| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09262385B2 |
Automatic retrieval of themes and other digital assets from an organizational website
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for determining one or more themes for a portal site. One example process includes operations for identifying a reference to an organizational site that is to be used as a thematic basis for a new portal site. The reference is used to identify a representation of the organizational site. The representation is analyzed based on an analysis rule set. At least one potential theme associated with the organizational site is determined, based on the analysis, and the at least one potential theme is presented to a user. |
| US09262384B2 |
Markup language system, method, and computer program product
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for use in connection with at least one computer-readable Extensible Markup Language (XML)-compliant data document capable of including: a plurality of line items with a plurality of data values, and a plurality of computer-readable semantic tags that describe a semantic meaning of the data values. |
| US09262381B2 |
Array of documents with past, present and future portions thereof
A method, apparatus practicing the method, a system and an interface for displaying an array of computer-readable files having time portions thereof is described. The time portions are configured to display computer-readable files associated with respective time periods to order the computer-readable files along a timeline. The time portions being configured to define at least one of a past portion adapted to display computer-readable files associated with a time before a present time, a present portion adapted to display computer-readable files associated with the present time, and a future portion adapted to display computer-readable files associated with a time past the present time. |
| US09262380B2 |
Calculating node centralities in large networks and graphs
Embodiments related to calculating node centralities in large and complex networks and graphs. An aspect includes approximating a product of a matrix exponential and a random probe vector of an adjacency matrix, wherein the adjacency matrix represents a graph. A diagonal of the adjacency matrix is computed based on the product of the matrix exponential and the random probe vector. The node centralities are then calculated based on the computed diagonal until a designated number of central nodes has been detected according to embodiments. |
| US09262378B2 |
Methods and devices for multi-granularity parallel FFT butterfly computation
A method and device for multi-granularity parallel FFT butterfly computation. The method and device read data and twiddle factors for computation in one butterfly group from the input buffers and the twiddle factor buffer at a time, perform multi-stage butterfly computation in parallel using uniform butterfly representations, and write the results back to the input buffers. The method and device greatly reduce the frequency for accessing the memory, improve speed for butterfly computation, and reduce power consumption. The method and device achieve multi-granularity butterfly computation of various data formats in a parallel and efficient manner. The method and device can specify the parallel granularity and data format for butterfly computation according to particular applications, and are applicable to FFT butterfly computation of balanced and unbalanced groups. |
| US09262377B2 |
Method and apparatus for use in a vending machine
During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base. |
| US09262374B1 |
Model driven command language translator
In one embodiment, a method performs, by at least a processor, a computer networking function as controlled, at least in part, by a configuration for a networking device. Source commands are received to establish the configuration, wherein the source commands are written in a source command language. The source commands are translated from the source command language to target commands written in a target command language, wherein the translation is based, at least in part, on a function to function translation model. The configuration is then established by executing at least the target commands. |
| US09262372B1 |
Achieving balanced interconnectivity in a computer network
Systems and methods of configuring a computer network are provided. The network can include a first stage of M nodes and a second stage of N nodes. Each node in the first stage can form F communication links with nodes in the second stage and each node in the second stage can form S communication links with nodes in the first stage. Nodes in the first stage are connected to each other only through communication links connecting nodes in the first stage to nodes in the second stage. Communication links between the nodes can be assigned such that the minimum value of the throughput between any pair of nodes in the first stage is maximized. |
| US09262368B2 |
Modeling recurring events in a data store
Time-related properties may be modeled independent of a base object. Rather than storing time properties with the object, they may be stored independently. A given object may be stored once, even if it has a recurrent time property. The description of a “meeting,” for example, may be stored once. Each occurrence of that object over time may be stored in a “timeslot” (object |
| US09262365B2 |
Method and device for serial data transmission at a switchable data rate
In a method for enabling transmission of larger data quantities relatively rapidly in a data network, the sent data frames have a logical structure according to CAN Specification ISO 11898-1, the bit length in time within a data frame being able to assume at least two different values; for a first specifiable range within the data frame, the bit length in time being greater than, or equal to a specified minimum value of approximately one microsecond and in at least one second specifiable range within the data frame the bit length in time compared to the first range is at least halved, preferably less than halved; the change of the bit length in time being implemented by using at least two different scaling factors for setting the bus time unit relative to a shortest time unit or the oscillator clock pulse during running operation. |
| US09262362B2 |
Multi-cycle delay for communication buses
A system is disclosed that may compensate for bus timing that may vary over operating conditions of a bus. The system may include a communication bus, a first functional unit configured to transmit data via the communication bus, and a second functional unit configured to receive data via the bus. The first functional unit may transmit a first value via the communication bus to the second functional unit. The first functional unit may be further configured to assert a data valid signal responsive to a determination that a first time period has elapsed since the transmission of the first data value. The second functional unit may be configured to receive the first data value and sample the first data value dependent upon the data valid signal. |
| US09262359B1 |
Method and system for implementing pipeline flip-flops
Disclosed is a method, system, and computer program product for automated implementation of pipeline flip-flops in an electronic design. Two operating modes can be used either together or separately to implement pipeline flip-flops. An analysis mode is employed to perform a determination of the number of stages of pipeline flip-flops needed for particular portions of an electronic design. A placement stage is used to place the pipeline flip-flops in the layout. |
| US09262354B2 |
Adaptive interrupt moderation
Generally, this disclosure relates to adaptive interrupt moderation. A method may include determining, by a host device, a number of connections between the host device and one or more link partners based, at least in part, on a connection identifier associated with each connection; determining, by the host device, a new interrupt rate based at least in part on a number of connections; updating, by the host device, an interrupt moderation timer with a value related to the new interrupt rate; and configuring the interrupt moderation timer to allow interrupts to occur at the new interrupt rate. |
| US09262352B2 |
Access device, communication device, communication system, and data access method
The access device comprises a memory and a device controller configured to send and receive a data control right between the data recording device and a central controller provided in a host device. When having received a request to interrupt transfer of data from the central controller while data is being transferred from the data recording device, the device controller releases the data control right from the data recording device, and has the data recording device determine whether or not mismatching has occurred in file system management information for data stored in the memory. The device controller then returns the data control right to the data recoding device when it is determined that mismatching has occurred in the file system management information. The data recording device releases the data control right after eliminating the mismatching in the file system management information according to the returned data control right. |
| US09262349B2 |
Efficient memory content access
A memory content access interface may include, but is not limited to: a read-path memory partition; a write-path memory partition; and a memory access controller configured to regulate access to at least one of the read-path memory partition and the write-path memory partition by an external controller. |
| US09262347B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for measuring latency in a physical unit of a circuit
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a counter to count between a start value and an end value according to a local clock signal, a first register to store an output of the counter, a mirror elastic buffer to store samples of the counter output received from the first register, where the mirror elastic buffer is to mirror an elastic buffer of a receiver circuit, and a resolution logic to receive a counter output sample from the mirror elastic buffer and a current counter value output from the counter, and to determine a transit latency for a data element to traverse the receiver circuit based at least in part on the counter output sample and the current counter value. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09262344B2 |
Local locking in a bi-directional synchronous mirroring environment
Provided are techniques for local locking in a bi-directional synchronous mirroring environment. In response to receiving a write operation for a block of data on a first volume, a lock is obtained on a corresponding block of data on a second volume to obtain exclusive access to that block of data on the second volume. in response to determining that an active write indicator is set to indicate that there is not an active write on the second volume, updated data for the corresponding block of data is written to cache for the second volume, the lock is released to remove exclusive access to the corresponding block of data on the second volume, and a transfer complete message is sent to the first volume. |
| US09262340B1 |
Privileged mode methods and circuits for processor systems
A system can include a processor coupled to a bus; a first memory coupled to the bus, configured to limit access to a privileged portion according to at least protection values; a second memory coupled to the bus and having a privileged supervisory portion configured to be section erasable, access to the second memory being limited according to at least the protection values; and a boot sequence stored in the privileged portion that configures the processor to decode values stored in the supervisory portion into the protection values for storage in protection value registers. |
| US09262339B2 |
Managing write operations in a computerized memory
A method, computer program product, and storage device for managing a computerized memory for storing data are disclosed. Data updates are performed by writing data updates out-of-place where data updates to outdated data are written to a subunit different from a subunit containing the outdated data. The subunit containing the outdated data is invalid, while a subunit containing up-to-date data is a valid subunit. A data structure is maintained for providing the m units in a sorted way. A first subset of n units is selected out of the set of m units with n |
| US09262337B2 |
Dynamically determining a translation lookaside buffer flush promotion threshold value
A translation lookaside buffer (TLB) of a computing device is a cache of virtual to physical memory address translations. A TLB flush promotion threshold value indicates when all entries of the TLB are to be flushed rather than individual entries of the TLB. The TLB flush promotion threshold value is determined dynamically by the computing device by determining an amount of time it takes to flush and repopulate all entries of the TLB. A determination is then made as to the number of TLB entries that can be individually flushed and repopulated in that same amount of time. The threshold value is set based on (e.g., equal to) the number of TLB entries that can be individually flushed and repopulated in that amount of time. |
| US09262335B2 |
Re-building mapping information for memory devices
Memory modules and methods of operating memory modules re-build mapping information from data read from last valid physical pages. Corruption of mapping information is detected. A last valid physical page associated with logical data blocks is read. Mapping information is obtained from the data read from the last valid physical page, and mapping information is re-built using the mapping information obtained from the last valid pages. |
| US09262330B2 |
Column oriented in-memory page caching
A one-dimensional array is allocated in an in-memory cache for each column in a set of tabular data. The data type of each one-dimensional array is set to be the same as the data type of the corresponding column in the tabular data. Once the one-dimensional arrays have been allocated in memory, a portion of the data from each column in the tabular data is stored in a corresponding one-dimensional array. The tabular data stored in the one-dimensional arrays in the cache may then be utilized to generate an on-screen display of a portion of the tabular data. |
| US09262324B2 |
