particular, antibodies that specifically bind epitopes on the beta-1 (β1) subunit of NKA are disclosed. These antibodies have the ability to increase the activity of the catalytic alpha subunit of NKA upon β1 subunit binding. Due to their activity, the antibodies also have the ability to trigger a positive inotropic effect in cardiac tissues (i.e., increase cardiac contraction). The present invention thus includes, but is not limited to, NKA β1 subunit peptide epitopes, antibodies that specifically bind the epitopes, methods of agonizing NKA activity through administration of the peptides or the antibodies, and methods of treating and/or preventing heart disease through administration of the peptides or the antibodies. |
| US09238694B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies and single chain antibody fragments against cell-surface prostate specific membrane antigen
Isolated monoclonal antibodies or an antigen binding portion thereof which bind to prostate specific membrane antigen in its native form occurring on the surface of tumor cells characterized in that it is linked to a label or a cytotoxic agent or constructed as a part of a bispecific antibody or a recombinant diabody. |
| US09238693B2 |
Method of treating asthma or reducing inflammatory cell lung inflammation by administering toll-like receptor 3 antibodies
Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding TLR3 antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed. |
| US09238689B2 |
Antibodies that are cross-reactive for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT)
The present disclosure relates to antigen-binding moieties that specifically bind to MIF and D-DT and compositions and methods of use thereof. |
| US09238686B2 |
Polymeric prodrug with self-immolative linker
A cascade carrier linked prodrug is described comprising a biologically active moiety and a masking group having at least one nucleophile and being distinct from the carrier. |
| US09238683B2 |
Efficient mucosal vaccination mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for enhancing delivery of vaccine antigens to the mucosal epithelium, the composition comprising an antigen from an infectious agent fused with an Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin recognized by the neonatal receptors (FcRn). The composition is effective in eliciting a protective long-term memory T cell immune response against infection at a distant mucosal site. |
| US09238676B2 |
Peptide and peptidomimetic inhibitors
The present invention provides inhibitors and/or antagonists of plasma kallikrein. Also provided are methods of utilizing the inhibitors as therapeutics. |
| US09238670B2 |
Aminoglycoside antibiotics with reduced ototoxicity
This disclosure relates generally to aminoglycoside derivatives of Formula (I) as described herein. The present disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treating bacterial infections by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof. |
| US09238664B2 |
Sulfur-containing organosilicon compound, making method, rubber compounding ingredient, and rubber composition
A sulfur-containing organosilicon compound having a hydrolyzable silyl group, sulfide group and amide group is shelf stable and useful as a rubber compounding ingredient. When compounded in a rubber composition, the organosilicon compound is effective for significantly reducing the hysteresis loss and improving the abrasion resistance of the rubber composition. |
| US09238660B1 |
Synthesis of 4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate and analogs and their application for the preparation of SF5-aromatics
4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate salt was synthesized and isolated. The pentafluorosulfanyl salt was examined in a wide assortment of reactions to form novel SF5-bearing alkenes, alkynes, and biaryl derivatives using Heck-Matsuda, Sonogashira, and Suzuki coupling protocols. Dediazoniation of the salt furnished the corresponding p-SF5—C6H4X,C6H4OS(O)(CF3)═NSO2CF3, and p-SF5—C6H4-NTf2 derivatives. The azide derivative p-SF5—C6H4N3 entered into click chemistry with phenylacetylenes to furnish the corresponding triazoles. Various SF5-bearing alkenes were synthesized by coupling reactions using a metal catalyst. Fluorodediazoniation selectively furnished the fluoro derivative p-SF5—C6H4F. Homolytic dediazoniation gave the unsymmetrical biaryls, thus demonstrating the broad utility of pentafluorosulfanyl diazonium salts as building blocks of SF5-aromatics that are in high demand in many branches of chemistry including biomedicine and materials chemistry. |
| US09238659B2 |
Method of using binuclear gold (I) compounds for cancer treatment
Provided herein is a method of treating cancer by the administration of binuclear gold(I) compounds in patients in need thereof. The pharmaceutical compounds possess anti-cancer activity such as the induction of cell death, inhibition of cellular proliferation, inhibition of thioredoxin reductase activity, and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. |
| US09238653B2 |
Antimalarial agents that are inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase
Inhibitors of parasitic dihydroorotate dehydrogenase enzyme (DHOD) are candidate therapeutics for treating malaria. Illustrative of such therapeutic agents include the compound: and a triazolopyrimidine class of compounds that conform to Formula IX: and their solvates, stereoisomers, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. |
| US09238648B2 |
Asymmetric synthesis method, related raw material and preparation method of (S,S)-2,8-diazabicyclo[4,3,0]nonane
The present invention relates to an asymmetric synthesis method of a chiral intermediate (S,S)-2,8-diazabicyclo[4,3,0]nonane (I) of moxifloxacin, wherein an imide or enamine compound is obtained by dehydration reaction of the pyrrolidine-3-ketone as shown in formula (II) and chiral amine(R)-1-phenylethylamine, followed by the reduction of the imide or enamine compound to obtain a compound of formula (III) or (IV) having the chiral structure of formula (I), and then a compound of formula (I) is obtained by intramolecular cyclization, and removal of the chiral auxiliary group and amino-protecting group. The present invention also relates to pyrrolidine-3-ketone as shown in formula (II) and a preparation method therefor, and in the formula (I), (II), (III), (IV), R is an amino-protecting group, especially C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or benzyl which can be removed by hydrolysis or hydrogenation. Z═H2 or O; when Z═H2, Y is chlorine, bromine, iodine, methanesulfonate, tosylate, hydroxyl or hydroxyl with protection; and when Z═O, Y is OR1, and R1 is C1-4 alkyl. |
| US09238647B2 |
P2X3 receptor antagonists for treatment of pain
The subject invention relates to novel P2X3 receptor antagonists that play a critical role in treating disease states associated with pain, in particular peripheral pain, inflammatory pain, or tissue injury pain that can be treated using a P2X3 receptor subunit modulator. |
| US09238644B2 |
VEGFR3 inhibitors
This invention relates to a compound of the formula (I): The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of the compound of the formula (I), pharmaceutical agents or compositions containing the compound or a method of using the compound for the treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer, as well as the treatment of diseases ameliorated by the control and/or inhibition of lymphangiogenesis. |
