| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09256837B1 |
Data mining technique with shadow individuals
Roughly described, a computer-implemented evolutionary data mining system includes a memory storing a candidate gene database containing active and shadow individuals; a gene pool processor which tests only active individuals on training data and updates their fitness estimates; a competition module which selects individuals (both active and shadow) for discarding from the gene pool in dependence upon both their updated fitness estimate and their testing experience level; and a gene harvesting module providing for deployment selected ones of the individuals from the gene pool. The gene database has an experience layered elitist pool, and individuals to compete only with other individuals in their same layer. Shadow individuals are created in each layer for active individuals that survive all competition with the layer before their testing experience exceeds the testing experience range for the layer. |
| US09256835B2 |
Information processing apparatus enabling discriminator to learn and method thereof
An information processing apparatus and method enables a pattern discriminator to learn. The apparatus establishes a branch structure appropriate for learning a discriminator having the branch structure without increasing processing time. The apparatus includes a preliminary learning unit to learn a preliminary discriminator for a respective one of a plurality of combinations of variations in variation categories in a discrimination target pattern. A branch structure determination unit is provided to perform discrimination processing using the preliminary discriminator and to determine a branch structure of a main discriminator based on a result of the discrimination processing. A main learning unit is included to learn the main discriminator based on the branch structure. |
| US09256831B2 |
Match engine for detection of multi-pattern rules
Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for detecting patterns in a data stream that match multi-pattern rules. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of recognizing a specified group of patterns in a data stream. The method comprises identifying a rule for said specified group of patterns in the data stream, and using a first array of finite state machines to scan the data stream for at least some of the patterns in the specified group. For patterns in the specified group that are found in the data stream by the first array of finite state machines, pattern identifiers are sent to a second array of finite state machines. The second array of finite state machines determines if the specified group of patterns is in the data stream in accordance with the identified rule by, at least in part, using said pattern identifiers. |
| US09256830B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying structural deformation
A method and apparatus for identifying deformation of a structure. Training deformation data is identified for each training case in a plurality of training cases. Training strain data is identified for each training case in the plurality of training cases. The training deformation data and the training strain data are configured for use by a heuristic model to increase an accuracy of output data generated by the heuristic model. A group of parameters for the heuristic model is adjusted using the training deformation data and the training strain data for the each training case in the plurality of training cases such that the heuristic model is trained to generate estimated deformation data for the structure based on input strain data. The estimated deformation data has a desired level of accuracy. |
| US09256829B2 |
Information propagation probability for a social network
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for predicting propagation of a message on a social network. A predictive model is trained to determine a probability of propagation of information on the social network using both positive and negative information propagation feedback, which may be collected while monitoring the social network over a desired period of time for information propagation. A particular message can be input to the predictive model, which can determine a probability of propagation of the message on the social network, such as how many connections may receive at least a portion of the message and/or a likelihood of at least a portion of the message reaching respective connections in the social network. |
| US09256826B2 |
Predicting reactions to short-text posts
This document describes techniques for predicting reactions to short-text posts. In one or more implementations, a prediction model for short-text posts is generated from previous posts to a social network and responses to the posts by the social network community. Subsequently, the prediction model can be used to predict the social network community's reaction to a proposed post prior to the proposed post being posted to the social network. |
| US09256824B2 |
Guiding metaheuristic to search for best of worst
Figures of merit by actual design parameters are tracked over iterations for candidate solutions that include both actual design parameters and actual context parameters. Instead of returning a current iteration figure of merit, a worst observed figure of merit for a set of actual design parameters is returned as the figure of merit for a candidate solution. Since the candidate solution includes both actual design parameters and actual context parameters and the worst observed figures of merit are tracked by actual design parameters, the figure of merit for a set of design parameters wilt be the worst of the observed worst case scenarios as defined by the actual context parameters over a run of a metaheuristic optimizer. |
| US09256823B2 |
Apparatus and methods for efficient updates in spiking neuron network
Efficient updates of connections in artificial neuron networks may be implemented. A framework may be used to describe the connections using a linear synaptic dynamic process, characterized by stable equilibrium. The state of neurons and synapses within the network may be updated, based on inputs and outputs to/from neurons. In some implementations, the updates may be implemented at regular time intervals. In one or more implementations, the updates may be implemented on-demand, based on the network activity (e.g., neuron output and/or input) so as to further reduce computational load associated with the synaptic updates. The connection updates may be decomposed into multiple event-dependent connection change components that may be used to describe connection plasticity change due to neuron input. Using event-dependent connection change components, connection updates may be executed on per neuron basis, as opposed to per-connection basis. |
| US09256822B2 |
Chip card inlay for contact-activated and contactlessly activated chip cards
Chip card inlay for contact-activated and contactlessly activated chip cards, having a planar substrate layer made of a non-conductive plastics material, on which an antenna having, at its end, planar conductive pads for attaching a chip is fastened, wherein the conductive pads are formed from a textile fabric having thread crossings, and on each top side of the textile fabric an electrically conductive contact zone is provided which has a three-dimensionally conductive terminal pad structure with weave points of the textile fabric as topographical contact zone elevations. |
| US09256819B2 |
Device causing a printing apparatus to execute printing according to a selected print medium attribute
An apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire information for specifying an attribute of a printing medium, a first control unit configured to, in a case where an attribute of a printing medium corresponding to a first printing and an attribute specified by the information newly acquired by the acquiring unit for a second printing are different, control the printing apparatus so that the second printing is not executed, a display control unit configured to cause a display to display a screen for confirming an attribute of a printing medium, in accordance with an instruction by the user, and a second control unit configured to control the printing apparatus so that the control by the first control unit is not executed and the second printing is executed, on the condition that the screen be displayed before the acquisition of the information corresponding to the second printing. |
| US09256815B1 |
Spectral print control based on specific spectral ranges of colorants
Certain methods and systems are described that allow the spectral control of a print output. A plurality of colorants are used where one or more colorants contain nanoparticles. Each colorants has a specified spectral range corresponding to the constituent nanoparticles. To print with these colorants a spectral separation may be used that maps an input color with associated spectral information or direct spectral information to print control data, the print control data having defined values for depositions with each combination of the colorants. The spectral separation may be constructed by characterizing a set of spectral Neugebauer primaries for the plurality of colorants. |
| US09256814B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer-readable storage device
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions which, when executed by a computer, provide processes including (1) receiving a print job including draw commands, (2) generating original image data representing original image, the original image including a plurality of objects, the objects being generated in respective rectangular areas determined by the draw commands, the original image being constituted by a plurality of lines each represented by each line data, (3) determining whether each line data is subjected to be printed across the respective rectangular area, (4) determining the line data is object-including line data when the line data is subjected to be printed across the respective rectangular area, (5) determining the line data is object-excluding line data when the line data is not subjected to be printed across the respective rectangular area, and (6) generating print data by eliminating the object-excluding line data from the original image data. |
| US09256812B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for managing job data
When, at a time of execution of processing of backup or restoration for job data, raster image data included in the job data is data generated using any state parameter other than a current state parameter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention executes the processing of backup or restoration without including the raster image data as a target of the processing. |
| US09256811B2 |
Recording medium processing apparatus
A head performs recording or reading information with respect to a sheet-shaped recording medium. A pair of rollers sandwich therebetween and transport the recording medium in a transport path of the recording medium passing through the head. A cantilevered frame extends while being cantilevered in a direction traversing the transport path. One end of an opening and closing unit is rotatably supported by the cantilevered frame. The opening and closing unit is revolvable around the one end to move between a closed position where the opening and closing unit covers at least a transport portion by the pair of rollers in the transport path and an open position where the transport position is exposed to the outside. |
| US09256810B2 |
Card-loading assembly for electronic device
A card-loading assembly for loading a chip card in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a main body, a circuit board received in the main body, and an entrance defined in the main body. The card-loading assembly includes a positioning frame and a tray. The positioning frame is secured on the circuit board and defines a sliding recess. The tray includes a support portion and an extending portion extending from the support portion. The extending portion is made of dielectric material. The support portion and the extending portion cooperatively define a receiving space for receiving the chip card. The tray is received in the main body through the entrance. The support portion is slidably received in the sliding recess. The extending portion is positioned between the circuit board and the entrance. |
| US09256807B1 |
Generating labeled images
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating labeled images. One of the methods includes selecting a plurality of candidate videos from videos identified in a response to a search query derived from a label for an object category; selecting one or more initial frames from each of the candidate videos; detecting one or more initial images of objects in the object category in the initial frames; for each initial frame including an initial image of an object in the object category, tracking the object through surrounding frames to identify additional images of the object; and selecting one or more images from the one or more initial images and one or more additional images as database images of objects belonging to the object category. |
| US09256795B1 |
Text entity recognition
Various embodiments enable the identification of semi-structured text entities in an imager. The identification of the text entities is a relatively simple problem when the text is stored in a computer and free of errors, but much more challenging if the source is the output of an optical character recognition (OCR) engine from a natural scene image. Accordingly, output from an OCR engine is analyzed to isolate a character string indicative of a text entity. Each character of the string is then assigned to a character class to produce a character class string and the text entity of the string is identified based in part on a pattern of the character class string. |
| US09256791B2 |
Road vertical contour detection
A driver assistance/control system includes a camera operatively connectable to a processor mountable in a host vehicle. A vertical deviation in road contour is detected while the host vehicle is moving. First, second and third images of the road are captured from the camera. By matching image points of the road in the first image and corresponding image points of the road in the second image, a first homography is computed which transforms the first image of the road to the second image of the road. A second homography is computed which transforms the second image of the road to the third image of the road. A chained homography is computed by chaining the first and second homographies. By using the chained homography as an initial guess, a third homography is computed which transforms the first image of the road to the third image of the road. |
| US09256787B2 |
Calculation of numeric output error values for velocity aberration correction of an image
When correcting for velocity aberration in satellite imagery, a closed-form error covariance propagation model can produce more easily calculable error terms than a corresponding Monte Carlo analysis. The closed-form error covariance propagation model is symbolic, rather than numeric. The symbolic error covariance propagation model relates input parameters to one another pairwise and in closed form. For a particular image, the symbolic error covariance propagation model receives an input measurement value and an input error value for each input parameter. The symbolic error covariance propagation model operates on the input values to produce a set of output correction values, which correct for velocity aberration. The output correction values can be used to convert apparent coordinate values to corrected coordinate values. The symbolic error covariance matrix operates on the input error values to produce a set of output error values, which identify a reliability of the corrected coordinate values. |
| US09256786B2 |
Method of identification from a spatial and spectral object model
A method of referencing an imaged object includes, among other things, obtaining a series of images, observing key characteristics of the object in each of the series of images, associating the observed key characteristics with the object; and assigning a unique identifier to the object based upon the associated key characteristics. The series of images includes spectral and spatial imagery. Some of the key characteristics are in the spectral imagery and some of the key characteristics are in the spatial imagery. |
| US09256780B1 |
Facilitating dynamic computations for performing intelligent body segmentations for enhanced gesture recognition on computing devices
A mechanism is described for facilitating intelligent detection of body segmentation for enhanced gesture recognition on computing devices according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes receiving an image, dividing the image into components representing regions of the image, determining orientation and a centroid relating to each component, facilitating generation of hypothesis cuts within hysteresis points, and calculating a first ratio based on an average width of the hypothesis cuts and a length of a first axis of a component. The method may further include segmenting the component at one of the hypothesis cuts to determine an intermediate cut of the component, if the first ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method may further include iteratively segmenting the component to determine a final cut. |
| US09256779B2 |
Gesture recognition apparatus, gesture recognition method, and recording medium
A gesture recognition apparatus for recognizing a gesture of a predetermined operating body includes a storage unit, having stored therein, correspondence relationships between a plurality of coordinate ranges in relation to the operating body and to a plurality of operation target apparatuses, each of the plurality of coordinate ranges further corresponding to each operation target apparatus of the plurality of operation target apparatuses. An image capturing unit captures one or more images of the operating body, a coordinate detecting detects coordinates of the operating body based on the one or more captured images, and an operation target apparatus specifying unit selects an operation target apparatus corresponding to the detected coordinates of the operating body and the stored correspondence relationships. A gesture recognition processing unit recognizes a gesture associated with the operating body based on one or more captured images and corresponding to the selected operation target apparatus. |
| US09256773B2 |
Capacitive coupling of an RFID tag with a touch screen device acting as a reader
Capacitive coupling of an RFID tag with a touch screen device acting as an RFID reader, and methods to produce a capacitive coupling tag. A capacitive coupling tag, which communicates at near field distance with a host computing device by using the touch screen display of the host when the tag is placed on the touch screen or held in contact in close proximity to the touch screen by a person acting as a ground electrode and thereby causing a difference in electrical potential. A capacitive coupling tag which operates with or without a chip. |
| US09256768B2 |
Multi-purpose credit card reader apparatus
A credit card reader shields a credit card, stores data from one or more credit cards simultaneously and then selectively broadcasts data associated with one of the cards. A slim, electromagnetically shielding housing has a cavity and a card reader for reading data from a credit card received in the cavity. A processor connects the card reader to a memory component, and connects both to an RFID device, where the credit card data can be broadcast to an RFID reader. A control interface allows a user to initiate reading credit card data, to select a card data set to store in memory, or to broadcast a dataset. A display shows transaction information and stored card data. A retractable input/output plug can engage a socket on another device to transmit and receive data. A memory card device can selectively store credit card data and transaction data. |
| US09256764B2 |
Searchable encrypted data
Embodiments of the invention broadly described, introduce systems and methods for enabling the searching of encrypted data. One embodiment of the invention discloses a method for generating a searchable encrypted database. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sensitive data records comprising personal information of different users, identifying one or more searchable fields for the sensitive data records, wherein each searchable field is associated with a subset of the personal information for a user, generating a searchable field index for each of the one or more searchable fields, and encrypting the sensitive data records using a database encryption key. |
| US09256763B2 |
Method and system for providing a public key/secret key pair for encrypting and decrypting data
A method for providing a public key/secret key pair for encrypting and decrypting data, wherein the public key of the public key/secret key pair and a master secret key are generated based on predefined policy information, and wherein the secret key of the public key/secret key pair is generated based on the generated master secret key and predefined attribute information. A method for accessing a system in an untrusted environment and a system for providing a public key/secret key pair for encrypting and decrypting data as well as a use for access control are also described. |
| US09256762B1 |
Securing a remote database
A database access system may protect a field by storing the field as one or more underlying fields within a database. The database engine may not have access to keys used to protect the underlying fields within the database, such as by encryption, while the database access system may have access to the keys. Underlying fields may be used to store protected data and aid in the querying of protected data. The database access system may modify queries to use the underlying fields, which may include encrypting query terms and/or modifying query terms to fit the use of the underlying fields. The database access system may modify query results to match the format of the original query, which may include decrypting protected results and/or removing underlying fields. |
| US09256760B2 |
System for distribution permissions for network communications
A system that can control whether a recipient of an electronic message (e.g., a text message, a multimedia message, an e-mail message, etc.) with a forwarding-restricted attachment is permitted to forward the attachment to third parties can be implemented on the network without specialized hardware or software for the client devices. The sender of a text message may limit the downstream distribution of that text message through text message forwarding by associating a forwarding restriction flag with the message. |
| US09256759B1 |
Computer application pre-permissioning
A computer-implemented method of pre-permissioning a computer application is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a user to install a software application, identifying one or more computing services required for operation of the software application, presenting the one or more computing services to the user for review, determining whether the user approves installation of the computer application, and installing the application on a computing device assigned to the user if the user approves installation of the computer application. |
| US09256756B2 |
Method of encryption and decryption for shared library in open operating system
A method of encryption and decryption for shared libraries in an open operating system is provided. By encrypting a partial portion of an executable and linkable format (ELF) file, where the ELF file is dependent on the shared libraries, an operating system lacking a secret key is not able to use the encrypted ELF file and thus not able to load the shared libraries into the memory for execution, thereby ensuring the protection of the shared libraries. |
| US09256753B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting regions of an electronic document
A method and apparatus for protecting regions of an electronic document are provided. According to the method, the entire electronic document is protected. The selection of a region within the electronic document is received along with identity of one or more users authorized to freely edit the selected region. The identified users are authorized to freely edit only the selected region of the electronic document. A request is then received to edit a region of the electronic document from a current user. In response to the request, a determination is made as to whether the current user is authorized to edit the region. If the user is not authorized to edit the region, the request is denied. |
| US09256746B2 |
Device and method for remediating vulnerabilities
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive data describing a first software component used by a software product and vulnerability data describing a vulnerability in the first software component. A vulnerability score is calculated for the software product based upon the vulnerability data for the first software component. The vulnerability score is recalculated for the software product based upon receiving an updated status of the vulnerability in the first software component from bug tracking software, a waiver of the vulnerability of a software component, the addition of another software component, or another update to the software product or component(s). The task of remediation of the vulnerability in the first software component can be assigned to a user and tracked. A user interface is provided to enable users to monitor the vulnerabilities of software products or components. |
| US09256743B2 |
Remote enterprise policy/client configuration installation for computing devices
Systems and methods for remote an enterprise policy/client configuration installation for client computing devices are provided. In some aspects, a method includes receiving, on a client computing device, via a network, a message including an updated enterprise policy/client configuration associated with an operating system and a signature. The signature identifies a source of the message. The method also includes authenticating the message based on the signature. The method also includes installing the updated an enterprise policy/client configuration. At least a first portion of an enterprise policy/client configuration is configured not to be updatable without receiving the message via the network. |
| US09256739B1 |
Systems and methods for using event-correlation graphs to generate remediation procedures
A computer-implemented method for using event-correlation graphs to generate remediation procedures may include (1) detecting a suspicious event involving a first actor within a computing system, (2) constructing, in response to detecting the suspicious event involving the first actor, an event-correlation graph that includes (i) a first node that represents the first actor, (ii) a second node that represents a second actor, and (iii) an edge that interconnects the first node and the second node and represents an additional suspicious event involving the first actor and the second actor, and (3) using the event-correlation graph to generate a procedure for remediating an effect of an attack on the computing system that is reflected in the event-correlation graph. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09256738B2 |
Systems and methods for pre-installation detection of malware on mobile devices
A computer-implemented method for pre-installation detection of malware on mobile devices may include intercepting one or more communications of an application installation agent that installs applications on a mobile computing device. The method may further include identifying, based on the one or more intercepted communications, an application that has been at least partially downloaded by the application installation agent. The method may also include, in response to identifying the application, and before the application is installed on the mobile computing device, scanning the application for malware. The method may additionally include determining, based on the scan, that the application contains malware. The method may finally include performing a security action in response to determining that the application contains malware. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09256737B2 |
System and method for triggering and performing scans to protect virtual environments
A system and method in a virtual universe system for triggering scans of virtual items and inventories of virtual items and for scanning the virtual items and inventories wherein the scans may be triggered by an avatar moving or teleporting from one region to another, or by an avatar picking up, dropping off, or accepting or purchasing an item. The degree of scanning may depend upon factors such as location where these scan triggers occur. The signature of the item may be identified by the scan process. The item signature may be compared against signatures of known malicious items stored in an inventory item signatures database and a summary of the signature comparison may be sent to a resident and stored in the resident's inventory. |
| US09256735B2 |
Detecting emergent behavior in communications networks
Systems and methods of detecting emergent behaviors in communications networks are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include decomposing a plurality of data packets into a plurality of component data types associated with a candidate alert representing a potential security threat in a network. The method may also include retrieving, from a database, a count for each of a plurality of historical data types matching at least a subset of the component data types, each of the counts quantifying an amount of data of a corresponding historical data type previously detected in the network in a given time period. The method may further include calculating a score that indicates a discrepancy between an amount of data in each of the subset of the component data types and the counts for each corresponding historical data type in the same time period, and handling the candidate alert based upon the score. |
| US09256734B2 |
Security controlled multi-processor system
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for implementing a secure processing system having a first processor that is certified as a secure processor. The first processor only executes certified and/or secure code. An isolated second processor executes non-secure (e.g., non-certified) code within a sandbox. The boundaries of the sandbox are enforced (e.g., using a hardware boundary and/or encryption techniques) such that code executing within the sandbox cannot access secure elements of the secure processing system located outside the sandbox. The first processor manages the memory space and the applications that are permitted to run on the second processor. |
| US09256732B2 |
Processing efficiency on secure systems having a host processor and smart card
A smart card comprising a data store and a processor, said smart card being operable to connect with a host data processing apparatus, said smart card comprising authentication logic operable when connected to said host data processing apparatus to identify a secure data processing domain having predetermined properties within said host data processing apparatus and in response to identify said secure data processing domain, said smart card is operable to delegate at least some data processing operations to be processed within said secure data processing domain of said host data processing apparatus. |
| US09256731B2 |
System, information processing apparatus, secure module, and verification method
A system includes a secure module structured to prevent information stored therein from being externally referenced; and an information processing apparatus configured to enable communication with the secure module. The information processing apparatus includes a first computer configured to execute a first verification process of verifying whether an application under execution by the information processing apparatus is in a secure state. The secure module includes a second computer, and a storage unit configured to store at least any one among a first feature amount obtained by extracting a feature of execution code of the first verification process, and execution code of an authentication process of authenticating the first verification process. The second computer is configured to execute a second verification process of verifying whether the first verification process under execution by the first computer is in a secure state, based on stored contents of the storage unit. |
| US09256730B2 |
Threat detection for return oriented programming
Techniques for detecting security exploits associated with return-oriented programming are described herein. For example, a computing device may determine that a retrieved count is indicative of malicious activity, such as return oriented programming. The computing device may retrieve the count from a processor performance counter of prediction mismatches, the prediction mismatches resulting from comparisons of a call stack of the computing device and of a shadow call stack maintained by a processor of the computing device. In response to determining that the count indicates malicious activity, the computing device may perform at least one security response action. |
| US09256727B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting data leaks
A computer-implemented method for detecting data leaks may include (1) monitoring at least one data-distribution channel utilized by an entity, (2) detecting a plurality of full DLP policy violations and/or partial DLP policy violations committed by the entity by analyzing data distributed by the entity via the data-distribution channel, (3) determining that the entity's DLP policy violations cumulatively exceed a predetermined threshold, and (4) performing a security action in response to determining that the entity's DLP policy violations cumulatively exceed the predetermined threshold. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09256723B2 |
Security key using multi-OTP, security service apparatus, security system
A security key including an interface unit that provides an interface with an authentication device installed at a security domain; and an OTP module that communicates with the authentication device through the interface unit mentioned above, wherein the OTP module includes a storage unit that stores at least one OTP Seed ID and OTP Algorithm ID; and an OTP generation unit that generates an OTP by using an OTP Seed value and OTP algorithm that are identified by an OTP Seed ID and an OTP Algorithm ID matching with the OTP Seed ID and OTP Algorithm ID included in the OTP request message, which is received from the authentication device among the OTP Seed ID and OTP Algorithm ID stored in the storage unit, and provides the authentication device with the OTP generated in the process. |
| US09256720B2 |
Enrollment kiosk including biometric enrollment and verification, face recognition and fingerprint matching systems
An enrollment kiosk for collecting personal data includes a slidable main module and at least one modifiable section removably coupled to the main module. The main module includes a processor and one or more biometric sensing devices coupled to the processor. The one or more biometric sensing devices include a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor. The right fingerprint sensor is positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor. The at least one modifiable section includes at least one first input device coupled to the processor. The kiosk also includes a scene camera configured to record a video of an area surrounding the enrollment kiosk and to transmit the video to a remote operator being located remotely from the enrollment kiosk. |
| US09256719B2 |
Multi-biometric enrollment kiosk including biometric enrollment and verification, face recognition and fingerprint matching systems
A biometric and identity enrollment kiosk for collecting personal data includes a slidable main module and at least one modifiable section removably coupled to the main module. The main module includes a processor and one or more biometric sensing devices coupled to the processor. The one or more biometric sensing devices include a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor. The right fingerprint sensor is positioned proximate a right end of the main module and the left fingerprint sensor is positioned proximate a left end of the main module. The right fingerprint sensor is positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor. The at least one modifiable section includes at least one first input device coupled to the processor. |
| US09256717B2 |
Managed mobile media platform systems and methods
An exemplary system includes 1) a mobile computing device provided by a vertical solution provider for use by a customer of an industry service provider to access one or more services provided by the industry service provider and 2) a mobile media platform provider subsystem operated by the vertical solution provider and configured to communicate with the mobile computing device. The mobile media platform provider subsystem and the mobile computing device are configured to provide a mobile media platform managed by the vertical solution provider and configured to facilitate the use of the mobile computing device by the customer to access the one or more services provided by the industry service provider. |
| US09256716B2 |
Access authority generation device
A precedence constraint solving means generates a set of authorities without a precedence constraint into a temporary storing means from a set of authorities having a precedence constraint extracted for a role. At this moment, the precedence constraint solving means derives an authority in accordance with an order satisfying the precedence constraint from the set of authorities having the precedence constraint and, when an object of the derived authority includes an object of an authority having the same action already generated in the temporary storing means and permission/denial identifiers of both the authorities are different from each other, divides the derived authority into a plurality of authorities having objects of the same granularity as that of the included object, and stores only an authority having a different object from the included object into the temporary storing means. |
| US09256713B2 |
Library generation for detection and identification of shielded radioisotopes
A method, logic and system are provided for generating data representing all possible materials that may be present when monitoring a region or space for a radioisotope of interest. All possible materials with which a radioisotope material may interact are grouped or categorized into one of a plurality of material groups. Each material group is further subdivided into a plurality of subgroups based on atomic number of a material. First data is stored for each of the subgroups of each of the plurality of material groups, where the first data represents an interaction between a representative material for a corresponding subgroup and radiation at a plurality of energy levels. Second data is stored representing spectral characteristics of each radioisotope of interest at the plurality of energy levels. For a radioisotope of interest, a computation is made to produce spectrum data resulting from an interaction between of the radioisotope of interest using the second data with the first data for each of the plurality of subgroups in each material group. The spectrum data is then stored in a library for later use in the field with the output from a detector. Spectrum data is stored for the particular detector to be used in the field, and to this end, such detector-specific spectrum library data may be adjusted to account for a detector's quantum efficiency and resolution characteristics. |
| US09256708B2 |
Method and system for automatic generation of solutions for circuit design rule violations
Some embodiments provide a method for automatically generating several design solutions that remedy a design rule violation committed by a set of shapes in an IC design layout. The method receives a marker that indicates the design rule violation and contains information about the violation. The marker in some embodiments can be rendered as a geometric shape in the IC design layout. Based on the marker, the method generates several solutions each of which will cause the set of shapes to meet the design rule when the solution is applied to the set. Each solution requires moving at least one edge of a shape in the set of shapes. |
| US09256707B2 |
Trace routing according to freeform sketches
Methods and apparatuses for routing traces in a layout design, such as for example a layout design for an integrated circuit, are disclosed. In various implementations, a group of netlines within a layout design and a freeform sketch are identified. Subsequently, the netlines are routed as traces according to the freeform sketch. More particularly, the geometry of the traces is determined by approximating the geometry of the freeform sketch. Various implementations of the invention provide for the netlines to be routed by an automated trace routing engine. With further implementations of the invention, ball grid array escapes and trace fanouts are additionally routed. For example, ball grid array escapes may be routed prior to netlines being routed according to the freeform sketch. In further implementations of the invention, the freeform sketch is deleted after the traces have been routed. With various implementations of the invention, the netlines are routed as traces by forming a container shape around the freeform sketch, approximating the geometry of the freeform sketch within the container shape, and routing traces within the container shape using the approximation of the freeform shape as a guide. |
| US09256705B2 |
Reducing repeater power
A method, system and computer-readable medium for reducing repeater power and crosstalk are provided. The method includes generating a model of a circuit including a plurality of original repeaters connected between at least one source and at least one sink, performing a power optimization analysis on the plurality of original repeaters to change the plurality of original repeaters to low-power repeaters based on predetermined optimization parameters, performing a crosstalk analysis on the model of the circuit including the low-power repeaters to determine whether a crosstalk timing violation exists, and changing at least one of the low-power repeaters to a higher-power repeater when it is determined that a crosstalk violation exists, and leaving the low-power repeaters in the model of the circuit when it is determined that a crosstalk violation does not exist. |
| US09256698B2 |
System for creating and editing mark up language forms and documents
A system for creating and editing mark up language forms and documents in a manner that is user friendly. The system dynamically generates a user interface that is customized to the particular form or document selected by the user. The user then enters information into the plurality of fields in the user interface for the form or document. Once the form or document is completed, the user can save the form or document in a document repository. The user can also transmit the form or document as an electronic filing document. Additionally, the data entry fields of the form or document can automatically expand or contract to accommodate data of varying length. Moreover, the user can create templates that include frequently used data. |
| US09256695B1 |
Method and system for sharing content
A computer-implemented method, computer-readable medium and system for sharing information are disclosed. A user may associate at least one group with content uploaded to a content database. Each group may be associated with a different department within the business, a different task, a different concept, etc. A search for content may be limited to one or more of the groups, thereby increasing the relevance of the results returned to a user. Additionally, relevance of the search results may be increased by enabling users to flag content so that it is excluded from subsequent searches. Further, certain members may certify content, thereby enabling a user to conveniently determine if content is credible and/or respected by other members of the business. |
| US09256694B2 |
Named URL entry
Methods and systems allow users to enter natural language terms that describe a particular web site into an address field of a browser instead of a formal URL. The terms are evaluated to determine whether they correspond, with a high likelihood, to a particular web site. If so, this web site may be immediately accessed. If not, a list of search results based on the terms may be displayed by the browser. |
| US09256693B2 |
Recommendation system with metric transformation
Example apparatus and methods transform a non-metric latent space produced by a matrix factorization process to a higher dimension metric space by applying an order preserving transformation to the latent space. The transformation preserves the order of the results of an inner product operation defined for the latent space. The higher dimension metric space may be queried for the results to different requests. Example apparatus and methods may assign every user i a vector ui in a latent space, and may assign every item j a vector vj in the latent space. The dot product ui·vj represents the score between the user i and the item j. The score represents the strength of the relationship between the user i and the item j. Example apparatus and methods may then apply ranking methodologies (e.g., LSH, K-D trees) to problems including recommendation, targeting, matchmaking, or item to item. |
| US09256691B2 |
Systems and methods for enabling Internet co-browsing experience for multiple users
Systems and methods for enabling co-browsing are provided herein. A device, such as a web server, may execute a browser application that initiates co-browsing capabilities between a host computing device and one or more guest computing devices. Activatable code is injected and/or otherwise embedded in one or more web pages. Subsequently, using the activatable code, web browser information on the host computing device is obtained and processed for display on the one or more guest computing devices. |
| US09256688B2 |
Ranking content items using predicted performance
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for ranking content items. In one aspect, a method includes identifying, for a content item, a bid value specifying an amount a content item provider is willing to pay for user interaction with the content item. A predicted performance measure is identified for the content item. The predicted performance measure is adjusted based on a weighting factor for the content item. The weighting factor for the content item is indicative of confidence that the predicted performance measure will match an actual performance measure for the content item and can be different than a weighting factor for another content item identified for inclusion in a ranking with the content item. A rank score is determined for the content item using the bid value and adjusted predicted performance measure. The content item is provided based on the rank score. |
| US09256685B2 |