Efficient distributed cache consistency
Mechanisms are provided for performing a write operation on a shared resource in a cluster of data processing systems. The mechanisms determine whether a locally cached copy of the shared resource is present in a local cache memory. The mechanisms, in response to a determination that a locally cached copy is present, determine whether the locally cached copy is a latest version of the shared resource. The mechanisms, in response to determining that that locally cached copy is a latest version: perform the write operation on the locally cached copy to generate an updated locally cached copy, and transmit a cluster event notification to other data processing systems of the cluster indicating the shared resource was written to and which data processing system performed the write operation. The cluster event notification is logged in at least one change log data structure associated with the other data processing systems. |
| US09262323B1 |
Replication in distributed caching cluster
A cache cluster is configuration-aware such that client initialization, access to replicated cached data and changes to the underlying structure of the cache cluster can be dynamically updated. For example, a management system monitoring a cache cluster notices a large number of requests for a key that causes a significant load on a first memory caching node. To reduce the load on the first memory caching node, the management system may cause cached data related to the key to be replicated to a second memory caching node. A configuration stored in one or more of the memory caching nodes may be updated by the management system to allow both memory caching nodes to serve the requests for the key to clients. |
| US09262322B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing a processor architectural state in cache memory
A method includes storing architectural state data associated with a processing unit in a cache memory using an allocate without fill mode. A system includes a processing unit, a cache memory, and a cache controller. The cache controller is to receive architectural state data associated with the processing unit and store at least a first portion of the architectural state data in the cache memory using a first fill mode responsive to a first value of a fill mode flag and store at least a second portion of the architectural state data in the cache memory using a second fill mode responsive to a second value of a fill mode flag, wherein the first fill mode differs from the second fill mode with respect to whether previous values of the architectural state data are retrieved prior to storing the first or second portions in the cache memory. |
| US09262317B2 |
Non-volatile configuration for serial non-volatile memory
Example embodiments for configuring a serial non-volatile memory device may comprise a non-volatile configuration register to store a configuration value received from the processor, the configuration value to specify one or more attributes of a memory access operation. The configuration value may be read at least in part in response to power being applied to the memory device. |
| US09262315B2 |
Uneven wear leveling in analog memory devices
A method for data storage in a memory that includes multiple analog memory cells, includes defining, based on a characteristic of the memory cells, an uneven wear leveling scheme that programs and erases at least first and second subsets of the memory cells with respective different first and second Programming and Erasure (P/E) rates. Data is stored in the memory in accordance with the uneven wear leveling scheme. |
| US09262310B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for bulk assigning tests for execution of applications
An apparatus is provided for facilitating bulk assignment of test cases to a test cycle. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to enable selection, via a user interface, of test cases to assign the test cases to a designated test cycle. The test cases are designated for testing or execution of functions of at least one application. The processor is also configured to automatically calculate an estimated duration of time in which to complete the testing or execution of the functions in response to receipt of indications of selections of the test cases via the user interface. The processor is also configured to provide visible indicia in the user interface indicating the estimated duration of time in which to complete the testing or the execution of the functions of the application. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided. |
| US09262308B2 |
Test paths generation for a physical system
A system generates a test path set in a very efficient manner. The test path set may be tailored to test a target physical system, such as a complex set of source code, a manufacturing line of multiple process nodes, or other physical system. The system may generate the test path set to meet certain goals in testing the target physical system, for example comprehensive testing of system paths, system nodes, or particular subsets. As one example, the system may efficiently generate a test path set that uses the minimum number of test paths to test a coverage goal, for example traversing each of the prime paths in the target physical system. |
| US09262305B1 |
Simulation observability and control of all hardware and software components of a virtual platform model of an electronics system
Aspects of the present invention describe a system and method for a user of an event-driven simulation environment and/or embedded software debugger interface to step through the source code of components modeled by the environment/debugger, including the embedded software or hardware model source code. In a virtual platform modeling hardware components, bare-metal software programs, and high-level software applications or processes, the source code of each modeled component may be stepped through during simulation. Insertion points for breakpoints or watchpoints may be detected during a traversal of the source code of each component being modeled in the virtual platform and such breakpoints inserted automatically. |
| US09262299B1 |
Simulation observability and control of all hardware and software components of a virtual platform model of an electronics system
Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for a user of an event-driven simulator to specify complex breakpoint conditions and actions which allow both hardware and software states to be accessed. In a virtual platform modeling hardware components, bare-metal software programs, and high-level software applications or processes, a global identifier may be used to unambiguously identify each element, object, and subcomponent of the modeled system. The unambiguous global identifier may include an instance name and a hierarchical path name. A state of a specific element, object, or modeled component may trigger a breakpoint or be utilized or set as part of a breakpoint condition. |
| US09262296B1 |
Static feature extraction from structured files
Data is received or accessed that includes a structured file encapsulating data required by an execution environment to manage executable code wrapped within the structured file. Thereafter, code and data regions are iteratively identified in the structured file. Such identification is analyzed so that at least one feature can be extracted from the structured file. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US09262295B2 |
Multiple configuration item status value analysis
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for configuration item (CI) status value analysis for multiple performance monitors. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-CI analysis method can be provided. The method can include weighting different CI status values produced by different performance monitors for a single resource in a monitored computing system and displaying selected ones of the weighted different CI status values according to relevance determined by weight. In one aspect of the embodiment, weighting different CI status values produced by different performance monitors for a single resource in a monitored computing system can include locating the different CI status values for the single resource in a configuration management database (CMDB), identifying the different performance monitors producing the different CI status values in the CMDB and applying weights to the different CI status values according to CI status value characteristics. |
| US09262293B2 |
Debug apparatus and methods for dynamically switching power domains
Methods and apparatus are provided that facilitate debugging operations for components in dynamic power domains. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit includes hardware sectors associated with observability circuits served by a debug data bus of a debug circuit. A controlled sector residing in a dynamically-controlled power domain may be turned off while the power domain of another sector remains on. To continue to have debug observability all the way through and after these power events, a debug data register is configured to provide data, such as configuration and/or programming data, to the observability circuit of the controlled sector via the debug data bus. A shadow register is configured to capture the data provided to the controlled sector's observability circuit. The shadow register data is used upon restoring power to the controlled sector to restore the controlled sector's observability circuit to a state when the controlled sector was previously powered on. |
| US09262291B2 |
Test device and operating method thereof
A test device includes a circuit modelling portion suitable for generating one or more model circuits by modelling a test-object circuit with a one-to-one or a one-to-multi relationship between the test-object circuit and the model circuits, and a test operation portion suitable for synthesizing the model circuits and performing a test operation on the model circuits. |
| US09262289B2 |
Storage apparatus and failover method
A storage apparatus is provided with a virtualization mechanism which manages first and second LPARs (logical partitions) assigned respectively with first and second logical resources acquired by logically partitioning physical resources in the storage apparatus. The virtualization mechanism provides a shared memory area which is an area based on a memory and can be accessed by the first and second LPARs. The first LPAR stores information required for taking over a data input/output process handled by the first LPAR to the second LPAR, in the shared memory area. When detecting that a fault occurs in the first LPAR, the second LPAR acquires the information required for taking over from the shared memory area and takes over and executes the data input/output process formerly handled by the first LPAR on the basis of the information required for taking over. |
| US09262288B2 |
Autonomous dispersed storage system retrieval method
A method for execution by a storage unit in a directory-less distributed storage network (DSN) begins by receiving a read request regarding a data segment of data. The method continues by determining, based on the read request, whether an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices is locally stored, wherein the data segment was dispersed storage error encoded to produce the set of encoded data slices. When the encoded data slices are locally stored, the method continues by generating a read response. The method continues by determining whether to forward the read request to another storage unit of the directory-less DSN. When the read request is to be forwarded, the method continues by identifying one or more storage units to which the read request is to be forwarded and the read request is then forwarded to the one or more identified storage units. |
| US09262285B1 |
System and method for failover using virtual ports in clustered systems
A system and method for utilizing virtual ports associated with a physical port in a Fiber Channel adapter for use in a clustered storage system is disclosed. A plurality of virtual ports are created and associated with a physical port on a storage system. One of the virtual ports is utilized as a standby port to be used to assume the identity of a port associated with a failed storage system in the cluster. In the event of a failover operation, the standby port is activated and assumes the identity of the failed storage systems port. Data access requests previously directed to the failed storage system are received by the activated virtual port and processed by the surviving storage system. |
| US09262281B2 |
Consolidating analytics metadata
A single system merges primary data storage, data protection, and intelligence. Intelligence is provided through in-line data analytics, and data intelligence and analytics are gathered on protected data and prior analytics, and stored in discovery points, all without impacting performance of primary storage. As data is written it is automatically mirrored for data protection as part of a High Availability (HA) process. Real-time analysis is done in-line with the HA processing, enabling a variety of data analytics. Data content can mined from within files or blocks. The gathered intelligence is used to tag objects with extended metadata, enabling both valuable search options and rapid restore options. Data recovery begins with metadata restoration, followed by near-instantaneous access to “hot” regions of data being restored, allowing site operation to continue or resume while a restore is ongoing. |
| US09262268B2 |
Method to distribute user data and error correction data over different page types by leveraging error rate variations
An apparatus includes a memory and a controller. The memory includes a plurality of memory devices. Each memory device has a plurality of page types. The plurality of page types are classified based on error rate variations. The controller may be configured to write user data and error-correction data to the memory. The user data and the error-correction data are organized as a super-page. The super-page includes a plurality of sub-pages. The plurality of sub-pages are written across the plurality of memory devices such that the plurality of sub-pages are stored using more than one of the plurality of page types. |
| US09262264B2 |
Error correction code seeding