| US09238643B2 |
Amide compounds
A compound represented by formula (I) and the pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof are disclosed, wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Ar are defined as those in the specification. |
| US09238636B2 |
Process for preparation of dronedarone by Grignard reaction
The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of dronedarone (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting of compound of formula (IV) with compound of formula (VI) in a Grignard reaction, and the obtained product is isolated and, if desired, converted into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also relates to some novel intermediary compounds and processes for the preparation thereof. |
| US09238634B2 |
Anti-inflammatory metabolite derived from omega-3-type fatty acid
The purpose is to provide a compound which can overcomes the disadvantages of conventional steroid drugs and NSAID. It is found that specific epoxy monohydroxy forms of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid which are independently represented by formulae [chemical formula 1], [chemical formula 5] and the like have an inhibitory activity on neutrophils. This compound can inhibit the invasion of neutrophils into tissues and the activation of neutrophils which are observed in acute inflammations. |
| US09238633B2 |
Methods for treating diabetic complications with carbamoyloxy arylalkanoyl arylpiperazine compounds
A method of treating diabetic complications with carbamoyloxy arylalkanoyl arylpiperazine compounds including: |
| US09238632B2 |
3-cyanoanilinoalkylarylpiperazine derivative and use thereof in preparing drugs
Disclosed in the present invention is a 3-cyanoanilinoalkylarylpiperazine derivatives and use thereof in preparing drugs; the 3-cyanoanilinoalkylarylpiperazine derivatives disclosed by the present invention has very useful pharmaceutical properties and good tolerance, especially the use as novel analgesic drugs, novel antidepressants, and novel analgesic and antidepressive drugs. This class of compounds are central analgesics regulating 5-hydroxytrptamine, and also are novel antidepressants regulating 5-hydroxytrptamine. This class of compounds also has less toxic and side effects and a higher safety range. The 3-cyanoanilinoalkylarylpiperazine derivative is a compound shown as formula (III) or free base or salt thereof: |
| US09238629B2 |
Heteroaryl compounds and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US09238627B2 |
Preparation of and formulation comprising a MEK inhibitor
The present invention relates to processes for preparing 6-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (2-hydroxyethyoxy)-amide, processes for preparing crystallized 6-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (2-hydroxyethyoxy)-amide, and intermediates useful therefore. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising this crystallized compound. |
| US09238626B2 |
Beta-amyloid-directed multitarget compounds for the treatment of alzheimer's disease
The compounds of formula (I), or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or any stereoisomer or mixture thereof, wherein: R1 is a (C1-C2) alkyl radical; R2 and R3 are radicals independently selected from the group consisting of F, CI and methyl R4 is H or OH; A is a birradical selected from the group consisting of —(CH2)n— and —(CH2)-phenyl-(CH2)—; t is an integer from 0 to 1; and n is an integer from 8 to 15, are useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. |
| US09238623B2 |
Condensed-cyclic compound and organic light-emitting diode including the same
A condensed-cyclic compound represented by Formula 1 below, and an organic light-emitting diode including the condensed-cyclic compound. wherein R1 through R6, Ar5 and Ar6, and X1 through X10 are defined as in the specification. |
| US09238617B2 |
Polyureas made from aminocrotonates
A compound having the formula below, where R is —H or —CH2—CH3; n, x, y, and z are nonnegative integers; R2 is an aliphatic group or oxyaliphatic group; and R3 is an aliphatic group. |
| US09238611B2 |
Process for separating aryl carboxylic acids
In the present disclosure, a process for separating aryl carboxylic acids from a mixture comprising a plurality of aryl carboxylic acids is provided, wherein the process comprising the steps of heating a first mixture that comprises at least two aryl carboxylic acids wherein each of said aryl carboxylic acids having a pre-determined liquefaction temperature and a pre-determined precipitation temperature, with at least one ionic compound, at a pre-determined temperature to obtain a liquefied composition; and cooling the liquefied composition under controlled temperature conditions to fractionally crystallize and precipitate an aryl carboxylic acid. The precipitated aryl carboxylic acid is isolated and the obtained mother liquor is subjected to iterated cooling steps until each of the remaining aryl carboxylic acids precipitates one by one. The mother liquor remains in liquefied form. |
| US09238607B1 |
Process for the catalytic production of unsaturated aldehydes
The invention concerns a process for the catalytic production of unsaturated aldehydes by reacting an olefin in the presence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a rhodium compound and organic phosphorus-containing ligands in an organic solvent as well as a co-catalyst formed from a weak organic acid and an organic amine. |
| US09238604B2 |
Process and intermediates for preparing macrolactams
The present invention includes compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of macrolactams, methods for preparing the intermediates, and methods for preparing macrolactams from the intermediates. One use of the methods and intermediates described herein is in the production of macrolactam compounds able to inhibit HCV NS3 protease activity. HCV NS3 inhibitory compounds have therapeutic and research applications. |
| US09238603B1 |
Batch process for the preparation of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol
This invention is generally directed to a batch process for the preparation of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol comprising: (A) treatment of at least one monomer selected from 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione, 3-hydroxy-2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutanone, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol said diol having a starting cis:trans molar ratio of 0:1 to about 2:1, or mixtures thereof by contacting said monomer(s) with hydrogen in the presence of a reaction solvent in which the resulting cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol is partially soluble and further in the presence of a catalyst comprising about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent ruthenium, based on the total weight of the catalyst, deposited on a support material, under reaction conditions sufficient to produce a cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol having a final cis:trans molar ratio of from 2:1 to about 25:1; (B) removal of the reaction solvent, whether by filtration, centrifugation, or other methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art; (C) dissolution of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol with at least one solvent; and, optionally, (D) washing the catalyst at least once, and optionally, (E) reuse of the catalyst. |