Systems and methods for modifying search results based on a user's history
A user's prior searching and browsing activities are recorded for subsequent use. A user may examine the user's prior searching and browsing activities in a number of different ways, including indications of the user's prior activities related to advertisements. A set of search results may be modified in accordance with the user's historical activities. The user's activities may be examined to identify a set of preferred locations. The user's set of activities may be shared with one or more other users. The set of preferred locations presented to the user may be enhanced to include the preferred locations of one or more other users. A user's browsing activities may be monitored from one or more different client devices or client application. A user's browsing volume may be graphically displayed. |
| US09256683B2 |
Dynamic client interaction for search
A system for guiding a search for information is presented. The system comprises a user interface that accepts a phrase and receives at least one suggestion based at least in part on the phrase. The system also includes a phrase suggestion engine that matches the phrase with the at least one suggestion. Methods of using the system are also provided. |
| US09256680B2 |
Biasing search results toward topics of interest using embedded relevance links
Redirection (“biasing”) architecture that automates the selection of topical terms in a search query, and provides a user-selectable (e.g., clickable) interface which enables the user to quickly and easily re-formulate and execute a new query using terms that return more focused search results. The redirection of search by biasing the terms (strings) can also be performed by indicating that certain results are not interesting to the user. For example, one way using an existing search engine, is to apply a search operator (e.g., a hyphen) to indicate that certain terms must not occur in the search results (negation). Accordingly, by automatically selecting topical terms to negate, constructing a query, and embedding the negation in a link with each results page result, considerable manual and cognitive effort is saved. |
| US09256677B2 |
Dynamic index and search engine server
An apparatus for, computer software for, and method of providing personalized search capabilities of internet web pages comprising providing an index server maintaining a dynamic index to internet web pages and employing a tree structured hierarchical plurality of topic categories, permitting a non-administrative end-user to specify any subset of the plurality of topic categories, and adding to an internet web page controlled by the user link information permitting execution of searches of the index server in any category of the subset but only of categories in the subset. |
| US09256673B2 |
Methods and systems for identifying content in a data stream
Methods and systems for identifying content in a data stream are provided. In one example, a client device receives a continuous data stream and substantially continuously performs a content identification of content in the data stream based on content patterns stored on the client device. The content patterns stored on the client device may include information associated with extracted features of a media file, or a temporally mapped collection of features describing a media file. The client device may determine whether the continuous data stream includes media content, and based on the determination, continuously perform the content identification of content in the data stream at the client device. The client device may query a server to determine an identity of content in the data stream based on receiving an instruction. |
| US09256671B2 |
Establishing of a semantic multilayer network
A semantic multilayer network is established, wherein a first layer in said semantic multilayer network including tag annotations, and a second layer in said semantic multilayer network including data structured by an ontology, are established and wherein the first layer and the second layer are connected. Thus, connecting of two entirely different worlds of the dynamic, emergent “social tagging” (e.g., web applications like Web 2.0) and of the regular “ontology engineering” (e.g. Semantic Web) data, dynamic data tag annotations and ontology, seen as too opposed or conflictive, therefore being treated separately and independently so far, becomes possible. Here, by utilizing advantages of both worlds, computer aided handling of large amounts of data, including e.g. processing, management, or querying of data, becomes considerably efficient and effective, wherein said data may be distributed in different areas, locations, or systems. |
| US09256668B2 |
System and method of detecting common patterns within unstructured data elements retrieved from big data sources
A method for detection of common patterns within unstructured data elements. The method includes extracting a plurality of unstructured data elements retrieved from a plurality of big data sources; generating at least one signature for each of the plurality of unstructured data elements; identifying common patterns among the generated signatures; clustering the signatures identified to have common patterns; and correlating the generated clusters to identify associations between their respective identified common patterns. |
| US09256663B2 |
Methods and systems for monitoring and analyzing social media data
A system and method for analyzing social media data by obtaining social media data from a social media platform, where the social media data includes documents from multiple users of the social media platform; classifying the documents using a sentiment classifier; tokenizing the documents into terms; associating a sentiment with each term; detecting a first event based on a number of occurrences of a first term in the documents; and providing information associated with the event to a user, where the information includes the first term and a sentiment associated with the first term. |
| US09256659B1 |
Systems and methods for generating database identifiers based on database characteristics
Described herein are systems and methods for generating integrated identifiers that may be combined with database sequence values to create a high probability of uniqueness that minimizes assigning duplicate identifiers to one or more databases. The integrated identifier may be based in part on several identifiers associated with a database. This may include a numeric identifier assigned to the database, a name assigned to the database, or any other database property that may be relatively unique. In one embodiment, the integrated identifier may be associated with a sequence value for a database. While the sequence value may be unique within the database, the integrated identifier may be unique to other database identifiers. When an existing database is cloned, a new integrated identifier may be generated from the cloned database. New records stored in the new database may use the new integrated identifier, while the cloned records will remain unedited. |
| US09256658B2 |
Ranging scalable time stamp data synchronization
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to time stamp based data synchronization and provide a method, system and computer program product for scalable, ranging time stamp based data synchronization. In an embodiment of the invention, a ranging time stamp synchronization method can include computing a time range for a specified time, and producing time stamp synchronization anchors using the time range for each of the anchors. Optionally, a drift value can be computed for the time range and the computing and producing steps can be repeated when the drift value exceeds a threshold. Finally, the anchors can be used to determine whether to update data items in a remote data source in the remote host computing platform with data items from a primary data source in the primary host computing platform. |
| US09256653B2 |
Faceted search results
A data processing system receives a first user input comprising a search query. The data processing system displays in a search interface accessible across a plurality of computer application programs, a plurality of results matching the search query. The results are categorized into a plurality of categories and only a first subset of all results are displayed for each of the plurality of categories. The data processing system receives a second user input comprising a selection of one of the plurality of categories. In response to the second user input, the data processing system displays, in the search interface, a second subset of results, wherein the second subset is categorized into one or more subcategories of the selected category. |
| US09256652B2 |
Systems and methods for combining media recommendations from multiple recommendation engines
Systems and methods are presented for combining media recommendations from multiple recommendation engines. In some embodiments, a recommendation system receives a first indication that a first media recommendation was generated by a first content provider, the first media recommendation being associated with a first media asset. The recommendation system receives a second indication that a second media recommendation was generated by a second content provider, and then determines whether the second media recommendation is associated with the first media asset. In response to determining that the second media recommendation is associated with the first media asset, the recommendation system generates a combined recommendation representing the first and second media recommendations. |
| US09256651B1 |
Inheritance of properties files with locale chain support
A method is provided of displaying a GUI of a first dialog. The method includes, for a localizable display element of a set of localizable display elements of the first dialog, each element having an element name, (a) searching through a first chain of properties files of the first dialog for a display term mapped to by the element, (b) in response, determining that the display term is not found within the first chain, (c) in response, further searching through a second chain of properties files associated with a second dialog for the display term, the first chain being pre-configured to inherit properties from the second chain, and (d) when the display term is found within the second chain, displaying the display term found within the second chain in place of the localizable display element of the first dialog box on the GUI of the first dialog. |
| US09256650B2 |
Using metaphors to present concepts across different intellectual domains
A method, system, and computer program product for generating content of a topic for an intended audience are described. Topic information regarding a topic to be presented to an intended audience is obtained, as well as knowledge information regarding the intended audience. One or more metaphors relating to the topic and understood by the intended audience can be determined based at least in part on the topic information and the knowledge information. Content can be generated for the topic information based on a comparative analysis of the topic information to at least one of the one or more metaphors. |
| US09256649B2 |
Method and system of filtering and recommending documents
Disclosed is a method and system for discovering documents using a computer and providing a small set of the most relevant documents to the attention of a human observer. Using the method, the computer obtains a seed document from the user and generates a seed document vector using term frequency-inverse corpus frequency weighting. A keyword index for a plurality of source documents can be compared with the weighted terms of the seed document vector. The comparison is then filtered to reduce the number of documents, which define an initial subset of the source documents. Initial subset vectors are generated and compared to the seed document vector to obtain a similarity value for each comparison. Based on the similarity value, the method then recommends one or more of the source documents. |
| US09256643B2 |
Technique for factoring uncertainty into cost-based query optimization
A technique for factoring uncertainty into cost-based query optimization includes: determining the degree of uncertainty involved in the cost estimates for the query, determining the degree of sensitivity the query has to that uncertainty, and determining if there is an access path that performs well across the range of possible conditions that could occur at execution time, reducing the risk of performance spikes and performance volatility. If such an access path exists, select that access path; if not, perform parametric query optimization or query re-optimization. |
| US09256641B1 |
Dynamic optimization of data aggregation
A method includes receiving a first database query, in which the first database query requests particular data associated with a first object that is stored on a data source. The method also includes determining whether the first database query includes an aggregation function. The method also includes sending an instruction to generate current aggregate data based on the aggregation function to the data source in response to determining that the first database query includes the aggregation function, in which the current aggregate data corresponds to the particular data. The data source is configured to generate the current aggregate data in response to receiving the instruction. The method includes generating a second database query based on the first database query, in which the second database query requests the current aggregate data. The method also includes retrieving the current aggregate data using the second database query and providing the current aggregate data. |
| US09256640B2 |
Streaming delay patterns in a streaming environment
The method and system receive streaming data to be processed by a plurality of processing elements comprising one or more stream operators. One embodiment is directed to a method and a system for managing processing in a streaming application. A stream operator may select a delay pattern. The stream operator may compare one or more performance factors from the delay pattern to one or more optimal performance factors. The stream operator may delay the stream of tuples using the delay pattern if the performance factors are determined by the optimal performance factors. |
| US09256634B2 |
Resuming big data transformations
Systems and methods for resuming data transformations, such as broken or otherwise unsuccessful data transformations, are described. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods receive a message that indicates a broken data transformation of a data table between a source database and a destination database, identify a maximum and/or largest and greatest value for a date attribute contained within an index column for all rows of the data table that were successfully loaded to the destination database during the data transformation, and select a group of rows of data of the data table stored in the source database by querying the source database to identify rows that include a value for the date attribute that is greater than the identified value. |
| US09256633B2 |
Partitioning data for parallel processing
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system partitions data for parallel processing and comprises one or more computer systems with at least one processor. The system partitions data of a data object into a plurality of data partitions within a data structure based on a plurality of keys. The data structure includes a plurality of dimensions and each key is associated with a corresponding different dimension of the data structure. Portions of the data structure representing different data partitions are assigned to the computer systems for parallel processing, and the assigned data structure portions are processed in parallel to perform an operation. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for partitioning data for parallel processing in substantially the same manner described above. |
| US09256632B2 |
Temporally-correlated activity streams for conferences
Techniques are provided for capturing events and activities that occur during a conference, generating metadata related to the events, and correlating the metadata with specific points in time, within the conference, at which the corresponding events occurred. The resulting temporally-correlated event metadata may be stored as part of the conference recording, or separate from the conference recording. Once the temporally-correlated event metadata has been stored for a conference, the conference may be indexed based on the metadata. The index may then be used to not only to locate a conference that satisfies specified search criteria, but to identify the points or snippets, within the conference, that correspond to the search criteria. |
| US09256631B2 |
Building a hash table using vectorized instructions
Techniques for performing database operations using vectorized instructions are provided. In one technique, a hash table build phase involves executing vectorized instructions to determine whether a bucket in a hash table includes a free slot for inserting a key. A number of data elements from the bucket are loaded in a register. A vectorized instruction is executed against the register may be used to determine a position, within the register, that contains the “smallest” data element. If the data element at that position is zero (or negative), then it is determined that the corresponding position in the bucket is an available slot for inserting a key and corresponding data value. |
| US09256626B2 |
Maintaining multiple copy versions of component values in a system
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for maintaining multiple copy versions of component values in a system. A database includes entries for components in a system, wherein there is one entry for each of a plurality of component values associated with a component, wherein each entry indicates a range of copy versions for which the component value applies. A copy operation is performed at a current time to create a current copy version. A determination is made as to whether the component values for the components at the current time have changed since a previous copy version. The previous copy version is maintained in the database and immediately precedes the current copy version. For each component value that has changed, the entry for the component having the open indicator as the end copy version is updated to indicate the previous copy version as the end copy version. |
| US09256620B2 |
Techniques for grouping images
Techniques for grouping images are disclosed. In some situations, the techniques include identifying at least one event-based image group among a plurality of images based on an event that is associated with each identified image, receiving a selection of one or more objects in a first image of the identified event-based image group, identifying other images in the identified event-based image group that each include at least one of the selected one or more objects, and associating the identified images with the first image. In one instance, the selected objects include individuals captured in the image. |
| US09256617B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing visual search
A method comprises computing a color factor value indicating an amount of color gradients in at least one color channel from the query image. The method comprises combining the color-keypoints with the gray-keypoints when the color factor value is greater than a threshold. A method for performing a visual search comprises extracting a plurality of local descriptors from a query image and then selecting a subset of them based on various criteria's such as visual meaning score. A method comprises aggregating each mean vector for each visual codeword from distances between each visual codeword and local descriptors. The method comprises aggregating variance vector for each visual codeword from the distance between each visual codeword, and local descriptors. The method comprises transmitting aggregated mean vector information and aggregated variance vector information to a search server for efficient image retrieval. |
| US09256613B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for secure multi-enterprise storage
In one embodiment, a computer program product for storing data to a storage network includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions being executable by a computer to cause the computer to receive a plurality of data identifiers (IDs) from multiple data providers, each data ID being associated with one of a plurality of files, store the plurality of data IDs to a database, identify any duplicate data IDs in the database to determine if any of the plurality of files associated with the plurality of data IDs are non-confidential, receive one of the files having a duplicate data ID, and store the file having the duplicate data ID to a storage network. |
| US09256612B1 |
Systems and methods for managing references in deduplicating data systems
A computer-implemented method for managing references in deduplicating data systems may include (1) identifying a first instance of a data segment stored within a deduplicating data system that reduces redundant data storage by storing at least two data objects such that each of the two data objects references the first instance of the data segment, (2) identifying an additional data object to be stored by the deduplicating data system that includes the data segment, (3) determining whether a reference limit associated with the first instance of the data segment has been reached, and (4) storing, based at least in part on determining that the reference limit associated with the first instance of the data segment has been reached, a second instance of the data segment within the deduplicating data system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09256609B2 |
Fixed size extents for variable size deduplication segments
Mechanisms are provided for maintaining variable size deduplication segments using fixed size extents. Variable size segments are identified and maintained in a datastore suitcase. Duplicate segments need not be maintained redundantly but can be managed by updating reference counts associated with the segments in the datastore suitcase. Segments are maintained using fixed size extents. A minor increase in storage overhead removes the need for inefficient recompaction when a segment is removed from the datastore suitcase. Fixed size extents can be reallocated for storage of new segments. |
| US09256603B1 |
File system over fully provisioned volume file in direct mode
A data storage system includes storage devices and a processing subsystem executing software forming a lower-deck file system and an upper-deck file system. The lower-deck file system presents a volume file from which storage is provided to the upper-deck file system, and units of storage of the storage devices are reserved to the upper-deck file system. The volume file is fully provisioned based on the reserved units of storage so that an out-of-space condition is not presented to the upper-deck file system. Reserved units of storage are dynamically added to the volume file to increase its allocated size in response to demand from the upper-deck file system, and a direct operating mode is used in which a block address in the lower-deck file system is obtained by a predetermined calculation from a corresponding block address in the volume file. |
| US09256599B1 |
Programmatically receiving and storing transaction information in support of a database recovery engine
A system and method for restoring a database are described. The method may comprise requesting to begin receiving notifications of transactions that occur in the database. In response to the request, notifications of a plurality of transactions that occur in the database may be received, and information specifying the plurality of transactions may be stored. The method may further comprise receiving user input requesting to restore the database to a previous state. In response, the stored information may be retrieved, and a graphical user interface indicating the plurality of transactions specified by the stored information may be displayed. The method may further comprise receiving user input to the graphical user interface selecting a particular transaction of the plurality of transactions. In response, the database may be restored to a particular point in time relative to a time at which the particular transaction occurred. |
| US09256597B2 |
System, method and computer program for correcting machine translation information
A computer implemented machine translation system and method is provided that improves the accuracy of output from one or more machine translation systems by applying one or more data correction routines. A data correction routine is provided that includes information distance analysis of one or more sets of machine translation information to a set of text elements related to the domain and stored to a database. The system and method generate as output corrected text elements related to a meaning intended by a user from whom the machine translation information was captured. |
| US09256595B2 |
Calculating term similarity using a meta-model semantic network
In example embodiments, a technique is provided to determine the similarity between two terms. For example, example embodiments may store a meta-model semantic network that includes a first and second term. Further, both the first and second terms are respectively associated with model and meta-model information. A request to calculate a term similarity value is received. A term similarity value expresses a correlation between the first term and the second term. The term similarity value is then calculated based on a comparison of the model and the meta-model information associated with the first and second terms. |
| US09256594B2 |
Patent analyzing system
A patent analyzing system for efficiently reviewing and analyzing a patent document (e.g. patent application, published patent document or patent). The patent analyzing system includes providing a patent document, wherein said patent document includes text data having a claims section, identifying a first element name within a first claim in said claims section, and emphasizing said first element name within said first claim. |
| US09256593B2 |
Identifying product references in user-generated content
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for extracting products referenced in a document. A document is analyzed to identify a product type that is referenced in the document. Attributes are extracted from the document. A set of candidate products are identified corresponding to the extracted attributes. A score is calculated for the candidate products and the products are further selected or filtered based on the score, whitelist rules, and blacklist rules in order to identify one or more inferred products referenced by the document. The whitelist and blacklist rules may take as inputs a domain, a user identifier, and keywords included in the document. A set of sufficient attributes may be identified for each product type. Selection of a candidate product may be based at least in part on the document including all of the attributes in the set of sufficient attributes. |
| US09256590B2 |
Formula and function generation and use in electronic spreadsheets
Spreadsheet formula and function creation and use with electronic computing devices are provided. When a user moves content (e.g., a spreadsheet cell) into a spreadsheet formula/function bar, a cell reference for the content may automatically be created and disposed in the formula/function bar, and if a user enters a math operation in a spreadsheet cell, corresponding operation sentence structure (syntax) may be automatically inserted into the formula/function bar. One or more formulas or functions may be automatically suggested as a user begins entering a formula/function. An always visible formula/function guide may be presented or displayed to provide helpful information on arguments/components of a formula/function, and help resources may be provided in a help resources interface with respect to application functionality and spreadsheet formulas/functions. |
| US09256584B2 |
Rich text handling for a web application
A method and apparatus for representing and controlling documents including rich text for Web based applications and browsers is provided so that editing of rich text can be facilitated within the browsers. The rich text is represented in a memory structure so that various formats may be flexible maintained. Text, images, tables, links and the like are represented in the memory structure, which may be maintained in databases for eventual editing. A controller class and subsidiary classes represent the rich text and provide methods to convert html to the memory structure and back, representing the rich text in a relational database, retrieving the rich text from a relational database, and presenting the rich text for editing. A spell checking facility for the rich text is included. |
| US09256581B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium for storing program
The number of pages in which data of a structured document is laid out is determined in response to an instruction from the user, and whether the content of the data of the structured document is editable when the data is laid out is judged. The data of the structured document is then laid out in accordance with the judgment result and the determined number of pages. |
| US09256579B2 |
Apparatus and method for low complexity combinatorial coding of signals
The invention utilizes low complexity estimates of complex functions to perform combinatorial coding of signal vectors. The invention disregards the accuracy of such functions as long as certain sufficient properties are maintained. The invention in turn may reduce computational complexity of certain coding and decoding operations by two orders of magnitude or more for a given signal vector input. |
| US09256572B2 |
Multi-fabric SAN based data migration
In one embodiment, a network device in a network obtains information identifying first storage and second storage. The network device notifies one or more other network devices in the network that traffic that is received by the other network devices is to be routed to the network device. The network device performs data migration from the first storage to the second storage. When the data migration from the first storage to the second storage is completed, the network device notifies the other network devices in the network that traffic that is received by the other network devices is no longer to be routed to the network device. |
| US09256568B2 |
PCI-based interfacing device with mappable port addresses to legacy I/O port addresses
A PCI-based interfacing device with mappable port addresses to legacy I/O port addresses has an addressing circuit, a PCI controller connected to the addressing circuit and a PCI port, and an equipment controller connected to the PCI controller and an equipment port. The addressing circuit sets up a legacy I/O port address. The PCI controller transmit and receive data packets having data and one of the set of legacy I/O port addresses encapsulated therein to be processed to and from the PCI port, and output the received data packets to the equipment controller. The equipment controller converts the data packets into equipment data corresponding to the equipment port, and transmits the equipment data to the equipment port. Accordingly, the PCI-based interfacing device can perform data communication with legacy I/O port addresses. |
| US09256567B2 |
Storage device with expansion slot
Provided is an apparatus including a first storage device. The apparatus also includes an expansion slot configured to receive a removable card with a second storage device. The removable card with the second storage device is configured to provide faster read/write times to the second storage device than read/write times of the first storage device. The first and second storage devices are seen as a single storage device by a host computing device. |
| US09256565B2 |
Central out of band management of field replaceable united of computing rack
A system for the management of rack-mounted field replaceable units (FRUs) that affords the enhanced availability and serviceability of FRUs provided by blade-based systems but in a manner that accommodates different types of FRUs (e.g., in relation to form factors, functionality, power and cooling requirements, and/or the like) installed within a rack or cabinet. |
| US09256564B2 |
Techniques for improving throughput and performance of a distributed interconnect peripheral bus
A method for accelerating execution of read operations in a distributed interconnect peripheral bus is provided. The method comprises generating a first number of speculative read requests addressed to an address space related to a last read request served on the bus; sending the speculative read requests to a root component connected to the bus; receiving a second number of read completion messages from the root component of the bus; and sending a read completion message out of the received read completion messages component to the endpoint component only if the read completion message is respective of a real read request or a valid speculative read request out of the speculative read requests, wherein a real read request is issued by the endpoint component. |
| US09256562B1 |
Method and system for communication between a computing system and a device
Machine implemented method and system are provided. A processor for a computing device allocates an address range with an address to write to an intermediate storage location. The processor configures a device communicating with the computing device for writing information at the intermediate storage location and at a plurality of storage locations. The computing device sends the address for the intermediate storage location with data that needs to be written at one of the plurality of storage locations with an identifier identifying the one of the plurality of storage locations; and the device first writes the data at the intermediate storage location and then updates the one of the plurality of storage locations identified by the identifier. |
| US09256553B2 |
Transactional processing based upon run-time storage values
A memory access operand of an instruction that accesses memory may be treated as a transaction atomic access. Non-default atomicity handling of memory accesses is enabled based on successful comparison by the processor of specified storage values at run-time. Upon executing a transaction policy override instruction, the default conflict detection policy is overridden for one or more subsequent memory accessing instructions. |
| US09256548B2 |
Rule-based virtual address translation for accessing data
In one embodiment, rule-based virtual address translation is performed for accessing data (e.g., reading and/or writing data) typically stored in different manners and/or locations among one or more memories, such as, but not limited to, in packet switching devices. A virtual address is matched against a set of predetermined rules to identify one or more storing description parameters. These storing description parameters determine in which particular memory unit(s) and/or how the data is stored. Thus, different portions of a data structure (e.g., table) can be stored in different memories and/or using different storage techniques. The virtual address is converted to a lookup address based on the identified storing description parameter(s). One or more read or write operations in one or more particular memory units is performed based on the lookup address said converted from the virtual address. |
| US09256546B2 |
Transparent code patching including updating of address translation structures
Code is modified by an optimizer executing in the same or different address space as the application being modified. The modified code is stored in memory regions separate from the memory regions of the unmodified or pre-existing code. This allows instruction fetches by the application to access the modified code, while data accesses by the application access the unmodified code. An optimizer may also access the code, but accesses by the optimizer are considered data accesses, and therefore, such accesses would be to the unmodified code, instead of the modified code. Thus, an address mapping capability is provided in which the optimizer may access the modified code by having multiple addresses point to the same physical memory location. One address is used by the application in an instruction fetch and the other address is used by the optimizer in a data access to access the modified code. |
| US09256543B2 |
Method and system for efficient communication and command system for deferred operation
A method and system for efficiently executing a delegate of a program by a processor coupled to an external memory. A payload including state data or command data is bound with a program delegate. The payload is mapped with the delegate via the payload identifier. The payload is pushed to a repository buffer in the external memory. The payload is flushed by reading the payload identifier and loading the payload from the repository buffer. The delegate is executed using the loaded payload. |
| US09256537B2 |
Coherent attached processor proxy supporting coherence state update in presence of dispatched master
A coherent attached processor proxy (CAPP) of a primary coherent system receives a memory access request specifying a target address in the primary coherent system from an attached processor (AP) external to the primary coherent system. The CAPP includes a CAPP directory of contents of a cache memory in the AP that holds copies of memory blocks belonging to a coherent address space of the primary coherent system. In response to the memory access request, the CAPP performs a first determination of a coherence state for the target address and allocates a master machine to service the memory access request in accordance with the first determination. Thereafter, during allocation of the master machine, the CAPP updates the coherence state and performs a second determination of the coherence state. The master machine services the memory access request in accordance with the second determination. |
| US09256536B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing shared caches
A method and apparatus for providing shared caches. A cache memory system may be operated in a first mode or a second mode. When the cache memory system is operated in the first mode, a first cache and a second cache of the cache memory system may be operated independently. When the cache memory system is operated in the second mode, the first cache and the second cache may be shared. In the second mode, at least one bit may overlap tag bits and set index bits among bits of a memory address. |
| US09256531B2 |
Memory system and SoC including linear addresss remapping logic
A system-on-chip is connected to a first memory device and a second memory device. The system-on-chip comprises a memory controller configured to control an interleaving access operation on the first and second memory devices. A modem processor is configured to provide an address for accessing the first or second memory devices. A linear address remapping logic is configured to remap an address received from the modem processor and to provide the remapped address to the memory controller. The memory controller performs a linear access operation on the first or second memory device in response to receiving the remapped address. |
| US09256525B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including a flag for selectively controlling erasing and writing of confidential information area
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory which comprises a confidential information area storing confidential information and a flag. A controller reads the flag from the memory when instructed to erase or write data in the confidential information area, determines whether the flag is set, erases or writes data in the confidential information area when the flag is clear, and abandons a process requested by an erase or write instruction when the flag is set. An authenticator uses data in the confidential information area to execute an operation for authentication. A management information area may store management information for associated pages. The flag may include a bit string and a complementary bit string to improve reliability of the flag. The confidential information area may store dummy data when the memory is used for uses other than an application with an authentication function, so no problem arises using a normal controller. |
| US09256524B2 |
Storage system having a thin provisioning function
A storage system, coupled to an external storage system, manages a virtual volume, such as a thin provision volume. The storage system also manages a first logical device created by using storage area of internal storage devices and a second logical device created by using storage area of external storage devices in the external storage system. A storage area in the first logical device or the second logical device is allocated to the virtual volume after receiving a write request to the virtual volume. The storage system has advantage that a storage area in the first logical device and the second logical device can be managed uniformly in thin provisioning function of the storage system. |
| US09256522B1 |
Method and system for generating soft-information after a single read in NAND flash using expected and measured values
A system and method for determining soft read data for a group of cells in a nonvolatile flash memory are disclosed. An expected value representative of a plurality of stored values in a group of cells is obtained. A measured value representative of the plurality of stored values in the group of cells is obtained, based on a single read to the group of cells. A soft read data for the group of cells is determined based at least in part on the expected value and the measured value. The expected and measured values may include at least one of a number of 0s, a number of 1s, a ratio of 0s to 1s or a ratio of 1s to 0s. A reliability for a bit i may be obtained using a one-step majority logic decoder, and a threshold reliability may be used when determining the soft read data. |
| US09256521B1 |
Methods and apparatus for SAS controllers with link list based target queues
A controller comprising a transport layer, an internal memory, and a link list manager block. The internal memory stores pending instruction entries. The link list manager block is configured to read instructions stored in an external memory, update an active vector, the active vector for storing indications of instructions from the external memory; update the pending instruction entries in the internal memory; and update the instructions stored in the external memory. The link list manager block configured to dispatch a instruction from the pending instruction entries in the internal memory to the transport layer. |
| US09256520B2 |
Using linked data to determine package quality
Arrangements described herein relate to determining a quality of a software package. Via linked data, the software package can be linked to at least one test plan and a requirement collection. The software package can be executed in accordance with the test plan using at least one test case. At least one test result of the execution of the software package can be generated. A score can be assigned to the test result and a score can be assigned to the test based at least on the test result. Based at least on the scores assigned to the test result and the test case, a package quality score can be assigned to the software package. |
| US09256514B2 |
Debugging and perfomance analysis of applications
While an application is still running and using a resource that the application has already allocated, real-time capture is used to allow for a minimal overhead, quick turnaround solution for debugging and performance analysis. Application programming interface interception can be used to construct a database of resource usage that can then be mined for dependencies. |
| US09256513B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for automatic debugging and error prevention
A method, an apparatus and a computer readable medium for debugging and error prevention are provided. In the method, a plurality of debug messages produced by the electronic apparatus in executing debugging is obtained. The debug messages are analyzed to find a plurality of operation procedures associated with each other and having a number of repeated occurrences reaching a threshold according to data of each debug message when at least one error message appears in the debug messages and accordingly conclude at least one error procedure rule. Then, each debug message obtained afterwards is compared with the operation procedures in each error procedure rule sequentially, so as to determine whether a completion percentage of the operation procedures in each error procedure rule reaches a preset percentage. When the completion percentage reaches the preset percentage, a preventive operation of the operation procedure corresponding to the current debug message is executed. |
| US09256511B2 |
Computer software application self-testing
Testing a computer software application by detecting an arrival of input data provided as input to a computer software application from a source external to the computer software application, modifying the detected input data to include test data configured to test the computer software application in accordance with a predefined test, thereby creating a modified version of the detected input data, and processing the modified version of the detected input data, thereby performing the predefined test on the computer software application using the test data. |
| US09256506B1 |
System and method for performing operations on target servers
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for performing operations on target servers is presented. A request including an operation is received. A set of target servers associated with the operation is identified. The following request processing operations are performed until a predetermined termination condition has been satisfied: a target server in the set of target servers to which the request has not been issued and whose health metrics satisfy health criteria is identified, the request to perform the operation is issued to the target server, and when the request to perform the operation fails at the target server, health metrics for the target server are updated to indicate that the request to perform the operation failed at the target server and health check operation is scheduled to be performed with respect to the target server. |
| US09256505B2 |
Data transformations to improve ROM yield and programming time
Methods and systems for generating data transformations to improve ROM yield and programming time. A bit flip register can be configured in association with the ROM and a binary string can be read into the bit flip register on reset. Subsequently, data output from the ROM can be selectively complemented utilizing a content of the bit flip register and the content of the bit flip register can be programmed into the ROM in order to reduce programming time for each ROM. A defective cell can be tolerated by selectively flipping a column with respect to the defective cell to improve yield. A built-in self-test (BIST) engine that generates addresses up to and including content of an address limiting register can be employed to limit the ROM access to a programmed part during testing in order to tolerate defects in any unused location. |