The technology disclosed herein provides a method of verifying data read from a data block when the cell number of the data block does not match an ECC value stored in the data block. In particular, the method includes accessing a data block in an indexed sequence of data blocks based on a cell number, wherein each data block in the indexed sequence includes a stored ECC value; retrieving an offset associated with the cell number of the data block; generating an ECC value based on the cell number and the offset; and determining whether the generated ECC value and the stored ECC value satisfy an integrity condition. |
| US09262261B2 |
Memory devices facilitating differing depths of error detection and/or error correction coverage
Memory devices facilitating differing depths of error detection and/or error correction coverage for differing portions of a memory array. |
| US09262254B2 |
Method and apparatus to manage information between a scan tool and networked devices
A system and method for managing information between a diagnostic tool and a networked computing device are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic tool for retrieving information from a vehicle under test, a networked computing device for providing information concerning the vehicle under test, and an information management device for assisting communication between the diagnostic tool and the networked computing device. Information is gathered by the diagnostic tool and sent to the information management device which determines how to process the information, which may then be sent to the networked computing device for processing and returning relevant data to the information management device, and potentially to the diagnostic tool. |
| US09262250B2 |
System and method for data collection and analysis of information relating to mobile applications
A system and method are provided for data collection and analysis of information related to applications. Specifically, the developer of the application may install analytic software, which may be embodied as a software development kit (SDK), on an integrated development environment (“IDE”) associated with the developer, wherein the analytic software may be installed with a wizard-like interface having a series of easy to follow instructions. Once installed, the application, with the analytic software incorporated therein, may be provided and installed on a plurality of end user devices. Thereafter, the analytic software may work in conjunction with analytic processing logic to assist the developer in obtaining pertinent information related to bugs associated with the application that is being executed on an end user device. |
| US09262248B2 |
Log configuration of distributed applications
A method of configuring a logging utility includes generating, by a computer system, at least one message based on a model of logs from at least two software components of a multi-component application and sending, by the computer system, the message to at least one of the two software components for configuring a logging utility of the corresponding software component. |
| US09262246B2 |
System and method for securing memory and storage of an electronic device with a below-operating system security agent
A security agent configured to execute on the electronic device at a level below all of the operating systems of the electronic device accessing the memory or a storage of the electronic device may be further configured to: (i) access one or more security rules to determine a criteria by which an attempted access involving a transfer of content between the memory and the storage of an electronic device will be trapped; (ii) if the criteria is met, trap, at a level below all of the operating systems of the electronic device, attempted access of data between memory and storage of an electronic device; and (iii) analyze, at a level below all of the operating systems of the electronic device, information associated with the attempted access to determine if the attempted access was affected by malware |
| US09262244B2 |
Method and system for efficient inter-process communication in a high availability system
A system, method and associated data structures for providing inter process communication where IPC endpoints may get relocated during the operation of the system. A device in accordance with the principles of the present invention comprises IPC filter rule management process, IPC filter rule lookup process, IPC filter rule table and plurality of IPC endpoints and a network interface for connectivity, wherein IPC filter rule management process creates, deletes and updates the entries in IPC filter rule table, and wherein IPC filter rule lookup process finds the matched rule and takes the forwarding actions. A system in accordance with the principles of present invention for providing inter process communication where IPC endpoints may get relocated during the operation of the system comprises a plurality of preferred devices which in an embodiment may be connected with plurality of functional peers through plurality of network interfaces. |
| US09262241B2 |
Computer system, computer-implemented method and computer program product for sequencing incoming messages for processing at an application
In one aspect, the present application is directed to a computer system, a computer-implemented method and a computer program product for processing at an application. The computer system may comprise an application operable to process incoming messages, wherein at least two of the incoming messages are correlated, wherein correlated messages need processing at the application in a required order; and a sequencing framework implemented with the application to intercept the incoming messages and comprising an internal buffer to identify the correlated messages and to buffer the correlated messages as a message group with the required order, wherein the sequencing framework interacts with the application by transferring the incoming messages from the internal buffer in the required order to the application for processing. |
| US09262239B2 |
User-creatable custom workflows
This document describes techniques enabling users to customize their applications through workflows. In contrast to often-simplistic rules, these user-selectable workflows can be arbitrary and nearly limitless in number and complexity. Further, these workflows do not require that an application designer build them by adding or altering code of the application. The techniques enable users to create workflows by connecting exposed events and exposed actions of an application. These connections, referred to as “synapses,” are used by the techniques to build workflows, thereby permitting users to customize the application. |
| US09262238B2 |
Connection management for an application in a computing platform
A computing device detects an event generated by a first component that publishes a connection endpoint, the event indicating that the connection endpoint of the first component has been modified. The computing device determines a second component that subscribes to the connection endpoint. The computing device updates a location of the connection endpoint in a data structure associated with the second component to maintain a connection between the first component and the second component. |
| US09262237B2 |
Automating software availability management based on API versioning
A method is disclosed for automating software availability management based on application program interface (API) versioning. The method includes receiving a call to a first version of an API method from a software application. The method includes retrieving software configuration information for the software application, the software configuration information including a set of supported versions of the API method. The method includes retrieving server configuration information for a server computing device, the server configuration information including a set of available versions of the API method. The method then includes determining availability of the server computing device to support the software application. |
| US09262235B2 |
Messaging interruptible blocking wait with serialization
Enhanced message passing architectures and libraries include an interruptible wait feature. After a thread X calls a completion-awaiting routine of a message passing interface library, a progress engine executes while the routine is in the blocked condition. A thread Y interrupts the routine before all messaging operations are completed. The interrupted routine returns control to thread X with an indication that the routine's completion condition is unsatisfied. The completion-awaiting routine may have the same function signature as a standard MPI routine. In some cases, thread Y interrupts the routine while requesting a lock held by thread X. In some applications, thread X is a communication thread and thread Y is one of multiple worker threads. The interruptible wait feature may be joined by an asynchronous callback feature, which associates a callback with a deterministic execution context. |
| US09262234B2 |
Expedited module unloading for kernel modules that execute read-copy update callback processing code
A technique for expediting the unloading of an operating system kernel module that executes read-copy update (RCU) callback processing code in a computing system having one or more processors. According to embodiments of the disclosed technique, an RCU callback is enqueued so that it can be processed by the kernel module's callback processing code following completion of a grace period in which each of the one or more processors has passed through a quiescent state. An expediting operation is performed to expedite processing of the RCU callback. The RCU callback is then processed and the kernel module is unloaded. |
| US09262230B2 |
Method and system for work partitioning between processors with work demand feedback
A method according to one embodiment includes the operations of loading binary code comprising a top level task into memory on a first processor, the top level task having an associated range; determining if the top level task is divisible into a plurality of sub-tasks based on the range; for each of the sub-tasks, determining if a given sub-task is divisible into a plurality of sub-sub-tasks; and if the given sub-task is indivisible, executing the given sub-task; otherwise, if the given sub-task is divisible, dividing the given sub-task into the plurality of sub-sub-tasks. |
| US09262227B2 |
Virtual machine management method and apparatus
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium has a program stored therein for causing a computer to execute a process. The process includes estimating a cost of executing a live migration of a virtual machine, using a count value of an access counter for counting the number of accesses to a memory allocated to the virtual machine, a capacity of the memory, and a bandwidth of data transfer between physical machines relating to the live migration. |
| US09262223B2 |
Lazy initialization of operator graph in a stream computing application
System, method, and computer program product to perform an operation, comprising receiving job information for a stream computing application, the job information comprising a plurality of processing elements configured to process streaming data tuples according to an execution path defined by a operator graph, deploying a first set of processing elements of the plurality of processing elements to one or more compute nodes, initializing a subset of the first set of processing elements, executing the stream computing application on the first set of processing elements, and, responsive to receiving a predefined number of data tuples to be processed by an additional processing element of the plurality of processing elements when executing the stream computing application, deploying the additional processing element to the one or more compute nodes, and initializing the additional processing element. |
| US09262222B2 |
Lazy initialization of operator graph in a stream computing application
System, method, and computer program product to perform an operation, comprising receiving job information for a stream computing application, the job information comprising a plurality of processing elements configured to process streaming data tuples according to an execution path defined by a operator graph, deploying a first set of processing elements of the plurality of processing elements to one or more compute nodes, initializing a subset of the first set of processing elements, executing the stream computing application on the first set of processing elements, and, responsive to receiving a predefined number of data tuples to be processed by an additional processing element of the plurality of processing elements when executing the stream computing application, deploying the additional processing element to the one or more compute nodes, and initializing the additional processing element. |
| US09262221B2 |
Calculating the rank of multiple virtual machines based on a negative correlation between the rank and each of the computational capacity and monetary investment
In some embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-implemented method includes accessing a set of two or more activity logs associated with two or more virtual machines, each activity log being associated with a corresponding virtual machine. A computational capacity is calculated, by a computer processor, for each of the virtual machines based at least in part on the activity logs. A rank is calculated for each of the virtual machines, where a first rank calculated for a first virtual machine is based, at least in part, on a monetary cost of the first virtual machine and the calculated computational capacity of the first virtual machine. |
| US09262210B2 |
Light weight workload management server integration
A method, computer program product and system for workload management for an Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) system. A priority of each workload in a set of workloads is determined using a priority rule. In response to determining that the priority of a workload to be checked has a highest priority, it is indicated that the workload has the highest priority. It is determined whether at least one logical resource representing an ETL metric is available for executing the workload. In response to determining that the workload has the highest priority and that the at least one logical resource is available, it is determined that the workload is runnable. |
| US09262208B2 |
Automated, controlled distribution and execution of commands and scripts