| US09238600B2 |
Dual riser catalytic cracker for increased light olefin yield
A process for improving the yield of ethylene and propylene from a light naphtha feedstock includes obtaining light naphtha feedstock from a primary cracking zone having a cracking catalyst. The light naphtha feedstock is contacted with an olefin catalyst in an olefin producing zone to produce an ethylene- and propylene-rich stream. After reacting with the olefin catalyst, the ethylene- and propylene-rich stream is separated from the olefin catalyst from in a separator zone. At least a portion of the olefin catalyst is regenerated by combusting coke deposited on a surface of the olefin catalyst in an oxygen-containing environment, and at least a portion of the olefin catalyst is heated. These portions could be the same one or they could be different. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the olefin catalyst could be neither regenerated nor heated. The olefin catalyst is returned to the olefin producing zone. |
| US09238595B2 |
Method for smoothing the surface of a part made from a CMC material
A method of smoothing the surface of a ceramic matrix composite part presenting a surface that is undulating and rough. The method includes forming a ceramic coating on the surface of the part, the coating being made by applying a liquid composition on the surface of the part, the composition containing a ceramic-precursor polymer and a factory solid filler, curing the polymer, and transforming the cured polymer into ceramic by heat treatment. The method further includes impregnating the ceramic coating with a liquid metallic composition. |
| US09238594B2 |
Templated growth of porous or non-porous castings
A method of forming a templated casting involves incorporating a liquid feedstock into the channels of a honeycomb substrate to form a feedstock-laden substrate, and directionally solidifying the liquid feedstock within the channels. |
| US09238592B2 |
Magnetocaloric materials
What are described are magnetocaloric materials of the general formula (MnxFe1−x)2+zP1−ySiy where 0.55≦x<1 0.4≦y≦0.8 −0.1≦z≦0.1. |
| US09238586B2 |
Filter cleaning method
A method cleans a plurality of filters in parallel, each filter having an inlet side and an outlet side separated by a filter barrier. In an operational phase, water is filtered using a plurality of the filters, by passing the water through the filter. In a cleaning phase, at least one of the filters is cleaned while the other filters are filtering water in the operational phase. Each filter is cleaned by supplying sodium hypochlorite to an inlet side of the filter when the filter is off-line. The inlet side of the filter is allowed to soak in the sodium hypochlorite for at least 30 seconds without the sodium hypochlorite being pressurized through the filter barrier during the soaking process. The filters are cycled through the cleaning phase such that each filter is repeatedly cleaned while other filters are filtering in the operational phase. |
| US09238584B2 |
Clamping and contacting device for thin silicon rods
A clamping and contacting device for mounting and electrically contacting thin silicon rods in silicon deposition reactors is disclosed, the clamping and contacting device having a rod holder for receiving one end of a thin silicon rod. The rod holder comprises at least three contact elements disposed around a receiving space for the thin silicon rod. Each of the contact elements forms a contact surface facing towards a receiving space for electrically and mechanically contacts the thin silicon rod, wherein the contact surfaces of adjacent contact elements are spaced apart. |
| US09238583B2 |
Method for carrying out a hydrothermal carbonization reaction and reaction tank for it
Known methods for hydrothermal carbonization are very time-intensive, as the carbonization reaction only proceeds gradually in the biomass used therefore. This is because of the different reaction conditions prevailing in different parts of the biomass. These also cause an inhomogeneous reaction product. The object of the invention is both to accelerate the method and to improve the result. This is achieved by swirling the biomass inside the available reaction space with the aid of blower nozzles, which blow in the steam at a high speed so that the biomass is swirled. This ensures that the carbonization reaction can proceed uniformly and promptly after the biomass is introduced. |
| US09238579B2 |
Cavity package design
A semiconductor device. The device including a substrate having electrical traces, at least one of a MEMS die and a semiconductor chip mounted on the substrate, and a spacer. The spacer has a first end connected to the substrate and includes electrical interconnects coupled to the electrical traces. The at least one MEMS die and a semiconductor chip are contained within the spacer. The spacer and substrate form a cavity which contains the at least one MEMS die and a semiconductor chip. The cavity forms an acoustic volume when the semiconductor device is mounted to a circuit board via a second end of the spacer. |
| US09238576B2 |
Composite micro-electro-mechanical-system apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A MEMS apparatus comprising composite vibrating unit and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The vibrating unit includes a stiffness element on which a first material is disposed. A second material being a conductive material is disposed on the first material and is extended to the stiffness element to remove electric charge on first material. When a temperature is changed, a variation direction of a Young's modulus of the first material is opposite to a variation direction of a Young's modulus of the stiffness element. The unique attributes above allow vibrating unit of the MEMS apparatus such as resonator and gyroscope to have stable resonance frequency against the change of temperature. |
| US09238573B2 |
Protecting device for a user of an aerial lift and aerial lift comprising such a device
The device (100) according to the invention for protecting a user (U) of an aerial lift comprises a clothing element (100) designed to be worn by the user (U) and equipped with a signaling mechanism (101-103) connected to a controller (73) of the lift. Said alert means (101-103) comprise a member, such as a button (101) or a pull-tab, designed to be actuated by the user (U) to trigger an emergency stop when the user detects a potentially dangerous situation. |
| US09238571B2 |
Formulations for c-Met kinase inhibitors
The instant invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing c-Met kinase inhibitors. Also disclosed are processes for making said pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US09238570B2 |
Crane maneuvering assistance