| US09256503B2 |
Data verification
A data verification application receives a test configuration data, the test configuration data comprising a seed value and a parameter. The data verification application generates a pseudo-random test data stream comprising a plurality of words, wherein a value of each of the plurality of words is based on the seed value, the parameter and an offset of each word within the pseudo-random test data stream. |
| US09256498B1 |
System and method for generating backups of a protected system from a recovery system
A system and method for generating backups of a protected storage system from protected data in a recovery system including protecting data in the recovery system, the recovery system including a target disk configured to store a replica of the protected storage system from a predetermined time point and a journal including data and metadata of write operations to the protected storage system that occurred after the time point, periodically generating replicas of the protected storage system from the recovery system, and storing the replicas as backups. |
| US09256493B2 |
Memory module architecture
In accordance with some embodiments, memory modules containing phase change memory elements may be organized so that each memory integrated circuit includes both data and error correcting code. As a result of including the error correcting code in each integrated circuit, extra accesses of the memory module to extract the error correcting code can be avoided, improving the performance of the overall memory module in some embodiments. |
| US09256492B1 |
Iterative decoding systems using noise-biasing
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for improving the iterative decoding performance of a decoder, for example, as used in a wireless communications receiver or in a data retrieval unit. A decoding technique may receive and process a set of channel samples using an iterative decoder. If the iterative decoder output indicates a decoding failure, noise samples may foe combined with the received channel samples to create biased channel samples. Noise sample may be generated using a pseudo-random noise generator and/or by using signals already present in the communications receiver or data retrieval unit. The biased channel samples may be provided to the iterative decoder and the iterative decoder may re-run using the biased channel samples. |
| US09256490B2 |
Storage apparatus, storage system, and data management method
The storage apparatus has a control unit that includes: an identification unit that is configured to determine that a first data element contained in the data is incorrect, when a first restoration calculation first data element, which is restored from the first data element using other data elements of the data excluding the first data element and a new redundancy code obtained from the data by a first calculation method, coincides with a second restoration calculation first data element, which is restored from the first data element using the other data elements and a new redundancy code obtained from the data by a second calculation method; and a restoration unit that is configured to correct the first data element in the storage devices that is determined to be incorrect by the identification unit, to either the first restoration calculation first data element or the second restoration calculation first data element. |
| US09256488B2 |
Verification of template integrity of monitoring templates used for customized monitoring of system activities
A mechanism for performing verification of template integrity of monitoring templates used for customized monitoring of system activities. A method of embodiments of the invention includes calculating a first hash code for a monitoring template, the monitoring template to customize a performance monitor to serve as a universal monitor to facilitate a plurality of monitoring tools to perform monitoring of activities of a plurality of system components of the computer system, extracting the first hash code from the monitoring template, and calculating a second hash code for the monitoring template. The method further includes verifying integrity of the monitoring template by comparing the first hash code with the second hash code, and the integrity of the monitoring template is determined to be satisfactory if the first hash code matches the second hash code. |
| US09256484B2 |
Dynamic adjustment of mobile device based on user activity
In some implementations, a mobile device can be configured to monitor environmental, system and user events. The occurrence of one or more events can trigger adjustments to system settings. In some implementations, the mobile device can be configured to keep frequently invoked applications up to date based on a forecast of predicted invocations by the user. In some implementations, the mobile device can receive push notifications associated with applications that indicate that new content is available for the applications to download. The mobile device can launch the applications associated with the push notifications in the background and download the new content. In some implementations, before running an application or accessing a network interface, the mobile device can be configured to check energy and data budgets and environmental conditions of the mobile device to preserve a high quality user experience. |
| US09256482B2 |
Determining whether to send an alert in a distributed processing system
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining whether to send an alert are provided. Embodiments include a voting manager receiving from a plurality of alert analyzers, one or more delivery codes associated with an alert. In dependence upon the one or more delivery codes, the voting manager determines whether to suppress the alert, to close the alert, or to report the alert. |
| US09256474B2 |
Automatically aligning virtual blocks to physical blocks
Automatically aligning virtual blocks of partitions to blocks of underlying physical storage is disclosed. In some embodiments, a starting offset of a partition included in a logical container is detected. In some embodiments, a misalignment correction amount for a partition included in a logical container is detected. In some embodiments, a misalignment associated with a partition included in a logical container is corrected. |
| US09256473B1 |
Provision a virtual environment based on topology of virtual nodes, node dependencies and base node configuration information
A method for automatically provisioning a virtual computing environment comprising a plurality of virtual computing nodes includes provisioning a virtual base node using base configuration information that includes a base endpoint that identifies interconnectivity parameters required to communicate with the virtual base node, and storing the base endpoint in an endpoint registry. The method further includes determining that a virtual first node depends on the virtual base node, and receiving the base endpoint from the endpoint registry. Thereafter, the virtual first node is provisioned using the received base endpoint and first configuration information for the virtual first node. |
| US09256472B2 |
System and method for economical migration of legacy applications from mainframe and distributed platforms
An economical system and method of migrating legacy applications running on proprietary mainframe computer systems and distributed networks to commodity hardware-based software frameworks, by offloading the batch processing from the legacy systems, and returning the resultant data to the original legacy system to be consumed by the unaltered applications. An open source code tool is used to transfer the software, and rewrite it on a faster and more economical hardware system, while leaving a seamless integration of offloaded processing with existing batch processing flow. |
| US09256471B2 |
Task scheduling method for priority-based real-time operating system in multicore environment
Disclosed herein is a task scheduling method for a priority-based real-time operating system in a multicore environment, which solves problems occurring in real-time multicore task scheduling which employs a conventional decentralized scheme. In the task scheduling method, one or more scheduling algorithm candidates for sequential tasks are combined with one or more scheduling algorithm candidates for parallel tasks. Respective task scheduling algorithm candidates generated at combining, are simulated and performances of the candidates are evaluated based on performance evaluation criteria. A task scheduling algorithm exhibiting best performance is selected from among results obtained at evaluating the performances. |
| US09256468B2 |
Dynamic incremental memory allocation on program stack
Some embodiments of a system and a method to dynamically allocate memory on program stack are presented. A memory allocator executable on a processing device may create a data structure on a stack to hold data for a program running on the processing device. The memory allocator can dynamically change the size of the data structure on the stack in response to data need of the program while the program is running. |
| US09256465B2 |
Process device context switching
Methods, systems, and computer readable media embodiments are disclosed for preemptive context-switching of processes running on an accelerated processing device. A method includes, responsive to an exception upon access to a memory by a process running on a accelerated processing device, whether to preempt the process based on the exception, and preempting, based upon the determining, the process from running on the accelerated processing device. |
| US09256463B2 |
Method and apparatus to replicate stateful virtual machines between clouds
A method including replicating a first virtual machine (VM) in a first cloud and putting the replicated VM in a second cloud. Activating the first VM and pausing the replicated VM. First processing, at the first VM, traffic from VMs in the first cloud, wherein the first processing occurs when the first VM is activated and the replicated VM is paused. Buffering, at a hypervisor of the replicated VM, traffic from VMs in the second cloud, wherein the buffering occurs when the first VM is activated and the replicated VM is paused. Activating the replicated VM in response to state information of the first VM and pausing the first VM. Second processing, at the replicated VM, the buffered traffic according to the state information of the first VM, wherein the second processing occurs when the replicated VM is activated and the first VM is paused. |
| US09256461B2 |
Handling interrupt actions for inter-thread communication
A mechanism is provided for handling interrupt actions for inter-thread communication. In association with a first processor thread, a thread action data structure is provided that comprises a non-blocking synchronization data structure and an internal list data structure of pending interrupts having no form of synchronization. A post of an interrupt action is received from a second processor thread to the thread action data structure associated with the first processor thread, where the interrupt action is added to the non-blocking synchronization data structure of the thread action data structure. The interrupt action is moved from the non-blocking synchronization data structure to the internal list data structure of pending interrupts for handling by the first processor thread. The internal list data structure of pending interrupts is processed to thereby handle interrupt actions moved to the internal list data structure. |
| US09256456B1 |
Architecture for managing I/O and storage for a virtualization environment
Disclosed is an improved approach to implement I/O and storage device management in a virtualization environment. According to some approaches, a Service VM is employed to control and manage any type of storage device, including directly attached storage in addition to networked and cloud storage. The Service VM implements the Storage Controller logic in the user space, and can be migrated as needed from one node to another. IP-based requests are used to send I/O request to the Service VMs. The Service VM can directly implement storage and I/O optimizations within the direct data access path, without the need for add-on products. |
| US09256455B2 |
Delivery of events from a virtual machine to host CPU using memory monitoring instructions
A method and system for managing a virtual computing system including a virtual machine (VM) configured to send an event to a host CPU executing a memory monitoring instruction. The virtual machine is configured to receive from a hypervisor a notification identifying an address range writeable by a virtual central processing unit (VCPU) associated with the virtual machine to send an event to a host central processing unit (CPU). The virtual machine is further configured to receive an instruction to write to the identified address range for sending an event to the host CPU. The VCPU of the virtual machine may then write data identifying an event for execution by the host CPU to the identified address range, without causing an exit to the hypervisor. |
| US09256454B2 |
Determining optimal methods for creating virtual machines
A computer receives at least one requirement for a new VM. The computer identifies an existing VM to be modified during the generation of the new VM. The computer determines at least one step necessary to create the new VM configuration from the existing VM. The computer presents at least one pathway to the new VM from the existing VM. The computer receives a selection of a presented pathway to create the new VM. |
| US09256452B1 |
Providing an instance availability estimate
Data defining the actual time to availability for various configurations of instances of computing resources is collected. The collected data can be utilized to provide an estimate of the expected time to availability for a specific configuration of an instance of a computing resource in response to receiving a request to create a new instance of the computing resource. |
| US09256451B2 |
Emulation time correction
A method for time correction during an emulation of a native computing environment (NCE), including: obtaining, by an emulator, a code segment for execution within the NCE; identifying, during an execution of the code segment within the emulation, a first instance of a time sensitive (TS) instruction; initiating a first instruction sequence window (ISW) in response to identifying the first instance of the TS instruction; identifying, during the execution of the code segment within the emulation, a second instance of the TS instruction after initiating the first ISW; obtaining, in response to identifying the second instance during the first ISW, an expected time between execution of the first instance and the second instance of the TS instruction in the NCE; and inserting an aggregated delay based on the expected time during the execution of the code segment within the emulation. |
| US09256450B2 |
Using an enterprise messaging bus to influence the process of software compilation and packaging
A build system executes a build process using an enterprise messaging bus, a plurality of services, and a plurality of shims, where each of the services do not natively communicate with the enterprise messaging bus. A shim processes a message between a service and an enterprise message bus. The shim further communicates the processed message between the service and the enterprise message bus. The shim includes a receive shim that receives messages from the enterprise message bus, converts the received message into a format native to the service, and forwards the converted message to the service. The shim also includes a transmit shim that receives messages from the service, converts the received message into a format native to the enterprise message bus, and forwards the converted message to the enterprise message bus. |
| US09256447B2 |
Integrated application launching in heterogeneous cloud computing environment
Application programs delivered from one or more cloud computing systems (“clouds” or “CCSs”) are integrated into a desktop being delivered/hosted by another cloud (“primary” CCS). In one respect, the integration includes integration of controls for directly launching a separately hosted application program from a desktop hosted by the primary CCS, such as by selection of a start menu entry or activation of a “shortcut” icon that points to the application program. In another respect, a separately hosted application program is launched based on a user opening or accessing content (e.g. data file) that is specifically associated with the separately hosted application program but residing more locally, such as in the hosted desktop. In this aspect, the content is seamlessly redirected to the other cloud without requiring any direct network connectivity between the clouds. |
| US09256442B2 |
Network updatable user trusted device
A user trusted device and a software update method for updating the device. The device includes: a connection interface enabling connection with a host computer; a persistent memory storing a boot enabling data structure and a network updater, wherein: the network updater is configured to interact with firmware of the host computer to initiate communication over a network; and the boot enabling data structure: is detectable by the firmware upon connection of the user trusted device with the host computer; is such that host computer can boot from the user trusted device, as per the data structure of the boot enabling data structure; and includes instructions for the firmware to initiate a transfer of the network updater on the host computer for subsequent execution, upon the host computer booting from the user trusted device. |
| US09256434B2 |
Generalized bit manipulation instructions for a computer processor
Methods of bit manipulation within a computer processor are disclosed. Improved flexibility in bit manipulation proves helpful in computing elementary functions critical to the performance of many programs and for other applications. In one embodiment, a unit of input data is shifted/rotated and multiple non-contiguous bit fields from the unit of input data are inserted in an output register. In another embodiment, one of two units of input data is optionally shifted or rotated, the two units of input data are partitioned into a plurality of bit fields, bitwise operations are performed on each bit field, and pairs of bit fields are combined with either an AND or an OR bitwise operation. Embodiments are also disclosed to simultaneously perform these processes on multiple units and pairs of units of input data in a Single Input, Multiple Data processing environment capable of performing logical operations on floating point data. |
| US09256426B2 |
Controlling total number of instructions executed to a desired number after iterations of monitoring for successively less number of instructions until a predetermined time period elapse
A system and method for controlling processor instruction execution. In one example, a method for controlling a total number of instructions executed by a processor includes instructing the processor to iteratively execute instructions via multiple iterations until a predetermined time period has elapsed. A number of instructions executed in each iteration of the iterations is less than a number of instructions executed in a prior iteration of the iterations. The method also includes determining the total number of instructions executed during the predetermined time period. |
| US09256421B2 |
Method, device and terminal for improving running speed of application
The disclosure provides a method, a device and a terminal for improving the speed of an application relating to the computer field. The method may include collecting local data information corresponding to a missing-page interruption during execution of the application. The local data information may include a name of a file in which the local data is contained, an offset in the file and the size of the local data. The method may further include acquiring the local data corresponding to the local data information in response to receiving an instruction to improve the running speed of the application and loading the acquired local data. This may reduce the time spent by the application on accessing I/O operations. Thus, the running speed of the application may be improved by loading the acquired local data according to the local data information corresponding to the missing-page interruption while the application is running. |
| US09256414B2 |
Method, device and system for running application
A method, a device and a system for running an application are disclosed. The method includes: creating a process corresponding to the application, and loading pre-generated data file description information of the application (101); monitoring I/O requests of the application through the process, and when an I/O request of the application is monitored, determining a type of a file to be accessed by the application according to the I/O request (102); if the type of the file to be accessed by the application is a data file, acquiring data blocks required by the application from a server side according to the data file description information (103); loading the data blocks into a memory (104). The technical solution can simply and efficiently decrease the installation package size of an application without special customization. |
| US09256407B2 |
Interleaving the XForms processing model with java server faces request processing
A method, system and apparatus for interleaving XForms with JSF request processing can be provided. The system can include an XForms definition generated for a form configured for rendering in a Web application. Specifically, the XForms definition can specify a data model for data to be processed within the form. The system further can include a JSF code generation module programmed to process the forms model to produce a form bean, a faces configuration, and a JSF page for each navigable view defined in the XForms definition. |
| US09256399B2 |
Breaking program execution on events
Systems and methods for breaking program execution on events are described. One of the systems includes an event subsystem for receiving the signaling events generated by one or more associated peripheral devices. The system also includes a command module which is coupled between the event subsystem and a debug module, the command module receives the signaling events from the event subsystem and in response generates break commands. The debug module of the system receives the break commands from the command module and, in response, interrupts the execution of a program of a controller. |
| US09256397B2 |
Fused multiply-adder with booth-encoding
A fused multiply-adder is disclosed. The fused multiply-adder includes a Booth encoder, a fraction multiplier, a carry corrector, and an adder. The Booth encoder initially encodes a first operand. The fraction multiplier multiplies the Booth-encoded first operand by a second operand to produce partial products, and then reduces the partial products into a set of redundant sum and carry vectors. The carry corrector then generates a carry correction factor for correcting the carry vectors. The adder adds the redundant sum and carry vectors and the carry correction factor to a third operand to yield a final result. |
| US09256394B2 |
Method providing a display in a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising a display unit
A vehicle receives a script with a command for graphically designing a display and a command for reading a data value from a memory of the vehicle. The script is executed by an interpreter, as a result of which the data value is read from the memory and a display is provided on a display device. The graphical design of the display is prescribed by the script and contains a partial presentation determined by the data value. The use of scripts provides a particularly high level of flexibility for the graphical presentation. |
| US09256393B2 |
Method for remote desktop control by remote host input devices
A system for establishing a remote desktop connection between a client projector and a host computer, the client projector and the host computer being connected by a network. A private remote desktop service virtual channel is established between the host computer and the client projector. In the client projector, a processor initiates a remote desktop connection process, and completes a remote desktop connection to the host computer. The client projector receives keyboard and mouse events from the host computer across the private remote desktop service virtual channel. The keyboard or mouse events received by the client projector are injected into an operating system of the client projector. They are interpreted by a client application remote desktop connection as a valid input device event, and forwarded to the host computer to actuate a graphical user interface of a remote desktop session. |
| US09256389B2 |
Printing apparatus, control method therefor, and computer-readable medium
A printing apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive print data from an external apparatus, a storage unit configured to store the print data, an operation unit configured to receive an operation to be performed on the print data, a printing unit configured to print the print data when the received operation is print operation, a charging unit configured to start charging in response to the printing of the data when the printing apparatus is operating in charge mode, and a control unit configured to perform control in such a manner that the print data is deleted when the received operation is cancel operation. When the printing apparatus is operating in the charge mode, the control unit performs control in such a manner that the print data is not deleted even when the cancel operation is instructed, until print operation is received. |
| US09256386B2 |
Image forming apparatus supporting function of near field communication and method of setting NFC operation mode thereof
A near field communication (NFC) operating mode of an image forming apparatus may be set by determining a type of a job to be performed in the image forming apparatus via NFC tagging of a mobile device, determining a first NFC operating mode corresponding to the determined type of the job from among a plurality of NFC operating modes supported by an NFC module, setting the determined first NFC operating mode as an operating state of the NFC module, and performing the job by tagging the mobile device via NFC by using the set first NFC operating mode. |
| US09256385B2 |
Relay device and image processing device capable of executing selected image processing using selected application types
A relay device may receive, from a image processing device, selected image processing identifying information configured to identify a selected image processing. A plural types of image processing may be a processing to be executed on first image information outputted from the image processing device. The relay device may receive, from the image processing device, selected second image information-identifying information configured to identify selected second image information selected in the image processing device. The relay device may receive the selected second image information identified by the selected second image information-identifying information. The relay device may execute the selected image processing identified by the selected image processing identifying information to compose the selected second image information and the first image information. The relay device may send, to the image processing device, created image information created by the execution of the selected image processing. |
| US09256383B2 |
Device driver for use in a data storage system
A device driver includes an aggregator aggregating data blocks into one or more container objects suited for storage in an object store; and a logger for maintaining in at least one log file for each data block an identification of a container object wherein the data block is stored with an identification of the location of the data block in the container object. |
| US09256380B1 |
Apparatus and method for packet memory datapath processing in high bandwidth packet processing devices
A method of processing packets includes receiving packets and assigning the packets to different pages, where each page represents a fixed amount of memory. The different pages are distributed to different pools, where each pool has a unique mapping to banks, and where each bank is a set of memory resources. The different pages from the different pools are assigned to different banks in accordance with the unique mapping. |
| US09256376B2 |
Methods and circuits for dynamically scaling DRAM power and performance
A memory system supports high-performance and low-power modes. The memory system includes a memory core and a core interface. The memory core employs core supply voltages that remain the same in both modes. Supply voltages and signaling rates for the core interface may be scaled down to save power. Level shifters between the memory core and core interface level shift signals as needed to accommodate the signaling voltages used by the core interface in the different modes. |
| US09256368B2 |
System and method for deduplication of distributed data
The storage system includes a data storage controlling unit that stores a plurality of units of block data, generated by dividing storage target data, in a distributed manner in a plurality of storage devices, and performs duplicate storage elimination. The data storage controlling unit stores a plurality of continuous units of block data of the storage target data, generated by dividing the storage target data, in a particular storage device among the plurality of storage devices, stores, in the particular storage device, feature data based on the data content of the block data and storing position information representing the storing position in the particular storage device of the block data in association with each other as a storing position specifying table, and stores storage device identifying information for identifying the particular storage device and the feature data of the block data stored in the particular storage device in association with each other as a storage device specifying table. |
| US09256367B2 |
Data storage and moving of relatively infrequently accessed data among storage of different types
A data storage system comprises a controller, a first lower performance storage medium and a second higher performance storage medium. The controller is connected to the storage mediums and is arranged to control Input/Output (IO) access to the storage mediums. In operation, the controller is arranged to store an image on the first storage medium, initiate a copy function from the first storage medium to the second storage medium, direct all IO access for the image to the second storage medium, and periodically age data from the second storage medium to the first storage medium. |
| US09256365B2 |
Feature calculation device, feature calculation method, and computer program product
According to an embodiment, a feature calculation device includes an obtaining unit, a first calculator, and a second calculator. The obtaining unit is configured to obtain a point sequence group comprising a set of point sequences in which a sequence of a plurality of points is fixed. The first calculator is configured to, for each of the point sequences in the point sequence group, calculate a plurality of values related to a curvature of a shape of the point sequence, with a reference point of the point sequence as a reference, and calculate feature quantities based on the plurality of calculated values. The second calculator is configured to calculate a histogram representing a distribution of the feature quantities of each of the point sequences. |
| US09256361B2 |
Control of search results with multipoint pinch gestures
A device incorporates a touch-enabled screen configured to accept a user's interaction with the touch screen to control display of the results of online searches for information and ecommerce listings. A user's interaction with the touch screen of the device with multipoint pinch gestures facilitates navigation through large volumes of search results. Touch-enabled navigation with pinch gestures to elaborate or contract the results of a given search may present a more definitive view of those results or present a better indication of the requirement for a further search by the user. Listings of item data with elaborated or contracted details are produced through corresponding scaling processes which are in turn controlled through associated multipoint pinch gestures. |
| US09256358B2 |
Multiple panel touch user interface navigation
A graphical user interface method is disclosed. A first interface panel including a first graphical content for a first menu item is generated. The first interface panel is displayed in a primary display area, and a first descriptor is displayed in a menu display area that is segregated from the primary display area. The first descriptor is associated with the first menu item. An input command is received on the menu display area, and in response thereto, a second interface panel with a second set of graphic content for a second menu item is generated. An input command transition relationship is defined between the first interface panel and the second interface panel, and the received input command corresponds thereto. The second interface panel is displayed in the primary display area, and a second descriptor associated with the second menu item is displayed in the menu display area. |
| US09256356B2 |
Method and system for providing feedback for docking a content pane in a host window
A method and system for providing feedback for docking a content pane in a host window is disclosed. The method and system include providing a docking map. The docking map includes a plurality of docking areas there within. The method and system also include positioning a thumbnail associated with a content pane over one of the plurality of docking areas. Finally, the method and system include providing a hotspot on the thumbnail. The hotspot indicates that the content pane can be dropped into the one docking area. The feedback enables a user to precisely dock a content pane. In addition, a user can predict the final configuration of the host window. In addition, the docking of the content pane can determine complex configurations within a host window including nested splitters and notebooks whose tabs are oriented in any direction. |
| US09256355B1 |
Accelerated panning user interface interaction
A computer-implemented user interface method includes displaying on a touch screen a portion of a large scale graphical space that is at least multiples larger than the device display, receiving from a user of the device an input to pan within the graphical space, automatically generating a pop up graphical panning control in response to receiving the user input, and receiving a user input to the panning control and providing panning in the graphical space, wherein movement of the panning control in a single selection is able to pan the display across a substantial portion of the large scale graphical space. |
| US09256350B2 |
System for displaying hierarchical information
A system of displaying hierarchical information in a user interface includes displaying a first plurality of icons aligned in a first arc course on a display device, selecting one of the first plurality of icons using a user input device, rotating the first plurality of icons to position the selected one of the first plurality of icons to a front position of the first arc course in response to the selecting to define a first selection indicator and displaying a second plurality of icons aligned along a second-level arc course, the second-level arc course displayed adjacent to and positioned co-axial with the first arc course, and the second plurality of icons representing sub-hierarchical data for the first selection indicator. |
| US09256345B2 |
Image display apparatus and method for operating the same
An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method for operating the image display apparatus having a display screen, includes processing a signal for displaying a first object; associating, by the image display apparatus, the first object with a pointer to be displayed, the pointer being movable according to a pointing operation of a pointing device associated with the image display apparatus; and automatically displaying, by the image display apparatus on the display screen, the first object and the pointer on the first object based on the associating step. |
| US09256344B1 |
Software management software
Computer systems are managed by providing systems programmers with visual displays and user interfaces that identify certain issues and allow the system programmer to readily apply fixes, patches, and other updates without tediously sifting through a mountain of information and manually addressing those issues. The systems herein, provide a more streamlined approach for the system programmer by reducing the possibility of overlooking a particular issue that may adversely affect the system. |
| US09256340B1 |
Placement of user interface elements based on user input indicating a high value area
Disclosed are various embodiments for placing user interface elements in a network page. A first network page is generated with client side code embedded therein that can track navigation input data associated with the user. The navigation input data can be interpreted to determine whether the user has a tendency to idle an input device in a particular area of the network page or exhibit any other behavior that allows a high value area to be identified. |
| US09256331B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel including a substrate, a touch sensing array, connecting lines, extending portions, a first electrostatic discharge protection circuit, and a second electrostatic discharge protection circuit is provided. The substrate has an active region and a periphery region. The touch sensing array is disposed in the active region. The connecting lines and extending portions are disposed in the periphery region. An end of each of the connecting lines is respectively connected to the touch sensing array by the corresponding extending portion. The first electrostatic discharge protection circuit is disposed in the periphery region and located between the outermost connecting line and the edge of the corresponding substrate. The second electrostatic discharge protection circuit is disposed in the periphery region and located between the innermost connecting line and the touch sensing array. The second electrostatic discharge protection circuit overlaps with the extending portions on the substrate. |
| US09256329B1 |
Touch panel sensor system having multi-frequency drive signals
A touch panel sensor system configured to generate simultaneous drive signals having different frequencies to improve noise immunity is described. The touch panel sensor system includes a sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance associated with a touch upon a touch panel. The system also includes a drive component connected to the sensor and is configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of drive signals to simultaneously drive the sensor. Each drive signal has a different frequency characteristic with respect to the other drive signals. The system also includes a measuring component connected to the sensor and is configured to individually demodulate a plurality of signals to determine the change in capacitance. Each signal corresponds to a respective drive signal (e.g., the signal has the same, or approximately the same, frequency characteristic as the respective drive signal). |
| US09256328B2 |
Touch input sensing device and touch input sensing method
There are a touch input sensing device and a touch input sensing method. The touch input sensing device includes: a plurality of sensing electrodes; and a controller obtaining sensing signals generated from the plurality of sensing electrodes through a plurality of sensing channels electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes, wherein the controller calculates a difference value between the sensing signals obtained from the plurality of sensing channels connected to the mutually adjacent sensing electrodes among the plurality of sensing electrodes to determine a touch input. A weighting value is assigned to a difference value between sensing signals obtained from mutually adjacent sensing electrodes, based on which the coordinates, or the like, of a touch input are determined, thus significantly reducing the influence of noise and accurately determining a touch input. |
| US09256327B2 |
System and method for detecting locations of touches on a touch sensor
A projected capacitive touch sensor system includes a substrate that defines a plurality of non-overlapping areas. Each non-overlapping area includes a plurality of detection electrodes arranged in non-overlapping columns. The columns include a horizontal detection electrode that extends along substantially an entire height of a first column, and at least a second column of at least two vertical detection electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another. The system further includes a measuring circuit configured to measure a mutual capacitance between the horizontal detection electrode and each of the at least two vertical detection electrodes in a given area. A processing logic circuit of the system is configured to determine horizontal detection electrode and vertical detection electrode combinations that have a changed mutual capacitance. The processing logic is also configured to determine the touch location based on a location of the determined horizontal detection electrode and vertical electrode combinations. |
| US09256326B2 |
Method of fabricating touch screen panel
A fabricating method of a display device includes: forming a thin film by coating a liquid polymer material over a substrate using spin coating or slit coating; forming a touch screen panel (TSP) over the thin film; separating the substrate from the thin film; and placing the TSP over a surface of the display device. The TSP includes: first and second sensing patterns alternately arranged, the first sensing patterns formed to be connected to one another for each column, the second sensing patterns formed to be connected to one another for each row; first connection lines electrically connecting the first sensing patterns; connection patterns connecting the second sensing patterns and formed in a different layer from the first and second sensing patterns; and a first insulating layer formed between the connection patterns and the first and second sensing patterns. The sensing patterns are formed of a transparent conductive material. |
| US09256323B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
The present invention includes a user input unit, a controller, a holography storing medium configured to record an interference pattern generated by interference of light, a holography output module configured to output a 1st holography image attributed to diffraction between the light applied to the holography storing medium and the interference pattern under the control of the controller, and a sensing unit configured to detect a plurality of recognition based events, wherein if at least one holography function corresponding to each of a plurality of the recognition based events is previously designated via the user input unit and a 1st event among a plurality of the recognition based events is detected via the sensing unit, the controller controls the 1st holography image to be outputted in accordance with a 1st holography function corresponding to the 1st event. |
| US09256321B2 |
Touch device, processor and touch signal accessing method thereof
A touch device, a processor and a touch signal accessing method thereof are provided. The touch signal accessing method of the touch device includes the following steps. A current touch point is received. Whether a spatial continuity is smaller than a spatial threshold, and a time continuity is smaller than a time threshold are determined. If the spatial continuity is smaller than the space threshold and the time continuity is smaller than the time threshold, then the current touch point is added to a temporary touch point set and a count value is accumulated. Whether the current touch point is a significance point is determined. If the current touch point is the significance point, a touch point reporting procedure is performed. |
| US09256316B2 |
Power gating a display of a data processing device during cloning thereof across an external display while retaining touch-sensibility thereof
A method includes detecting, through a processor communicatively coupled to a memory, coupling of an external display to a data processing device including an internal display, and cloning, through the processor, display data of the internal display on the external display following the detection of the coupling. The method also includes triggering, through a driver component, the processor to turn off a backlight of the internal display of the data processing device, power gate circuitry associated with rendering the display data on the internal display and/or power gate a processing pipeline associated with the rendering of the display data following the cloning. Further, the method includes maintaining, through the driver component, a touchscreen capability of the internal display even when the backlight is turned off, the circuitry associated with the rendering of the display data is power gated and/or the processing pipeline associated therewith is power gated. |
| US09256314B2 |
Input data type profiles
Techniques for providing input data type profiles are described. In at least some embodiments, input data type profiles can be implemented to enable applications to receive different types and/or combinations of input data. For example, input data type profiles can specify different types of input data generated based on input to a tactile input device, such as raw touch data, processed touch data, and pen input data. In at least some embodiments, techniques can be implemented to enable an application to receive multiple types of input data (e.g., combinations of touch data and/or pen input data) in parallel. |
| US09256313B2 |
Touch point detecting device and the touch point detecting method thereof
A touch point detecting device is provided. The touch point detecting device comprises a plurality of electrodes and a scanning unit connected to said electrodes and scanning said electrodes with at least two variable excitation signal frequencies. A touch point detecting method is also provided. By means of the touch point detecting device, the electrode border as well as the integrated circuit package of the processor is reduced without reducing the detection accuracy of touch points. |
| US09256309B2 |
Display device including integrated touch panel