Distributed execution of commands and scripts may comprise a script execution manager having access to a library of executable objects comprising at least one or more of commands or scripts or combination of commands and scripts. A script execution console may be operable to present a graphical user interface for selecting an executable object from the library to execute and for selecting one or more managed computers, on which to execute the selected executable object. The script execution console may be further operable to present a dynamically updated collation of results from execution of the selected executable object. One or more script execution agents may be operable to run on the selected respective one or more managed computers and further operable to communicate with the script execution manager. |
| US09262206B2 |
Using the transaction-begin instruction to manage transactional aborts in transactional memory computing environments
When executed, a transaction-begin instruction specifies an initial value for a transaction-count-to-completion (CTC) value for a transaction. The initial value indicates a predicted duration of the transaction. The CTC value may be a number of instructions to completion or an amount of time to completion. The CTC value is adjusted as the transaction progresses. The adjusted CTC value indicates how far the transaction is from completion. When a disruptive event associated with inducing transactional aborts, such as an interrupt or a conflicting memory access, is identified while processing the transaction, processing of the disruptive event is deferred if the adjusted CTC value satisfies deferral criteria. If the adjusted CTC value does not satisfy deferral criteria, the transaction is aborted and the disruptive event is processed. |
| US09262204B2 |
System and method for input data load adaptive parallel processing
Systems and methods provide an extensible, multi-stage, realtime application program processing load adaptive, manycore data processing architecture shared dynamically among instances of parallelized and pipelined application software programs, according to processing load variations of said programs and their tasks and instances, as well as contractual policies. The invented techniques provide, at the same time, both application software development productivity, through presenting for software a simple, virtual static view of the actually dynamically allocated and assigned processing hardware resources, together with high program runtime performance, through scalable pipelined and parallelized program execution with minimized overhead, as well as high resource efficiency, through adaptively optimized processing resource allocation. |
| US09262202B2 |
Hybrid dependency analysis using dynamic and static analyses
A method, computer program product, and system for performing a hybrid dependency analysis is described. According to an embodiment, a method may include computing, by one or more computing devices, one or more dynamic hints based on a finite set of executions of a computer program. The method may further include performing, by the one or more computing devices, a hybrid dependence analysis of one or more statements of the computer program. |
| US09262201B2 |
Performing collective operations in a distributed processing system
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for performing collective operations on a hybrid distributed processing system are provided. Embodiments include determining by at least one task that a parent of the task has failed to send the task data through the tree topology; and determining whether to request the data from a grandparent of the task or a peer of the task in the same tier in the tree topology; and if the task requests the data from the grandparent, requesting the data and receiving the data from the grandparent of the task through the second networking topology; and if the task requests the data from a peer of the task in the same tier in the tree, requesting the data and receiving the data from a peer of the task through the second networking topology. |
| US09262197B2 |
System and method for input/output acceleration device having storage virtual appliance (SVA) using root of PCI-E endpoint
Methods and systems for I/O acceleration using an I/O accelerator device on a virtualized information handling system include pre-boot configuration of first and second device endpoints that appear as independent devices. After loading a storage virtual appliance that has exclusive access to the second device endpoint, a hypervisor may detect and load drivers for the first device endpoint. The storage virtual appliance may then initiate data transfer I/O operations using the I/O accelerator device. The data transfer operations may be read or write operations to a storage device that the storage virtual appliance provides access to. The I/O accelerator device may use direct memory access (DMA). |
| US09262195B2 |
Manageable external wake of virtual machines
A system and method for waking hibernating virtual machines (VMs) are disclosed. In particular, a host operating system (OS) may decide to wake a hibernating VM in response to a message received by the host, such as an incoming networking packet, a message generated by an external event (e.g., a hardware device fault, an interrupt, etc.), etc. In accordance with one embodiment, the decision whether to wake a hibernating VM may be based on a sender of the message. |
| US09262194B2 |
Virtual machine communications
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to emulate a virtual device with bidirectional communication capability using a hypervisor. A virtual machine, started by the hypervisor, is capable of receiving hypervisor information from, and transmitting virtual machine information to the hypervisor via the bidirectional communication capability. Further activity may include detecting the existence of the hypervisor information by detecting a logical connection of the virtual device, and masking the existence of the virtual device from a virtual machine user inside the virtual machine. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09262192B2 |
Virtual machine data store queue allocation
Systems and techniques are described for allocating data store queues to virtual machines. A described technique includes allocating a respective queue to each of a plurality of threads, wherein the queue is configured to queue data requests from the respective thread and for a first data store, determining, for each of a plurality of threads, a respective maximum quantity of pending requests for the thread, wherein a quantity of pending requests sent from the respective queue to the first data store is equal to the maximum quantity of pending requests determined for the thread, determining, for each of the threads, a respective current quantity of operations per second, determining, for each of one or more first threads in the plurality of threads, a respective updated quantity of pending requests, and adjusting, for each first thread, the quantity of pending requests of the first thread sent to the first data store. |
| US09262191B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for processing service flow
A method, an apparatus, and a system for processing a service flow, which belong to the field of communications. Correspondence between a service application attribute and a service application identifier is preconfigured on an NSP board so that after a service flow carrying the service application attribute is received, the service application identifier of the service flow may be determined, which service application corresponding to a service flow may be known according to the service application identifier corresponding to the service flow, and when a plurality of service applications is deployed on an NSP at the same time, a service flow can be correctly sent to a virtual machine of a corresponding service application for service processing. |
| US09262185B2 |
Scripted dynamic document generation using dynamic document template scripts
A dynamic document template having static data, dynamic data, and/or procedural statements may be called by an application on a server. The dynamic document template is separate from the application program and is processed to form an interim script, which is then executed by a host computer system. The script generates document records in HTML or XML format that are output to a document. The data and procedural statements in the dynamic document template may be distinguished through interpreting mark-up language surrounding the data and procedural statements. The dynamic document templates execute in a separate namespace from the application and preserve the state of data in the application. A given application may call more than one dynamic document template to generate different portions of the output document. Additionally, the dynamic document templates may be replaced with new templates without affecting the application. |
| US09262180B2 |
Method and apparatus for recommending product features in a software application in real time
A computer implemented method and apparatus for recommending product features in a software application in real time comprising analyzing an object to detect at least one issue to be addressed in the object; identifying at least one user action taken to address the at least one issue in the object; accessing a recommendations library to find at least one recommendation to address the at least one issue in the object; and displaying the at least one recommendation. |
| US09262179B1 |
Automatic mapping for cross-platform display
Mapping logic information associating a particular type of input with a particular response may be stored in memory. Data including information regarding a display of the host device may be received. Such information may be used to identify multiple descriptions of the host device display. Each description is mapped to a response based on the stored mapping logic. For example, a status bar may be used by the host device to show status updates. The map allows for a different type of response to status updates on the client device, such as a translucent pop-up window. Instructions may be generated for the client device, such that the client device response to input information is based on the mapped description. |
| US09262177B2 |
Selection of a primary microprocessor for initialization of a multiprocessor system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for initializing a plurality of processors of a multi-processor system by executing, at each respective processor of the plurality of processors, at least a portion of local initialization code stored on the respective processor. Receiving, at a designated processor of the plurality of processors, external initialization code stored in external memory, wherein the remainder of the plurality of processors do not have access to the external initialization code stored in external memory. Determining, the designated processor, send at least a portion of the external initialization code to a processor of the remainder of the plurality of processors. |
| US09262176B2 |
Software execution using multiple initialization modes
Arrangements for executing enterprise resource planning software in a plurality of modes are presented. A graphical user interface may allow an administrator to select from the plurality of modes for executing the enterprise resource planning software, such as a test mode and a production mode. A selection of one of the modes may be received. The selected mode may be linked with a particular initialization file that is used to initialize the enterprise resource software. The enterprise resource planning software may be initialized and run using the selected initialization file. |
| US09262174B2 |
Dynamic bank mode addressing for memory access
One embodiment sets forth a technique for dynamically mapping addresses to banks of a multi-bank memory based on a bank mode. Application programs may be configured to perform read and write a memory accessing different numbers of bits per bank, e.g., 32-bits per bank, 64-bits per bank, or 128-bits per bank. On each clock cycle an access request may be received from one of the application programs and per processing thread addresses of the access request are dynamically mapped based on the bank mode to produce a set of bank addresses. The bank addresses are then used to access the multi-bank memory. Allowing different bank mappings enables each application program to avoid bank conflicts when the memory is accesses compared with using a single bank mapping for all accesses. |
| US09262170B2 |
Out-of-order checkpoint reclamation in a checkpoint processing and recovery core microarchitecture
Reclaiming checkpoints in a system in an order that differs from the order when the checkpoints are created. Reclaiming the checkpoints includes: creating one or more checkpoints, each of which having an initial state using system resources and holding the checkpoints state; identifying the completion of all the instructions associated with the checkpoint; reassigning all the instructions associated with the identified checkpoint to an immediately preceding checkpoint; and freeing the resources associated with the identified checkpoint. The checkpoint is created when the instruction that is checked is a conditional branch having a direction that cannot be predicted with a predetermined confidence level. |
| US09262165B2 |
Vector processor and vector processor processing method
A vector processor includes an instruction fetching unit configured to acquire an instruction, a decoding/issuing unit configured to decode the instruction and issuing the instruction, an operation group configured to include a plurality of operation units and a register configured to store the element data column, wherein the plurality of operation units include a first operation unit processes a first type instruction and a second operation unit processes a second type instruction and the first type instruction; and when a plurality of divided instructions, for which the element data of an instruction to be issued has been divided, are processed by the second operation unit, in a case where the second type instruction is not present, the decoding/issuing unit issues the divided instructions, and in a case where the second type instruction is present, the decoding/issuing unit issues the instruction to be issued without performing division. |
| US09262162B2 |
Register file and computing device using the same
A register file is provided. The register file includes a plurality of registers configured to form at least one register cluster, each of the registers being configured to have a virtual index defined for each cluster and a physical index defined for each register, and an index converting unit configured to convert the virtual index to the physical index. |