A system for tracking movable crane components to assist maneuvering the crane within a jobsite includes a computing device having a processor which calculates a 3D geospatial location and orientation of a 3D coordinate system for an upperworks that has an origin chosen along an axis of rotation between the upperworks and a lowerworks. The processor calculates a 3D position of the origin of the upperworks based on local coordinates and transforms the 3D position of the origin of the upperworks from the local coordinates to global 3D coordinates using absolute position sensing data from first and second positioning sensors attached to the crane (for instance on the upperworks and the hook, respectively) and using global 3D coordinates specific to the jobsite where the crane is located. The upperworks 3D coordinate system is useable to determine line segments in the upperworks 3D coordinate system for various movable components. |
| US09238569B2 |
Method for controlling the orientation of a load suspended from a bearing wire about said bearing wire and a winch arrangement
Controlling the orientation of a load suspended from a bearing wire employs one master winch, one slave winch and a winch control. Each of the winches has a motor and a bi-directional rotational spool with a tagline. The winches are on the ground, the crane or the load. Each tagline is attached to the load for applying a controlled torque to the load about the bearing wire. The control system comprises tagline tension sensors and spool rotation sensors. The control system is connected to each winch motor for simultaneously rotating the winch spools, until preset tagline tensions are sensed during horizontal and/or vertical movement of the load. If necessary, the spools are rotated with rotation speeds for maintaining a desired orientation of the load, based on the determined tagline tensions. After relieving tagline tensions, the taglines are disconnected from the load. |
| US09238566B2 |
Sheet cutting device and image forming apparatus including the sheet cutting device
A moving unit of a sheet cutting device is movable in a sheet width direction perpendicular to a sheet feed direction in which a sheet of recording media is fed along a sheet feed path. A cutter holder accommodates a cutter, is connected to the moving unit and is rotatable in a thickness direction of the sheet relative to the moving unit. A guide member is disposed along the sheet width direction to guide the moving unit in the sheet width direction. A drawing member is mounted on the moving unit to draw the moving unit toward a downstream side in a cutting direction in which the cutter holder moves to cut the sheet. The moving unit is connected to the cutter holder at a position downstream in the cutting direction from an accommodated position of the cutter in the cutter holder. |
| US09238563B2 |
Apparatus for detecting an edge of a material web
Some aspects relate to an apparatus for detecting an edge of a material web. In some examples, the apparatus comprises an ultrasound sensor which comprises two or more separately readable ultrasound receiver elements and an ultrasound transmitter element, wherein the ultrasound transmitter element is designed and arranged such that it applies an ultrasound measurement signal to two or more of the ultrasound receiver elements. |
| US09238562B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, including a main body with a first sheet outlet tray and an image forming unit, a feed path configured to guide a sheet from the image forming unit toward the first sheet outlet tray, is provided. The feed path includes a first exit path to guide a sheet toward the first sheet outlet tray and a first duplex path diverging from the feed path to guide a sheet to return to the image forming unit. The main body is attachable with a sheet-exit unit. The sheet-exit unit includes a second sheet outlet tray, a second exit path, and a second duplex path. The second exit path guides a sheet to the second sheet outlet tray. The second exit path is connected with the first exit path when the sheet-exit unit is attached to the main body. |
| US09238561B2 |
Image forming apparatus
When one or more reused sheets each having a printed side and an unprinted side on which duplex printing has been performed are ejected onto an exit tray and then loaded onto a manual feed tray, an operation control section controls a sheet feed section to feed sheets alternately from a sheet feed cassette and the manual feed tray. At times at which the sheets in the sheet feed cassette are fed, the operation control section controls an image forming section to form, on the sheets fed from the sheet feed cassette, images that have been formed over the printed sides of the reused sheets in the duplex printing. At times at which the sheets loaded onto the manual feed tray are fed, the operation control section controls the image forming section to not form an image and causes the sheets to be ejected onto the exit tray. |
| US09238549B2 |
Bin having inner liner within outer shell
A bin is constructed to maximize the space available for its contents. The bin has an outer cylindrical shell and a cylindrical liner which fits into the shell. The side wall of the liner is composed of a number of segments which interlock to define a complete cylinder. The space between the side wall and the side wall of the shell is minimized as is the space occupied by the mechanism for opening and closing the lid. |
| US09238547B2 |
Method of custom fitting an article of footwear and apparatus including a container
A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a predetermined removable area forming a hole that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam using the container. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear. |
| US09238545B2 |
Cartridge for medication dispensing apparatus having roll-rotating drum
There is provided a cartridge for a medication dispensing apparatus having a roll-rotating drum, the cartridge including a cartridge case having an open outlet formed on a bottom thereof so as to dispense medication; a drum installed inside of the cartridge case so as to selectively open and/or close the outlet; and a cartridge base having the cartridge case installed thereto, wherein projections projected downward and grooves recessed upward are formed on a bottom of the drum, alternatively, and a concave-convex part having protruding portion protruding upward are formed on a bottom surface of the cartridge case at intervals. |
| US09238542B2 |
Beverage can holder and cooler technology
A cooler for holding two cans, particular beverage cans containing beer, soft drinks or the like, in a stacked or tandem arrangement. The cooler holds the cans snuggly, keeping them safe from bumps and the like, and also insulates the cans to preserve cold or hot temperature of can contents as long as practicable. The cooler has a cylindrical configuration including a body with an open top, a closed bottom, and as interior space. The body has a cylindrical sleeve and a bottom, which is either in the form of a separate panel or unitary with the sleeve. The bottom has an aperture for preventing or reducing vacuum on the inside of the cooler. A method of using the cooler is also disclosed. |
| US09238539B2 |
Modular hydration sleeve and methods thereof