A display device comprises a touch panel including a plurality of electrode columns that each includes a plurality of electrodes positioned in the electrode column. The display device further comprises a plurality of lines, each of which is connected to a corresponding electrode included in a corresponding one of the plurality of electrode columns. The lengths of the lines within a first electrode column increase as the lines are positioned further from one end of the first electrode column that is not adjacent to the second electrode column in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the lines of the first electrode column and the lengths of the lines within a second electrode column decrease as the lines are positioned further from the one end of the first electrode column in the direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the lines of the second electrode column. |
| US09256308B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method of manufacturing information processing apparatus
There is provided an information processing apparatus, including: a display unit including a display area, the display area being configured to display an image; and a touchscreen unit including a facing area and an outer area, the facing area facing the display area, the outer area being outside of the facing area. An area of the touchscreen unit is attached to the display unit, the area including the facing area and the outer area. |
| US09256301B2 |
Active stylus with noise immunity
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first signal at a stylus. The stylus is able to wirelessly transmit signals to and receive signals from a device. The stylus includes one or more electrodes in a tip of the stylus. A frequency characteristic of the first signal is determined. A second signal is generated based at least in part on the frequency characteristic of the first signal. The second signal is wirelessly transmitted from the stylus to the device through a touch sensor of the device. |
| US09256297B2 |
Handheld electronic device and associated method employing a multiple-axis input device and reinitiating a text disambiguation session upon returning to a delimited word
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. During text entry, a user is able to delimit a language entry session, such as the entering of a word, by actuating a multiple-axis input device or another input device. The user can also reinitiate the language entry session by actuating a linguistic input member at a location abutting the delimited word. |
| US09256283B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling operation thereof
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling an operation thereof are disclosed. In the method of controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal is communicatively with a head mounted display for displaying an augmented reality (AR) screen obtained by combining a virtual image with a real environment. If image data acquired through a camera is analyzed and a predetermined gesture input is detected, the head mounted display is controlled such that a display change corresponding to the detected gesture input is displayed on the AR screen. In a state of displaying the AR screen through the head mounted display, various operations related to the mobile terminal can be controlled according to the predetermined gesture input. |
| US09256282B2 |
Virtual object manipulation
Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for manipulating virtual objects. A user may utilize a controller, such as his hand, in physical space to associate with a cursor in a virtual environment. As the user manipulates the controller in physical space, this is captured by a depth camera. The image data from the depth camera is parsed to determine how the controller is manipulated, and a corresponding manipulation of the cursor is performed in virtual space. Where the cursor interacts with a virtual object in the virtual space, that virtual object is manipulated by the cursor. |
| US09256280B2 |
Digital camera which detects a connection to an external device
An electronic camera and method of operating an electronic camera which detects whether an external device such as a personal computer is properly connected to the camera and in a state which permits communication. The camera monitors a data terminal ready (DTR) signal of an RS-232 connection in order to determine that the external device is properly connected and in a state which permits communication. Once the proper connection is detected, the camera can either transmit or receive images and/or audio from the external device. Accordingly, a specific switch which places the camera in a communication mode can be eliminated. Further, a single switch may be utilized for both controlling whether the camera records or plays images when there is no device connected, and which controls whether the camera transmits or receives images and/or audio when an external device is determined to be connected. |
| US09256277B2 |
Method and apparatus for thermal sensitivity based dynamic power control of a processor
A method and system provides dynamic power control based on thermal sensitivity of a processor system. The method and system includes a circuit that reduces the clock frequency for the processor system in response, to thermal characteristics satisfying a pre-determined threshold that allows maximal thermal temperature limit utilization without substantially degrading processor performance. |
| US09256276B2 |
Utilization of processor capacity at low operating frequencies
In an embodiment, a processor includes one or more cores including a first core operable at an operating voltage between a minimum operating voltage and a maximum operating voltage. The processor also includes a power control unit including first logic to enable coupling of ancillary logic to the first core responsive to the operating voltage being less than or equal to a threshold voltage, and to disable the coupling of the ancillary logic to the first core responsive to the operating voltage being greater than the threshold voltage. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09256275B2 |
Media playback power management devices and methods
Devices and methods for power management during media playback are provided. For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include storage, a decoder, an output buffer, and data processing circuitry. The storage may store compressed media data that may be decoded by the decoder. The output buffer may store the decoded media data before the decoded media data is played out. The data processing circuitry configured may measure a fullness of the output buffer and may set an operating frequency of the storage, the decoder, the output buffer, or the data processing circuitry, or a combination thereof, depending on a format of the compressed media data and the fullness of the output buffer. |
| US09256270B2 |
Platform power management for building wide control of power factor and harmonics
Example embodiments of an apparatus to reduce power consumed by a processor include a timing signal block configured to be coupled to measure the magnitude of an alternating current voltage signal supplied to a processor and to assert a timing signal when the magnitude of the alternating current voltage signal is about equal to zero volts and a throttling block configured to be coupled to the processor, to receive the timing signal and to assert a throttling signal that causes processor speed to be reduced so that processor power consumption is reduced in phase with the alternating current voltage signal and harmonic distortion of a current waveform supplied to the processor is reduced. |
| US09256268B2 |
Adaptive low-power link-state entry policy for active interconnect link power management
Methods and apparatus for implementing active interconnect link power management using an adaptive low-power link-state entry policy. The power state of an interconnect link or fabric is changed in response to applicable conditions determined by low-power link-state entry policy logic in view of runtime traffic on the interconnect link or fabric. The low-power link-state policy logic may be configured to include consideration of operating system input and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for applications and devices employing the link or fabric, and device latency tolerance requirements. |
| US09256262B2 |
Electronic systems and performance control methods
An electronic device is provided, including a plurality of electronic devices and a control module. The electronic devices are connected in a daisy-chain configuration and overlapped in a direction, in which the electronic devices use a transport protocol compatible with a thunderbolt interface to communicate with a host. The control module generates thermal designed power values corresponding to the electronic devices according to parameters of the electronic devices and controls performances of the electronic devices according to the thermal designed power values. |
| US09256258B2 |
Tablet case
A computer case for protecting a computer. The computer case comprising a front housing and a rear housing. The front housing including a first aperture operable to allow a user to operate the computer. The rear housing pivotally coupled to the front housing, the rear housing including a latch for securing the computer between the front housing and the rear housing, a battery receptacle for receiving a battery, an electrical interface for electrical communication with the computer, an electrical input, and a controller. Wherein the controller is operable to receive power from the battery, provide power to the computer via the electrical interface, receive an electrical signal from the electrical input, and output the electrical signal to the computer via the electrical interface. |
| US09256256B2 |
Fixing mechanism and external electronic device thereof
A fixing mechanism includes a base, a supporter, a torsional component, an actuating component and a resilient component. The supporter is rotatably disposed on the base. The torsional component is disposed on the base and has a first engaging portion. The actuating component is disposed on the supporter and is further movably switched between a first position and a second position. The actuating component has a second engaging portion. The actuating component moves from the first position to the second position to engage the second engaging portion with the first engaging portion. Two ends of the resilient component are respectively connected to the supporter and the base. When the second engaging portion is disengaged from the first engaging portion, the resilient component rotates the supporter relative to the base. A rotary angle between the supporter and the base is fixed by the torsional component via the actuating component. |
| US09256255B2 |
Docking station
A docking station capable of assembling a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device has a display screen and a slot. The docking station includes a body and a pressing member. The body has a protrusion. The pressing member is movably arranged in the body, so as to be hidden in the body or moved out of the body. When the portable electronic device is locked with the protrusion through the slot, the pressing member is moved out of the body and presses against the portable electronic device along a pressing direction, so that the portable electronic device is fixed onto the body. The pressing direction is perpendicular to the display screen. |
| US09256254B2 |
Mounting assembly
There is disclosed a mounting assembly for structurally mounting a peripheral device to a portable computer. The mounting assembly comprises a bracket arranged to be structurally secured to the portable computer and comprising a first coupling; and a second coupling which in use is attached to or part of the peripheral device. The first and second couplings are arranged to be releasably engaged to form a structural connection, such that in use the peripheral device can be structurally mounted to the portable computer. There is also disclosed a portable computing apparatus comprising a portable computer, a peripheral device and a mounting assembly; and a electronic entry control board for mobile telemetry monitoring apparatus comprising a portable computer, a wireless communication unit and a mounting assembly. |
| US09256247B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating time information between time aware devices
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first processing unit operating according to a first clock, a second processing unit operating according to a second clock running separately from the first clock, and a synchronization controller coupled to the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The synchronization controller is configured to (i) cause the first communication unit to generate a first indication of time at which the first processing unit transmits a signal to the second processing unit, according to the first clock, (ii) cause the second processing unit to generate a second indication of time at which the second processing unit receives the signal, according to the second clock, and (iii) determine an offset between the first clock and the second clock based on the first indication of time and the second indication of time. |
| US09256246B1 |
Clock skew compensation with adaptive body biasing in three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) (3DICs)
Clock skew compensation with adaptive body biasing in three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) (3DICs) is disclosed. In one aspect, a sensor is placed on each tier of a 3DIC to evaluate a speed characteristic of each tier relative to the speed characteristic of another tier. Based on determining the relative speed characteristics, a control signal may be provided to adjust back body bias elements for clock buffers. Adjusting the back body bias effectively adjusts a threshold voltage of the clock buffers. Adjusting the threshold voltage of the clock buffers has the effect of slowing down or speeding up the clock buffers. For example, slow clock buffers may be sped up by providing a forward body bias and fast clock buffers may be slowed down by providing a reverse body bias. By speeding up slow elements and slowing down fast elements, compensation for the relative speed characteristics may be provided. |
| US09256242B2 |
Driver's injury prevention type pedal
A driver's injury prevention type pedal may include a pedal arm which is rotatably coupled, at an upper portion to a pedal arm hinge which acts as a center of rotation of a pedal stroke, and a universal reverse rotation member which reversibly rotates the pedal arm about the pedal arm hinge and away from a driver which may include a mounting bracket to which the upper portion of the pedal arm is fitted and coupled, and a reverse rotation lever which presses the upper portion of the pedal arm by counterclockwise direction rotation formed by pushing of the pedal arm. In particular, the driver's injury prevention type pedal may be converted into a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or an acceleration pedal, thereby allowing pedal manufacturing costs to be significantly reduced. |
| US09256240B2 |
Semiconductor device with multiple space-charge control electrodes
A circuit including a semiconductor device having a set of space-charge control electrodes is provided. The set of space-charge control electrodes is located between a first terminal, such as a gate or a cathode, and a second terminal, such as a drain or an anode, of the device. The circuit includes a biasing network, which supplies an individual bias voltage to each of the set of space-charge control electrodes. The bias voltage for each space-charge control electrode can be: selected based on the bias voltages of each of the terminals and a location of the space-charge control electrode relative to the terminals and/or configured to deplete a region of the channel under the corresponding space-charge control electrode at an operating voltage applied to the second terminal. |
| US09256238B1 |
Method and apparatus for fast, efficient, low noise power supply using multiple regulators
A method and apparatus for fast, efficient, low noise power supply have been disclosed. In one implementation a switching power supply and a linear regulator provide efficiency and rapid response. |
| US09256230B2 |
HVAC schedule establishment in an intelligent, network-connected thermostat
HVAC schedules may be programmed for a thermostat using a combination of pre-existing schedules or templates and automated schedule learning. For example, a pre-existing schedule may be initiated on the thermostat and the automated schedule learning may be used to update the pre-existing schedule based on users' interactions with the thermostat. The preexisting HVAC schedules may be stored on a device or received from a social networking service or another online service that includes shared HVAC schedules. |
| US09256227B1 |
System and method for controlling the operation of a machine
A system for controlling at least one machine at a work site includes a controller configured to store a map of a boundary of a work area at the work site. The controller determines a first arrival time for a first machine to arrive at the boundary and a second arrival time for a second machine to arrive at the boundary. An arrival interval is determined based upon a difference between the first arrival time and the second arrival time the relative travel speed between the first machine and the second machine is adjusted so that the machines arrive at a desired arrival interval. |
| US09256221B2 |
Information processing apparatus, processing system, processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus for processing information on semiconductor treatment apparatus includes an abnormality information display device which displays information on an abnormality in semiconductor treatment apparatus, a countermeasure information receiving device which receives countermeasure information on countermeasure, a countermeasure information storing device which stores the countermeasure information matched with abnormality identification information, an output device which outputs the countermeasure and abnormality identification information via communication device to outside, a countermeasure item display device which displays countermeasure item candidates, a countermeasure item storing device which stores countermeasure item selected from the candidates matched with the abnormality identification information, a countermeasure item transmitting device which transmits the countermeasure item and abnormality identification information via the communication device to outside, a countermeasure item statistic receiving device which receives statistic regarding the countermeasure item corresponding to the abnormality identification information from outside, and a countermeasure item statistic display device which displays the statistic. |
| US09256216B2 |
Process variable compensation in a process transmitter
A process variable transmitter includes a process variable sensor having a process variable sensor output related to a sensed process variable. Analog compensation circuitry is configured to receive the process variable sensor output and responsively provide a compensated process variable sensor output based upon a compensation function which is responsive to a control input. Output circuitry provides an output based upon the compensated process variable. Digital control circuitry is coupled to the analog compensation circuitry providing a control output which is applied to the control input of the analog compensation circuitry to thereby control the compensation function. |
| US09256215B2 |
Apparatus and methods for generalized state-dependent learning in spiking neuron networks
Generalized state-dependent learning framework in artificial neuron networks may be implemented. A framework may be used to describe plasticity updates of neuron connections based on connection state term and neuron state term. The state connections within the network may be updated based on inputs and outputs to/from neurons. The input connections of a neuron may be updated using connection traces comprising a time-history of inputs provided via the connections. Weights of the connections may be updated and connection state may be time varying. The updated weights may be determined using a rate of change of the trace and a term comprising a product of a per-neuron contribution and a per-connection contribution configured to account for the state time-dependency. Using event-dependent connection change components, connection updates may be executed on per neuron basis, as opposed to per-connection basis. |
| US09256214B2 |
Network system and method of controlling network system
Provided are a network system and a method of controlling the same. The network system includes an energy supply part including a plurality of power supply sources, an energy metering part communicating with the plurality of power supply sources, the energy metering measuring energy supplied from the plurality of power supply sources, an energy management part receiving energy-related information supplied from the energy supply part, and an energy consumption part consuming power supplied from the energy supply part, the energy consumption part being operable and controllable by the energy management part. At least one power supply source of the plurality of power supply sources is selected according to an order of priority of a power supply, based on energy information related to the plurality of power supply sources. Thus, the power supply source having minimum costs is selected to efficiently manage energy within an intellectual power supply network. |
| US09256210B2 |
Safe method for card issuing, card issuing device and system
A safe method for card issuing, a card issuing device and system, which relate to the technical field of information security and solve the problem of low efficiency in existing card issuing methods. The embodiment of the safe method for card issuing in the present invention comprises: a managing card and a card issuing device performing a check and certification for card issuing; the card issuing device sending in sequence a card operating system download command sequence to at least one user card, and instructing the at least one user card to download the card operating system according to the card operating system download command sequence; the card issuing device activating the card operation system downloaded onto the at least one user card. The embodiments of the present invention are mainly used in various solutions which require card issuing technology, such as card issuing for public transport systems, and card issuing for bank cards and access cards. |
| US09256208B2 |
Timepiece
The present invention is to provide a timepiece. The time piece comprises a ring-shaped mounting member formed of an elastic material and positioned between the annular shell and the ring-shaped bezel. The ring-shaped mounting member includes an engaging portion having a second engagement surface configured to engage with a first engagement surface formed in the annular shell to restrict the ring-shaped bezel from moving relative to the annular shell in a first axial direction to prevent the ring-shaped bezel from separating from the annular shell. The ring-shaped mounting member is deformable with a force, so that the second engagement surface can slide along the first engagement surface to release ring-shaped bezel from the annular shell. |
| US09256205B2 |
Oscillating weight for automatic watch
Oscillating weight for automatic watch movement, having a massive peripheral ring in the shape of an arc of circle, a connecting element connecting the peripheral ring to the weight's pivoting center, wherein the connecting element is set with a plurality of stones. |
| US09256203B2 |
Surface light source device for recording/reproducing holograms
A surface light source device is provided. The surface light source device includes a light source, a beam splitter configured to split a light irradiated from the light source into a plurality of light beams each having a different path, a diffusion unit configured to diffuse the plurality of light beams split by the beam splitter into a surface light, and a collimating unit configured to arrange the plurality of light beams diffused from the diffusion unit in one direction. |
| US09256187B2 |
Image forming apparatus using two power supply units to control transfer current
A control unit is provided which controls at least one of a first power supply unit (a secondary transfer power supply connected to a secondary transfer roller) and a second power supply unit (high-voltage power supplies connected to a conductive brush and a conductive roller) so that a current supplied to a primary transfer region from a beginning of primary transfer until a beginning of secondary transfer has a magnitude larger than a magnitude of a current supplied to the primary transfer region from a beginning of image formation until the beginning of the primary transfer. |
| US09256186B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing member for bearing a toner image; a belt for transferring the toner image from the image bearing member onto a transfer material; an electric power supplying device, contacted to the belt, to which a voltage is to be applied, wherein the electric power supplying device includes an erected fiber portion formed with a plurality of electroconductive erected fibers contacted to the belt; a power source; and a contact member, connected to the electric power supplying device, for applying the voltage from the power source to the electric power supplying device. The electric power supplying device includes a welded portion formed by heat aggregation of a part of the erected fiber portion, and the contact member is connected to the welded portion. |
| US09256185B2 |
Printing control device, image forming system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
A printing control device includes a receiving unit and a replacing unit. The receiving unit receives a print job, which includes gloss control printing data indicating a type of surface effect by predetermined density information and table information capable of identifying a surface-effect selection table used in creation of the gloss control printing data, from a host device. The replacing unit replaces a part or whole of the surface-effect selection table implemented in the printing control device in advance on the basis of the table information included in the print job. |
| US09256180B2 |
Image display apparatus, display control method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with display control program
An image display apparatus includes a storage portion to store application data and reduced image data thereof, in association with each other, a position detection portion to detect a position designated by the user on a display surface of a display portion, an enlargement operation detection portion to detect an enlargement operation, a first image display portion to display a first display image generated from the reduced image data as a preview image, a process target determination portion to determine process target data from the reduced image data and the application data, based on a magnification set based on the amount of operation in the enlargement operation, a second display image generation portion to generate a second display image based on the process target data, in response to the enlargement operation being detected, and a second image display portion to display the second display image as a preview image. |
| US09256179B1 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit and a display processing unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The display processing unit causes a display to display a group of options including a first option and a second option in a case where the image forming unit is not equipped with a function to form an image on a recording medium under specified image forming conditions, the first option being an option for issuing a command to form an image on a recording medium in a manner realized through a function of the image forming unit, the second option being an option for issuing a command to display identification information of an alternative apparatus equipped with a function to form an image on a recording medium under the image forming conditions among plural other connected image forming apparatuses. |
| US09256178B2 |
Power supply control apparatus, image processing apparatus, power supply control method, and recording medium storing a power supply control program
A novel power supply control device includes an external power supply unit that generates external driving power from external power source, a storing power supplying unit that generates stored driving power from stored power source, a selection unit that selects either the external driving power or the stored driving power, a power mode switching unit that switches between a normal mode and an energy saving mode that consumes less power consumption than the normal mode, a determination unit that determines whether or not current time is within a peak power shift time zone in which usage of the external power is suppressed, and a controlling unit that instructs the selection unit to select the stored power as the driving power and instructs the power mode switching unit to switch power mode to the energy saving mode immediately after finishing an operation during the power peak shift time zone. |
| US09256172B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device includes two rotary bodies and a recording-medium separation unit. The two rotary bodies are pressed against each other to form a nipping portion. The recording-medium separation unit is disposed at a position downstream from the nipping portion in a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. The recording-medium separation unit includes a separation plate holder, a separation plate, and a spring. The separation plate holder extends in a longitudinal direction of one of the rotary bodies to hold the separation plate away from the one of the rotary bodies. The separation plate holder has rotation fulcrums and positioning surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The positioning surfaces are urged by the spring toward the one of the rotary bodies. Each of the positioning surfaces has a bent side to form a flange surface having one of the rotation fulcrums. |
| US09256171B2 |
Fusing device including a guide member to guide a printing medium and image forming apparatus having the same
A fusing device and an image forming apparatus including the fusing device are provided, the fusing device having a structure that ensures a stable transport of a printing medium by preventing a printing medium from deviating from a transport path between a transfer nip and a fusing nip. The fusing device includes a heating member, a pressing member to contact the heating member to form a fusing nip, and a guide member to guide a printing medium to the fusing nip. An end of the guide member is shaped such that a height of the end decreases as the end extends from a center thereof to opposite sides thereof, and disposed closer to the heating member than to the pressing member, with respect to an imaginary line extending from the fusing nip. |
| US09256169B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of initializing and cleaning a transfer roller therin
An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the same is provided. A plurality of cells formed at the surface of a transfer roller is filled with a developing agent to initialize the transfer roller, thereby suppressing contamination and electrical non-uniformity of the transfer roller. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus includes determining whether a transfer roller mounted in the image forming apparatus is a new one and, upon determining that the transfer roller is a new one, feeding a developing agent to the surface of the transfer roller and filling a plurality of cells formed at the surface of the transfer roller with the developing agent to initialize the transfer roller. |
| US09256168B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a power source and a controller. A time-averaged value (Vave) of a voltage output from the power source has a polarity in a transfer direction, and an absolute value of Vave is greater than a midpoint value (Voff) of the voltage intermediate between a maximum value and a minimum value of the voltage. With an increase in a difference (Vpp) between the maximum value and the minimum value of the voltage, the controller controls the power source to increase a duty ratio (Duty) expressed by A/(A+B), where A is an application time in one cycle at a return direction side opposite a transfer direction side relative to Voff and B is an application time at the transfer direction side relative to Voff, and with a decrease in (Vpp), the controller controls the power source to reduce Duty. |
| US09256165B2 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A transfer device includes an image carrier, a transfer roller, and a moving unit. The moving unit moves the transfer roller between a nip formation state in which the transfer roller forms a transfer nipping portion in contact with the image carrier and a separated state in which the transfer roller is separated from the image carrier. In a contact operation of bringing the transfer roller into contact with the image carrier via the recording medium, the moving unit moves the transfer roller toward the image carrier at a moving velocity slower than that in a pressing operation of generating a predetermined nipping pressure by further moving the transfer roller toward the image carrier after the contact operation. The moving unit causes the recording medium to enter the transfer nipping portion in the contact operation. |
| US09256164B2 |
Development roller having magnetic roller and image forming apparatus including the development roller
A development roller according to the present invention includes a magnet roller in which a magnet portion generating a magnetic force and a shaft portion projecting from the magnet portion are formed integrally, wherein a recess is provided on an end surface of the magnet portion on a side of the shaft portion. |
| US09256163B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A developing unit in an image forming apparatus includes a bearing unit, a first biasing device, a shaft member, and a second biasing device. The bearing unit rotatably supports the respective end portions of the developing roller and the magnetic roller. The first biasing device biases the bearing unit in a direction to cause the developing roller to move toward the image carrier. The shaft member causes the bearing unit to swing by moving in a front-back direction. The second biasing device biases the shaft member in a forward direction. A cover unit of the image forming apparatus presses the shaft member backward by pivoting from an open position to a closed position, and draws out the shaft member in the forward direction by pivoting from the closed position to the open position. |
| US09256162B2 |
Method and apparatus for magnetic brush retraction in electrophotographic system
A method and apparatus for retracting a magnetic brush in an imaging device. The apparatus includes a housing containing carrier beads and toner particles; a magnetic structure at least partly disposed within the housing and generating at least one magnetic field; and an endless sleeve disposed around and rotatable about the magnetic structure, at least a portion of the sleeve extending from the housing. During toner development, the magnetic structure is in a first position for developing a magnetic brush of the carrier beads and toner particles along the portion of the sleeve extending from the housing which forms a developer nip with a photoconductor, and during a period of time when toner development is not to be performed, the magnetic structure is in a second position for retracting the magnetic brush by causing the carrier beads to be positioned against the portion of the endless sleeve extending from the housing forming the developer nip. |
| US09256153B2 |
Charging member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
Provided a charging member including an electro-conductive substrate and a surface layer. The surface layer includes a binder resin, and a resin particle that roughens the surface layer. A surface of the charging member has a plurality of protrusions each derived from the resin particle. The resin particle has a pore inside thereof, has a porosity Vt of 1.5% by volume or more and 45.0% by volume or less, and has a first and second regions. The first region has a porosity V1, the second region thereof has a porosity V2, and V1 is larger than V2. |
| US09256150B2 |
Two-component developer and method for producing two-component developer
A two-component developer of the present disclosure contains a carrier and toner particles. The carrier includes a carrier core, a first layer coating a surface of the carrier core, and a second layer coating a surface of the first layer. The first layer contains a fluorine-based resin, and the second layer contains a polyamide-imide resin and/or a melamine resin. The toner particles each include a toner core containing a binder resin and a shell layer coating a surface of the toner core. The shell layer contains a thermosetting resin. |
| US09256149B2 |
Toner for electrostatic image development
Provided is a toner for electrostatic image development having low-temperature fixability and providing stability of glossiness for various types of paper. The toner for electrostatic image development includes toner particles having a domain-matrix structure. In the domain-matrix structure, a domain phase including a crystalline polyester resin having a melting point of 40 to 90° C. and a domain phase including a vinyl resin B having a weight average molecular weight of 250,000 to 400,000 are dispersed in a matrix phase including a vinyl resin A having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 50,000. |
| US09256143B2 |
Photoconductor overcoat having tetrafunctional radical polymerizable charge transport molecule
An improved overcoat layer for an organic photoconductor drum of an electrophotographic image forming device is provided. The overcoat layer is prepared from a curable composition including a charge transport molecule containing four radical polymerizable functional groups of the general structure exemplified below: where R1 and R2 contain a spacer group and a radical polymerizable functional group, R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of a radical polymerizable functional group, a non-radical polymerizable functional group, and one each of a radical polymerizable functional group and a non-radial polymerizable functional group, and R5 and R6 contain a spacer group and a radical polymerizable functional group. The curable composition also contains at least one curing agent. The curing agent comprises a urethane resin containing six radical polymerizable functional groups. This overcoat layer improves wear resistance of the organic photoconductor drum without negatively altering the electrophotographic properties, thus protecting the organic photoconductor drum from damage and extending its service life. |
| US09256138B2 |
Method for measuring distortion of projection objective
A method for measuring distortion of a projection objective, which includes: obtaining a plurality of first positional deviations between two groups of patterns formed respectively after two exposures performed in a same exposure field during a stepping and exposing process of the reticle stage (S21); obtaining a plurality of second positional deviations between two groups of patterns formed respectively after another two exposures performed in a same exposure field during a stepping and exposing process of the workpiece stage (S22); subtracting motional errors of the reticle stage and/or workpiece stage from each of the plurality of first and second positional deviations to obtain corresponding first and second corrected deviations (S43, S44); calculating differences each between a pair of corrected deviations (S45); and calculating the distortion of the projection objective by a fitting process (S46). |
| US09256136B2 |
Fluid handling structure, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method involving gas supply
A fluid handling structure for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the fluid handling structure successively has, at a boundary from a space configured to contain immersion fluid to a region external to the fluid handling structure: an elongate opening or a plurality of openings arranged in a first line that, in use, are directed towards a substrate and/or a substrate table configured to support the substrate; a gas knife device having an elongate aperture in a second line; and an elongate opening or a plurality of openings adjacent the gas knife device. |
| US09256132B2 |
Layered radiation-sensitive materials with varying sensitivity
A method for fabricating a radiation-cured structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first radiation-sensitive material and applying a second radiation-sensitive material to the first radiation-sensitive material. The first radiation-sensitive material has a first sensitivity. The second radiation-sensitive material has a second sensitivity different from the first sensitivity. At least one mask is placed between at least one radiation source and the first and second radiation-sensitive materials. The mask has a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures. The first and second radiation-sensitive materials are then exposed to a plurality of radiation beams through the radiation-transparent apertures in the mask to form a first construct in the first radiation-sensitive material and a second construct in the second radiation-sensitive material. The first construct and the second construct cooperate to form the radiation-cured structure. |
| US09256128B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A system and method for anti-reflective layers is provided. In an embodiment the anti-reflective layer comprises a floating component in order to form a floating region along a top surface of the anti-reflective layer after the anti-reflective layer has dispersed. The floating component may be a floating cross-linking agent, a floating polymer resin, or a floating catalyst. The floating cross-linking agent, the floating polymer resin, or the floating catalyst may comprise a fluorine atom. The anti-reflective layers are removed using a fluid. |
| US09256124B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing a mask
A method of manufacturing a mask includes dividing an upper surface of a template having a design pattern into a plurality of regions, the template being arranged over a polymer layer on a mask substrate, correcting a distorted region among the regions, pressing the polymer layer with the template to form a mask pattern corresponding to the design pattern on the polymer layer; and curing the mask pattern. |
| US09256121B2 |
Mask plate and a method for producing a substrate mark
The general inventive concepts relate to the field of display technology, and provide a mask plate and a method for producing a substrate mark to increase the accuracy of the production of a substrate mark, and decrease the difficulty in monitoring products and the production cost. An exemplary mask plate comprises: a display region mask part; at least one pair of test mark mask parts, a test mark mask part being located on either side of the display region mask part and their positions being opposite to each other; and a protection mark mask part correspondingly disposed on the outside of each test mark mask part relative to the display region mask part, wherein the pattern outline of the protection mark mask part is larger than that of the test mark mask part. |
| US09256116B2 |
Stereoscopic imaging device, image reproducing device, and editing software
A recording unit recording the plurality of time-series parallax images outputted from the plurality of imaging units on a recording medium when the moving image is photographed, reading out the first and second information from the storage unit, and recording the first information and the second information read out from the storage unit on the recording medium in association with the plurality of parallax images. |
| US09256111B2 |
Electrochromic lithium nickel group 5 mixed metal oxides
Multi-layer devices comprising a layer of an electrochromic lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the lithium nickel oxide composition comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 5 metal selected from niobium, tantalum and a combination thereof. |
| US09256110B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having a thin film transistor (TFT), the TFT includes a source electrode, a drain electrode and a semiconductor layer. At least one of the source electrode and drain electrode includes a first layer including copper and a second layer forming an oxide layer and covering the first layer. The semiconductor layer has a substantially linear current-voltage relationship with said source electrode or drain electrode including said first and second layers, when a voltage is applied between the semiconductor layer and said source electrode or drain electrode. |
| US09256109B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device, method of repairing the same, and method of driving the same
An organic light-emitting display device includes a plurality of emission pixels aligned in columns and rows, each of the emission pixels including an emission device and a first pixel circuit coupled to the emission device, a dummy pixel including a second pixel circuit in each column of the emission pixels, and a repair line in each column, wherein a same data signal is provided to one of the emission pixels coupled to the repair line and to the dummy pixel coupled to the repair line, and wherein the emission pixels are configured to simultaneously emit light. |
| US09256104B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display device has a liquid crystal display panel including pixels each having an active device, a pixel electrode, a common electrode and a liquid crystal layer arranged in a dot matrix array. The liquid crystal display panel has a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate has the active device, the pixel electrode, the common electrode and a first alignment film. The second substrate has a second alignment film. The first alignment film and the second alignment film are respectively a photo alignment film formed by irradiating a photo decomposition type insulating film with light. The second alignment film has a thickness of at least 10 nm and no greater 50 nm and is thinner than the first alignment film. |
| US09256100B2 |
Transflective liquid crystal display device
A transflective liquid crystal display device including, according to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel including first and second substrates, a plurality of gate lines and data lines on the first substrate defining a plurality of pixel regions, a thin film transistor at each pixel region, a black matrix and a color filter layer on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first an second substrates; a first polarizer and a second polarizer; a backlight unit; a selective reflection film between the liquid crystal display panel and the second polarizer; and a first reflecting layer on at least one of the gate line and the data line of the liquid crystal display panel. The black matrix and the color filter layer include opened areas corresponding to the first reflecting layer so that the light reflected from the first reflecting layer is transmitted through the black matrix and the color filter layer through the opened portions. |