| US09262160B2 |
Load latency speculation in an out-of-order computer processor
Load latency speculation in an out-of-order computer processor, including: issuing a load instruction for execution, wherein the load instruction has a predetermined expected execution latency; issuing a dependent instruction wakeup signal on an instruction wakeup bus, wherein the dependent instruction wakeup signal indicates that the load instruction will be completed upon the expiration of the expected execution latency; determining, upon the expiration of the expected execution latency, whether the load instruction has completed; and responsive to determining that the load instruction has not completed upon the expiration of the expected execution latency, issuing a negative dependent instruction wakeup signal on the instruction wakeup bus, wherein the negative dependent instruction wakeup signal indicates that the load instruction has not completed upon the expiration of the expected execution latency. |
| US09262158B2 |
Reverse engineering user interface mockups from working software
The subject disclosure relates to capturing window definitions of an executing user interface application and/or website and generating an editable model representation. A starter storyboard or screens can be generated quickly by recording a manipulation of an existing application or website. States associated with a multitude of user interface control hierarchies of a target application are captured, stored in a generic user interface model, and used for generation of mockups, code, and so forth. In an aspect, an indication is received that an application or website is be captured. Thereafter, the state of the website or application window and subsequent windows are observed and captured. For each of the subsequent windows traversed in a live control hierarchy, basic information about each item is captured. The information gathered for a given window and its control hierarchy can be serialized into a simple XML representation. |
| US09262157B2 |
Source code violation matching and attribution
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for matching and attributing code violations. One of the methods includes receiving a snapshot S of a code base of source code and a different snapshot T of the code base. Data representing first violations in the snapshot S and second violations in the snapshot T is received. Pairs of matching violations are determined using performing two or more matching processes, including performing a first matching process, the first matching process determining first pairs of matching violations according to a first matching algorithm and performing a second matching process, the second matching process determining second pairs of matching violations according to a second matching algorithm from violations not matched by the first matching process. The first pairs of matching violations and the second pairs of matching violations are included in the determined pairs of matching violations. |
| US09262156B2 |
Methods for transparent management of context and state in an asynchronous callback flow
Computerized methods for providing one or more memory values present in memory during execution of a procedure to be automatically available to an asynchronous callback executed later. The methods comprise receiving a code containing procedures, the procedures having input parameters to be executed as asynchronous callback procedures. The methods further comprise replacing the procedures in the code with wrapper procedures, where the wrapper procedures comprise instructions for storing one or more memory values, storing the asynchronous callbacks of the input parameters, replacing each of the input parameters with a wrapper callback, the wrapper callback comprising instruction for restoring the memory values and executing the asynchronous callbacks. The methods further comprise executing the original procedures. The methods further comprise executing the code with the wrapper procedures, providing the memory values present during execution of the procedure to be automatically available to the asynchronous callback executed later. |
| US09262153B2 |
Firmware update discovery and distribution
A firmware update system is described that collectively handles firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device. The firmware update system may be configured to handle firmware updates in a consistent manner across different computing platforms/architectures. A data structure is defined to associate each updateable resource with a corresponding identifier to enumerate the updateable resources to the firmware update system. The firmware update system may reference the data structure to produce representations of the each individual resource that provide an operating system level abstraction through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of firmware updates is managed. Using the representations, the firmware update system operates to discover available firmware updates collectively for the enumerated resources, match the updates to appropriate resources, and initiate installation of the updates. |
| US09262149B2 |
Managing incrementally applied system updates
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer system updates a system including a plurality of server instances, and includes at least one processor. The computer system determines a level of configuration for each operating server instance. One or more sets of operational features are added to the system based on a comparison between the determined levels of configuration of the operating server instances and minimum levels of configuration associated with the one or more sets of operational features. Server operations are performed and one or more corresponding sets of operational features are applied to the server operations in response to the addition of those corresponding sets of operational features to the system. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for updating a system including a plurality of server instances in substantially the same manner described above. |
| US09262147B1 |
Recording client events using application resident on removable storage device
At a server, during one or more first time periods, event data is received from a first client with respect to one or more events that occur at the first client. The event data is sent by the first client under control of a first application resident on a removable storage device. At the server, during one or more second time periods, event data is received from a second client with respect to one or more events that occur at the second client. The event data is sent by the second client under control of the first application resident on the removable storage device. The first and second time periods are non-overlapping. |
| US09262146B1 |
Supplying software via data storage system
Software is supplied via data storage system. A software image is provided to the data storage system from an external website. It is determined that software needs to be installed on a host. The software image is retrieved from the data storage system. The software is installed on the host using the software image. |
| US09262144B1 |
Deploying virtual machine instances of a pattern to regions of a hierarchical tier using placement policies and constraints
A method, system and computer program product for deploying a pattern. A placement engine of a hierarchical tier selects the region(s) of a next lower tier based on placement policies and constraints at the next lower tier and availability of the artifacts required by the virtual machine instance(s) in the next lower tier utilizing the summarization of resource usage and availability at the next lower tier. The placement engine at the lowest tier selects the compute node(s) in the selected region(s) of the lowest tier to place the virtual machine instances of the pattern based on placement policies and constraints at the compute node level and availability of the artifacts required by the virtual machine instance(s) of the pattern in the compute node level. In this manner, the virtual machine instances of the pattern can be effectively deployed when the resources of the cloud environment are large and geographically dispersed. |
| US09262143B2 |
Method and apparatus for template-based provisioning in a service delivery environment
A method for automated provisioning of computing resources in a distributed computing network includes obtaining a data structure representing a resource dependency characterization of an application to be implemented over the distributed computing network, wherein the data structure indicates a set of resources to be deployed, obtaining a template that represents a predefined network topology for supporting deployment of the set of resources, mapping the set of resources represented in the data structure to the template so as to satisfy a set of component requirements to generate a deployment map, and provisioning the set of resources on a plurality of computers based on the deployment map to implement the application over the distributed computing network. |
| US09262142B2 |
Web application development tool
Method, system and computer program product are provided to increase the efficiency of the development of Java Enterprise Edition (J2EE) applications. A project may be divided into modules which may be developed by independent teams. The files within each module are classified as independent of resources in other modules or dependent. Independent files may be packaged into a single, integrated web application archive (WAR) file without further processing. Corresponding dependent files are compared and any conflicts are resolved. The resulting files may then be packaged into the WAR file. |
| US09262129B2 |
Mixed signal analysis
System and method implementing an integrated interface for multiple instruments for signal analysis, including two or more virtual instruments. The method includes a) receiving user input specifying an operation implementing at least a portion of a signal analysis function; b) performing the operation utilizing at least one of the instruments to perform the operation; c) displaying an icon comprising a graphical representation of the operation in response to the specifying; d) storing information specifying the operation; and repeating a)-d) multiple times to specify the function, thereby producing stored information representing the operations in the function, and after which multiple icons are displayed representing the operations and visually indicating the function. The operations in the function include 1) generating signals displayed in a graph, and/or 2) modifying one or more signals displayed in the graph. After each respective operation is specified, the operation is performed substantially continuously during said repeating. |
| US09262122B2 |
Arithmetic processing apparatus and control method of arithmetic processing apparatus
In a multicore system in which a plurality of CPUs each including a cache memory share one main memory, a write buffer having a plurality of stages of buffers each holding data to be written to the main memory and an address of a write destination is provided between the cache memory and the main memory, and at the time of a write to the write buffer from the cache memory, an address of a write destination and the addresses stored in the buffers are compared, and when any of the buffers has an agreeing address, data is overwritten to this buffer, and the buffer is logically moved to a last stage. |
| US09262119B2 |
Recording/transferring program, recording/transferring apparatus, and recording/transferring method
Disclosed herein is a recording/transferring program that causes an information processing apparatus to perform the steps of: generating programming information for programming the information processing apparatus to record a particular content; starting recording of the particular content onto a recording medium in accordance with the programming information; and automatically transferring, upon completion of the recording of the particular content onto the recording medium, the particular content read out from the recording medium to an external device connected to the information processing apparatus so as to be capable of communicating therewith. |
| US09262114B2 |
Information apparatus and information processing system
An information apparatus includes an apparatus information obtaining unit that obtains apparatus information from a plurality of apparatuses connected via a network to the information apparatus, an apparatus selection unit that selects a target apparatus from the plurality of apparatuses based on the obtained apparatus information, and a process result obtaining unit that sends a request to the target apparatus to request the target apparatus to perform a process corresponding to the request, and obtains a result of the performed process from the target apparatus. |
| US09262112B2 |
Image processing apparatus having file server function, and control method and storage medium therefor
An image processing apparatus having a file server function and capable of using a path notification function according to the way in which the image processing apparatus is utilized by a user. The image forming apparatus does not perform a URI notification, if an image data file is stored into a storage unit of the apparatus via the file server function, or if the file is stored via the file server function from an unregistered data storage source, or if the file was not created by an MFP job, or if the file is stored via the file server function and has a registered file type. |
| US09262111B2 |
Print control apparatus, print control method, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
A print control apparatus that discharges a print product produced by a print unit by using any of a plurality of discharge methods includes a first specifying unit that specifies a priority of an input print job and a second specifying unit that specifies a discharge method set for the input print job. The print control apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines an order of printing of the input print job in queued print jobs in accordance with a specifying result of the first specifying unit and a discharge method specified by the second specifying unit, and a print control unit configured to cause the print unit to execute printing based on the input print job on a continuous sheet in accordance with the order of printing of the print job determined by the determination unit. |