A method of hydrating a human can include: providing a bicep hydration sleeve; attaching the hydration sleeve to a bicep region of the human; lifting the hydration sleeve to the mouth of the human by moving the bicep toward the chin; inserting the mouthpiece of the hydration sleeve into the mouth; and drinking from the hydration sleeve, wherein the lifting, inserting, and drinking are performed without handling the hydration sleeve with either hand of the human. |
| US09238533B2 |
Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use
A fluid preservation device, for preserving a liquid within a container, which includes an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end and an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The outer shaft and inner shaft are attached to an expandable sealing member. The expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a collapsed state and a state change mechanism attached to the proximal end of the elongated member to change the state of the expandable sealing member between the expanded state and the collapsed state. When the expandable sealing member is in the collapsed state, it can pass through an opening of a container and when the expandable sealing member is in the expanded state it is big enough to contact the inner surface of the container near the surface of the liquid. |
| US09238531B2 |
Reclosable pouring element with barrier film and a support wall
A reclosable pouring element for liquids contained in packagings, in particular liquid food, including a base body, which has a pouring opening, an external thread and a flange for connection to the packaging, a cutting ring, which has a cutting edge and a projection, and a screw lid, which has an internal thread and an actuator, the pouring opening being closed by a barrier film. To achieve improved protection of the barrier film against damage while still having a reliable opening function of the pouring element, it is proposed that the base body has a support wall, on which the barrier film rests. |
| US09238530B2 |
Watertight closure system
The present invention provides a resealable closure system that may be incorporated into a container for storing and dispensing moisture sensitive product, such as a dry wiping substrate and more preferably a dry wipe useful for facial cleansing or the application of make-up. The closure system is not only resealable, but is also substantially watertight as a result of the lid having a sealing flange and an overhang. |
| US09238528B2 |
Dual-cup assembly
A dual-cup assembly includes an inner cup and an outer cup in which the inner cup is inserted. Each of the inner and outer cups has flange extending from the outside thereof. A fastening unit is mounted to the two respective flanges to connect the inner cup and the outer cup together. A room is defined between the inner cup and the outer cup. |
| US09238523B1 |
Box container and display
A corrugated box container with a main component including a base section and first and second side sections. The box container additionally includes first and second side support components associated with the first and second side sections for reinforcing the first and second side support sections. The box container further includes a cover component that is capable of engagement with the main component or the first and second side support components, such that the main component and the cover component present a fully enclosed space within the box container. The box container is erected from a knockdown configuration by folding the first and second side sections until the side sections are generally perpendicular with the base section; connecting the first and second side support components with the first and second side sections respectively; and connecting the cover component with the main component or the first and second side support components. |
| US09238517B2 |
Method of packaging a fragile item
A blank includes a main body; at least one support connected to the main body; and at least one support brace connected to at least one of the main body and at least one support. A packaging system includes a blank, the blank including a main body, at least one support connected to the main body, and at least one support brace connected to at least one of the main body and at least one support; and shrinkwrapping. A support may be a panel. A box may be included. |
| US09238516B2 |
Supported strap twist device
A supported strap twist device reorients a strap along a strap path. The device includes an inlet, an outlet and a reorienting section. The reorienting section includes a body having entrance and exit ends and a transition section therebetween. The transition section has a through-bore having a varying cross-sectional shape defining a race. The race has, at a first end, an opposed inwardly pinched circular profile defining a gap. The circular profile thins along the race toward an hourglass profile, and has, at a second end, an elongated shape. The gap has a substantially constant width along the race. The strap enters the first end at an angle relative to the second end and is reoriented to a desired orientation at the second end. The strap is supported by the race as it traverses therethrough. |
| US09238514B2 |
Vacuum chamber and apparatus for loading material into a stent strut
An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a chamber capable of maintaining an internal pressure below pressure external to the chamber. The chamber carries within it the stent and the material to be loaded into a lumen within the stent strut. Pressure within the chamber is decreased. The decreased pressure can draw the material into lumen. The decreased pressure can draw air out of the lumen so that, after a subsequent increase in pressure in the chamber, the material is drawn into the lumen. |
| US09238513B2 |
Spacecraft radiator panels
Spacecraft, radiator panels for spacecraft, kits for radiator panels, inserts associated with radiator panels, heat pipes associated with radiator panels, and methods of assembling radiator panels are disclosed herein. Radiator panels according to the present disclosure include at least one insert that is positioned adjacent to a heat pipe between two spaced-apart face-sheets, with the insert being configured to secure a package to the inside face-sheet opposite of the heat pipe. |
| US09238508B2 |
Window mounted raft system
An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft. |
| US09238507B2 |
Terrain awareness system with obstruction alerts
Current TAWS systems generally do not provide alerts based on structures or wire obstacles. Such structures and wire obstacles include transmission and electrical wires, and power lines, bridges, and buildings. The current system allows just such alerting. Such alerts are particularly useful for helicopter aircraft, which commonly fly at heights where such structures and obstacles are present near the normal flying altitude of the aircraft. Certain implementations of the system and method include a method of creating an obstacle for use in a terrain awareness warning system, including: receiving data about a first terminus of an obstacle; receiving data about a second terminus of the obstacle; constructing a virtual volume about the first and second termini and a volume therebetween; and storing the virtual volume, whereby a database may be constructed of virtual volumes for use in addition to terrain information to provide alerting on obstacles for an aircraft. |