| US09256095B2 |
Liquid crystal display module
A liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal module and a polarizer on the liquid crystal module. The liquid crystal module includes an upper substrate, an upper electrode layer, a first alignment, a liquid crystal layer, a second alignment layer, a thin film transistor panel, and a lower polarizing layer. The polarizer includes a first transparent conductive layer, an upper polarizing layer, and a second transparent conductive layer on the second surface of the upper polarizing layer stacked together. A number of first electrodes are electrically connected with the first transparent conducive layer, a number of second electrodes are electrically connected with the second transparent conducive layer. The first transparent conductive layer includes a number of transparent conductive belts along a second direction, and the second transparent conductive layer includes a number of carbon nanotubes substantially aligned along a first direction. |
| US09256088B2 |
Three-level-driven array substrate row driving circuit
A three-level-driven array substrate row driving circuit includes cascaded multi-level array substrate row driving units. The n-th level array substrate row driving unit includes a clock signal input, a (n−1)-th level signal input, a (n+1)-th level signal input, a (n+3)-th level signal input, a first low level input, a second low level input, and a signal output. The n-th level array substrate row driving unit further includes a pull-up driving unit, a pull-up unit, a first pull-down unit, and a second pull-down unit. The three-level-driven array substrate row driving circuit contributes to reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid crystal panel and the narrow border design. By adopting the three-level-driven method, the impact caused by the feed-through voltage, which is generated by the data line and the gate line, toward the TFT LCD is effectively eliminated such that the display performance is enhanced. |
| US09256082B2 |
Laminated composite lens
A composite lens comprises an anterior rigid gas permeable layer, and an annulus of soft material bonded to a posterior surface of the anterior rigid gas permeable layer, wherein a central zone of the composite lens is rigid and without a soft layer, wherein a peripheral zone of the composite lens is generally rigid in its anterior aspect and soft in its posterior aspect. |
| US09256078B2 |
3D display apparatus and pixel array structure thereof
A 3D display apparatus and a pixel array structure thereof are disclosed. The pixel array structure has a plurality of pixel rows. Each pixel row has a plurality of sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel has a first minor section, a second minor section and a major section. The major section is disposed between the first minor section and the second minor section. The brightness of the first minor section and the second minor section is lower than that of the major section. The 3D display apparatus can maintain the same display quality at top and bottom view angles. |
| US09256058B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
The zoom lens is composed of: an object side lens group at least including, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power; and a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power; and an image focusing side lens group including, in order from the object side: a negative lens group A having negative refractive power; and a negative lens group B arranged by facing the negative lens group A across an air distance, having negative refractive power. In the zoom lens, focusing from infinity to a close object is achieved by moving just the negative lens group A toward an image focusing side to satisfy a conditional expression below: [Expression 1] −1.80<β2t<−0.94 (1) (1−βAt2)×βBt2<−4.5 (2) where “β2t” is lateral magnification at a telephoto end of the second lens group in infinity focusing, “βAt” is lateral magnification at a telephoto end of the negative lens group A in infinity focusing, and “βBt” is lateral magnification at a telephoto end of the negative lens group B in infinity focusing. |
| US09256056B2 |
Monocentric lens-based multi-scale optical systems and methods of use
A monocentric lens-based multi-scale imaging system is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a monocentric lens as an objective lens that collects light from a scene. Monocentric lenses in accordance with the present invention include a spherical central lens element and a plurality of lens shell sections that collectively reduce at least one of spherical and chromatic aberration from the magnitude introduced by the spherical lens element itself. A plurality of secondary lenses image the scene through the objective lens and further reduce the magnitude of aberrations introduced by the objective lens. A plurality of sensor arrays converts optical sub-images of the scene into a plurality of digital images, which can then be used to form a composite image of the scene. |
| US09256055B2 |
Imaging lens
A low-cost imaging lens which corrects aberrations properly with a small F-value, ensures high performance with a larger number of constituent lenses and has a more low-profile design than before. The constituent lenses are arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side: a first lens having a convex object-side surface near an optical axis; a positive second lens; a negative third lens having a convex object-side surface near the optical axis; a fourth lens having at least one aspheric surface; a fifth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens; a sixth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens; and a seventh lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis. These constituent lenses are not joined to each other. |
| US09256052B2 |
Wide-angle lens
A wide-angle lens includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens and a fifth lens, all of which are arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. The first lens is with negative refractive power and includes a concave surface facing the image side. The second lens is a biconcave lens with negative refractive power. The third lens is a biconvex lens with positive refractive power. The fourth lens is a biconvex lens with positive refractive power. The fifth lens is with negative refractive power and includes a concave surface facing the object side. |
| US09256046B2 |
Vibration actuator and optical apparatus
To reduce the length of the lens barrel, a vibration actuator has a vibrating element, a rotor, a pressing portion, a rotor holder that restricts a position of the rotor in the thrust and radial direction, and a bearing of which a rotation axis is coaxial with the axis of the vibrating element. The rotor holder includes an outer flange to receive the pressure force from the rotor portion, and an inner flange to serve as a first track face of the bearing. |
| US09256044B2 |
Lens driving device
The present invention provides a lens driving device includes at least two spring components each of which includes an inner side retaining part, an outer side retaining part, a plurality of wrist parts configured between the inner and outer side retaining parts and prolonged along the circumference direction, inner side connecting parts for connecting one ends of the wrist parts with the inner side connecting part, and outer side connecting parts for connecting the other ends of the wrist parts with the outer side retaining part. Moreover, serpentine necking parts are formed at the roots of the connecting part of the inner side retaining part, straight line-shaped necking parts are formed at the roots of the connecting part of the outer side retaining part, so that stresses acting on the inner side connecting parts and the outer side connecting parts during assembling are absorbed. |
| US09256043B2 |
Strength member system for fiber optic cable
A fiber optic cable includes a strength member, a layer of polyethylene contacting the exterior of the strength member, and a yarn wound around the strength member. The yarn is between the strength member and the layer of polyethylene. |
| US09256042B2 |
Holding fixture for holding at least one cable with an affixing member and a clamping member
The invention relates to a holding fixture (71) for holding at least one cable (72) with an affixing member (1) and a clamping member (40). In order to ensure that the clamping member (40) and the affixing member (1) are arranged in a holding position (H), in which the cable (72) is securely held, the invention provides that the holding fixture (71) is provided with an indicator element (77, 78) that is at least sectionwise laterally shielded by the clamping member (40), if the clamping member (40) is arranged before its holding position (H), and that is arranged in an indication position (I), in which it can easily be perceived, if the clamping member (40) is arranged in its holding position (H). |
| US09256040B2 |
Optical cable terminal fixture, terminal fixing structure of optical cable, and optical module
An optical cable terminal fixture of the invention capable of increasing a fixing force of an optical cable and also simplifying swage operation, a terminal fixing structure of the optical cable, and an optical module. An optical cable terminal fixture includes a body having an outer sheath fixing part for fixing an outer sheath and a cable insertion path into which optical fibers are inserted, and a wind part having a wind claw on a lateral portion of the body around which a tensile strength wire is wound. Accordingly, by swaging the wind claw on which the tensile strength wire is wound to the outer sheath fixing part, a tensile force applied to an optical cable can be distributed to become resistant to tension. |
| US09256038B2 |
Optical modules
Provided is an optical module. The optical module includes: an optical bench having a first trench of a first depth and a second trench of a second depth that is lower than the first depth; a lens in the first trench of the optical bench; at least one semiconductor chip in the second trench of the optical bench; and a flexible printed circuit board covering an upper surface of the optical bench except for the first and second trenches, wherein the optical bench is a metal optical bench or a silicon optical bench. |
| US09256035B2 |
Optical fiber connector
Disclosed is an optical fiber connector. The connector includes a ferrule optical fiber enclosed in a ferrule, the ferrule being elastically supported by an elastic member; and a main optical fiber. The ferrule optical fiber and the main optical fiber are fusion-spliced by a fusion splice unit. A fusion splice part is reinforced by a reinforcing sleeve and the ferrule optical fiber being integral by the reinforcing sleeve moves within a stopper. |
| US09256031B2 |
Terminus assembly for terminating an optical cable
An optical cable assembly includes an optical cable having an end that extends a length. The optical cable includes a plastic optical fiber (POF) and a buffer surrounding the POF along a portion of the length of the end of the optical cable. A terminus assembly terminates the end of the optical cable. The terminus assembly includes a terminus body having a cable passage and a crimp zone. At least a portion of the length of the end of the optical cable extends within the cable passage of the terminus body such that the terminus body surrounds the buffer of the optical cable at the crimp zone. The terminus body is mechanically crimped over, in engagement with, the buffer of the optical cable at the crimp zone. |
| US09256029B2 |
Surface-mount connector structure for embedded optical and electrical traces
A system for use with optical and electrical signaling is disclosed. The system may include a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a plurality of layers vertically stacked between a first face and a second face and a first optical signal transmission path within a first internal layer of the plurality of layers. The PCB may also include an electrical signal transmission path and a via extending through the plurality of layers. The via may include a first reflective surface that is configured to reflect light between the first optical signal transmission path and an opening of the via on the first face and an electrically conductive material that is configured to electrically connect the electrical signal transmission path to a portion of the via on the first face. |
| US09256026B2 |
Hybrid integrated photonic chip package
A chip package includes an optical integrated circuit (such as a hybrid integrated circuit) and an integrated circuit that are adjacent to each other on the same side of a substrate in the chip package. The integrated circuit includes electrical circuits, such as memory or a processor, and the optical integrated circuit communicates optical signals with very high bandwidth. In addition, an input/output (I/O) integrated circuit is coupled to the optical integrated circuit between the substrate and the optical integrated circuit. This I/O integrated circuit includes high-speed I/O circuits and energy-efficient driver and receiver circuits and communicates with optical devices on the optical integrated circuit. By integrating the optical integrated circuit, the integrated circuit and the I/O integrated circuit in close proximity, the chip package may facilitate improved performance compared to chip packages with electrical interconnects. |
| US09256025B2 |
Triple-sheathed monomode optical fiber
According to the invention, the intermediate sheath (13) is formed by assembling longitudinal elements (13A) and includes: a first optical material, the refractive index of which differs from the refractive index of the monomode core by at most 10−3; and a second optical material, the refractive index of which is lower than the refractive index of said monomode core and differs therefrom by at least 10−3. |
| US09256023B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device using same
The present invention provides a backlight module and a liquid crystal display device using the backlight module. The backlight module includes a backplane (2), a light guide plate (4) arranged in the backplane (2), a backlight source (6) arranged in the backplane (2) at one side of the light guide plate (4), a light shielding film (8) mounted on the light guide plate (4) and the backplane (2) and located above the backlight source (6), and an optic film assembly (10) arranged on the light shielding film (8) and the light guide plate (4). The light shielding film (8) has an end fixedly connected to an upper surface of the light guide plate (4) and an opposite end fixedly connected to the backplane (2). The present invention provides an arrangement of a light shielding film above the backlight source to effectively prevent light leaking and enhance the optic quality of the backlight module. Further, a light shielding section of the light shielding film is arranged to be extendable so as to effectively prevent shifting of the light shielding film resulting from an external force acting thereon during the transportation thereof thereby further effectively preventing the occurrence of light leaking and being helpful for bezel slimming of the liquid crystal display device. |
| US09256022B2 |
Light-directing device
A light-directing device adapted for directing light emitted by a light source. The light-directing device includes a light-guiding plate and a directing unit that is disposed adjacent to the light-guiding plate such that a portion of the light emitted by the light source into the light-guiding plate is internally reflected by a first inclined surface thereof to exit the light-guiding plate toward an illuminating region, and another portion of the light emitted by the light source passes through the light-guiding plate, enters the directing unit and is internally reflected by a second inclined surface thereof to exit the directing unit toward the illuminating region. |
| US09256021B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a laser light modification unit for modifying laser light from a laser to form a modified light. The lighting apparatus further includes a first layer and an opposing second layer, where the laser light modification unit is between the first and second layers. One of these two layers includes a transparent material being transparent to the modified light. The laser light modification unit is configured to allow the modified light to pass through the transparent material. |
| US09256019B2 |
Light guide with decoupling portion and shield collecting the decoupled rays
A light guide comprising an external surface forming a guiding diopter, the guide being suitable for guiding light rays by reflection on the guiding diopter. The guide comprises at least one decoupling portion, with a refraction decoupling diopter arranged so as to refract light rays to decouple them from the guide, and thus transmit them out of the guide through the refraction decoupling diopter. |
| US09256015B2 |
Method and system for manufacturing optical display panel
Manufacturing method is for manufacturing an optical display panel including an optical cell and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-carrying optical film provided thereon with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer interposed therebetween, which includes the steps of unwinding a multilayer optical film from a roll, feeding the multilayer optical film, feeding an optical cell, peeling off the optical film from a carrier film, and bonding the optical film to one side of the optical cell with a pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed therebetween, wherein the longitudinal length (L) of the carrier film between a position at which the multilayer optical film begins to be unwound in the film feeding step and a position at which peeling is started in the peeling step is 15 times or more the width (W) of the carrier film. |
| US09256014B2 |
Fabrication of a micro-optics device with curved surface defects
A method of fabrication of a micro-optics device included providing a layer of material; patterning the layer of material by one or more of: locally unzipping and desorbing molecules thereof, with a nano-scale dimensioned probe, to obtain a curved surface for the layer of material, the curved surface having a curved profile in a plane section; and completing a layer structure perpendicular to the plane section by providing one or more additional layers of material in contact with the curved surface to obtain the micro-optics device, wherein the micro-optics device has the layer structure, with a given layer thereof comprising a defect delimited by two surfaces, wherein one of the two surfaces is the curved surface. |
| US09256012B2 |
Color filter substrate, manufacturing method thereof and display device
A color filter substrate, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device are provided. The color filter substrate includes a substrate; a black matrix dividing the substrate into a plurality of sub-pixel areas arranged in matrix; a color filter layer including color photoresist patterns with N different colors, N≧3, arranged cyclically in discontinuous sub-pixel areas in adjacent N rows/columns, the color photoresist patterns in M adjacent sub-pixel areas of a single color in at least one line/column in the color filter layer extending to regions over the black matrix corresponding to regions between adjacent sub-pixel areas, to form continuous strip-like color photoresist patterns, wherein M≧2; and spacers including main spacers disposed over regions between adjacent discontinuous color photoresist patterns corresponding to the black matrix and secondary spacers disposed over regions of the continuous strip-like color photoresist patterns corresponding to the black matrix. |
| US09256011B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes: first and second substrates; a gate line and a data line on an inner surface of the first substrate; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of common electrodes in the pixel region; a color filter layer on an inner surface of the second substrate; a black stripe and a column spacer on the color filter layer, the black stripe having a first thickness and the column spacer having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and the black stripe corresponding to the gate line; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates. |
| US09256010B2 |
Thermochromic resin composite, method for adjusting clouding point of thermochromic resin composite, and dimmer
Disclosed are a thermochromic resin composite and a dimmer allowing easy adjustment of a clouding point. The thermochromic resin composite is predominantly composed of an aqueous medium, an amphiphilic linear polymer changeable between a transparent state and an opaque state in the aqueous medium depending on temperature, and an amphiphilic endless polymer changeable between a transparent state and an opaque state in the aqueous medium depending on temperature, and the amphiphilic linear polymer and the amphiphilic endless polymer in the aqueous medium have one clouding point, the clouding point changing in accordance with a mixing ratio of the amphiphilic linear polymer to the amphiphilic endless polymer. |
| US09256008B2 |
Imaging system comprising microlenses and associated device for detecting a sample
The invention relates to an imaging system and an associated device for detecting a sample (4). The imaging system comprises a matrix (24) of photosensors (26), a first lamina (28) disposed opposite the matrix (24) of photosensors defining a face (28A) for supporting the sample, and a set (30) of optical elements, disposed between the matrix (24) of photosensors and the first lamina (28). Each microlens (34) is disposed above a photosensor (26) of the matrix (24) of photosensors. The set (30) of optical elements comprises a matrix (32) of microlenses (34). The set (30) of optical elements comprises an optical medium (36) disposed between the matrix (32) of microlenses and the first lamina (28), the refractive index of the optical medium (36) being substantially between 1 and the refractive index of the microlenses (34). The distance between the face supporting the sample (28A) and the apex of the microlenses (34) is substantially between 0 and 1500 μm as measured along the optical axis (Z) of the photosensors (26). |
| US09256007B2 |
Light collection and illumination systems employing planar waveguide
An apparatus for distributing light from a waveguide through a collimating array, or collecting light over a given area into a waveguide. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon deflector elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide into a collimator array that aligns and distributes the light. In a light collector, a collection array collects and collimates the received light and directs it at the surface of a waveguide, within which deflectors properly positioned in relation to each collector of the collector array, deflect the angle of the light so that it propagates through the waveguide in response to total internal reflection. The apparatus can be fabricated into an efficient and compact form. |
| US09256004B2 |
System and method for transmitting differential weather information to an in-flight aircraft
Systems and methods are provided for transmitting updated weather data to an in-flight aircraft. The aircraft transmits a request for updates to a ground system that determines if the data has changed since the last transmission and transmits only the changed data. Data may be tailored to pilot preferences or to pilot requests for data representing a predetermined history. |
| US09256000B2 |
Low frequency folded pendulum and vertical seismic sensor utilizing such a folded pendulum
A folded pendulum is described. The folded pendulum can be a monolithic pendulum and is positioned in the vertical configuration. The folded pendulum allows for more compact realizations through high decouplings of a vertical degree of freedom from other degrees of freedom as well as optimal mechanical quality factors. |
| US09255999B2 |
Low-power satellite-timed seismic data acquisition system
A recording system and method for conducting seismic surveys including cordless battery-operated digital recorders, each employing an integral global positioning system receiver that is only periodically enabled for the purpose of establishing synchronized acquisition clock signals among all the recorders. The satellite receiver adjustment cycle is varied depending on past acquisition clock accuracy and temperature changes. A time stamp is recorded with the digitized seismic data in non-volatile memory. The memory is sized to allow extended periods of operation. Each recorder preferably includes a low-power system timer that may be used as a timer to remotely turn on and off the recorders according to a pre-programmed schedule to conserve power when the system is not in use. Electronic components are idled or de-energized when not needed. |
| US09255997B2 |
Radiological image detection apparatus
A radiological image detection apparatus includes a radiological image conversion panel and a sensor panel. A sealant that is disposed between a substrate of the radiological image conversion panel and a substrate of the sensor panel and surrounds a scintillator in the radiological image conversion panel and a pixel array in the sensor panel to form an isolated space on the inside of the sealant. The scintillator includes a columnar portion including a group of columnar crystals formed by growing crystals of the phosphor in columnar shapes and a surface configured by a set of tips of the columnar crystals is disposed in close contact with the pixel array without being bonded to the pixel array. Both of the substrate of the radiological image conversion panel and the substrate of the sensor panel are flexible, and the isolated space is depressurized. |
| US09255992B2 |
Portable base station network for local differential GNSS corrections
A DGNSS-based guidance system, wherein a rover receiver first utilizes data from a master base station transceiver, a DGNSS reference network, or some other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location to establish a reference DGNSS relationship. Using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections, which set is stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. As the rover enters into areas of other base station receiver reference networks, the rover transceiver will send positional information it receives from the master base station to the new, secondary base station. The secondary base station then calibrates its own reference information using information sent from the original master base station. |
| US09255991B2 |
Method and device for acoustically sensing an area
A method for acoustically sensing an area is described. An acoustic transmit pulse is transmitted into the area by an acoustic transducer and a received signal is acquired with the aid of the transducer, in order to receive the transmit pulse reflected back from the area. Within a post-pulse oscillation time of the transducer, which directly follows the emission of the transmit pulse, the actual phase response of the received signal is determined. In the event the actual phase response deviates from a predefined setpoint phase response, an object is detected within the area. Also described is a device for acoustically sensing an area, which is designed to carry out the method. |
| US09255990B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating volume image
A volume image generating method including transmitting an ultrasonic signal to a target body divided into a plurality of regions and generating a first sub-volume image corresponding to a first region from among the plurality of regions of the target body, based on a response signal reflected from the target body; generating a second sub-volume image corresponding to a second region contacting the first region from among the plurality of regions; connecting the second sub-volume image to the first sub-volume image according to a location relationship between the first region and the second region of the target body; and re-generating the second sub-volume image based on a concordance rate between sectional images of the first and second sub-volume images that contact each other, and connecting the re-generated second sub-volume image to the first sub-volume image. |
| US09255983B2 |
Systems and methods for tracking a user's location
Techniques for tracking a current location of a user are described. According to various embodiments, an ambient noise signal proximate to a user device is detected using a microphone. Audio sample information may be accessed, where the audio sample information identifies various audio samples and, for each of the audio samples, a source of the corresponding audio sample. Thereafter, a specific audio sample corresponding to the ambient noise signal may be identified. Moreover, a current location of the user device may be determined, based on the source of the specific audio sample. |
| US09255982B2 |
Apparatus and method for the binaural reproduction of audio sonar signals
An apparatus and a method for the binaural reproduction of audio sonar signals, which can be direction-selectively received by a sonar system having a receiving antenna provided with a plurality of transducers, and at least one direction generator, and which can be modified by binaural audio signal processing. The apparatus comprises a portable sound reproduction device, particularly a headphone, and a head tracking sensor connected to the sound reproduction device for registering position changes of the sound reproduction device. Signals, associated with the position changes, are generated, which are transferred to the direction generator, in order to select a direction of the sound waves to be received. |
| US09255981B2 |
Sunlight collection device and method for tracking sunlight
The present invention provide a sunlight collection device, it comprises a concentrator array composed by a plurality of concentrators and a light sensor electrically connected to the controller, the concentrator comprises a collecting cup and a collecting lens fixed to the collecting cup, a optical fiber runs through and is fixed at the bottom of the collecting cup, a plurality of light detection units which are electrically connected to the controller are provided around the optical fiber at the bottom of the collecting cup. The sunlight collection device and the method for tracking sunlight can not only locate the sunlight at second level, making the position quicker and more precise, but also making the light sensor and the collector of the sunlight collection device calibrate itself when mechanical deviation occurs, avoiding the phenomenon that although the sensor array precisely locating to sunlight and the light spot which is condensed by the collecting lens deviates the light-receiving of the optical fiber. |
| US09255980B2 |
Optical position detection device and display system with input function
In an optical position detection device, when emitting the detection light from the light source section, the light receiving section receives the reflected light from the target object with the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element. The first light receiving element and the second light receiving element are arranged to have the intersection angle greater than 90° and smaller than 180°, the intersection angle being formed between the normal direction with respect to the light receiving surface of the first light receiving element and the normal direction with respect to the light receiving surface of the second light receiving element. |
| US09255975B2 |
Magnetic-field sensing method
A magnetoresistive sensing device is provided. A first sensed magnetic-field component in parallel with the x-axis and a second sensed magnetic-field component in parallel with the y-axis of an external magnetic field forming a first inclination angle with the x-axis and a second inclination angle with the y-axis are determined. A virtual plane is defined so as to render a magnetic-field component perpendicular to the virtual plane of the external magnetic field is essentially zero. The first inclination angle and the second inclination angle are adjusted with reference to the virtual plane. An x-axis magnetic-field component in parallel with the x-axis, a y-axis magnetic-field component in parallel with the y-axis and a z-axis magnetic-field component in parallel with the z-axis of the external magnetic field are estimated according to the adjusted first inclination angle, the adjusted second inclination angle, the first sensed magnetic-field component and the second sensed magnetic-field component. |
| US09255973B2 |
System and method for estimating long term characteristics of battery
A system for estimating long term characteristics of a battery includes a learning data input unit for receiving initial characteristic learning data and long term characteristic learning data of a battery to be a learning object; a measurement data input unit for receiving initial characteristic measurement data of a battery to be an object for estimation of long term characteristics; and an artificial neural network operation unit for receiving the initial characteristic learning data and the long term characteristic learning data from the learning data input unit to allow learning of an artificial neural network, receiving the initial characteristic measurement data from the measurement data input unit and applying the learned artificial neural network thereto, and thus calculating long term characteristic estimation data from the initial characteristic measurement data of the battery and outputting the long term characteristic estimation data. |
| US09255972B2 |
Method of testing secondary battery
A method of testing a secondary battery includes first to fourth steps. At the first step, the secondary battery after manufacture is charged to a first voltage. At the second step, a second voltage lower than the first voltage is set as a target voltage and discharge or charge is performed in a constant-current constant-voltage mode before the secondary battery is left standing. At the third step, the open circuit voltage of the secondary battery is measured before and after the secondary battery is left standing. At the fourth step, it is determined whether the secondary battery is a conforming item or not based on the difference in the open circuit voltage before and after the secondary battery is left standing. |
| US09255969B2 |
Prognostics and life estimation of electrical machines
The method includes measuring an operating parameter comprising at least one of a phasor current and phasor voltage of an electrical machine. The method further includes determining a diagnostic parameter indicative of a fault of the electrical machine based on the measured operating parameter. The method also includes estimating end of life of the electrical machine based on the diagnostic parameter using an error minimization method. |
| US09255965B2 |
System for post-processsing of electronic components
A method of post-processing a plurality of electronic components in a post-processing machine after fabrication of the electronic components including providing a carrier with align fixtures, which align fixtures have a clamping mechanism, actuating the clamping mechanism to enlarge a size of receptacles, each of the receptacles is assigned to one of the align fixtures and the enlarged receptacles are larger than the electronic components to be received, positioning the electronic components in the receptacles of the align fixtures, actuating the clamping mechanism to reduce a size of the receptacles so that the electronic components are aligned within the receptacles of the carrier, placing the carrier in the post processing machine, and subjecting the electronic components to operations of the post-processing machine while the electronic components maintain in aligned positions in the receptacles of the carrier. |
| US09255964B2 |
Electronic apparatus having IC temperature control
The use of a power sink function in IC testing results in a simple and rapid method for testing ICs, and assembled modules, at elevated temperature profiles without the use of environmental ovens. Testing IC devices at elevated temperatures may be useful for ‘burn-in’, for ‘hot sort’ performance testing that may be used in electronic devices such as DRAM memory, logic, communication devices, and microprocessors. The power sink function may be implemented as an additional isolated area of active devices, or as a section of the circuit that is not involved in the testing procedure. Alternately, the power dissipation circuit may consist of a resistive path between two external pins that are not used for IC operation, where the resistor may be on the IC or on the package. This allows for control of the temperature level and profile by simple adjustment of the voltage between the two external pins. |
| US09255963B2 |
Built-in self-test circuit for voltage controlled oscillator
A device comprises a radio frequency peak detector configured to receive an ac signal from a voltage controlled oscillator and generate a dc value proportional to the ac signal at an output of the radio frequency peak detector and a feedback control unit coupled between an output of the radio frequency peak detector and an input of the voltage controlled oscillator. |
| US09255961B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit, operating method of semiconductor integrated circuit, and debug system
A current measurement unit measuring power supply currents each consumed in a plurality of circuit blocks of which at least one of the circuit blocks includes a processor, and outputting the measurement result as the power supply current values. A selection unit selecting at least one of the power supply current values according to selection information. A trace buffer sequentially holding the power supply current values being selected by the selection unit together with execution information of the processor, and sequentially outputting the held information. By selecting the power supply current values of the circuit blocks required for debugging according to the selection information, the number of external terminals of a semiconductor integrated circuit required for the debugging which includes tracing the power supply current values may be reduced. As a result, a chip size of the semiconductor integrated circuit with a debug function may be reduced. |
| US09255958B2 |
Ground fault detection circuit
A ground fault detection circuit includes an AC power supply and a plurality of resonance circuits. The plurality of resonance circuits are connected between at least one current path formed of a plurality of loads and the AC power supply. Each of the plurality of resonance circuits has the same resonance frequency as the frequency of the AC power supply. |
| US09255956B2 |
Apparatus that can be electrically operated via a mains voltage connection
The present invention relates to a device operable electrically via a mains voltage connection, in particular without a ground wire connection, having a live element and having an application part, wherein the application part is insulated by a basic insulation with respect to the live element. In this respect, an insulation monitor is provided which monitors the quality of the basic insulation of the application part with respect to the live element. The present invention furthermore comprises a medical device having a heating module for heating a medical fluid, wherein the heating module comprises a heating element having a heating coil arranged on a first ceramic layer, wherein the heating element is arranged on a second ceramic layer, wherein the second ceramic layer advantageously forms a heating plate of the heating module. |
| US09255955B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system
A vehicle electrical system tester for testing the electrical system of a vehicle is provided. The electrical system has a wiring harness which extends between components of the vehicle and includes a plurality of wires. The vehicle electrical system tester is configured to measure an electrical parameter of at least one of the plurality of wires through a first connection to coupled to a first end of the at least one of the plurality of wires and a second connection coupled to a second end of the at least one of the plurality of wires. An electrical signal is applied between the first and second ends of the at least one of the plurality of wires and the electrical parameter of the at least one of the plurality of wires is responsively measured. |
| US09255953B2 |
System and method for antenna pattern estimation
The present invention is directed to a system and method for extrapolating antenna radiation patterns from a small number of measurements. The present invention is configured to derive an initial estimate based on design information and compare the initial estimate to far-field measurements. The controller is configured to recursively obtain a final estimate wherein a difference between the far-field measurements and the final estimate is less than a predetermined amount. The final estimate represents an extrapolated mapping of the antenna pattern. |
| US09255952B2 |
Capacitive sensor for an anti-collision apparatus
A capacitive sensor detects an object, in particular detects a collision in the case of a movable vehicle part. The sensor has an electrode arrangement which contains at least one sensor electrode. The sensor also has an evaluation circuit which is connected downstream of the sensor electrode and is intended to process a reception signal generated in the sensor electrode. In this case, the evaluation circuit contains a transimpedance amplifier which has a device for compensating for the frequency response. |
| US09255951B2 |
Potentiometer degradation evaluating method
In a method for evaluating degradation of a potentiometer, a plurality of evaluation items, from minor to major, are established as evaluation items for degradation in performance prior to failure of a potentiometer. The degradation of the potentiometer in performance of the plurality of evaluation items is evaluated in terms of stages, in a specific sequence. |
| US09255946B2 |
Electronic component, in particular current sensor
The invention relates to an electronic component (1), in particular a current sensor, having a resistance element (5) made of a resistance material, a first connection part (3) made of a conductor material for introducing an electrical current into the resistance element (5), and a second connection part (4) made of a conductor material for discharging the electrical current from the resistance element (5). According to the invention, the component (1) has a temperature-measuring device (8) for measuring a temperature difference between the resistance element (5), on the one hand, and at least one of the two connection parts (3, 4), on the other hand, in order to derive the current from the temperature difference. |
| US09255942B2 |
Mobile terminal and continuous movement detection method
A mobile terminal includes a first fixed-interval timer that counts a first interval; a second fixed-interval timer that counts a second interval longer than the first interval; a motion acceleration detection unit that obtains a first period of acceleration data from an acceleration sensor at the first interval and detects motion acceleration based on the first period of acceleration data; a walking state detection unit that, when the motion acceleration is detected based on the first period of acceleration data, obtains a second period of acceleration data, which is longer than the first period, from the acceleration sensor and detects a walking state or a non-walking state based on the second period of acceleration data; and a continuous walking determining unit that determines that continuous walking is detected when the walking state is detected a predetermined number of times or more within the second interval. |
| US09255941B1 |
System and method for determining fluence of a substance
A system and method for measuring a fluence of gas are disclosed. The system has a first light detector capable of outputting an electrical signal based on an amount of light received. A barrier is positionable adjacent the first light detector and is susceptible to a change in dimension from the fluence of the gas. The barrier permits a portion of light from being received by the first light detector. The change in the dimension of the barrier changes the electrical signal output from the first light detector. A second light detector is positionable to receive light representative of the first light detector without the barrier. The system and method have broad application to detect fluence of gas that may cause erosion chemical reaction causing erosive deterioration. One application is in low orbit Earth for detecting the fluence of atomic oxygen. |
| US09255939B2 |
Sample analyzer and a computer program product
A sample analyzer comprises a pipette, a pipette moving mechanism and a position confirming member disposed at a position where the pipette can be moved by the pipette moving mechanism. The position confirming member comprises a space into which a tip end of the pipette can be inserted. When the sample analyzer carries out the position confirmation process, the tip end of the pipette is moved by the pipette moving mechanism so as to be inserted into the space of the position confirming member. When a sensor sensed that the tip end of the pipette collides with the position confirming member, the sample analyzer stops the movement of the pipette and notify that the pipette of the pipette moving mechanism has a problem. |
| US09255938B2 |
Sample analyzer and method of analyzing a sample
A sample analyzer includes a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit, a detection section which detects information about an amount of a sample in a sample container before the first measurement unit aspirates the sample in the sample container, and a control section. Based on a detection result by the detection section and based on information about a predetermined sample amount necessary for performing both in the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, when the control section has determined that the amount of the sample in the sample container is insufficient for the predetermined sample amount, the control section controls the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit so as not to aspirate the sample in the sample container. |
| US09255932B2 |
Antibody, kit and method for determining amyloid peptides
The invention relates to the field of immunoassays which allow the detection of Aβ17 peptides by virtue of the use of an anti-Aβ17 antibody and a kit and method using said antibody. The invention also relates to a method for diagnosing or distinguishing between different stages of a neurodegenerative disease. |
| US09255931B2 |
Method and compositions for the treatment and detection of endothelin-1 related kidney diseases
The present application relates to methods of treating HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and/or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) using endothelin-1 (ET-1) antagonists. The application further relates to a composition for the treatment of HIVAN and/or FSGS. A kit for detecting the presence of ET-1 or ET-1-associated biomarker in a biological sample is also disclosed. |