| US09262107B2 |
Apparatus, system, non-transitory computer readable medium, and method that perform batch image forming
Provided is an image forming apparatus including a display section that displays a first operating portion through which a first operation instruction of an operator is input and a second operating portion through which a second operation instruction different from the first operation instruction is input, on a display screen in image formation and an image forming section that performs the image formation, when the first operation instruction of the operator is input through the first operating portion displayed by the display section, onto a recording medium, and displays, when the second operation instruction of the operator is input through the second operating portion displayed by the display section, the image data stored in the storage unit as a list and performs the image formation onto the recording medium for image data selected from the list by the operator. |
| US09262102B2 |
Image forming systems, and methods of using same
At least one image processing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store configuration information of an image forming apparatus, a return unit configured to return the image processing apparatus from a power saving state when the image processing apparatus detects a predetermined condition, and a request unit configured to transmit a request for acquiring the configuration information of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus when the return unit returns the image processing apparatus from the power saving state. The image forming apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit the configuration information of the image forming apparatus to the image processing apparatus based on the request transmitted by the request unit. Further, the image processing apparatus includes an update unit configured to update the configuration information stored in the storage unit by using the configuration information of the image forming apparatus transmitted by the transmission unit. |
| US09262099B2 |
Non-volatile memory device, electronic control system, and method of operating the non-volatile memory device
Provided are a non-volatile memory device, an electronic control system, and a method of operating the non-volatile memory device. A non-volatile memory device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first NAND cell array including a first group of pages, and a second NAND cell array including a second group of pages. A plurality of X-decoders are at least one-to-one connected to the first and second NAND cell arrays. A control logic controls the plurality of X-decoders to simultaneously sense data of a first page corresponding to a start address from among the first group of pages, and data of a second page subsequent to the first page from among the second group of pages. |
| US09262098B2 |
Pipelined data I/O controller and system for semiconductor memory
A controller controls data input/output for a semiconductor memory device. The controller includes a first buffer configured to perform data transmission between an interface and the semiconductor memory device, a first control unit configured to control the semiconductor memory device according to an external request, and a second control unit configured to control the first buffer and the first control unit to simultaneously process a plurality of external requests according to a pipeline scheme. |
| US09262097B2 |
System and method for non-volatile random access memory emulation
Described herein is a system and method for high speed non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) emulation. The system and method may utilize a primary storage device and a volatile random access memory (RAM) device to emulate NVRAM functionality. The system and method may allocate a range of the primary storage device. The storage capacity or size of the allocated range may correspond or be at least partially based on a storage capacity or size of the volatile RAM device. Data, such as write requests, may be migrated from the primary storage device to the volatile RAM device. In the event of the unavailability, loss of power, or other such circumstances of the volatile RAM device, data from the volatile RAM device may be migrated back to the previously allocated range of the primary storage device. |
| US09262094B2 |
Distributed file serving architecture with metadata storage and data access at the data server connection speed
Method, apparatus and program storage device that provides a distributed file serving architecture with metadata storage virtualization and data access at the data server connection speed is provided. A host issues a file access request including data target locations. The file access request including data target locations is processed. Remote direct memory access (RDMA) channel endpoint connection are issued in response to the processing of the file access request. An RDMA transfer of the file-block data associated with the file access request is made directly between a memory at the host and a data server. |
| US09262093B1 |
Prioritized rate scheduler for a storage system
A storage system may include a set of storage devices; a controller; and a management device. The controller may arbitrate among operations for execution by the set of storage devices, where the operations are received from users that are associated with priority levels. The controller may maintain queues, corresponding to the users, to queue operations from the users. The controller may additionally include a scoring component and a scheduler. The scoring component may maintain a score for each queue. The scheduler may choose, from the queues and based on the score of each queue, one of the operations to service. The management device may receive usage updates, from the controller, reflecting usage of the set of storage devices; calculate a maximum allowed usage levels, based on the received usage updates, for each user; and transmit the calculated maximum usage levels to the controller. |
| US09262092B2 |
Management of extent checking in a storage controller during copy services operations
A storage controller receives a request to avoid extent conflict checking from a host application executing in a host that is coupled to the storage controller. In response to receiving a request, a host I/O process that executes in the storage controller to satisfy I/O requests from the host application opportunistically releases a track of an extent to a copy services process at an earliest point in time when the track of the extent is longer needed by the host I/O process and is needed by the copy services process. |
| US09262086B2 |
Systems and methods for de-duplication in storage systems
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage system may include a storage array comprising one or more storage resources, a processor communicatively coupled to the storage array, and a de-duplication module comprising instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor. The de-duplication module may be configured to, when read and executed by the processor: generate a fingerprint for an item of data stored on the storage array; identify a partition for the fingerprint; associate the partition with a hardware instance selected from a plurality of hardware instances, wherein each particular hardware instance comprises one or more information handling resources; and query the selected hardware instance to determine if the fingerprint exists on the hardware instance. |
| US09262084B2 |
Non-volatile memory channel control using a general purpose programmable processor in combination with a low level programmable sequencer
An apparatus includes a device interface, a micro-sequencer, and a programmable sequence memory. The device interface may be configured to process a plurality of read/write operations to/from one or more non-volatile memory devices. The micro-sequencer may be configured to communicate with the device interface. The programmable sequence memory is generally readable by the micro-sequencer. In response to the apparatus receiving a command, (a) the micro-sequencer executes a set of instructions starting at a location in the programmable sequence memory according to the command and (b) the micro-sequencer is enabled to perform at least a portion of the command according to a protocol of the one or more non-volatile memory devices, when the one or more non-volatile memory devices are coupled to the device interface. |
| US09262083B2 |
Determining efficiency of a virtual array in a virtualized storage system
A virtualized storage system comprises at least one host, at least one virtual array, a backend array and a management server. The host requests storage operations to the virtual array, and the virtual array executes storage operations for the host. The backend array, coupled to the virtual array, comprises physical storage for the virtual array. The management server determines the efficiency for the virtual array. The management server determines an input throughput data rate between the host and the virtual array based on storage operations between host and virtual array. The management server also determines an output throughput data rate, from the virtual array to the backend array. The output throughput data rate is based on the storage operations that require access to the backend array. The management server determines the efficiency of the virtual array using the input throughput data rate and the output throughput data rate. |
| US09262079B2 |
Cache memory device and data processing method of the device
A cache memory device is provided. The cache memory device includes a memory including a first cache memory region and a second cache memory region, and a control block. The control block determines a type of data to be received. The control block also performs at least one of transmitting a head of received data to a first cache memory region, transmitting a body of the received data to a second cache memory region and transmitting a tail of the received data to the first cache memory region based on the type of the data to be received. |
| US09262078B2 |
Information processing device, method for controlling information processing device
An information processing device includes a plurality of arithmetic processing devices, a plurality of storage devices, a connection section that connects a first arithmetic processing device to a first storage device and a second storage device which are duplexed and a control section that causes, when the performance of the second storage device is reduced, the connection section to cut out the second storage device whose performance has been reduced from the first arithmetic processing device and the first storage device, causes to duplex a third storage device with the first storage device, causes the connection section to connect the first storage device and the third storage device which have been duplexed to the first arithmetic processing device and to connect a second arithmetic processing device to the second storage device that has been cut out, and causes the second arithmetic processing device to initialize the second storage device. |
| US09262068B2 |
Interactive surface
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes accessing, by a computing device, a real-time three dimensional (“3D”) image of at least a portion of a user who is standing in front a surface; identifying, by the computing device, coordinates in 3D space for at least one appendage of the user from the 3D image; determining, by the computing device, a position of the at least one appendage of the user over the surface based on the coordinates of the at least one appendage in 3D space; determining whether the position of the appendage is within one or more active areas of the surface; and based on the determination of whether the appendage is within the one or more active areas of the surface, updating a visual image that is being projected onto the surface by a projector that is located above the surface. |
| US09262067B1 |
Approaches for displaying alternate views of information
Approaches are described which enable a computing device (e.g., mobile phone, tablet computer) to display alternate views or layers of information within a window on the display screen when a user's finger (or other object) is detected to be within a particular range of the display screen of the device. For example, a device displaying a road map view on the display screen may detect a user's finger near the screen and, in response to detecting the finger, render a small window that shows a portion of a satellite view of the map proximate to the location of the user's finger. As the user's finger moves laterally above the screen, the window can follow the location of the user's finger and display the satellite views of the various portions of the map over which the user's finger passes. |
| US09262065B2 |
Time based touch screen input recognition
A time based touch screen input recognition system detects a touch on a touch screen display. The system determines a length of the touch and identifies a function corresponding to the length of touch. The system causes a processing device to implement the corresponding function. |
| US09262063B2 |
Touch-screen user interface
A user interface for a touch-screen display of a dedicated handheld electronic book reader device is described. The user interface detects human gestures manifest as pressure being applied by a finger or stylus to regions on the touch-screen display. In one implementation, the touch-screen user interface enables a user to turn one or more pages in response to applying a force or pressure to the touch-screen display. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface is configured to bookmark a page temporarily by applying a pressure to the display, then allowing a user to turn pages to a new page, but reverting back to a previously-displayed page when the pressure is removed. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface identifies and filters electronic books based on book size and/or a time available to read a book. In another implementation, the touch-screen user interface converts text to speech in response to a user touching the touch-screen display. |
| US09262062B2 |
Method of providing thumbnail image and image photographing apparatus thereof