| US09238506B2 |
Aircraft seat device
An aircraft seat, including at least one electronics unit and at least one seat frame unit. The electronics unit is at least partially arranged in a hollow space spanned by the seat frame. |
| US09238505B2 |
Composite laminate for a thermal and acoustic insulation blanket
A multilayer laminate comprising in order, a polymeric film layer capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 200 C for at least 10 min, an adhesive layer having an areal weight of from 2 to 40 gsm capable of activation at a temperature of from 75 to 200 degrees C. and an inorganic refractory layer wherein the refractory layer comprises platelets in an amount at least 85% by weight with a dry areal weight of 15 to 50 gsm and has a residual moisture content of no greater than 10 percent by weight. |
| US09238504B2 |
Cargo hold floor for a cargo hold of an aircraft, function element for installing in a cargo hold floor, side guide, fixing device for introducing a tensile load, and device for ejecting freight items
The present invention concerns a cargo hold floor for a cargo hold of an aircraft. The cargo hold floor comprises a multiplicity of panels (110a, 110b) to form the cargo hold floor, wherein the panels have rail segments to form rails extending over several profile panels (120-130, 120′-129′) and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The rail segments comprise full seat rail segments (150, 150b) and partial seat rail segments (155a, 155b, 155b, 155b) for fixing of freight loading components. Such full seat rail segments and partial seat rail segments can be used advantageously to anchor freight items to the cargo hold floor or to fasten function elements there. |
| US09238499B1 |
Wakesurfing boat
A wakesurfing boat for creating a wave suitable for surfing in the wake of the boat. A length to beam (L/B) ratio of 3.21 combined with a rounded hull bottom proximate the transom minimizes losses in the wake wave. Elliptical arcuate portions extending from starboard and port points on the transom to selected positions on the respective starboard and port bulwarks further minimize losses in the wake wave. The hull bottom defines an M-shaped portion and a V-shaped portion. A propulsion system includes an exhaust pipe projecting from the hull bottom below the waterline, with an exhaust opening forward of the transom. A propeller has a hub and at least three blades. A blade area, defined by a sum of the area of the blades, is larger than 70% of a disc area, defined by a sum of the hub and the blades. |
| US09238498B2 |
Safety apparatus of electric bicycle and safety driving method thereof
Disclosed herein are a safety apparatus of an electric bicycle and a safety driving method thereof. The safety apparatus of an electric bicycle includes a foldable portion which is foldable by rotation of a folding lever, a first sensing portion, a second sensing portion, a control unit provided with at least one of current rotation information and current folded position information and including at least one of sensing range information on a per rotation basis and sensing range information on a per position basis, and a safety drive portion which, when the control unit determines that at least one of the current rotation information and the current folded position information is deviated from at least one of the sensing range information on a per rotation basis and the sensing range information on a per position basis, turns off activation of a motor. |
| US09238495B2 |
Straddle electric vehicle
A straddle electric vehicle includes a battery unit which is an electric power supply for an electric motor; a vehicle body frame including a main frame unitarily joined to a head pipe; and a sub-frame extending rearward from an upper portion of the main frame. The main frame includes a down frame member extending downward from the head pipe and a lower frame member extending rearward from a lower end of the down frame member, and the sub-frame is detachably joined to the vehicle body frame. A bottom portion of the battery unit is supported on the lower frame member of the main frame, and a side portion of the battery unit is covered with the sub-frame. |
| US09238486B2 |
Strengthened side rails for container
Side rail for trailer floor with a first C-beam extending adjacent to a first longitudinally extending edge. An opening of the first C-beam faces away from the first longitudinally extending edge, and a back of the first C-beam is secured to the upward extending rim of the first longitudinally extending edge. A second C-beam extends adjacent to the second longitudinally extending edge, wherein an opening of the second C-beam faces away from the second longitudinally extending edge, and a back of the second C-beam is secured to the upward extending rim of the second longitudinally extending edge. A first corrugated rail extends longitudinally within the first C-beam, wherein peaks and valleys of the first corrugated rail contact inner walls of the first C-beam, and a second corrugated rail extends longitudinally within the second C-beam, wherein peaks and valleys of the second corrugated rail contact inner walls of the second C-beam. |
| US09238485B2 |
Vehicle body lower structure
A vehicle body lower structure includes: a floor connected to a dashboard panel, extending toward the vehicle rear side; a tunnel provided at a vehicle width direction center portion extending from the dashboard panel through the floor in the vehicle front-rear direction; a dashboard cross member joined to the dashboard panel, spanning in the vehicle width direction between a front end of the tunnel and a vehicle side section; and an under floor brace provided to a front end portion of the tunnel, extending in the vehicle width direction at the opposite side to the cabin, including both ends extending further toward the vehicle width direction outside than the front end portion of the tunnel and are fixed to the dashboard panel, the ends being located in positions facing vehicle width direction inside ends of the dashboard cross member via the dashboard panel. |
| US09238475B2 |
Child caretaking structures with adjustable canopies and/or headrests
Child caretaking structures having adjustable canopies and/or headrests are described. An example canopy adjustment mechanism has a track with a plurality of indentations and a canopy. The canopy has a first canopy stay connector rotatably coupled to a canopy clip having a c-shaped cross-section. The canopy clip has a first end and a second end being at opposed ends of the c-shape and defining an opening therebetween. The canopy has a protrusion on the first end extending into the opening and toward the second end, wherein the protrusion is dimensioned to selectively engage a first of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a first height and is dimensioned to selectively engage a second of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a second height. |
| US09238468B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling exhaust flow through an aftertreatment device