| US09255926B2 |
Hematopoietic cell phenotyping using circulating cell-free markers
The present invention provides methods of classifying cluster of differentiation (CD) marker phenotype for hematopoietic cancer cells using multiple circulating cell-free CD markers in bodily fluid. In other aspects, treatment and disease progression of particular hematopoietic cancers can be monitored by measuring the levels of CD and other markers i bodily fluids of a patient. |
| US09255919B2 |
Gas sensor, in particular for automobile applications
For a gas sensor, in particular for automobile applications, comprising a housing, which has a measurement chamber, wherein at least one sensor element having connecting wires is associated with the measurement chamber, the housing has a bottom part and a top part that covers the bottom part and each sensor element is arranged in the bottom part while suspended by the connecting wires thereof. At least one side wall of the bottom part favorably has an assembly opening, which is designed in such a way that a tool arm that retains the sensor element can be inserted into the bottom part from the outside through the assembly opening and can be brought into an assembly position in the area of the opening edge of the bottom part so that the connecting wires of the sensor element are in bondable contact with the associated connection surfaces. Thus especially easy assembly is possible. |
| US09255915B2 |
Evaluating a process effect of surface presentation angle
An apparatus (10) and method for evaluating an effect of a surface presentation angle (A). The apparatus supports a plurality of samples (12) separated by support plates (18) between end plates (22) in a shish kebab arrangement. A groove (34) is formed on each side of each support plate for receiving an edge of each respective sample at a different angle relative to an axis of impingement (32). A clamping mechanism (20) holds the end plates, support plates and samples together in the fixed orientation exposing each sample surface at a different presentation angle, yet at the same distance from a process end effector (30). The sample impingement surfaces are exposed to the process, and the effect of the different surface presentation angles is determined from the samples. Process variables to counter the effects of surface presentation angle may be identified and controlled. |
| US09255913B2 |
System and method for acoustically identifying damaged sections of a route
A method for acoustically examining a route includes sensing passively excited residual sounds of a vehicle system during travel over a route, examining the passively excited residual sounds to identify one or more changes of interest in the passively excited residual sounds, and identifying a section of the route as being damaged responsive to the one or more changes of interest in the passively excited residual sounds that are identified. |
| US09255911B2 |
Non-contact signal propagation property evaluation of synthetic fiber rope
A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a synthetic rope. The system includes a first transducer, a second transducer, and a processor. The first transducer is located at a first position and configured to convert a first electrical signal into a wave directed toward the synthetic rope under test. The wave has characteristics such that at least of a portion of the wave passes around a perimeter of the synthetic rope. The second transducer is located at a second position opposite the first position and radially aligned with the first transducer. The second transducer is also configured to receive and convert the portion of the wave into a second electrical signal. The processor is configured to determine a structural health measure of the synthetic rope based on the second electrical signal. |
| US09255909B2 |
Surface visualization system for indicating inconsistencies
A method and apparatus for indicating an inconsistency. An apparatus comprises a platform, a location system, a transducer system, a projector system, and a data processing system. The platform is configured to move on a surface of an object. The location system is configured to generate location information for the platform on the surface of the object. The transducer system is configured to send signals into the object and receive a response to the signals. The projector system is configured to project an image onto the surface of the object. The data processing system is configured to generate the image using the response. An indication of an inconsistency in the image projected onto the surface of the object corresponds to a location of the inconsistency in the object. The data processing system is configured to control the projector system to project the image onto the surface of the object. |
| US09255905B1 |
Pressure driven microfluidic injection for chemical separations
Methods, systems and devices that allow independently applied pressures to a BGE reservoir and a sample reservoir for pressure-driven injection that can inject a discrete sample plug into a separation channel that does not require voltage applied to the sample reservoir and can allow for in-channel focusing methods to be used. The methods, systems and devices are particularly suitable for use with a mass spectrometer. |
| US09255902B2 |
Sensor chip, and measurement device and blood test device in which this sensor chip is used
This sensor chip (11) comprises a substrate (15) in the form of a flat board, a sample inlet (20) that is provided in the thickness direction of the substrate (15) and into which flows the blood (3) used for measurement, a supply path (21) that communicates with this sample inlet (20), and detection electrodes (17, 18, 19) provided to this supply path (21), wherein the substrate (15) is provided with a surplus blood reservoir (25) that draws in surplus blood (3a) and holds this drawn surplus blood (3a). |
| US09255901B2 |
System and method for post-exposure dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
An apparatus and method for triaging patients according to radiation exposure measures electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of fingernails, toenails, and/or teeth. In vivo, radiation induced spectra are obtained from intact fingernails, toenails, or teeth placed within a magnet and with pickup coils over nails between the cut edge at the end of the fingernail and proximal skin or placed adjacent to at least one tooth. The system may also operate in vitro with fingernail clippings. At least three spectra are obtained with one after a delay at above twenty degrees Celsius, and at least one at power levels different from the others. The spectra are used to determine and remove a mechanically induced signal from EPR spectra to determine radiation-induced spectra. The radiation induced spectra are used to determine radiation dose, the dose is compared to triage limits, and a radiological triage tag is printed for the patients. |
| US09255899B2 |
Non-destructive inspection method and device
A method of non-destructive inspection of a subject body including an element is comprised of irradiating the subject body with a neutron ray through a first measurement point and a second measurement point; measuring an elapsed time after a first time point when a resonant neutron specific to the element passes through the first measurement point and before a second time point when a prompt gamma ray made emitted by the resonant neutron from the subject body is detected at the second measurement point; and determining a location of the element in the subject body by the first measurement point, the second measurement point, a relative position toward a surface of the subject body, and the elapsed time. |
| US09255898B2 |
Method of measuring scattering of X-rays, its applications and implementation device
The present invention relates to a method and a device for measuring scattering of X-rays wherein the compound to be analyzed is installed in a receptacle comprising an X-ray-permeable flat bottom, wherein the X-ray diffraction analysis is undertaken by sending an X-ray stream upwards toward said X-ray-permeable bottom and by measuring the stream of scattered X-rays reflected downwards, and wherein a fluid thermostatically controlled to the same temperature as that of the compound to be analyzed in the receptacle is projected toward the X-ray permeable flat bottom, from outside the receptacle. |
| US09255896B2 |
Glass panel stocking system and stocking method
The present invention provides a glass panel stocking system and a stocking method. The stocking system includes a loading and unloading port and a crane. The loading and unloading port functions to receive a cassette that contains glass panels to position thereon. The crane functions to move a cassette that contains glass panels. The crane includes a chassis, a carrying fork mounted on the chassis and movable for extension and retraction with respect to the chassis, and a mapping bar mounted on the chassis and located above the carrying fork. The carrying fork functions to carry the cassette that contains the glass panels and move the cassette that contains the glass panels to the mapping bar so that the mapping bar is allowed to carry out inspection and counting of the glass panels received in the cassette that contains the glass panels. |
| US09255895B2 |
Angle-resolved antisymmetric scatterometry
A method for determining an overlay offset may include, but is not limited to: obtaining a first anti-symmetric differential signal (ΔS1) associated with a first scatterometry cell; obtaining a second anti-symmetric differential signal (ΔS2) associated with a second scatterometry cell and computing an overlay offset from the first anti-symmetric differential (ΔS1) signal associated with the first scatterometry cell and the second anti-symmetric differential signal (ΔS2) associated with the second scatterometry cell. |
| US09255890B2 |
Apparatus for measuring the scattered light and method of testing a reception optics
An apparatus for measuring light scatter, the apparatus having a light transmitter and reception optics for transmitting and detecting a light beam scattered in a measured zone, respectively, wherein an adjustment unit changes between a measuring mode wherein the optical axes of the light transmitter and the reception optics stand at an angle with respect to one another and intersect in the measured zone and a test mode wherein the optical axes of the light transmitter and the reception optics are parallel, wherein the light beam successively sweeps over the reception optics. The reception optics is rotatably held at a displaceable rotary axle, wherein the adjustment unit first rotates the reception optics about the rotary axle in the test mode until the optical axis of the reception optics is parallel with the optical axis of the light transmitter and then displaces the rotatable axle together with the reception optics. |
| US09255887B2 |
2D programmable aperture mechanism
Methods and systems for reconfiguring an aperture of an optical inspection system are presented. A programmable aperture system includes a two dimensional array of mechanical pixels that selectively block light passing through the aperture. An array of linear guiding elements is aligned parallel to one another, and each row of mechanical pixels is supported by a corresponding linear guiding element. Each mechanical pixel is configured to slide along the corresponding linear guiding element when pushed by an actuator subsystem. The actuator subsystem repositions one or more of the mechanical pixel elements to change the shape of the aperture. The actuator subsystem is configured to selectively engage one or more mechanical pixel elements and translate the one or more mechanical pixel elements along corresponding linear guiding elements to a new position. |
| US09255886B2 |
System and method for detecting damage to a wind turbine blade
A system and method of detecting damage to a wind turbine blade uses one or more fluorescent optical fibers comprising a fluorescent material having an excitation wavelength that is selected such that the material fluoresces upon exposure to ambient radiation at the wind turbine blade, wherein the one or more optical fibers are operatively mounted within the wind turbine blade such that upon damage to the wind turbine blade at least a part of the optical fiber is exposed at the surface of the blade causing the optical fiber to fluoresce; a light detector for receiving a light signal from one or from both ends of the one or more optical fibers upon excitation of the fluorescent material and outputting a signal based on the light signal; and a controller coupled to the light detector to receive the signal. |
| US09255884B2 |
Fluorescence strip, fluorescence excitation device and portable fluorescence analysis system with the same
A portable fluorescence analysis system comprises a fluorescence strip, a fluorescence excitation device and a mobile Internet device. The fluorescence strip comprises a fluorescence probe configured for detecting an analyte within a specimen. The fluorescence excitation device comprises a sleeve and an excitation light source module. The fluorescence strip is arranged at the one open end of the sleeve. The excitation light source module is arranged at the same opening side of the sleeve and configured for providing an excitation light to excite the fluorescence probe to generate fluorescence. The mobile Internet device comprises an image capturing module and configured for capturing a fluorescence image of the fluorescence strip via the other opening of the sleeve and analyzing fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence image to determine the content of the analyte. The above-mentioned system can be applied to the point of care testing. |
| US09255883B2 |
Surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence measuring apparatus
Provided is an apparatus having a beam geometry changing device that changes the beam geometry of excitation light, and a control device that controls the beam geometry changing device, with favorable precision, which the apparatus performs a resonance angle scan and to detect a target material. |
| US09255876B2 |
Temperature sensor and method for measuring a temperature change
A temperature sensor is provided which comprises a measurement light source for generating measurement light and two optical waveguides. The two optical waveguides are arranged such that they respectively receive a measurement light portion of the measurement light and that the measurement light portions are superimposed after passing through the optical waveguides. Furthermore, the two optical waveguides have an optical property with different temperature dependency. |
| US09255874B2 |
Fluid stream imaging apparatus
A fluid stream imaging apparatus having either optics for manipulating the aspect ratio or sensing elements configured for manipulating the aspect ratio of an image of the fluid stream. This application may also relate to a system for acquiring images of a portion of a fluid stream at high speeds for image processing to measure and predict droplet delays for individual forming particles. |
| US09255871B2 |
Measuring process of dynamic viscosity of heavy live crude from the reservoir pressure up to atmospheric pressure, including bubble point pressure, based on an electromagnetic viscometer
The object of the present invention is to provide a process for experimental determination of heavy live crude oil dynamic viscosities reliable at a constant temperature (from ambient temperature to 463 K) and pressures from 68.9 MPa to the atmospheric pressure, including the dynamic viscosity at the bubble point pressure and by below of this point, based on a simple, reliable and accurate apparatus. The apparatus used in the present invention is based on an electromagnetic concept, only using a mobile element (piston) through a fluid at a constant force. The time required for the piston to travel a fixed distance is related exactly to the dynamic viscosity of the fluid contained in a measuring chamber. When the fluid contained in the inner part of the measuring chamber is more viscous, the piston displacement will be slower. |
| US09255869B2 |
Source, which harnesses the difference in density between fluids for the production of renewable energy
The invention relates to the method of feeding the air, or fluid of lower density, into the duct (2) by means of tubes separated one from another in such a way that there should be water, or liquid fluid, between them, so that this bathes at least part of its walls. In other words, similar to the stalks of a bouquet submerged in water, and at whose ends, instead of flowers, air bubbles exit, these being produced at the air inlet at the extremity of the stalk or tube. It relates more specifically to the method of feeding the lower-density fluid by means of tubes which at their base are grouped, close to each other or touching, and at their outlet extremities are separated, as if forming a bouquet, in such a way that the separation distance of the extremities of the tubes, between axes of symmetry, is approximately the diameter of the bubble. |
| US09255868B2 |
Winding tester for composite wire rod-type specimens
It is provided a dedicated winding tester for composite wire rod-type specimens for effectively measuring the minimum winding radius of the wire rod-type specimens being made with carbon fiber or glass fiber reinforced composites in various diameters or textures via automatically gripping specimens, tightly winding, and sequentially proceeding sustained load in time, thereby supplying test data and design consideration in actual use and transport of the wire rod-type specimens being made of carbon fiber or glass fiber reinforced composites that comprises a shield, a specimen receiver and a winding device being arranged within said shield, as well as a programmable controller being arranged outside the shield. |
| US09255865B2 |
Integrated dissolution processing and sample transfer system
The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 μl to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle. |
| US09255864B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing a sample
A first apparatus (100) for processing a liquid sample is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a sample-receiving (120), a filtrate-receiving component (150), and an analyte-capture element (170). The apparatus (100) forms a liquid flow path through which the sample passes, thereby causing the analyte-capture element (170) to capture an analyte, if present. A method is disclosed whereby a liquid sample is passed through the first (100) apparatus and the analyte-capture element (170) is easily separated from the apparatus for further processing and detection of the analyte. A structurally-related second apparatus (200) for processing a plurality of liquid samples, and a corresponding method of use, also is disclosed. |
| US09255863B2 |
Analytic substrate coating apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production. |
| US09255858B2 |
Method for measuring fiber cutting force
A method for measuring the cutting force on a fiber. The method includes the steps of: providing a blade having an edge; providing a fiber mount for holding the fiber; providing at least one sensor connected to the fiber mount; moving the blade toward the fiber and cutting the fiber; and measuring the cutting force on the fiber with the at least one sensor. |
| US09255856B2 |
Dynamometer system
Provided is a dynamometer system provided with a shaft-torque meter, and capable of an equivalent evaluation to that of a system provided with a load cell. A dynamometer system is provided with an encoder for detecting the angular velocity, a shaft-torque meter for detecting the shaft torque, and a control device (6A) for controlling the dynamometer on the basis of the angular velocity (omegaM) of the dynamometer and the detection value (Tsh) of the shaft-torque meter. The torque-control device (6A) is provided with: a computed-torque calculation unit (61A) for calculating a computed-torque value (Tcal) by adding the detection value (Tsh) to a value obtained by multiplying the angular acceleration (omegaMss) by the moment of inertia (TM); and a computed-torque controller (62A) for calculating a torque-current-command value (Tdyref), on the basis of an externally inputted command value (Tref) and a computed-torque value (Tcal). |
| US09255853B2 |
Non-contact strain sensing of objects by use of single-walled carbon nanotubes
In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of detecting strain associated with an object by: (1) irradiating a composition that has been applied to the object, where the composition comprises semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes; (2) measuring an emission from the irradiated composition, where the emission comprises near infrared emission; and (3) correlating the near infrared emission to the presence or absence of strain associated with the object. In some embodiments, the aforementioned steps occur without physically contacting the object or the composition. In some embodiments, the aforementioned steps occur without utilizing Raman spectroscopy. Further embodiments of the present invention also include a step of applying the composition to the object. |
| US09255845B2 |
Infrared detecting element, method for manufacturing infrared detecting element, and electronic device
An infrared detecting element includes a recessed portion, a supporting section, and an infrared detecting section. A supporting section is located above the recessed portion such that a hollow space stands between the supporting section and the recessed portion. The infrared detecting section is provided on the supporting section and detects infrared rays. The recessed portion is covered with a water repellent film, and the supporting section is made of a material that has high rigidity compared to silicon and silicon oxide. |
| US09255841B2 |
Spectroscopy systems and methods using quantum cascade laser arrays with lenses
A spectroscopy system includes an array of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) that emits an array of non-coincident laser beams. A lens array coupled to the QCL array substantially collimates the laser beams, which propagate along parallel optical axes towards a sample. The beams remain substantially collimated over the lens array's working distance, but may diverge when propagating over longer distances. The collimated, parallel beams may be directed to/through the sample, which may be within a sample cell, flow cell, multipass spectroscopic absorption cell, or other suitable holder. Alternatively, the beams may be focused to a point on, near, or within the target using a telescope or other suitable optical element(s). When focused, however, the beams remain non-coincident; they simply intersect at the focal point. The target transmits, reflects, and/or scatters this incident light to a detector, which transduces the detected radiation into an electrical signal representative of the target's absorption or emission spectrum. |
| US09255840B2 |
Spectrum splitting using optical rectennas
Systems and methods for an improved solar/infrared conversion efficiency using multiple rectennas, one for each band of the spectrum. Each rectenna is optimally efficient for each spectrum band. An antenna receives at least one of a visible or infrared spectrum. Rectifying circuits coupled to the antenna generate a current based on a portion of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna. Each rectenna operates efficiently using a different operating voltage. The operating voltages are based on the selected load resistor and the current-voltage characteristics for the diode of the rectifying circuit at the associated spectrum portion. |
| US09255837B2 |
Method for identifying a fault in an electrical machine
For identifying a fault in an electrical machine vibration is measured in a plurality of radial directions of the stator. On the basis of the vibration measurements a vibration frequency and a mode shape of the vibration at this frequency is determined. Characteristics of the vibration in terms of both the vibration frequency and the mode shape are used to identify a fault condition of the electrical machine. |
| US09255836B2 |
Fiber optic cable for distributed acoustic sensing with increased acoustic sensitivity
Methods and apparatus for performing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) using fiber optics with increased acoustic sensitivity are provided. Acoustic sensing of a wellbore, pipeline, or other conduit/tube based on DAS may have increased acoustic sensitivity through fiber optic cable design and/or increasing the Rayleigh backscatter property of a fiber's optical core. Some embodiments may utilize a resonant sensor mechanism with a high Q coupled to the DAS device for increased acoustic sensitivity. |
| US09255832B2 |
Bending beam load cell with enclosure
A load cell includes a longitudinal body including force input and output elements and a bending beam, strain gages, and a hermetically sealed enclosure. A force applied onto the input element perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis causes bending strain of the beam, which is measured by the strain gages. The enclosure includes a stiff pipe sleeve and two ring elements, which each include a membrane that is more flexible than the pipe sleeve, and which support the pipe sleeve relative to and spaced radially away from the longitudinal body. The membranes preferably decouple the pipe sleeve from the longitudinal body so that essentially none of the applied force is shunted into the pipe sleeve. Preferably a cylindrical outer surface of the pipe sleeve can avoid accumulation of contaminants. |
| US09255828B2 |
Transducer cable assembly and flow meter employing same
A cable assembly for coupling a transducer includes a plug body having a nose section with a nose end, a tail section with a tail end opposite the nose end; and a cable restraining feature disposed proximal the tail end. In addition, the cable assembly includes a cable having a first end, a second end, a signal conductor, and a pliable fixing member. A portion of the pliable fixing member is disposed in the cable restraining feature and extends at least partially around the plug body to limit the movement of the first end of the cable relative to the plug body. |
| US09255825B1 |
Self-aligning wafer-style process instrument
A process instrument having a wafer-style body for mounting between an upstream flanged pipe and a downstream flanged pipe has a flow passage, a transmitter connected to the body, and first and second end plates fixed to the body. The first end plate has a first set of cams for engaging a plurality of threaded fasteners extending between the upstream flanged pipe and the downstream flanged pipe. The second end plate has a second set of cams for engaging the plurality of threaded fasteners such that the first set of cams and the second set of cams center the flow passage with respect to the upstream flanged pipe and the downstream flanged pipe. |
| US09255823B2 |
Metallic sensor housing and method for manufacture of same
The invention relates to a metallic sensor housing for an optoelectronic sensor which is composed of a plurality of parts. Provision is made in accordance with the invention that two or more metallic parts of the housing are connected to one another with material continuity. The invention additionally relates to an optoelectronic sensor having a metallic sensor housing in accordance with the invention and to a method of manufacturing a metallic sensor housing in accordance with the invention. |
| US09255822B2 |
Splicable fiber optic sensing system, method of making same and tape for sense transmissively locking an optical fiber
A splicable fiber optic sensing system includes, a core, a sheath surrounding the core, an adhesive disposed between the core and the sheath at some locations and not at other locations, and at least one optical fiber disposed between the core and the sheath being sense transmissively locked to the core by the adhesive at the locations containing the adhesive. |
| US09255818B2 |
Arrangement comprising an inductive proximity sensor, and method implementing such a sensor
An electronic circuit detecting proximity includes an excitation coil emitting an inductive excitation field toward a target. A first pair of detection coils obtains a first differential inductive signal that is modified by a transition of the target within the inductive field. An out-of phase second pair of detection coils obtains a second differential inductive signal that is modified by a transition of the target within the inductive field. A comparator generates a transition signal when the difference between the first and second differential signals reaches a threshold value. A stationary target, in a ferromagnetic or conductive material, creates an offset to the signals at the outlet of the coil pairs. The offset is decreased during the presence of a movable target within the same type of material or increased during the presence of a movable target within another type of material. A comparator detects the offset level. |
| US09255816B2 |
System and method for communicating over power lines
The disclosure relates to a server, system and method for communicating with a meter at a remote premise through power transmission lines. The system comprises a head end with a server for collecting and analyzing data from meters; a power transmission network connected to the meters and to the head end; and a gateway. The network provides both power to the remote location and data communications; the network includes a first network providing a first voltage and a second network connected to the first network. The server comprises a processor and a memory module storing instructions for execution on the processor. The gateway is a bridge between the first and second networks. Network communications may follow Internet Protocol (IP) communication standards. Based on the load index, each meter can generate and send its response to the server and the server will be able to process its response. |
| US09255808B2 |
Route planning system and method for minimizing exposure to threats
The present invention relates to a system and method for route planning. The system is arranged to be mounted on a moving object. The system comprises a route planning module arranged to plan a route of the object upon request, wherein occasions of being visible from any point in the map within a shooting range during a predetermined time period is minimized. The system is characterized in that the route planning module is arranged to determine areas in the 3D map in which the object will be exposed to a potential threat during a predetermined time period based on line of sight calculations, and determining a re-planned route avoiding said potential threat areas. |
| US09255807B2 |
System, apparatus, and procedure for providing route suggestions
An apparatus or web server for assisting a user in selecting a route based on tracked popularity of routes traveled by other users and a desired user activity. The apparatus may include a memory for receiving and storing route data for routes previously traveled by a plurality of users and a processing device coupled with the memory for receiving desired route characteristic information from the user, including a desired activity type, such as running or cycling. The processing device may compare the desired route characteristics information with the route data, suggest at least one of the stored routes to the user based on the comparison, and visually indicate with a color-coded heat map a popularity of the routes suggested based on the comparison. |
| US09255802B2 |
Resonator element, resonator, oscillator, electronic apparatus, physical quantity sensor, mobile object, and frequency adjustment method of resonator element
A resonator element includes a base portion, and a vibrating arm which extends from the base portion and on which a weight portion is provided, and the weight portion includes a first weight portion which is disposed on one main surface of a distal end portion of the vibrating arm, and a second weight portion which is disposed on the distal end side with respect to the first weight portion and has a thickness smaller than that of the first weight portion. The vibrating arm transmits an energy beam, and a laser incidence area where incidence of the energy beam to the inside of the vibrating arm is allowed, is disposed in a position of the other main surface on the opposite side of the vibrating arm overlapped with the second weight portion. |
| US09255801B2 |
Yaw rate sensor
A yaw rate sensor, including a substrate and a main extension plane, for detecting a yaw rate around a first direction in parallel to the main extension plane, a first Coriolis mass, and a second Coriolis mass, and a drive device configured to drive the first and second Coriolis masses in parallel to a drive direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first and second Coriolis masses, for a yaw rate around the first direction, experiencing a Coriolis acceleration in parallel to a detection direction, which is perpendicular to the drive and first directions, the first and second Coriolis masses having first/second partial areas and third/fourth partial areas, respectively. The first and third partial areas are farther from the axis of symmetry in parallel to the first direction, and the second and fourth partial areas are closer to the axis of symmetry in parallel to the first direction. |
| US09255797B2 |
Light sensor holder for tracking location of sunlight
A holder having a light sensor for tracking location of sunlight is disclosed. The light sensor holder includes a holder 100 in which a first light sensor 401 is set, a first light guide section 141 including a light inputting hole 151 adjacent to a wall 300 at one side 111 of a body 110 in the holder 100 and formed in vertical direction, wherein a light is inputted through the light inputting hole 151, a second home 122 connected to the first light guide section 141 via a refraction section 172 and a second light guide section 142, wherein the light inputted through the light inputting hole 151 is refracted, and the refracted light is delivered to a sensing section 420 of a first light sensor 401 through a light outputting section 161, and a first home 121 adjacent to the second home 122, the first light sensor 401 being set in the first home 121. |
| US09255796B2 |
Laser surveying device
A laser surveying device includes a rotatable and tiltable laser head in a housing to rotate about a rotational axis set in a certain direction and project a laser beam around and a tilt angle detector to detect a tilt angle of the laser head relative to the housing. The tilt angle detector includes a pattern plate on which a certain pattern is formed, provided in one of the laser head and the housing, light receiving elements arranged in the other of the laser head and the housing at different positions opposite to positions of the pattern plate to receive light beams reflected by the pattern plate, and a determiner to determine a direction and an amount of tilt of the laser head on the basis of a light receiving amount of each of the light receiving elements. |
| US09255792B2 |
Optical probe, attachable cover, and shape measuring apparatus
An optical probe includes a probe cover, within which is installed an optical system having an illuminating optical system and a receiving optical system. An emitting region and an incidence region through which light passes are provided to a bottom surface of the probe cover, the bottom surface forming an opposing region opposite a work piece. The bottom surface forms a surface where, of the light reflected from the work piece, light following a direct reflection direction is reflected in a direction moving away from the incidence region, from a position where light emitted from the emitting region is emitted at the work piece. Accordingly, an amount of second order reflected light striking the incidence region can be suppressed and, therefore, an occurrence of an erroneous value in received light distribution can be suppressed. |
| US09255790B2 |
Wide angle bistatic scanning optical ranging sensor
A sensor for determining a profile of an object surface relative to a reference plane includes a radiation source, a collector, a processor, first and second reflectors and at least one reflective element comprising third and fourth reflectors secured in mutual angular relation. The radiation source projects a launch beam for impingement onto the object surface. The collector detects at least a portion of a return beam reflected by the object surface. The processor determines the profile of the object surface at a point of impingement of the launch beam onto the object surface from at least one characteristic of the at least a portion of the return beam. |
| US09255789B2 |
Method for measuring thickness of object
Methods for measuring a thickness of an object including acquiring at least one of a wavelength domain spectrum for an amplitude ratio (Ψ) and a phase difference (Δ) of reflected light from a film material, converting the wavelength domain spectrum into a 1/wavelength domain spectrum, acquiring a resulting spectrum by performing fast fourier transform (FFT) on the 1/wavelength domain spectrum, and measuring a thickness of the film material from the resulting spectrum may be provided. |
| US09255778B2 |
Gauge apparatus having profile assembly
A gauge apparatus includes an extension assembly. The gauge apparatus also includes a profile assembly configured to radially extend from an outer periphery of the extension assembly. The profile assembly is configured to reciprocally coaxially travel relative to the extension assembly. The profile assembly is configured to cease coaxial movement in response to making travel-interfering contact. |
| US09255777B1 |
Grenade fuze and detonator with flying disc
A more IM compliant energetics train for a grenade fuze or a detonator includes an explosive charge containing PBXN-5 and a first charge containing PBX-9407 disposed adjacent to the PBXN-5 explosive charge. A flying disc is disposed adjacent to the first charge of PBX-9407. A barrel has one end disposed adjacent to the flying disc and an opposite end disposed adjacent to a second charge containing PBX-9407. Detonation of the first charge containing PBX-9407 causes the flying disc to accelerate through the barrel, impact the second charge containing PBX-9407 and detonate the second charge containing PBX-9407. |
| US09255776B1 |
Muzzle velocity sensor for smart ammunition
In a gun tube for firing rounds of smart ammunition, a sensor means applied to the ammunition which enables the calculation of muzzle velocity in the instant as the ammunition leaves the muzzle edge of the gun tube. The sensor relies on measurement of magnetic field induced voltages which are unique as the ammunition leaves the muzzle edge of the gun tube. Each round of ammunition has a planar transformer of wiring applied longitudinally on the side of the round, which aids in creating the necessary magnetic fields. |
| US09255775B1 |
Longitudinally sectioned firearms projectiles
The present invention relates to longitudinally sectioned bullets and more particularly pertains to a projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm and comprising at least two separable longitudinal body sections and at least one binding element that holds the at least two longitudinal body sections together, such as before impact with a target. Said projectile is thus capable of controlled fragmentation against a soft target. Said projectile is adapted to also contain at least one supplemental payload deliverable to a target. |
| US09255772B2 |
Protective armour element
The invention is directed to a protective armor element, to body armor comprising one or more of such elements, and to a preventive method of reducing behind armor blunt trauma of an individual.The protective armor element of the invention comprises a fabric and/or a fiber based composite, wherein said armor element, prior to impact of a projectile, has a concave strike face. |
| US09255768B2 |
Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm
A method, apparatus and system for networking accessories to a firearm or weapon wherein the accessories are conductively powered from the rail and data is transferred between the accessories and the rail via conductive coupling. In one embodiment, a weapon is provided, the weapon having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver; a powered accessory mounted to a rail of the upper receiver; and an apparatus for conductively networking a microcontroller of the powered accessory to a microcontroller of the upper receiver and a microcontroller of the lower receiver, wherein the data is exclusively provided to the powered accessory from the rail. |
| US09255767B2 |
Method and system for providing power and data to firearm accessories
An apparatus and method for providing power to an accessory on a firearm, the method including the steps of: detecting an accessory when attached to said firearm through actuation of a magnetic switch magnetically coupled to a magnet in the accessory via a pin located in the firearm and providing a power path with said accessory; and providing power to said accessory from a secondary source of power should power be required. |
| US09255766B2 |
Paintball marker and loader system
Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets. There is also disclosed paintball equipment and methods for controlling both the firing and loading mechanism of paintball equipment. Current systems or mechanisms have individual and discrete electronic control systems for firing operations, e.g. located in the paintball gun itself, and loading operations, e.g. located inside the paintball loader. The present disclosure unifies the electronic control of said firing and loader operations into a single electronic circuit board located on either the paintball gun or paintball loader. |
| US09255760B2 |
Archery bow press and method for compressing an archery bow using collectively connected bow limb supports
A dynamic archery bow press with a bow limb securing system, in which each of a pair of slaved pivot arms in a V configuration is provided with a lower gear assembly and an upper drive system that move collectively connected bow limb supports at the upper ends of the pivot arms, the bow limb supports comprising spaced limb contacts set at an acute angle relative to one another along an arc corresponding to a radius of curvature of a flexible portion of the limb of a bow to be pressed, and configured to engage the outer face of a bow limb. In a preferred form, the bow limb supports are generally V-shaped supports with spaced arms including curved limb contact surfaces. The bow limb supports are preferably rotationally adjustable using a spline pin adjustment mechanism that also allows a pair of spaced supports to be mounted on each pivot arm to engage a bow limb or components on a bow. |
| US09255758B1 |
Narrow crossbow with large power stroke
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0. |
| US09255757B2 |
Crossbow cabling arrangement
In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring, a first cable and a second cable each extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The first cable is offset from the shooting axis in a first direction and the second cable is offset from the shooting axis in a second direction different from the first direction. |
| US09255753B2 |
Energy storage device for a bow
An energy storage portion for a bow and a method of configuring the same. At least one first limb has both a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the first side of a center support. At least one second limb has both a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the second side of the center support. At least one first pulley is attached to the first limb at a location between the distal and the proximal portions of the first limb and at least one second pulley is attached to the second limb at a location between the distal and the proximal portions of the second limb. |
| US09255752B2 |
Hand-powered projectile assembly
A hand-powered projectile assembly is provided for launching projectiles. The hand-powered projectile assembly includes an elastic projectile pouch, a hollow base ring and a hollow locking ring. The elastic projectile pouch having an open end is attached to the hollow base ring. The hollow base ring is attached to the locking ring. The hollow locking ring further maintains a tight seal with the elastic projectile pouch. The hand-powered projectile assembly further includes a cap to maintain the position of the projectiles inside the elastic projectile pouch. The cap maintains a watertight connection with the hollow base ring. The projectile exits through the open end of the elastic projectile pouch and the hollow base ring. |
| US09255750B1 |
Trigger assembly
A trigger may be pivotally connected to a frame at or near the top of the trigger. A sear transfer bar may be further provided and is pivotally connected to the frame. The pivot in the trigger is higher within the frame as compared to the pivot of the sear transfer bar. Two balls can be between the trigger and the sear transfer bar. The top of the sear transfer bar has a sear contact. Pulling the trigger in a first direction causes the trigger to rotate in a first direction. The sear transfer bar rotates under force of the trigger. The sear transfer bar and the trigger may rotate in opposite directions. The sear will drop when the sear contact of the transfer bar ceases engagement with the sear, causing the firearm to fire. The trigger assembly has a control arm extending beyond the trigger assembly frame. |
| US09255749B2 |
Ammunition magazine and resilient member
A magazine for storing and feeding ammunition cartridges to a small arms weapon which comprises a casing, a floor plate, a follower, and a magazine spring inside the casing. The magazine spring may comprise a first end connected to the follower, a second end connected to the floor plate, and a plurality of coils. Each of the plurality of coils may include a first segment having a first radius, a second segment having a first length adjoining the first segment, a third segment having a second radius adjoining the second segment, the second radius being greater than the first radius, and a fourth segment having a second length adjoining the third segment, the second length being approximately equal to the first length. |
| US09255743B2 |
Finned heat dissipation module
A high-power heat dissipation module for cooling down electronic components comprises a heat exchange element with a sealed cavity, in which a powder sintering portion and a working liquid is provided. The heat exchange element further has a flat section for mounting the electronic component, and a fixing structure. The heat dissipation module further comprises a heat sink with a central hole portion and a heat dissipation structure around the central hole portion. The heat generated by the electronic component is transferred to the heat sink by the heat exchange element, and then quickly dissipated into the air surrounding by the heat dissipation structure. The heat dissipation modules can handle the heat dissipation task for the electronic components with a power of 100 Watts or more and are suitable for cooling high-power electronic components. |