A method of providing one or more thumbnail images and an image photographing apparatus thereof include displaying a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding respectively to a plurality of image data, if at least one of the plurality of thumbnail images is selected, changing a displaying status of the selected thumbnail image to be distinguishable from that of remaining thumbnail images and, if a user's motion is recognized, replacing the remaining thumbnail images with other thumbnail images while keeping the selected thumbnail image therein. |
| US09262061B2 |
Display control device for construction machine
A display control device for a construction machine includes: a display control unit that controls a display content of a screen including various pieces of information; a first operation member group having a plurality of operation members that receive a plurality of kinds of first operated input, respectively, for the screen; a second operation member group that receives a second operated input for performing a substitute setting in which one of the plurality of kinds of first operated input by one operation member of the plurality of operation members is substituted by an input by another operation member; a third operation member that receives a third operated input for starting the substitute setting; and a setting unit that causes a substitute setting screen for performing the substitute setting in response to the third operated input to be displayed and that decides a content of the substitute setting according to the second operated input on the substitute setting screen, wherein when the first operated input received by the first operation member group corresponds to the content of the substitute setting that is decided by the setting unit, the display control unit controls display of the screen according to the content of the substitute setting. |
| US09262056B2 |
Methods and systems to browse data items
Methods and Systems to browse data items. There is provided a method and system to enable a buyer to browse listings that are listed by sellers on a network-based marketplace and stored in a data resource. There is further provided a method to cancel characteristics used to identify listings that are listed by sellers on a network-based marketplace. |
| US09262053B2 |
Providing information associated with a plurality of communication accounts of a user of a mobile terminal
An information provision method and apparatus of a mobile terminal is provided for managing and providing information items associated with a plurality of communication accounts of a user in an integrated manner. An information provision method for a mobile terminal includes configuring a plurality of identity informations associated with communications of a specific contact item; detecting an input for selecting an integrated contact management menu; and displaying the identity informations or communication informations associated with individual identity informations in an integrated manner. |
| US09262052B2 |
Method and device for controlling the display of a plurality of elements of a list on a display device
Elements of a list are caused to scroll in a first display mode on a display device in response to a movement made on a touch interface along a determined scroll axis, and starting from the first mode, a display is triggered on the display device of the list in at least one second display mode in response to a movement made on the touch interface along a trigger axis that is different from the list scroll axis. |
| US09262051B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying pop-up
A pop-up display method and apparatus allows a user to selectively check a desired pop-up in a convenient manner. A screen is divided into a main page display portion and a pop-up display portion. A web page is displayed in the main page display portion, and a pop-up corresponding to the web page is displayed in the pop-up display portion. A preview image or short text of the pop-up may be extracted and displayed. |
| US09262048B1 |
System for monitoring and displaying a plurality of tagged telecommunication assets
A system for monitoring and displaying a plurality of telecommunication assets on at least one telecommunication structure by creating a customer profile and a library of survey set ups and storing information from independent survey set ups mounted on or proximate to the offshore asset on the administrative data storage. The system includes creating a library of tagged assets for the offshore asset using at least one independent survey set up, wherein each tagged asset has an icon with a hyperlink to a library of images. The system includes identifying placement locations on offshore assets and forming an executive dashboard for display on at least one client device, wherein a virtually positioned icon positioned on an image of the tagged assets presents a hyperlink to the library of survey set ups for that tagged asset, thereby enabling toggling from the image to the library of survey set ups. |
| US09262046B2 |
Adaptation of gaming applications to participants
Methods, systems, and products adapt gaming applications to participants. Should one of the participants be a minor, for example, the gaming application may adapt to scenarios that are appropriate for minors. Similarly, the gaming application may adapt to customs associated with a country of a participant. |
| US09262041B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining a selection region
An apparatus, comprising a processor memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, working with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following, determining a first usage parameter associated with a first information item, determining graphical representation corresponding to the first information item, wherein the determination is uninfluenced by the first usage parameter, determining a first selection region associated with the first information item, based, at least in part, on the first usage parameter, and causing display of the graphical representation absent indication of the first selection region is disclosed. |
| US09262040B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes a pressure detecting unit for detecting a magnitude of a contacting pressure of a contacted object with respect to an input device operated when physically contacted by the contacted object; and a changing unit for changing a display region displayed on a display device of predetermined information to be displayed on the display device according to an output signal output from the input device at a speed corresponding to the magnitude of the contacting pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit. |
| US09262039B1 |
Displaying data storage system information
A method is used in displaying data storage system information. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that includes a tree structure of GUI components. Each of the GUI components is representative of an object in a data storage system. The tree structure includes lightweight information for the GUI components. At least one of the GUI components is updated by exercising a model view controller architecture. The GUI component is derived from a model chain that includes at least two models. |
| US09262033B2 |
Stylus location utilizing multiple magnetometers
The present disclosure provides a host electronic device, a stylus and a method for determining the location of a stylus with respect to a host electronic device. A magnetic field generator of the stylus is energized and a first magnetic field is sensed at two or more magnetometers of the host electronic device. The location of the stylus with respect to the host electronic device is determined dependent upon the first magnetic field. A second magnetic field may be sensed, while the magnetic field generator is either deactivated or energized with an opposite polarity, to correct for the presence of a background magnetic field. The magnetometers may be directional magnetometers and may be arranged in an array. |
| US09262030B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a lateral-electric-field liquid crystal display device includes a light-emitting display layer including OLEDs and a driving circuit controlling light emission of the OLEDs, a moisture impermeable film provided to be laminated on the light-emitting display layer to prevent infiltration of moisture into the light-emitting display layer, an optical substrate provided separately from the moisture impermeable film and subjecting light from the light-emitting display region to optical processing, a first touch electrode group serving as one electrode group of touch electrodes and provided on a back surface of the optical substrate, and an extraction electrode group formed to be laminated on the moisture impermeable film, the extraction electrode group and the optical substrate have an overlapping part in plan view, and electrodes of the first touch electrode group being electrically connected to electrodes of the extraction electrode group in the overlapping part. |
| US09262029B2 |
Multipoint touch surface controller
A multipoint touch surface controller is disclosed herein. The controller includes an integrated circuit including output circuitry for driving a capacitive multi-touch sensor and input circuitry for reading the sensor. Also disclosed herein are various noise rejection and dynamic range enhancement techniques that permit the controller to be used with various sensors in various conditions without reconfiguring hardware. |
| US09262027B2 |
Coordinate input device and display device including the same
A coordinate input device includes: a coordinate input unit having a plurality of first detection electrodes and a plurality of second detection electrodes; an electrode drive circuit that applies a drive signal to one or more of the detection electrodes; a detection circuit that detects a signal of the first and/or second detection electrode; a selection circuit for selecting one or more of the detection electrodes to which the drive signal is not applied from among the detection electrodes which are disposed in parallel to the detection electrodes to which the drive signal is applied, as a reference electrode; a detection circuit for detecting a signal of the selected reference electrode; an input coordinate computing circuit for correcting a detection result of the detection circuit on the basis of the detected capacitance of the reference electrode and for calculating an input coordinate from the corrected detection result. |
| US09262026B2 |
Capacitive touch device and sensing method thereof
A capacitive touch device and a sensing method thereof are disclosed. The capacitive touch device includes a touch panel, at least one touch detection unit and a processing unit. The touch detection unit scans the touch panel, obtains an N-bit sensed data and compresses the N-bit sensed data to an L-bit sensed data. The processing unit receives the L-bit sensed data, decompresses the L-bit sensed data to the N-bit sensed data and calculates a coordinate of a touch according to the N-bit sensed data. The present invention is capable of decreasing the time for transmitting the sensed data, the power consumption and the requirements for the memory capacity of the touch detection unit and the memory capacity of the processing unit. |
| US09262024B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel including touch sensor and liquid crystal display using the same
According to an aspect of the present invention, a liquid crystal display panel includes a pixel array including data lines through which a data voltage is supplied, gate lines through which a gate pulse is supplied, a plurality of sub-pixels arranged at intersections of the data lines and the gate lines, Tx lines provided with a touch driving signal and connected to Tx electrodes, and Rx lines connected to Rx electrodes, wherein an shield area including an shield pattern to which a voltage at a level different from the data voltage and the touch driving signal is supplied is formed between each of the Tx electrodes and each of the Rx electrodes. |
| US09262023B2 |
Drive signals for a touch sensor
In one embodiment, a method includes generating a drive signal configured to drive a plurality of drive electrodes of a touch sensor. The method also includes modifying the drive signal such that each drive electrode is driven by a drive signal having a unique first characteristic. The method further includes receiving a plurality of sense signals from a plurality of sense electrodes of the touch sensor. The method additionally includes determining a location of a touch input relative to the touch sensor based on at least the first characteristic of the plurality of sense signals. |
| US09262021B2 |
Two layer capacitive sensor
The embodiments described herein provide improved sensor devices and methods that facilitate improved sensor devices. Specifically, the devices and methods provide capacitive image sensors that require only two layers of conductive elements formed on a single substrate. The ability to provide an image sensor using only a single substrate with two layers of conductive elements may substantially reduce the cost and complexity of the capacitive image sensor. In one embodiment, an input device is provided that comprises a first substrate having a first and second side. Each of the second array of second sensor electrodes comprises a plurality of isolated components disposed on the first side and a plurality of connectors disposed on the second side. The connectors and isolated components of the second sensor electrodes are arranged such that adjacent pairs of connectors along the first direction are separated by a distance substantially greater than the first pitch. |
| US09262020B2 |
Electronic device with capacitive touch-sensitive display
A touch-sensitive display includes a substrate, pixel electrodes disposed on the substrate, scanning electrodes interspersed with the pixel electrodes, sense electrodes spaced from the scanning electrodes, and a display material disposed between the scanning electrodes and the sense electrodes. |
| US09262014B2 |
Touch recognition apparatus of curved display
A touch recognition apparatus of a curved display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a curved screen on which an image is displayed. A transparent plate is disposed behind the curved screen. An infrared lamp is provided in a lateral side of the transparent plate and irradiating infrared light. A uniformity tape is bonded or coated onto the lateral side of the transparent plate and irradiates the infrared light irradiated from the infrared lamp to the curved screen while spreading the infrared light to the transparent plate. An infrared camera is configured to photograph an infrared image reflected from the curved screen. |