Various methods and systems are provided for a system for an engine. In one example, the system includes an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas is configured to flow from the engine. The system further includes an aftertreatment system disposed in the exhaust passage, the aftertreatment system including an aftertreatment device and a bypass with a bypass control element, the bypass control element adjustable to reduce exhaust gas flow through the aftertreatment device during tunneling operation. |
| US09238465B1 |
Road emergency activation
A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to monitor an operating state of a vehicle and the operation of at least one subsystem module. Depending on the operating state of the vehicle, the processing device can detect a subsystem module failure. If a failure is detected, the processing device can perform a remedial action. The remedial action taken may be based on the type of failure detected. |
| US09238464B2 |
Vehicle travel assistance device
An ECU calculates: a free running distance, which is a distance that a vehicle can travel from a first time point at which a speed-reduction control is started to a second time point at which the relative deceleration begins to increase by the start of the speed-reduction control; an increase travel distance, which is a distance that the vehicle can travel from the second time point to a third time point at which the relative deceleration reaches the target relative deceleration; and a post-completion travel distance, which is a distance that the vehicle can travel from the third time point to a time point at which the relative speed is made equal to or less than the specified speed. The ECU obtains a speed reduction distance based on a result of adding up the free running distance, the increase travel distance, and the post-completion travel distance. |
| US09238462B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle
The present invention is provided with: a traveling state detection means that detects the traveling state of a vehicle; a target attitude control amount computation means that computes the target attitude control amount of the vehicle on the basis of the traveling state; a attitude control amount computation means that computes the attitude control amount controlled by an actuator other than a shock absorber on the basis of the target attitude control amount; and an damping force control means that controls the damping force of the shock absorber on the basis of the target attitude control amount and the attitude control amount. |
| US09238457B2 |
Method for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine that may be automatically stopped
Methods and systems for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine during an engine start are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to an indication of transmission slip. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. |
| US09238456B2 |
Apparatus and method for warning against lack of stroke for electronic parking brake
An apparatus for warning against lack of stroke in an electronic parking brake may include: a tension sensor for sensing the tension of a cable which is provided in an actuator so as to transmit power; a motor for providing power to the actuator; and a controller for controlling whether to operate the motor based on the sensed tension of the cable and a preset target tension, and calculating an operating stroke of the actuator based on an operating time of the motor. The controller may issue a stroke lack warning based on the operating stroke and a preset critical stroke. |
| US09238450B1 |
Vehicle master reset
Exemplary methods and vehicles are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include determining that a vehicle is a fleet vehicle, establishing a presence of a configuration bit indicating the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, receiving an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage session as a fleet vehicle, and resetting a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the conclusion of the vehicle usage. Other exemplary methods may include installing a configuration bit into a vehicle, which indicates that the vehicle is a fleet vehicle, and providing a processor for the vehicle. The processor may be configured to reset a plurality of user-adjustable vehicle parameters to a default setting in response to the configuration bit and an indication of a conclusion of a vehicle usage associated with the vehicle. |
| US09238448B2 |
Belt retractor for safety belts
A belt retractor for safety belts of motor vehicles comprises a housing frame made of plastic for receiving a belt reel. The housing frame 10 is designed an open, U-shaped frame, on the open front face of which a reinforcing plate 59 made of plastic is fastened. In addition, a belt retractor for safety belts of motor vehicles comprises a housing frame of plastics material for receiving a belt reel. A pawl co-operating with the belt reel is mounted in the housing frame. The pivoting path of the pawl is limited by a bearing surface formed in the housing frame. |
| US09238442B2 |
Energy management system of a vehicle
An energy management system (EMS) controls the energy flows in a vehicle by adapting pricing rules. In the EMS the price (Pm, P2, PB1) of the energy is variable dependent of the momentary supply of energy in a global energy system, i.e. the vehicle. Each auxiliary system (GEN, B, C) in the global energy system has in individual price limit, above which the auxiliary system (GEN, B, C) won't purchase any more energy. Some auxiliary systems (B) have variable price limits depending of those auxiliary systems parameters. The auxiliary systems (GEN, B, C) are represented in the EMS by activation agents (CA1, CA2, CAn, BA1, BAn), which have different behavior depending of what kind of auxiliary system they represent. Said activation agents (CA1, CA2, CAn, BA1, BAn) control the energy flows in the global energy system. In the EMS the energy systems are divided into two categories; energy main system and energy auxiliary systems. |
| US09238441B2 |
Busbar for a power distributor in vehicles and power distributor having such a busbar
A busbar is provided for a power distributor in vehicles. The busbar comprises at least one fastening region for fuses. The fastening region is separated by at least one slot which cuts through the busbar from the remaining part of the busbar to such an extent that the fastening region is only connected to the remaining part of the busbar by a web. The cross section of the web is smaller compared to the adjacent fastening region and the adjacent remaining part of the busbar. |
| US09238438B1 |
Laterally moving cargo shade and net
A vehicle includes a body that extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis, and defines an cargo area laterally bounded by a first lateral side wall and a second lateral side wall. A shade assembly includes a housing that is removably attached to the first lateral side wall. A retractable cover is retractably supported by the housing, and is extendable across the cargo area to cover the cargo area. A retractable net is retractably supported by the housing, and is extendable away from the housing to secure cargo relative to the body. The housing extends in a lengthwise direction along a central axis that is disposed substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body, when attached to the first lateral side wall. The retractable cover and the retractable net each extend and retract independently of each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. |