| US09255734B2 |
System and method for drying five-sided containers
A method of painting a five-sided container, which includes applying a water-based paint to the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container, and forcing heated air into the open side of the container to at least partially dry the paint on the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container. |
| US09255733B2 |
Oven for fiber heat treatment
An improved oven (1) comprising a conveyor configured and arranged to move a product (11) to be processed through an oven, a primary air delivery system (45) configured and arranged to provide a heated primary air flow (47), a secondary air delivery system configured and arranged to provide a heated secondary air flow (48), a processing enclosure (21) configured and arranged to receive and contain the product and the primary air flow, an insulated enclosure (2) configured and arranged to receive the heated secondary air flow, the processing enclosure configured and arranged to extend through the insulated enclosure and the heated secondary air flow and to separate the primary air flow from the secondary air flow. |
| US09255725B2 |
Sun tracking solar energy collection system
A sun tracking solar energy collection system includes a sun tracker having a base with a rotatable member driven by a base motor. A support extends from the base and is rotatably driven in conjunction with the rotatable member by the base motor. An arm in communication with the support is pivotable relative to the base and the support and is driven by an arm motor associated with the arm. A light sensitive element in conjunction with the arm receives a light from a light source for determining an amount of received light. A solar energy collector is movably positioned to correspond to a relative position of the base and the arm to correspond to the position of the light source for collecting solar energy. A controller controls a position of the sun tracker and the solar energy collector to correspond to a position of the light source. |
| US09255721B2 |
Venturi valve and control system
Embodiments of the invention provide a venturi valve and control system for use in an indoor environment to regulate air flow. The venturi valve includes a substantially cylindrical pipe, a high pressure sensing assembly, a low pressure sensing assembly, a differential pressure transducer, and a damper assembly. The high pressure sensing assembly and the low pressure sensing assembly do not substantially impede air flow through the valve. A controller is connected to the differential pressure transducer and a damper actuator. The controller determines a current flow rate of air into the indoor environment and operates the damper actuator in order to provide a desired flow rate of air into the indoor environment. |
| US09255720B2 |
Demand control ventilation system with commissioning and checkout sequence control
The disclosure relates to a Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) and/or Economizer system that is capable of drawing outside air into an HVAC air stream. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may be configured to help perform one or more system checks to help verify that the system is functioning properly. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may provide some level of manual control over certain hardware (e.g. dampers) to help commission the system. The DCV and/or Economizer system may store one or more settings and or parameters used during the commissioning process (either in the factory or in the field), so that these settings and/or parameters may be later accessed to verify that the DCV and/or Economizer system was commissioned and commissioned properly. |
| US09255708B2 |
Table tealight holder
The table cup-shaped tealight holder according to the invention has the bottom (1) inclined towards the horizontal plane at the angle (C) with the recess (2) located in the central point. There are grooves (3) in the bottom which are connected with the recess (2) and form the angle (B) with the horizontal plane. |
| US09255705B2 |
LED light fixture
An LED lighting fixture comprising a housing portion and a light-emitting portion supporting at least one illuminator, the housing portion and the light-emitting portion defining an open space therebetween permitting air/water-flow therethrough. In some embodiments, at least one wall extends within the open space and open for air/water-flow along at least two sides thereof. |
| US09255704B1 |
Streetlight cooling system
A streetlight includes a light-emitting diode and a passive cooling system. The light-emitting diode is in thermal engagement with the bottom of the cooling system. The cooling system has an upper cooling chamber and a lower cooling chamber displaced from the upper cooling chamber. A thermal flow circuit extends through a domed chamber, the upper cooling chamber, a return passage and the lower cooling chamber. The domed chamber is inside the lower cooling chamber in thermal engagement with the bottom directly over the light-emitting diode and has inlet channels in thermal engagement with the bottom and an outlet to the upper cooling chamber. |
| US09255700B2 |
Bulb lighting device and system comprising such device to monitor patients in home environment
A bulb lighting device is provided. The bulb device comprises a base, a driving electronics unit comprising a power supply electrically connected to the base and a battery connected to the power supply through a battery management unit, and a communication unit comprising a communication interface and at least one of a wireless unit and a power line unit, wherein the communication unit is electrically connected to the driving electronics unit. The bulb device further comprises an LED module having LED flight sources in an LED array together with an electric driving LED controller arranged inside an at least partially transparent envelope, wherein the LED module is electrically connected to the driving electronics unit, and a motion detector arranged inside the envelope and electrically connected to the driving electronics unit, wherein an output signal of the motion detector is forwarded outside of the bulb lighting device through the communication unit. |
| US09255697B2 |
Light fixture housing and mounting therefor
An architectural light fixture with a mounting includes a rigid yoke with opposed mounts aligned with external cavities located on a housing. The cavities have conical inner surfaces and bottoms with fastener engagements. Yoke pins include conical outer surfaces to operate as yoke locks. Fastener associated with the yoke pins engage to draw the yoke locks into interfering fit with the truncated conical inner surface of the mounting cavity. The light fixture housing has a port with a plug of porous water repellant material. A cover is employed to protect the plug. The light fixture housing also has a flat mounting surface with a wire access hole. The fixture includes a cover to enclose a photocell biased toward the mounting surface and retains an O-ring against the fixture housing. |
| US09255695B2 |
Illumination lens for LED backlights
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an illumination lens disposed over a light-emitting diode (LED). The illumination lens includes an internal surface surrounding the LED and configured to intercept light emitted by the LED, wherein the internal surface comprises an arch-shaped non-rotationally symmetric, elongated horizontal cross-section. The illumination lens also includes an external surface comprising a central cusp, the external surface extending laterally with non-axially-symmetrical profiles in different horizontal directions, the non-axially-symmetric profiles being elliptical with respect to a tilted major axis of the illumination lens, wherein the light-emitting device is configured to produce an elongated illumination pattern. |
| US09255693B2 |
Fluorescent screen and image display device comprising same
A fluorescent screen includes a phosphor layer including a phosphor that absorbs excitation light to emit fluorescence, a reflecting layer that is provided on one surface of the phosphor layer so as to transmit the excitation light and to reflect, to the phosphor layer, a part of fluorescence that is emitted from the phosphor and that exits from the one surface; and a plurality of holes that penetrates the reflecting layer. |
| US09255692B2 |
Light source unit capable of shining light of high in-plane uniformity, illuminating method of light source unit, and projector
There is provided a light source unit including an excitation light source which emits excitation light, a luminescent material which receives excitation light from the excitation light source to emit luminous light, a diffuse plate on which the luminous light is incident, and a driving device which moves the diffuse plate so as to change an entering position of the luminous light on the diffuse plate. |
| US09255681B2 |
Lighting device and method for operating a lighting device
In various embodiments, a lighting device may include a plurality of semiconductor light sources, and an apparatus configured to operate the semiconductor light sources. The apparatus has switching means, by which the semiconductor light sources can be divided in groups for operation with the apparatus. |
| US09255679B2 |
Led reading light and method of replacing an LED reading light
An LED reading light, in particular for a passenger transport vehicle, such as an aircraft, a road vehicle, a ship or a rail car, is disclosed that has a plurality of illuminating LED's and in operation provides a desired light intensity for a set supply current, wherein the LED reading light comprises two power supply terminals connectable to a power supply for receiving the set supply current, and at least one lighting strand coupled between the two power supply terminals. Each of the at least one lighting strand comprises at least one voltage drop diode, with the at least one voltage drop diode in operation not contributing to the desired light intensity, and at least one of the illuminating LED's. The illuminating LED's are distributed among the at least one lighting strand and connected such that they jointly provide the desired light intensity for the set supply current. |
| US09255675B1 |
Portable solar-powered devices
Solar-powered lighting devices that may be portable and/or collapsible are described. The devices may include a housing including a first wall, a second wall, and one or more side walls between the first wall and the second wall, at least one solar panel to generate solar energy, and a rechargeable battery to store the solar energy generated. The devices may include a plurality of operating modes for controlling lights within the housing, and a microprocessor for controlling the operating modes. |
| US09255670B2 |
Street lighting device for communicating with observers and associated methods
A thoroughfare lighting device may include a housing configured to be attached to a thoroughfare surface, having a top surface, a proximal face, a distal face, and first and second opposing sidewalls, a driver circuit, a plurality of light-emitting diodes electrically coupled to the driver circuit comprising a first set of LEDs configured to emit a generally white light, and a second set of LEDs configured to emit colored light that is observable by an observer. The lighting device may also include an optic carried by the housing and positioned in optical communication with the plurality of LEDs. The color of light emitted by the second set of LEDs may be selectable to indicate a condition of the thoroughfare in a direction of travel of the observer. Additionally, the first sidewall may taper in a direction of the distal face. |
| US09255669B2 |
Lens, LED module and illumination system having same
An illumination system includes at least an LED module, and at least an illuminated area. The LED module includes an LED, and a lens mounted in light path of the LED. The lens includes a light source recess, a first light emitting surface, a critical reflecting surface, and a second light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface can receive more light quantity than the second light emitting surface. In result, although the light emitted from the first light emitting surface may have greater attenuation than the light emitted from the second light emitting surface, light emitted from the first light emitting surface, which is father to the illuminated are, can make up the intensity losses of attenuation as the first light emitting surface receives more light quantity than the second light emitting surface. As a result, the illumination system has a uniform illumination pattern. |
| US09255665B2 |
Mechanism for puncturing a gas cartridge
A mechanism for puncturing gas cartridges comprises a lever comprising a short lever arm and a long lever arm, both arms extending from a pivot. The mechanism also comprises a ramp for pushing laterally a tip of the long lever arm under application of an input force on the ramp. The lever is configured to rotate about the pivot under lateral movement of the tip of the long lever arm, causing a tip of the short lever arm to apply a puncturing force between the gas cartridge and a puncturing member. A main body may receive the gas cartridge, the puncturing member and the lever. An actuator may be slidably mounted on the main body for applying the input force on the ramp by sliding towards the main body. The mechanism may be incorporated in a gas injection device or in a needleless syringe. |
| US09255662B2 |
Mobile device mount and method of using
This application relates to a mobile device mount and method of using the mount. In some embodiments, a mobile electronic device mount includes: a base configured to secure a first mobile electronic device to a second item; a body configured to receive and retain the first mobile electronic device; and a connector configured to connect the base to the body, wherein the connector includes a rotational component that allows the base and body to move from up to 360 degrees relative to each other in a first plane and move at least 170 degrees relative to each other in a second plane. |
| US09255661B2 |
Adjusters to control lower joints and upper joints
An adjuster is to control operation of a lower joint and an upper joint. The lower joint couples a base to an arm, and the upper joint couples the arm to a mount. The adjuster controls the joints according to a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is to secure the lower and upper joints against adjustability. The second mode is to release the lower and upper joints for adjustability. |
| US09255660B2 |
Camera fixing device
A camera fixing device includes a fixing assembly fixed to an external component, a mounting assembly for mounting the camera; and a connection assembly connected between the fixing assembly and the mounting assembly; the connection assembly comprises a first ball head, the mounting assembly comprises a second ball head, a first end of the connection assembly comprises a first receiving space which receives the first ball head and allows the first ball head to rotate therein, and a second end of the connection assembly comprises a second receiving space which receives the second ball head and allows the second ball head to rotate therein. Due to the fact that the ball head can rotate in the corresponding receiving space, the camera fixing device of the present invention can flexibly rotate and realize an omnidirectional shooting in a three-dimension space. |
| US09255652B2 |
Clamping structure for mounting reducer
Disclosed herein is a clamping structure for mounting a reducer. The clamping structure include a clamp body 431 that is formed at opposite sides thereof with a door connecting portion 431a and a latch member connecting portion 431b to form a rectangular shape with one open side, and a clamp door 434 that can be rotated about a hinge pin 433 formed at the door connecting portion 431a, wherein the clamp door 431 is formed at one side thereof with a fastening portion, to which a latch portion of a latch member 450 is latched to allow a lever handle 446 of a lever member 440 to be pushed, and wherein the lever member 440 is coupled at one end thereof to the latch member connecting portion 450 of the clamp body 431 by a hinge 444 and is rotatably coupled at a middle thereof to the latch member 450 by a hinge 454 of the latch member 450. |
| US09255645B2 |
Reconfigurable valve
A valve is provided. The valve includes a body defining an interior and apertures, additional bodies each having opposed, open ends and being respectively coupled to each of the apertures at one of the respective open ends to define a flow path through each of the additional bodies and into the interior and a valve member. The valve member is disposable in first and second positions in the interior. In the first position, the valve member fluidly couples pairs of the additional bodies with one another via first combined flow paths that crisscross through the interior. In the second position, the valve member fluidly couples different pairs of the additional bodies with one another via second combined flow paths that are substantially parallel through the interior. |
| US09255639B2 |
Electronic control for the drive unit of a vehicle
In vehicles designed to pick up and process crops, drive units affect the ground drive, which is an all-wheel drive, which acts on all of the wheels and/or track roller unit in contact with the ground, electronic controls and actuators perform the control and regulation of the drive units, and control units that control the drive torque at the wheels are used to obtain good traction and minimal slippage of the wheels on the ground. To control the drive torques, sensors are used at particular points, the signals and data of which are processed by the control device in order to predetermine a torque or intake volume requirement. The preselection of torque in the control results in the intake volume of the hydraulic drive motor being regulated. By specifying the intake volume required, it is possible to obtain optimal traction at one or more drive wheels, and to prevent undesired slippage of any one drive wheel in advance. |
| US09255638B2 |
Device for controlling automatic transmission
The object of the invention is to impart a suitable target slip amount depending on a state of change in an output from a driving power source to a torque converter, while simplifying control. A controller has a calculation part for calculating an engine torque change rate that is a rate of change in the output, and a target slip addition amount calculation part for calculating a negative value as an addition amount, when the engine torque change rate is less than or equal to a predetermined value that is a positive value, and for calculating a positive value as the addition amount, when the engine torque change rate is greater than the predetermined value. The controller is configured to set the target slip amount of a lockup clutch by arithmetic processing that integrates the addition amount, determined based on the calculated engine torque change rate, every control period. |
| US09255634B2 |
Brake element for transmission and control system therefor
A first piston (65) that presses friction plates (69a, 69c) is fitted in a second piston (66) in such a manner as to be movable together with the second piston and relatively movable with respect to the second piston. An A-chamber (61) and a B-chamber (62) each configured to move a respective one of the first piston (65) and the second piston (66) by a stroke toward a side close to the friction plates, a return spring (161) biasing the second piston (66) on a side away from the friction plates, and a stopper member (160) configured to prevent a stroke of the second piston (66) toward the side close to the friction plates from becoming greater than a given value (W) are provided. Engagement responsiveness of a L-R brake (60) does not deteriorate even when a clearance (V) in the friction plates (69a, 69c) increases. |
| US09255627B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes a thrust bearing α disposed between a third sun gear of a third planetary gear mechanism and a second sun gear of a second planetary gear mechanism. Accordingly, transmitting a thrust load acting on the second sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism from the thrust bearing to an input shaft via the third sun gear of the third planetary gear mechanism can avoid, as much as possible, a case where the thrust load is transmitted from the third planetary gear mechanism to the input shaft via a fourth planetary gear mechanism, and reduce friction loss of multiple thrust bearings interposed among elements or the like of the third planetary gear mechanism and the fourth planetary gear mechanism. |
| US09255625B2 |
Attachment device for attaching slinging or lashing means
Disclosed is an attaching device for attaching stopping or lashing means to objects that are to be transported or tied down, comprising a fixing element (1), an attaching element (16), and a connecting element (15) which is rotatably mounted on a socket (4) wrapped around the fixing element (1) and connects the attaching element (16) to the fixing element (1). The connecting element (15) leans against ring flanges (6, 7) placed at the ends of the socket (4) via series of rolling bodies (12, 13) so as to allow said connecting element (15) to rotate without jerking and make is sufficiently tilt-proof. |
| US09255623B2 |
Engine with inclined cylinder
An engine with an inclined cylinder, including a horizontally-disposed crankshaft, and two balancer shafts arranged in parallel to the crankshaft. A drive gear for driving the balancer shafts is provided on the crankshaft, and driven gears respectively meshed with the drive gear are provided on the balancer shafts. The two balancer shafts are divided into areas on both sides of a center line of the cylinder and into upper and lower regions relative to an axis of the crankshaft, and axes of the balancer shafts are arranged so as to be placed within a range of a diameter of the drive gear. |
| US09255621B2 |
Damper
A damper includes a cavity and a rotation shaft. The rotation shaft is inserted into the cavity of the body in sealing way. An oil cavity is disposed between the cavity and the rotation shaft. The external wall of the rotation shaft is disposed with a pair of protruding ribs axially. Each protruding rib is a groove. One side of the groove is a first retaining wall and the other side is a second retaining wall. A transitional arc is disposed between the side wall of the groove and the top surface of the first retaining wall. A first shape is formed between the other side wall of the groove and the top surface of the second retaining wall. A blade is disposed between the groove of one protruding rib and an internal wall of the cavity, and the blade is movable between the two retaining walls of the groove. |
| US09255619B2 |
Bi-stable and multi-stable devices
A bi-stable or multi-stable device having two or more stable positions includes an elastically deformable member having two or more stable positions of minimal potential energy, the deformable member being movable, in response to an external force applied to the deformable member, between stable positions by moving through a position at which the deformable member has a peak potential energy. The device also includes an energy storage member, either separate from or part of the deformable member, that absorbs energy from the external force applied to the deformable member as the deformable member moves from a stable position toward a position of peak potential energy, and releases energy as the deformable member moves from a position of peak potential energy toward a stable position, wherein the energy storage member includes a super elastic shape memory alloy (SMA). |
| US09255596B2 |
Rivet element
The invention relates to a rivet element, in particular for attachment to components of fiber composite materials, having a rivet section which is formed at least regionally as a spike which tapers in the direction towards a tip and which can be dilated by means of a die button. |
| US09255595B2 |
Optical dome bezel
Techniques and architecture are disclosed for implementing an optical dome bezel to interface an optical dome/window and a housing of differing coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), In some embodiments, the bezel may comprise a material (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) that is CTE-matched to the optical dome material (e.g., silicon, germanium, sapphire, ALON), thereby mitigating temperature effects on system performance. In some embodiments, the bezel may include a radially compliant flexure feature (e.g., flexure blades, spring-form S-channels), which mitigates physical stress effects (e.g., vibration, thermal expansion/contraction, etc.) on system performance. In some embodiments, the bezel may include an integral environmental sealing feature (e.g., O-ring gaskets), which protects internal optics/electronics from external environmental hazards (e.g., moisture, corrosive substances, particulates, debris). In some embodiments, the bezel may be efficiently and repeatedly removed/replaced while preserving optical system performance. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure. |
| US09255585B2 |
Fan structure and casing structure
A fan structure used for connecting with a plate body includes a main body, a fan blade, a sliding member and a locating member. The main body has an accommodating space and an adjustment slot. The fan blade is pivotally disposed on the main body and is located inside the accommodating space. The sliding member has a base and a joining portion. The base is accommodated in the adjustment slot. The sliding member is joined to the plate body through the joining portion. The locating member is used for joining the sliding member and the main body together, so as to fix the relative position of the sliding member and the main body. |
| US09255583B2 |
Propeller hub having a reinforced polygonal ring and turbine engine provided with such a hub
A variable pitch blade propeller hub for a turbomachine with a longitudinal axis includes a polygonal ring supporting the blades, concentric with the longitudinal axis and including two spaced parallel annular end flanges between which are diametrically fastened, by root areas arising from the annular flanges, collars with cylindrical radial housings to receive the blades. The collars are equi-angularly distributed at the lateral periphery of the polygonal ring and separated from each other by intermediate areas with through-openings. The also includes connectors connecting the polygonal ring to a turbine rotor element of the turbomachine. The intermediate areas defined between two concentric collars and the annular end flanges include elements for reinforcing the collars that are arranged radially and/or tangentially and fastened at least to the lateral walls of two consecutive collars. |
| US09255581B2 |
Fan control system and fan control method
A fan control system and a method thereof are applicable to a computer device. The system includes a fan, a board management unit, a power control module and a rotation speed switching module. The fan is driven by a control power and a rotation speed control signal. The board management unit provides a fan enabling signal, a rotation speed switching signal and a first fan rotation speed signal in a standby state. The power control module receives the fan enabling signal to determine whether to provide the control power to the fan, and switches between an auxiliary power or a main power served as the control power to the fan. The rotation speed switching module receives the rotation speed switching signal to accordingly switch between the first fan rotation speed signal or a second fan rotation speed signal served as the rotation speed control signal to the fan. |
| US09255578B2 |
Systems and methods to monitor pump cavitation
Systems and methods to monitor pump cavitation are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring a pressure parameter and a vibration parameter associated with an asset in an operating process unit. The example method includes calculating a manipulated pressure value based on the pressure parameter. The example method includes calculating a manipulated vibration value based on the vibration parameter. The example method includes determining a state of cavitation associated with the asset based on at least one of the manipulated pressure value or the manipulated vibration value. |
| US09255568B2 |
Rotor for a wind turbine
The invention relates to a rotor for a wind turbine of the type having a rotor hub (8) and a set of rotor blades (9). Each rotor blade (9) is rotatably mounted on the rotor hub (8) for rotation about a blade axis (11). A threaded spindle mechanism (13) interconnects the rotor blade (9) and the rotor hub (8). The threaded spindle mechanism (13) includes a spindle nut (32), a threaded spindle (31) and a drive (21) mounted on the rotor blade (9) adjacent a transition between the rotor hub (8) and the rotor blade (9). The drive (21) is rotatable together with the rotor blade (9) about the blade axis (11) relative to the rotor hub (8) by actuation of the threaded spindle mechanism (13). |
| US09255567B2 |
Two-bladed vertical axis wind turbines
Two-bladed vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have many efficiency advantages over turbines with other numbers of blades. Principles for making them in the ideal fashion are presented for both drag and lift configurations. |
| US09255566B2 |
Sectional blade
A sectional blade for a wind turbine, the blade extending lengthwise between a tip and a root where the blade is attachable to a hub of a wind turbine, crosswise between a leading edge and a trailing edge, and thickness wise between a windward and a leeward outer surface. The sectional blade comprises a first blade portion and a second blade portion. The blade portions are formed as separate components and arranged to extend lengthwise in opposite directions from a junction where the blade portions join. The blade forms, in a cross section perpendicular to the lengthwise direction and through the junction, a maximum thickness location between the leading and trailing edges, the maximum thickness location being where the distance between the windward and leeward outer surfaces is larger than at any other location in this cross section. The sectional blade comprises an assembly board which is adhesively joined to an outer surface of both blade portions between the trailing edge and the maximum thickness location. |
| US09255564B2 |
Glow plug tip temperature estimating method and glow plug drive control device
An arithmetic and control unit is configured to calculate a resistance value of a glow plug on the basis of an energization current of the glow plug and a voltage applied to the glow plug, perform a multiplication of the resistance value and a constant that has been determined beforehand on the basis of an electrical characteristic of the glow plug, input a predetermined heater reference point temperature, calculate an offset with a predetermined offset arithmetic expression from the heater reference point temperature, correct the multiplication result with that offset, and take the correction result as an estimated temperature of a tip of the glow plug. |
| US09255560B2 |
Regenerative intensifier and associated systems and methods
Regenerative intensifier systems that can receive fluids from landfills, anaerobic digesters, wastewater treatment plants, animal waste lagoons, swamp gas, decaying permafrost, and oceanic clathrate decomposition interchangeably with natural gas and other available fuels and substances and provide suitably conditioned fuel for operation of an engine, fuel cell, or other industrial and/or chemical processes. Alternatively, gases collected from landfills, waste digesters, bakeries, breweries, ethanol plants, calciners, power plant stacks, electrolyzers, and/or natural gas that may be delivered at relatively low pressures can be converted to high pressure and/or high purity constituents to enable efficient utilization as a transportation fuel and/or industrial feedstock or chemical plant reactant. |
| US09255557B2 |
Dual fuel injection valve apparatus including a hybrid nozzle for diesel and gas engines
The present invention relates to a dual fuel injection valve apparatus provided with a hybrid nozzle for a diesel engine and a gas engine and an objective thereof is to provide a dual fuel injection valve apparatus provided with a hybrid nozzle for a diesel engine and a gas engine, being capable of respectively injecting two kinds of different fuels from one fuel injection valve by pressure of fuel and tension of a spring.In a fuel injection valve apparatus for injecting fuel to a cylinder of a diesel engine or a gas engine, the present invention sequentially injects, without mixing, two kinds of fuel through respective nozzle holes by pressure of the two kinds of fuel introduced to a fuel valve and tension of a needle spring. |
| US09255556B2 |
Apparatus and method for modifying a fuel tank to accept an in-tank fuel pump
A baffle has a sidewall and an interior space sized to receive the in-tank pump. The sidewall is formed of a flexible material so as to be longitudinally compressible. The compressibility of the sidewall allows the baffle to be mounted in fuel tanks of varying depths. The baffle is used in a method for mounting an in-tank fuel pump in a fuel tank. The method includes the steps of cutting a hole in a top wall of the fuel tank, inserting the baffle into the tank through the hole, compressing the sidewall of the baffle so that the baffle extends between the top and bottom walls of the tank, installing the in-tank pump in the interior space of the baffle and installing a cover plate over the hole. |
| US09255550B2 |
Emission system and method of selectively directing exhaust gas and air within an internal combustion engine
A powertrain includes a combustion chamber, an intake assembly, an exhaust manifold, and a pump. The combustion chamber is configured for combusting an air and fuel mixture. The intake assembly is configured to supply air to the combustion chamber. The exhaust manifold is configured to draw exhaust gas from the combustion chamber. The pump is operatively disposed between the intake assembly and the exhaust manifold such that the pump is in fluid communication with each of intake assembly and the exhaust manifold. The pump is configured to operate in a first mode to draw exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold and supply the exhaust gas to the intake manifold at a positive EGR flow rate such that exhaust gas is supplied to the combustion chamber. |
| US09255541B2 |
Method and system for engine control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for different fuels injected into an engine cylinder from different fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting fuel injection during start and cranking so that fuel of lower alcohol content is port injected and fuel of higher alcohol content is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved. |
| US09255536B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has a plurality of cylinders with fuel-metering injection valves, and an exhaust gas probe that generates a measurement signal characteristic of the air/fuel ratio in the respective cylinder. A correction signal for fuel mass to be metered is determined using a lambda controller as a function of the exhaust gas probe measurement signal. When at least one predefined condition is met within a predefined operating range of the engine, a cylinder-specific diagnosis relating to the emissions of pollutants is performed on the basis of unsmooth running, wherein the cylinder-specific diagnosis is actively performed only in a respective detection phase that is applied to a neutral value by a modified proportional discrete level of the correction signal and is performed with a modified integral parameter of the lambda controller that is reduced as compared with an integral parameter in a normal operating mode of the lambda controller. |
| US09255535B2 |
Control of A/F ratio at cut-out speed
The invention concerns a method for controlling at least one of a fuel supply and an air supply to an internal combustion engine (1), in a fuel supply section thereof, such that an A/F-ratio is adjusted automatically to a desired level. Moreover, the method is activated at a speed close to a cut-out speed threshold (52) where the engine speed will fluctuate around the threshold (52) and the method comprises the steps of: receiving engine speed data on rotational speed from the engine (1), briefly changing the A/F ratio, comparing engine speed data that are essentially unaffected by the brief change to engine speed data that are affected by the brief change to evaluate the impact on the engine speed fluctuation resulting from the brief change, adjusting the A/F ratio in the same direction as the brief change if the engine speed data affected by the brief change indicates an increase in acceleration after combustion/s, and adjusting the A/F ratio in the opposite direction to the brief change if the engine speed data affected by the brief change indicates a decrease in acceleration after combustion/s. |
| US09255532B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control system of internal combustion engine
An air-fuel ratio control system of an internal combustion engine includes a controller that performs air-fuel ratio feedback control through main feedback control and sub feedback control based on the concentrations of oxygen in exhaust gas upstream and downstream of a catalyst respectively, and the controller stores a constant component of a sub feedback correction value of the sub feedback control as a sub feedback learned value, and sets a feedback target value of the main feedback control to values that are different depending on whether or not exhaust gas is recirculated into intake air. When the constant component of the sub feedback correction value obtained when the amount of recirculated exhaust gas is short of its required amount is stored as the sub feedback learned value, the controller corrects the feedback target value of the main feedback control when the recirculation of exhaust gas is not conducted. |
| US09255511B2 |
Exhaust purification system and method for controlling exhaust purification system
Provided is an exhaust purification system capable of clearing a blockage of a reducing agent injection valve caused by solidification of an aqueous urea solution soon after starting an engine and preventing degradation in exhaust purification efficiency when starting an internal combustion engine. An exhaust purification system with a DPF, a reducing agent injection valve, and an SCR catalyst in order from the exhaust upstream side includes: an operation state detecting unit capable of detecting starting and stopping of the internal combustion engine; a forced regeneration control unit which performs forced regeneration of the DPF; a condition establishment determining unit which determines whether there is a possibility of solidification of the aqueous urea solution when the operation state detecting unit detects that the internal combustion engine is stopped; a data storage unit which stores the determination result of the condition establishment determining unit as data; and a blockage-clearing control unit which controls a temperature raising unit for raising the temperature of the reducing agent injection valve so as to raise the temperature of the reducing agent injection valve based on the data when starting the internal combustion engine. |
| US09255510B2 |
Ammonia (NH3) storage control system and method based on a nitrogen oxide(NOx) sensor
A control system includes an upstream nitrogen oxide (NOx) control module that increases an upstream NOx level based on an initial upstream NOx level in an exhaust system, and an ammonia (NH3) storage condition detection module that detects a NH3 storage condition based on a difference in a downstream NOx level before and after the upstream NOx level is increased. A method includes increasing an upstream NOx level based on an initial upstream NOx level in an exhaust system, and detecting an NH3 storage condition based on a difference in a downstream NOx level before and after the upstream NOx level is increased. |
| US09255508B2 |
Internal combustion engine with exhaust-gas aftertreatment arrangement and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
A system and method for controlling temperature of a urea reductant to form ammonia for NOx reduction in a selective catalytic reducer coupled to a turbocharged engine exhaust by portioning a flow across the reductant between compressed air and ambient air. |
| US09255506B2 |
Locomotive natural gas storage and transfer system
A locomotive underframe CNG fuel storage system including: a crashworthy enclosure including a removable side panel and a permanent side panel welded into place; and at least one CNG cylinder module, wherein each CNG cylinder module includes a plurality of CNG cylinders stacked vertically, secured to a vertical wall, and separated by a horizontal plate, wherein the horizontal plate extends towards but does not contact the vertical wall when the vertical wall is planar and, further wherein, the horizontal plate supports the vertical wall from moving further out of plane when vertical axial weight causes the vertical wall for move out of plane towards the horizontal plate. |
| US09255504B2 |
Exhaust gas mixer and system
A device and a system are provided. The system may include a perforated barrier disposed within an exhaust stream downstream from the combustion chamber(s). The barrier may divide the exhaust stream radially and longitudinally. A mixing surface may be coupled with the perforated barrier which may define a path within the exhaust stream to impart a swirl to the exhaust stream. |
| US09255502B1 |
Engine with exhaust system and external acoustic emissions valve
An engine with an acoustic emissions valve or reflector for an exhaust system is disclosed. This reflector is disposed outside of the exhaust system—the reflector is disposed in the atmosphere into which the exhaust system discharges. The reflector is moved between a reflecting position (where the reflector reflects or obstructs acoustic emissions from the exhaust system) and a non-reflecting position (where the reflector does not obstruct the bulk exhaust gas flow from the exhaust system) by rotation of the crankshaft. |
| US09255499B2 |
Rotor for variable valve timing system and VVT system comprising the rotor
The invention relates to rotor body for a variable valve timing system, comprising a main body comprising a front side, a back side and vanes tips, made from a fibrous reinforced polymeric material, a central part comprising an (axial) bore hole made of metal, and sealing elements made of a non-reinforced polymeric material at the vain tips and at the front side and back side. The invention also relates to a variable valve timing system comprising an assembly of a rotor and a stator receiving the rotor on a camshaft, wherein the rotor is a rotor body as described above, wherein an end part of the camshaft and/or a fixing element is received in the bore hole and the rotor is fixed at the end part of the camshaft with the fixing element. |
| US09255498B2 |
Variable valve phasing lift and duration
Various exemplary illustrations of a camshaft assembly for actuating valves of an engine are disclosed. The camshaft assembly may include a camshaft having a plurality of lobes, including at least one phase adjustable lobe configured to be selectively rotated with respect to the camshaft. The assembly may further include a hydraulic valve actuator in communication with a first lobe of the camshaft. The hydraulic valve actuator may be configured to selectively actuate at least one valve in communication with the hydraulic valve actuator in response to the at least one cam lobe. |
| US09255490B2 |
Gas turbine and operating method thereof
Provided is a gas turbine capable of achieving high-speed startup of the gas turbine through quick operation control of an ACC system during startup of the gas turbine, improving the cooling efficiency of turbine stationary components, and quickly carrying out an operation required for cat back prevention during shutdown of the gas turbine. Included are a pressurizing device (40) connected to a branching channel (42) branching from the discharge side of a compressor (11) and capable of carrying out an operation for introducing and pressurizing air independently from the compressor (11); a temperature-control-medium supply channel (43) that guides compressed air pressurized at the pressuring device (40) to a turbine-cooling-medium channel (50) provided in stationary components of a turbine (13); and a temperature-control-medium return channel (44) that guides the compressed air that has passed through the turbine-cooling-medium channel (50) to the discharge side of the compressor (11) such that the flows are combined, and the pressurizing device (40) is operated at startup of the gas turbine and in preparation immediately before startup to carry out temperature-raising and cooling by letting the compressed air flow in the turbine-cooling-medium channel (50). The pressurizing device (40) is operated during shutdown of the gas turbine to exhaust the high-temperature gas remaining in the turbine (13). |
| US09255489B2 |
Clearance control for gas turbine engine section
A section of a gas turbine engine includes a case structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A continuous, ring-shaped liner has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. A flexible leaf member operatively connects the liner to the case structure. The leaf member is configured to accommodate diametrical change in the liner throughout various fan section operating temperatures. |
| US09255487B2 |
Gas turbine engine seal carrier
A gas turbine engine includes a seal assembly that is supported by a member at a joint. The seal assembly includes a seal support having a radial flange secured to the joint. A first bend adjoins the radial flange to a first leg, which is oriented generally in an axial direction. A second bend adjoins the first leg to a second leg, which is conical in shape. A seal is supported by the second leg. |
| US09255486B2 |
Rotating brush seal
A brush seal for use between a rotating component and a stationary component in a turbomachine is disclosed. The brush seal according to embodiments of this invention includes a set of bristles having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end is attached to the rotating component with a mechanical clamping element and the free end extends towards the stationary component, and wherein the set of bristles are angled axially at an axial angle with respect to the rotating component. In one embodiment, the fixed end of the set of bristles are wrapped at least partially around a core element and the clamping element partially surrounds the core element and the fixed end of the set of bristles, wherein the clamping element secures the fixed end of the set of bristles within a circumferential groove in the rotating component. |
| US09255479B2 |
High pressure compressor
A high-pressure compressor (12), in particular in a gas turbine (10), has a compressor rotor (17) which is surrounded by a stator (18, 19) thereby forming a main flow channel (25) and which is delimited at the compressor outlet by an end face (30) substantially extending in the radial direction, along which end face cooling air (21) is conveyed in the radial direction for the purpose of cooling. A prolonged service life is achieved in that the end face (30) is provided with a first system (23, 24) for improving the heat transfer between the cooling air (21) and the end face (30). |
| US09255477B2 |
Rocking piston type compressor
In a rocking piston type compressor, a piston rod 11 is rockingly slidable within a cylinder 10. The compressor is provided with a lip ring 20 and an expansion member 30. The lip ring 20 is configured to seal between the cylinder 10 and piston rod 11. The lip ring 20 is provided on a leading end portion 13 of the piston rod 11 and includes a bottom portion 21 in a circular plate shape and a lip portion 22 extending from an entire peripheral edge of the bottom portion 21 to an upper side in a height direction. The expansion member 30 is provided on an inside of the lip portion 22 and configured to outwardly expand the lip portion 22 at a side of an upper portion in the height direction of the lip portion. |
| US09255475B2 |
Methods for characterizing asphaltene instability in reservoir fluids
A methodology for reservoir understanding that performs investigation of asphaltene instability as a function of location in a reservoir of interest. In the preferred embodiment, results derived as part of the investigation of asphaltene instability are used as a workflow decision point for selectively performing additional analysis of reservoir fluids. The additional analysis of reservoir fluids can verify the presence of asphaltene flocculation onset conditions and/or determine the presence and location of phase-separated bitumen in the reservoir of interest. |
| US09255471B2 |
Encapsulated explosive pellet
An apparatus usable with a well includes an explosive pellet that is adapted to be communicated into the well via a fluid and includes an explosive material that is adapted to be detonated downhole in the well. The apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the explosive pellet to inhibit unintended detonation of the explosive material. The encapsulant is adapted to be at least partially removed from the explosive pellet in response to the explosive pellet being communicated into the well. |
| US09255464B2 |
System and method for subsea structure obstruction remediation using an exothermic chemical reaction
Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature. |
| US09255462B2 |
Valve for velocity strings
The present invention generally relates to a valve assembly for use with a velocity string. The valve assembly is used during the snub-in operation and the snub-out operation of the velocity string. In one aspect, a valve for a velocity string is provided. The valve includes a body having a bore. The valve further includes a flapper member disposed in the body, wherein the flapper member includes a flapper that is movable between an opened position in which fluid flow is allowed to move through the bore in a first direction and a second direction, and a closed position in which fluid flow through the bore is blocked in the second direction. The valve further includes a sleeve member attached to the body by a releasable connection, wherein the sleeve member is configured to hold the flapper member in the opened position. The sleeve member is movable through the bore of the body upon release of the releasable connection. In another aspect, a method of using a valve attached to a bottom of a velocity string is provided. In a further aspect, a valve assembly for use with a velocity string is provided. |
| US09255460B2 |
Internal lockdown snubbing plug
A system, including a plug, including one or more fluid pathways extending between upstream and downstream sides of the plug, and an internal lock positionable in an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the internal lock is resiliently biased to the locked position upon release from the unlocked position, wherein the locked position is configured to internally secure the plug within a wellhead component. |
| US09255447B2 |
Method of forming a bore
A method of forming a supported subterranean well bore in which, in one disclosed embodiment, a first drill bit is mounted on a first string of casing tubulars via a steerable tool, and the drill bit is used to form a first bore. Upon reaching the required depth the casing string is cemented in place to support the formed bore and a second drill bit is mounted on a second casing string and is inserted into the first casing string. The second drill bit is used to drill through the wall of the first casing string and proceed to form a second, deeper bore. Once the second drill bit has reached the required depth, the second casing string is cemented in place to support the second bore. |
| US09255445B2 |
Paint roller tray mounting device
A paint roller tray mounting device includes a platform that has a width sized to fit between first and second side rung supports of a ladder, a length sufficient to support a paint roller tray. The platform has a recess in an upper surface sized and shaped to provide a gripping surface for a ladder rung. At least two securing hooks have a hooking end and an attaching end. The hooks are symmetrically attached at the attaching end adjacent opposite edges of the platform. The hooks extend from at least a lower surface of the platform to a surrounding upper edge of the paint roller tray. The hooks have a tightening device for urging the tray and the platform together. The platform is located beneath the ladder rung or a top shelf of a step ladder. The paint roller tray is located above either the rung or the top shelf. |
| US09255444B2 |
Hurricane resistant fabric clamps
A storm protection system for covering the opening of a building with a flexible material. The system includes a bracket having a first panel and a second panel, the panels each having a surface, the first surface and the second surface of the bracket having a plurality of protrusions disposed thereon (and various embodiments thereof). Another embodiment utilizing at least one inclined planar portion connected to a planar portion of the bracket at the first edge of the inclined planar portion and an elongated member connected to the at least one inclined planar portion for securing a flexible material. A last embodiment includes a planar bracket having a first end and a second end, the planar bracket made of a resilient material. All embodiments operable to hold a flexible material (fabric, screen . . . etc.) over an opening to a building to protect the opening during a storm. |
| US09255443B2 |
Window covering
A window covering includes a headrail, a bottom rail, a shading member, two pulley assemblies, and a cord. The shading member is between the headrail and the bottom rail. The pulley assemblies are received in the headrail, each of which has a frame and a pulley. The frame has an opening, and the pulley is connected to the frame. The cord is a woven Y-shaped cord, having a single control section and two lift sections. The cord runs over the pulleys of the pulley assemblies, the single control section extends out of the headrail to be operated by a user, and the lift sections extend out of the frames via the openings respectively to connect to the bottom rail through the shading member. |
| US09255439B2 |
Vision lite and screw boss channel
A kit for mounting a frame in a partitioning structure such as a door, and a door including a vision lite. The kit includes a male frame half, a female frame half, and threaded fasteners. The female frame half defines an elongated channel, where the channel includes a bottom with walls extending therefrom with a width adapted to receive a threaded fastener. The first frame piece and the second frame piece are configured to be mounted to each other when the threaded fasteners extend through the first frame piece and into the channel. An installation of such a kit in a door, with window glass, may provide a vision lite in the door. The channel may be configured such that the threaded fasteners penetrate the bottom of the channel when the first frame piece and the second frame piece are installed. The threaded fasteners may be self-tapping screws. |
| US09255438B2 |
Press fit storm window system
A system for mounting a secondary panel within a window frame of an existing window. The system includes a rigid panel, an elongated deformable bulb, and an elongated carrier. The bulb has a resilient, rounded portion and a base section with at least one tongue extending from the base section. The carrier is configured to receive at least a portion of an edge of the panel within a panel gap and to receive, between opposing resilient prongs, the tongue of the bulb. The resilient prongs are configured to diverge to allow a distal end of the tongue to pass between the resilient prongs. Also disclosed is a system for mounting a flexible sheet within a window frame of an existing window. |
| US09255437B2 |
Oven appliance with dual opening doors
The present subject matter provides an oven appliance. The oven appliance includes a pair of doors. A pair of sprockets or gears, a pair of chains, and a pair of connecting members couple the doors to each other such that the doors open and close simultaneously. The oven appliance also includes features for limiting or eliminating contact between the connecting members at a location where the connecting members cross each other. |
| US09255435B2 |
Actuating method for adjusting a vehicle window adjustable by an actuating motor and actuating system for such a vehicle window
A servo system and an actuating method for adjusting a vehicle window that can be adjusted with a servomotor. For the sake of improved driving comfort, to permit adjustment of the vehicle window with a sensor, a measurement volume which adjoins the vehicle window in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is monitored for the presence of a body part of a vehicle occupant and/or the presence of a lighted cigarette. The vehicle window is lowered here from its closed position by a portion of its actuating path if the presence of a body part or the presence of a burning cigarette is detected in the measurement volume. |
| US09255433B2 |
Window regulator
A window regulator which attenuates vibrations of a wire, which are generated when the door is closed while a window glass is constrained at the top end of the window, to suppress the generation of an abnormal noise. The window regulator includes a carrier plate coupled to a vehicle window glass, a driving unit which lifts and lowers the carrier plate and is disposed below a lower limit of lifting and lowering of the carrier plate, a lifting wire having one end coupled to the carrier plate and another end coupled to the driving unit via a direction-changing member, and a lowering wire having ends coupled to the carrier plate and the driving unit, respectively. An attenuation member is provided on the lifting wire interposed between the direction-changing member and the driving unit and makes contact with the lifting wire to attenuate vibrations when the lifting wire vibrates. |
| US09255431B2 |
Opening/closing assisting apparatus of gate for truck
An apparatus for assisting opening/closing of a gate for a truck may include a housing mounted onto a lower side of the floor panel, a lifter having a first end pivotally coupled to the floor, wherein the lifter generates elastic repulsive force when being compressed while a length of the lifter is decreased, a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the lifter, a second arm having a first end pivotally mounted on the housing and a second end pivotally connected to a second end of the first arm, and a third arm having a first end pivotally connected to a third end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the gate, wherein when the gate rotates downwardly and is opened, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are moved to compress the lifter. |
| US09255430B2 |
Folding door with two or more intrinsically rigid folding shutter elements with alternately noncollapsing or collapsing element edges and actuation device for same
A folding door with two or more intrinsically rigid folding shutter elements with alternating noncollapsing and collapsing element edges, with at least one guide means which can be raised and lowered on or in one or more guide rail(s), for moving a, in particular the lower, permanently guide rail-adjacent, noncollapsing door element edge, wherein at least one release movement means, which is provided for the initial release movement of the permanently guide rail-adjacent door element edge from the guide rail(s), at the beginning of the opening of the folding door, and for the final advance movement of the permanently guide rail-adjacent door element edge at the end of the closing of the folding door, and an actuation device and method for the same. |
| US09255429B2 |
2-step guide hood latch apparatus for vehicle
A 2-step guide hood latch apparatus for a vehicle is provided, which by removing a conventional safety lever, a driver can open a hood merely with two times of manipulation of a release handle indoors without going out of the vehicle, thereby solving the conventional inconvenience of having to put the hand into the hood and manipulate the safety lever. To this end, the 2-step guide hood latch apparatus includes a pawl rotatably mounted on a base plate, a claw rotatably mounted on the base plate in such a way to be held with the pawl, and a guide lever, an end portion of which is hinge-coupled to the pawl by a hinge structure, and a center portion and the other end portion of which are coupled to the claw to induce 1-step lock and 2-step lock states of the claw, in which a hood is opened merely with manipulation of a release lever inside a vehicle. |
| US09255427B2 |
Key having a retractable insert with limited clearance
A motor vehicle key includes a casing, an insert, a mechanism for deploying the insert, an upper rim of an upper area of the support, and a lower rim of a lower area of the support, the upper rim and the lower rim extending between a rotation end of the key and a blocking end, the upper area and the lower area forming a movement sector of the support, a first play between the rotation end and the support. The movement sector of the support includes at least one constriction point, exhibiting a second play, smaller than the first play, in relation to said support. |
| US09255426B2 |
Interior deadbolt lock cover
A deadbolt lock cover is removably attachable to an anchor plate. While a door is opened, the deadbolt lock cover may be removably engaged with the anchor plate by means of bolts and hooks. When the cover has been engaged with the anchor plate and the door is closed, the interior portion of the deadbolt lock, having the manually operable knob, is inaccessible, being completely covered by the deadbolt lock cover. Thus, the deadbolt lock may only be unlocked by using a key on the outside tumbler of the lock. The cover may include a frame for supporting the bolts and may be of a variety of different geometries. |
| US09255423B2 |
Device to promote hand sanitization
Embodiments of the invention relate to a device to promote hand sanitization, such as a device that includes an assembly used to move a door coupled to a sanitizing agent dispenser such that the dispenser releases sanitizing agent upon manipulation of the assembly to move the door onto the hand of a user and may include a latch that is coupled to the door for latching the door. |
| US09255422B1 |
Lead and particulate abatement system
An encapsulating system for abating and mitigating contamination from lead-based dust, particles and/or chips in a construction repair, renovation or removal operation and thereby minimizing exposure to lead-based hazardous materials is provided. The apparatus utilizes a framing mechanism supporting an encapsulator container or workbag adapted to surround and seal off a work-area encompassing a contaminated work-piece. The framing mechanism is typically adjustable poles or an adjustable frame apparatus having a plurality of height adjustable vertical legs. The flexible plastic encapsulating container is positioned and supported by the adjustable poles or frame. The container has at least one open-end for surrounding the contaminated work-piece, and the open-end of the container is adhered to the work-area and substantially surrounds and seals off the contaminated work-piece from the interior portions of the work site. |
| US09255419B2 |
Cantilever parking lift
A cantilever parking lift system having columns and a platform includes a lift mechanism employing a vertically movable dynamic cross chain sheave assembly positioned adjacent a column, a vertically movable static cross chain sheave assembly positioned adjacent a second column, a cross chain extending from the first base and functionally engaged with the dynamic cross chain sheave assembly and static cross chain sheave assembly and to a block assembly housed in a base, wherein the block assembly is movable along a length of the first base and operable to raise the dynamic cross chain sheave assembly, and wherein the cross chain extends beneath and transversely across the platform. An actuator is positionable in the base, rather than in or around the vertical column. |
| US09255413B2 |
Method for plastering construction in architectural decoration
A method for plastering construction in architectural decoration comprises the following steps: (1) base treatment; (2) applying mortar on the wall surface according to the required plastering depth, and longitudinally installing screeding templates along a wall surface subjected to the base treatment in Step (1) according to the plastering depth, a lateral space between adjacent screeding templates being 1.3 to 1.8 meters; (3) plastering; and (4) laying aside the wall surface subjected to the plastering for 12 to 24 hours till plastering mortar on the wall surface is in a half-dried compact hardened state, and using teeth of a saw blade for grinding the mortar along the two adjacent screeding templates through a ruler till the mortar is even. The method can improve the construction efficiency and guarantee the construction quality. |
| US09255408B2 |
Column structure and base member
In a column structure, a steel column having flanges integrally provided at both width direction ends of a web is welded to a base plate. The base plate is also fixed to first anchor bolts and to second anchor bolts, with the first anchor bolts and the second anchor bolts disposed at the opposite side of the flanges to the web. The second anchor bolts are also disposed at the web width direction inside with respect to the first anchor bolts. Therefore, load bearing ability of a column seat can be efficiently exhibited, and the thickness dimension of the base plate can be reduced. |
| US09255403B1 |
Free span ceiling grid system
Components for constructing a ceiling grid across a span free of or with a limited number of suspension wires including main runners with a relatively high moment of inertia secured at their ends with brackets to wall moldings on opposing walls. |
| US09255402B2 |
Hanging load support
A system for supporting loads from a support structure. The load is supported with threaded rods that are connected from above and below a suspended ceiling of roll-formed sheet metal beams. Clips on the rods connected to the beams pass the load through the suspended ceiling grid without bending or twisting the grid, so that the suspended ceiling remains level, balanced, and intact above the suspended load. |
| US09255400B2 |
Polyurethane foam wall structure
A wall structure comprising a polyurethane backing is disclosed herein. |
| US09255399B2 |
Seismic isolation assembly
A seismic isolation assembly is defined by a first support plate and a second support plate disposed in parallel relation with a spacing being provided between the support plates. The first support plate is connected to ground and the second support plate is attached to a structure to be isolated. A set of wire rope isolators are disposed between the first and second support plates as well as at least one linear damper that is angularly disposed and mounted between the first and second support plates. |
| US09255397B2 |
Truss tower leg reinforcing system
A reinforced triangular truss column having two vertical pipe reinforcing columns added to the three rods of the truss column is provided. Also provided is a method of reinforcing triangular truss columns comprising adding two vertical pipe reinforcing columns to a triangular truss column. |
| US09255394B2 |
Corrugated stormwater chamber having sub-corrugations
A plastic arch-shape cross section corrugated stormwater chamber has a multiplicity of crest corrugations and valley corrugations which run transverse to its length. Sub-corrugations run along part or all of the arch-curve lengths of either crest corrugations or valley corrugations, or along both of them. A sub-corrugations are smaller in dimension than an associated crest corrugation or valley corrugation. Sub-corrugations may taper in width and depth and may taper to nothingness. A compound convex shape end cap, useful for closing off the ends of stormwater chambers, has substantially vertical corrugations with analogous sub-corrugations. |
| US09255393B2 |
Storm water redistribution device
A storm-water redistribution device and installation are described for providing headloss and redistribution of a flow of storm-water runoff. The device includes an elongate, tubular, geotextile enclosure having a plurality of transverse partitions therein that form a plurality of segments along the length of the device. Each segment is filled with a particulate material, such as gravel having a desired grade size or distribution thereof. Longitudinal partitions are provided to form one or more transversely positioned compartments. The device is installed perpendicular to a slope to intercept runoff flows. The flow infiltrates the device and is diverted into vertical infiltrating flow, longitudinal flow that distributes the flow along the device length, and transverse flow that exits the opposite side of the device as overland or subsurface flow of reduced velocity. The partitions enable retention of the particulate materials in desired positions within the device during manipulation and use. |
| US09255386B2 |
Construction machine
A construction machine includes a condenser 24 for cooling refrigerant for an air conditioner; a fan 21 for cooling the condenser 24 by using forward cooling air produced during normal-rotation drive; other cooled objects such as a radiator 25 and the like disposed under the lee of the forward cooling air with respect to the condenser 24; a refrigerant pressure detector 27 for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the condenser 24; and a controller 136 for executing reverse-rotation stop processing for returning the fan 21 to the normal-rotation drive when the pressure P of the air conditioner refrigerant detected by the refrigerant pressure detector 27 reaches a preset normal-rotation return pressure P1 during reverse-rotation drive of the fan 21. Thus, the lowering of the cooling effect of an air conditioner can be suppressed while reducing the burden of cleaning an engine room. |
| US09255372B2 |
Half-barrel intake screen
A half-barrel intake screen is disclosed. The half-barrel intake screen comprises a frame including a first end, a second end, and a bottom coupled between the first end and the second end. Further, a contiguous screen segment couples between the first end and the second end of the frame. However, the screen segment couples to the frame independently of a concrete body having an outlet. In other words, the intake screen does not include a concrete body having an outlet. |
| US09255368B1 |
Snow shover
A snow shover including a scraper blade with a pair of spaced-apart push handles extending rearwardly therefrom. The push handles are pivotally secured to the blade about generally vertical axes. The push handles are length adjustable. |
| US09255367B2 |
Apparatus and method for rapidly immobilizing a land vehicle
An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle is described. The apparatus comprises a plurality of segments flexibly attached end-to-end. At least a subset of the segments further comprise a spike ramp. The segments are connected at the ends via hinges. The segments are adapted to house a net package in a stowed-away configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to a subset of the segments to cause the segments to become unstacked for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated. |
| US09255364B2 |
Image generating apparatus for paving machine and operation support system for paving machine
An image generating apparatus for a paving machine, which generates an output image based on input images captured by multiple image capturing parts attached to the paving machine, includes a coordinates correlating part that correlates coordinates in a space model disposed around the paving machine with coordinates in input image planes in which the input images are positioned and an output image generating part that generates the output image by correlating the values of the coordinates in the input image planes with the values of coordinates in an output image plane in which the output image is positioned, via the coordinates in the space model. The space model includes a first plane area parallel to a road surface and a second plane area that intersects the road surface. The second plane area is set at the front end of the paving machine in a traveling direction of the paving machine. |
| US09255361B2 |
In situ formation of catalytic cigarette paper
Methods for the in situ formation of catalyst particles in cigarette paper are provided. A catalyst precursor, which can be incorporated into the cigarette papermaking process or can be combined with cigarette paper after formation of the paper, can be decomposed to form catalyst particles that are incorporated within the cigarette paper. Cigarette paper comprising the catalyst particles can be used to form a cigarette. During the smoking of a cigarette comprising the catalyst particles the amount of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of the cigarette can be reduced. |
| US09255360B2 |
Sheet manufacturing apparatus
A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a screening unit configured to allow a material having fibers to pass through from openings and screen the material, and a forming unit configured to form a sheet by using a passed material that has been screened. The screening unit has a cylindrical unit with openings on a curved surface which is configured to rotate, two side units that are located at two end parts of the cylindrical unit which are spaced apart in a direction of extension of a rotation center axis thereof and that is configured not to rotate, an introduction unit provided to one of the side units and configured to introduce the material to the cylindrical unit, and a discharge unit provided to the other of the side units, located downward from the introduction unit, and configured to discharge a residual material that does not pass through the openings. |
| US09255358B2 |
Drying device and method for drying laundry
A drying device for a washing machine includes a rotatable drum configured to house laundry items; a tub having the drum therein; a driving unit on the tub and connected to the drum, configured to drive the drum; a drying unit configured to store liquid water and circulate air in the drum to remove moisture from the laundry; and a control unit configured to control operations of the drying unit. |
| US09255355B2 |
Control-panel assembly for household appliances and household appliance provided with such control-panel assembly
The control-panel assembly (1) for household appliances and the like, includes: an outer dashboard (2), and at least one rigid protecting box (4). The outer dashboard (2) is provided with at least one protruding appendix (7) that sticks out of its rear face (2r) and that has a coupling ridge (7a) provided with a number of consecutive coupling segments (7b) that are tilted relative to one another. The protecting box (4) is provided with a corresponding cap appendix (8) dimensioned for resting onto the top of the protruding appendix (7), and which has at least one coupling portion (8a) which is shaped for stably matching with any one of the consecutive coupling segments (7b) of the coupling ridge (7a) of the protruding appendix (7). This allows a discrete adjustment of the spatial orientation of the protecting box (4) with respect to the rear face (2r) of the outer dashboard (2). |
| US09255354B2 |
Washing machine to produce three-dimensional motion
A method for driving a washing machine that includes a main body, a tub disposed within the main body, a main drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a sub drum mounted in the main drum to be relatively rotatable with respect to the main drum, a driving motor, and a control unit to control operations of the driving motor includes producing a three-dimensional motion of laundry in the washing machine by moving the laundry in a circumferential direction and an axial direction simultaneously by relative motions of the main drum and the sub drum to perform the washing process while supplying washing water and detergent. |
| US09255353B2 |
Laundry machine having a drying function
The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven. |
| US09255352B2 |
Apparatus for stitching vehicle interior components
An apparatus for stitching a component is provided. The apparatus includes an awl bar assembly coupled to a first drive device. The awl bar assembly is moved from a first position to a second position along the stitch path with an external drive device. A second drive device is coupled to the first drive device. A needle bar assembly is provided having a needle. The needle moves between an inserted and a withdrawn position, the needle bar assembly being pivotally coupled to the second drive device, the needle bar assembly moves from the first position to the second position with the same external drive device driving the awl bar assembly. A biasing member is coupled to the needle bar assembly, the biasing member being arranged to pivot and align the needle bar assembly in the second position in response to the needle bar being moved to the withdrawn position. |
| US09255347B2 |
Voltage tunability of thermal conductivity in ferroelectric materials
A method to control thermal energy transport uses mobile coherent interfaces in nanoscale ferroelectric films to scatter phonons. The thermal conductivity can be actively tuned, simply by applying an electrical potential across the ferroelectric material and thereby altering the density of these coherent boundaries to directly impact thermal transport at room temperature and above. The invention eliminates the necessity of using moving components or poor efficiency methods to control heat transfer, enabling a means of thermal energy control at the micro- and nano-scales. |
| US09255340B1 |
Method of distributing current in electrodeposition process
A method is provided for electrodepositing a coating a conductive workpiece. The method provides for individually switching on or off electrodes both interior to and exterior to the workpiece so as to control the deposition of the coating material on the interior surface and the exterior surface of the workpiece. Further, an electrode having insulating positioners can be utilized to provide for better centering of the electrode in the interior of the workpiece. |
| US09255333B2 |
High pressure proton exchange membrane based water electrolyzer system
A high pressure proton exchange membrane based water electrolyzer system that may include a series of proton exchange membrane (PEM) cells that may be electrically coupled together and coupled to a proton exchange membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that is spiral wound onto a conductive center post, wherein an innermost PEM cell of the MEA may be electrically connected with the conductive center post, or center electrode, and wherein an outermost PEM cell of the MEA may be electrically coupled to pressure vessel cylinder, or outer electrode. Each PEM cell may include an anode portion and a cathode portion separated by a portion of the PEM membrane. In addition, a non-permeable separator layer may also be spiral wound around the conductive center post and separates the wound portions of the PEM core. |
| US09255332B2 |
Activating rinse and method for treating a substrate
An activating rinse for treating a substrate is disclosed. The activating rinse comprises a first component comprising a dispersion of divalent or trivalent metal phosphate particles having an average particle size that is not greater than 10 μm, and a second component comprising first and second copolymers. The first copolymer is formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or combinations thereof, wherein one end of the first copolymer is terminated by an amine group, a hydroxyl group, or an alkyl group. The second copolymer is formed by the polymerization of styrene and a second monomer containing at least one carboxylate group, anhydride group, or combinations thereof. The second monomer is present in an amount of less than 50 percent by weight of the total weight of the second component. Also disclosed are methods for treating a substrate with the activating rinse and substrates treated with the activating rinse. |
| US09255321B2 |
Directed surface functionalization on selected surface areas of topographical features with nanometer resolution
A method for making a single molecule receptor in a nanopore structure includes depositing a material by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique onto a selected interior surface of a nanochannel and functionalizing a surface of the material with a chemical compound having at least two functional groups. The material forms a patch having a diameter of about 3 to about 10,000 nanometers (nm). Also disclosed are embodiments of a nanopore structure including a single molecule receptor. |
| US09255320B2 |
Thin film superconducting wire and superconducting cable conductor
A thin film superconducting wire with a copper plating thin film produced on a surface of a laminated structure is inferior in bending properties to a thin film superconducting wire having no copper plating thin film. Therefore, a thin film superconducting wire according to the present invention is a thin film superconducting wire including a laminated structure having a substrate, a buffer layer located on one of main surfaces of the substrate, and a superconducting layer located on a main surface of the buffer layer opposite to a main surface facing the substrate. The thin film superconducting wire further includes a copper plating thin film covering an outer periphery of the laminated structure, a residual stress within the copper plating thin film serving as a compression stress. The laminated structure may have a sputtered silver layer. A silver covering layer covering the outer periphery of the laminated structure may be further provided between the copper plating thin film and the laminated structure. |
| US09255319B2 |
Cr-containing austenitic alloy tube and method for producing the same
There is provided a Cr-containing austenitic alloy tube, wherein a chromium oxide film with a thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 μm having the relationship defined by Formula (i) is formed on the inner surface of the tube, wherein the average concentration of C in the depth range of 5 to 10 μm from the inner surface is lower than the concentration of C in a base metal; 0.4≦δ1/δ2≦2.5 (i) wherein δ1 and δ2 are thicknesses (μm) of the chromium oxide film at both ends of tube, respectively. |
| US09255316B2 |
Processing of α+β titanium alloys
Processes for forming an article from an α+β titanium alloy are disclosed. The α+β titanium alloy includes, in weight percentages, from 2.90 to 5.00 aluminum, from 2.00 to 3.00 vanadium, from 0.40 to 2.00 iron, and from 0.10 to 0.30 oxygen. The α+β titanium alloy is cold worked at a temperature in the range of ambient temperature to 500° F., and then aged at a temperature in the range of 700° F. to 1200° F. |
| US09255313B2 |
Steel sheet for hot press forming having low-temperature heat treatment property, method of manufacturing the same, method of manufacturing parts using the same, and parts manufactured by the same
A steel sheet for forming having low-temperature heat treatment property, in which heat treatment is performed within a range of lower temperature than a conventional steel sheet in the event of hot press forming or post-heat treatment after cold forming, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of manufacturing parts using the same. The steel sheet has a composition of, by weight, carbon (C): 0.15 to 0.35%, silicon (Si): 0.5% or less, manganese (Mn): 1.5 to 2.2%, phosphorus (P): 0.025% or less, sulfur (S): 0.01% or less, aluminum (Al): 0.01 to 0.05%, nitrogen (N): 50 to 200 ppm, titanium (Ti): 0.005 to 0.05%, tungsten (W): 0.005 to 0.1%, and boron (B): 1 to 50 ppm, wherein Ti/N: less than 3.4, where Ti/N is the atomic ratio of the corresponding elements, Ceq expressed by the following formula ranges from 0.48 to 0.58, and temperature Ar3 ranges from 670° C. to 725° C. Wherein Ceq C+Si/24+Mn/6+Ni/40+Cr/5+V/14 where C, Si, Mn, Ni, Cr and V indicate the contents (wt %) of the respective elements. |
| US09255305B2 |
High-strength steel sheet having superior toughness at cryogenic temperatures, and method for manufacturing same
According to one aspect, provided is a high-strength steel sheet having superior toughness at cryogenic temperature, comprising, in weight percentage, 0.02 to 0.06% of C, 0.1 to 0.35% of Si, 1.0 to 1.6% of Mn, 0.02% or less (but not 0%) of Al, 0.7 to 2.0% of Ni, 0.4 to 0.9% of Cu, 0.003 to 0.015% of Ti, 0.003 to 0.02% of Nb, 0.01% or less of P, 0.005% or less of S, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein the high-strength steel sheet satisfies the condition of [Mn]+5.4[Si]+26[Al]+32.8[Nb]<4.3 where [Mn], [Si], [Al], and [Nb] indicate contents of Mn, Si, Al, and Nb in weight percentage, respectively. The steel sheet secures toughness when used as structural steel materials for ships, offshore structures, or the like, or steel materials for tanks for storing and carrying liquefied gases, which are exposed to an extreme low temperature environment. |
| US09255304B2 |
Cooling system and cooling method of rolling steel
A cooling system that cools hot rolled long steel bar, provided with a plurality of chambers that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the rolled steel bar. Each of the plurality of chambers is provided with a blow outlet that, facing from the chamber to the rolled steel bar, blows out compressed air for cooling that is introduced to the chamber from a gas inlet that is connected to the chamber; a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzle holes that is provided at this blow outlet so as to face the rolled steel bar; a cooling water supply nozzle that supplies cooling water into the chamber; and a rectifying plate that is provided between the gas inlet and the cooling water supply nozzle, and that prevents the compressed gas for cooling that is introduced from the gas inlet from directly striking the nozzle plate. The cooling system of the present invention sprays a cooling medium that is produced by mixing the cooling water that is supplied from the cooling water supply nozzle and the compressed gas for cooling that is introduced from the gas inlet and rectified by the rectifying plate toward the rolled steel bar through the nozzle holes of the nozzle plate, and performs uniform cooling of the surfaces of the rolled steel bar. |
| US09255301B2 |
Process for the crystallisation of a water-soluble compound
A process for the crystallization of a water-soluble compound from a solution of water and a solvent is provided. A process for the manufacture of crystalline sucrose from sugar palm juice or sucrose-containing biomass comprising such crystallization process is also disclosed. |
| US09255300B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating activity of capped small RNAS
Compositions and methods for modulating transcription by RNA polymerases are described. |
| US09255299B2 |
Compositions and methods for detection of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis
Disclosed are compositions, assays, methods, diagnostic methods, kits and diagnostic kits for the specific and differential detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis from samples including veterinary samples, clinical samples, food samples, forensic sample, an environmental sample (e.g., soil, dirt, garbage, sewage, air, or water), including food processing and manufacturing surfaces, or a biological sample. |
| US09255298B2 |
Probe, and polymorphism detection method using the same
The present invention provides a probe for detecting a V600 polymorphism in the BRAF gene, which is (P1) a fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide which has an identity of at least 80% to a base sequence having a length of 10 to 50 bases including the 228th to the 237th bases of the base sequence indicated in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the base corresponding to the 237th base is cytosine labeled with a fluorescent dye, the oligonucleotide recognizing a polymorphism in at least one of the 228th to the 230th bases of the base sequence indicated in SEQ ID NO: 1 (with the proviso that the oligonucleotide is not the one indicated in SEQ ID NO: 7 or 19). |
| US09255296B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating kidney disorders in a feline
The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the existence of a kidney disorder in a feline comprising measuring the level of expression of one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of lumican; collagen alpha 1 (111) chain, variant 12; decorin; secreted frizzled-related protein 2; retinol binding protein 5; MMP-2; MMP-7; and MMP-19, in a biological sample from the feline, wherein differences in expression of the one or more biomarkers in the sample relative to a control value for expression in a sample from a normal animal indicate the existence of a kidney disorder; a method of treating a feline so diagnosed; and compositions, reagents and kits for carrying out the specified methods. |
| US09255289B2 |
Geometric patterns and lipid bilayers for DNA molecule organization and uses thereof
The invention is related to nucleic acid arrays and methods of using nucleic acid arrays. |
| US09255286B2 |
Methods of determining an analyte concentration that include correction information for at least one interfering variable
Methods are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample. The methods are used for detecting one or more analytes such as metabolites in body fluids, especially glucose. The methods correct for an interfering variable such as temperature and/or hematocrit in a test element system via a correction factor based upon diffusion of a diffusable label. |
| US09255285B2 |
Fermentation medias and processes thereof
The present invention demonstrates the utility of carbonic acid amides such as urea or its derivatives, carbamates, carbodiimides & thiocarbamides as nitrogenous supplements in fermentation media for production of recombinant proteins to achieve enhanced bioconversion rates and peptides like insulin and insulin analogs, exendin and enzymes such as lipase using methanol inducible fungal expression systems such as Pichia. |
| US09255278B2 |
Polynucleotide encoding PPAT derived from jatropha and use thereof
A PPAT polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 derived from Jatropha, a PPAT polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 2 and so on were found. By transforming Jatropha with these PPAT polynucleotides, it is possible to overexpress the PPAT polypeptide in comparison with a wild type, and biosynthesis of coenzyme A is promoted by these polypeptides, the metabolic function and viability of the transformed Jatropha are enhanced, and for example, stress resistance can be significantly improved. |
| US09255274B2 |
Protein-responsive translational regulatory system using RNA-protein interacting motif
An object of the present invention is to provide a translationally regulatable mRNA which has wider application and can perform specific ON-OFF regulation, an RNA-protein complex specifically bound to the mRNA, and a translational regulatory system. The present invention provides an mRNA having an RNA-protein complex interacting motif-derived nucleotide sequence 5′ to the ribosome-binding site or within the 5′ region of the open reading frame, and an mRNA having a nucleotide sequence complementary to an RNA-protein complex interacting motif-derived nucleotide sequence 5′ to the ribosome-binding site or within the 5′ region of the open reading frame. |
| US09255260B2 |
Cytotoxic ribonuclease variants
This invention relates to altered forms of members of the RNase A superfamily. An RNase A can be modified to be cytotoxic by altering its amino acid sequence so that it is not bound easily by the ribonuclease inhibitor while still retaining catalytic properties. While earlier work had identified some modifications to RNase A that would result in cytotoxicity, the use of the FADE algorithm for molecular interaction analysis has led to several other locations that were candidates for modification. Some of those modifications did result in RNase A variants with increase cytotoxicity. |
| US09255258B2 |
Nucleotide transient binding for sequencing methods
Provided herein are compositions and systems for use in polymerase-dependent, nucleotide transient-binding methods. The methods are useful for deducing the sequence of a template nucleic acid molecule and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. The methods rely on the fact that the polymerase transient-binding time for a complementary nucleotide is longer compared to that of a non-complementary nucleotide. The labeled nucleotides transiently-binds the polymerase in a template-dependent manner, but does not incorporate. The methods are conducted under any reaction condition that permits transient binding of a complementary or non-complementary nucleotide to a polymerase, and inhibits nucleotide incorporation. |
| US09255257B2 |
PmST1 mutants for chemoenzymatic synthesis of sialyl lewis X compounds
The present invention provides mutants of PmST1 for the preparation of sialyl-Lewisx oligosaccharides, and other sialosides with decreased sialidase activity. |
| US09255256B2 |
Expression of functional cytochorome P450 monooxygenase system in enterobacteria
A bacterial cell containing a functional cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system, said cell comprising a genetic construct capable of expressing a cytochrome P450 and a genetic construct capable of expressing, separately from said cytochrome P450, a cytochrome P450 reductase wherein the N-terminus of the cytochrome P450 and the N-terminus of the cytochrome P450 reductase are each adapted to allow functional coupling of said cytochrome P450 and said cytochrome P450 reductase within said cell. A bacterial cell containing a cytochrome P450 comprising a genetic construct encoding, and capable of expressing, said cytochrome P450 wherein the cytochrome P450 comprises an N-terminal portion which directs the cytochrome P450 to a cellular compartment of membrane of the bacterial cell. The bacterial cells are useful as, for example, bioreactors, in drug testing and mutagenicity testing and as a source of cytochrome P450. |