| US09238437B2 |
Pickup truck storage compartments with exterior access doors
Storage compartments are formed in the bed of a pickup truck using a bed liner and doors in the exterior side panels of the truck bed. The bed liner includes sidewall containers that define the storage compartments. The liner is shaped and sized to fit within the bed of the truck. Lockable access doors provide access through the exterior side of side panels of the bed to each compartment. A mechanical key actuated lock or electromechanical lock may be provided for each door. Hinges allow pivoting opening motion of the doors. |
| US09238433B2 |
Vehicle visor and light assembly
A vehicle sun visor is provided that includes a visor body having a first side and a second side, and a vanity and lighting assembly located on the visor body. The assembly includes a lighting device located on the visor body. The lighting device is configured to provide a vanity light for a vanity mirror and is further configured to provide a dome light. |
| US09238432B1 |
Customizable modulator for vehicular braking indication
An electrical apparatus can be used to modulate an apparent intensity of a vehicular braking indicator according to a specified pattern. When a duration of an initial brake application exceeds a specified initial modulation duration, the apparent intensity can continue to be modulated, but in a manner suppressing apparent variation in intensity until at least one of a release of brake application or until a specified timeout duration lapses. In an example, upon lapse of the timeout duration, modulation can be re-established to vary the apparent intensity of the vehicular braking indicator according to the specified pattern for another modulation duration corresponding to the initial modulation duration. The pattern can be customizable, such as provided to the electrical apparatus digitally, before installation. The customizability of the specified pattern can be inhibited, such as after installation by an installer or seller. |
| US09238417B2 |
Electrical plug connector
In one aspect, a plug connector for electrically connecting an electric vehicle to a charging device is provided. The plug connector is designed to establish an electrical connection to a second plug connector associated to the electric vehicle or the charging device. The plug connector includes an actuator which can be driven by an electrical pulse, adapted for locking and unlocking the plug connectors. The plug connector includes an energy source for generating the electrical pulse. |
| US09238416B2 |
Cord reel variable current thermal management and damage detection
A battery charging assembly includes a load management system, a charging cord with a battery connector, and circuitry for detecting cord removal or damage. The load management system monitors the heat buildup in a coiled portion of the charging cord and issues a corresponding signal to control the current flowing through the cord. |
| US09238415B2 |
Apparatus for rapid charging using onboard power electronics and method of manufacturing same
An apparatus for rapid charging using onboard power electronics includes a DC bus, a first energy storage device coupled to the DC bus and configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional voltage modification assembly coupled to the DC bus, and a high-impedance voltage source coupleable to the DC bus. The apparatus further includes a charging system having a first receptacle coupled to the DC bus and a second receptacle coupled to the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly. The first receptacle is constructed to mate with a first connector coupled to the high-impedance voltage source and the second receptacle is constructed to mate with a second connector coupled to the high-impedance voltage source. A controller is programmed to control a simultaneous transfer of charging energy through the first and second receptacles of the charging system to the DC bus. |
| US09238413B2 |
Battery charger by photovoltaic panel
A charge control system of one or more batteries B is electrically connected with one or more solar panels S, so configured to obtain the maximum transfer of power from such one or more solar photovoltaic panels S and for controlling the charge of the one or more batteries B. The control system includes: at least one tracking device of the point of maximum power or MPPT 2 adapted to adjust one of its input impedance seen from panels S for a power adaptation with panel S; at least one protection circuit of the system 3 adapted to avoid damages to the charge control system caused by inverted currents, coming from such battery B and from one or more electric equipment 8 connected with it. |
| US09238409B2 |
Steering wheel and integrated touchpads for inputting commands
A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel, a first touchpad integrated into the steering wheel adapted to input commands, a second touchpad integrated into the steering wheel and spatially separated from the first touchpad adapted to input commands, and a coordination module adapted to generate a command to operate a function of the motor vehicle as a function of a touch motion over the first touchpad and a simultaneously-occurring touch motion over the second touchpad. |
| US09238408B2 |
Display device
In a display device to be mounted in a vehicle, a space is secured between a cover with which a first opening of a case main body is sealed and a liquid crystal panel of a display unit mounted on the backside of the case main body, ventilation openings (spaces around protrusions and through holes) that communicate with an external space are formed in portions of a casing, which is a component member of the display unit, except for the front surface of the casing, and protruding portions each partially supporting the outer edge portion of the front surface of the liquid crystal panel are formed on the inner surface of the front wall of the casing. Thus, a long and complicated air flow path is secured around the liquid crystal panel by the protruding portions, and the space and the external space communicates with each other via the path. |
| US09238404B2 |
Radiator support bracket assembly
A radiator comprising a radiator support bracket assembly is disclosed. The radiator has a core that is contained within a shell having two opposed longitudinal members and two opposed transverse members. The support bracket assembly comprises a bracket member and at least one of the longitudinal members that forms part of the shell. The longitudinal member has a length and a width sufficient to accommodate at least one side of a radiator assembly. The bracket member attaches at one end to the longitudinal member and is adapted to overfit internal coolant tubes of the radiator's core. The bracket member has a planar back and two opposed side members. The bracket member is equipped with at least one aperture along its planar back that is complementary to at least one coolant tube to permit insertion of the bracket member over the coolant tube such that the tube extends through the aperture. |