| US09262013B2 |
Out-cell optical touch device and related calibrating method
A calibrating method applied to an out-cell optical touch device relative to a display panel is disclosed. The calibrating method is suitable for the out-cell optical touch device that includes at least one signal sensor and at least two position sensors. The position sensors are respectively disposed on two adjacent sides of a frame of the out-cell optical touch device. The calibrating method includes acquiring a first value according to dimensions of the display panel, detecting a distance between the frame and sides of the display panel to acquire a second value, utilizing the first value and the second value to obtain an offset, and transforming touch coordinates detected by the signal sensor into screen coordinates applied for the display panel according to the offset. |
| US09262012B2 |
Hover angle
Example apparatus and methods concern detecting an angle at which an object is interacting with a hover-sensitive input/output interface. An example apparatus may include a proximity detector configured to detect an object in a hover-space associated with the hover-sensitive input/output interface. The proximity detector may provide three dimensional position information for the object (e.g., x,y,z). The angle may be determined from a first (x,y,z) measurement associated with a first portion (e.g., tip) of the object and a second (x,y,z) measurement associated with a second portion (e.g., end) of the object. The position of the object may determine a hover point on the interface while the position and angle may determine an intersection point on the interface. User interface elements or other information displayed on the interface may be manipulated based, at least in part, on the intersection point. Multiple objects interacting at multiple angles may be detected and responded to. |
| US09262010B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing effects of interference in input devices
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effect of interference on input devices, and in particular, to the effect of unison noise on proximity sensors that use capacitive techniques to generate images of sensor values. The devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effects of interface by using images of sensor values and one or more profiles of sensor values. An image of sensor values is combined with one or more profiles of sensor values to produce a modified image of sensor values, the modified image having reduced errors due to noise. This reduction in errors due to noise can improve the accuracy and performance of the input device. |
| US09262007B2 |
Operation input device, and information processing apparatus provided with the same
An operation input device includes touch panel, depression time detecting portion, input determination portion, display control portion, sound control portion, vibration portion, and vibration control portion. Touch panel outputs a depression signal according to a depression time when an input region is depressed. The depression time detecting portion detects the depression time based upon the depression signal from the touch panel. Input determination portion determines input content according to the depression time detected by the depression time detecting portion. Display control portion outputs visual information, which corresponds to the input content determined by input determination portion, to a display portion of the touch panel. Sound control portion outputs sound corresponding to the input content determined by input determination portion. Vibration portion transmits vibration to touch panel. Vibration control portion vibrates touch panel by vibration portion according to a vibration pattern corresponding to the input content determined by input determination portion. |
| US09262004B2 |
Overlay for electronic writing pad
An overlay for covering the writing surface of an electronic writing tablet includes (a) an LCD touch screen adapted to (i) initially display an image drawn or written upon the upper surface by application of pressure on the upper surface without requiring a transfer of matter to the upper surface and (ii) continue display of the image without the consumption of electrical power; (b) a source of electrical power; and (c) a reversible attaching mechanism for reversibly attaching the LCD touch screen over the writing surface of the writing tablet. |
| US09262002B2 |
Force sensing touch screen
A computing device includes a touch screen display with a plurality of force sensors, each of which provides a signal in response to contact with the touch screen display. Using force signals from the plurality of force sensors, a characteristic of the contact is determined, such as the magnitude of the force, the centroid of force and the shear force. The characteristic of the contact is used to select a command which is processed to control the computing device. For example, the command may be related to manipulating data displayed on the touch screen display, e.g., by adjusting the scroll speed or the quantity of data selected in response to the magnitude of force, or related to an operation of an application on the computing device, such as selecting different focal ranges, producing an alarm, or adjusting the volume of a speaker in response to the magnitude of force. |
| US09261986B2 |
Trackball device and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
According to one embodiment, there is provided a trackball device provided for an operation panel of a predetermined computer, the device includes a first casing including a housing portion, a ball rotatably housed in the housing portion, a detector provided in the housing portion and configured to detect input information based on rotation of the ball, and a second casing including an opening portion and mounted on the first casing to restrain the ball in the housing portion while part of the ball is exposed from the opening portion, wherein the second casing further comprises a ring portion which is provided along the opening portion and exposed from the operation panel when the trackball device is provided on the operation panel, and is configured to be detachable from the first casing upon application of a dynamic action to the ring portion. |
| US09261984B2 |
Multi-button mouse
A mouse with multi button functionality is disclosed. The mouse includes a housing that surrounds the internal components of the mouse. The housing includes at least a first member and a second member, each of which forms a substantial portion of the housing. The first member moves relative to the second member so as to implement at least one of the multiple button functions of the mouse. |
| US09261981B2 |
Portable electronic device and rotation detection method thereof
A portable electronic device including a display device, an acceleration sensor and a processing unit is provided. The display device has a display surface. The acceleration sensor has a plurality of detecting sensor arrays for detecting a three-dimensional acceleration, and a shift angle smaller than 90 degrees is formed between at least one of the detecting sensor arrays and the display surface. The processing unit is configured to calculate a tilt angle according to the three-dimensional acceleration. |
| US09261977B2 |
Electronic circuit and position indicator
Disclosed herein is a position indicator that includes: an enclosure forming a hollow and rod-shaped tubular body; a substrate disposed in the hollow portion of the enclosure and having a circuit configured to process signals exchanged with a position detection sensor; and a film-shaped capacitor having first and second conductor layers. The first conductor layer is formed on one side of a sheet-shaped dielectric, and the second conductor layer is formed on another side of the sheet-shaped dielectric and is opposed to the first conductor layer with the sheet-shaped dielectric provided therebetween. The film-shaped capacitor is fastened to the substrate in such a manner as to make up part of said circuit, and the size of an area over which the first and second conductor layers of the film-shaped capacitor are opposed is changeable by changing the size of the film-shaped capacitor to specify a constant for said circuit. |
| US09261976B2 |
System and method for enhanced command input
A portable electronic device having an input device for receiving a gesture based input from a user is used to control a navigation operation of an appliance. The portable electronic device receives via the input device the gesture based input and uses one or more parameters stored in a memory of the portable electronic device and one or more characteristics associated with the gesture based input to cause the portable electronic device to transmit a navigation step command to thereby control the navigation operation of the appliance. |
| US09261973B2 |
Method and system for previewing characters based on finger position on keyboard
Systems and methods are provided for detecting a touch of a first key associated with a first character on the keyboard, detecting a touch of a second key corresponding to a second character on the keyboard, determining an order for previewing the first and second characters in response to the detecting, and previewing the first and second characters in the determined order in an information entry field of the electronic device. |
| US09261967B2 |
Gesture recognition system
A device, a method and a system for detecting and recognizing gestures, such as different hand gestures, includes at least one electrode for measuring an electrical property of a skin of a user, for example the electrical conductance of the skin and/or its change. From these measurement data, different gestures assumed by the body can be recognized. |
| US09261965B2 |
Touch surface overlay panel
An application runs on an electronic device having a touch surface, with one or more virtual controls on the touch surface. An overlay panel is attached to the electronic device, with one or more physical actuators mounted within a nonconductive frame. Each physical actuator has one or more conductive elements configured to create a conductive path through the physical actuator. Each physical actuator is aligned with and makes contact with one or more associated virtual controls on the touch surface, such that a user can operate the virtual control(s) by actuating the associated physical actuator(s). |
| US09261963B2 |
Feedback for grounding independent haptic electrovibration
An apparatus for providing tactile feedback is provided. The apparatus includes a touch-sensitive screen that detects a touch input and a set of electrodes. The apparatus also includes a haptic voltage signal generator that applies a haptic signal to the set of electrodes and modifies the haptic signal based on a displacement current from the touch input to the set of electrodes. The apparatus also includes a haptic feedback controller that determines the displacement current, where the displacement current is an effect of an amplitude of the haptic signal. |
| US09261962B2 |
Haptic accessory and methods for using same
A method for providing tactile feedback comprises displaying a visual representation of a physical object having at least one haptic property, generating time-varying data associated with the at least one haptic property from the visual representation, sending the time-varying data to a computing device including a feedback apparatus electrically connected to the computing device, and generating the tactile feedback via the feedback apparatus in response to a pressure on the feedback apparatus applied by a user. |
| US09261956B2 |
Display device and display method that determines intention or status of a user
The present invention provides a display apparatus and a display method for realizing control for display operations by a user precisely reflecting the user's status, i.e., the user's intentions, visual state and physical conditions. Worn as an eyeglass-like or head-mount wearable unit for example, the display apparatus of the present invention enables the user to recognize visibly various images on the display unit positioned in front of the user's eyes thereby providing the picked up images, reproduced images, and received images. As control for various display operations such as switching between the display state and the see-through state, display operation mode and selecting sources, the display apparatus of the present invention acquires information about either behavior or physical status of the user, and determines either intention or status of the user in accordance with the acquired information, thereby controlling the display operation appropriately on the basis of the determination result. |
| US09261955B2 |
Wearable device and method of controlling therefor
A method of controlling a wearable device according to one embodiment of the present specification can include the steps of displaying content on a display unit of the wearable device, sensing a tilt angle of the wearable device and providing a control interface providing control of the content. And, the step of providing the control interface can include the steps of mapping the control interface to the ground based on the sensed tilt angle and a state of the wearable device and displaying the mapped control interface on the display unit. |
| US09261954B2 |
Display control device, display control method, and recording medium
There is provided a display control device including a display controller configured to place a virtual object within an augmented reality space corresponding to a real space in accordance with a recognition result of a real object shown in an image captured by an imaging part, and an operation acquisition part configured to acquire a user operation. When the user operation is a first operation, the display controller causes the virtual object to move within the augmented reality space. |
| US09261953B2 |
Information processing apparatus for displaying virtual object and method thereof
An information apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a viewpoint position measurement unit configured to measure a position of a viewpoint of an operator, an operation position measurement unit configured to measure a position of an operation unit operated by the operator, and a determination unit configured to determine a position and an orientation of a cursor to be displayed based on the position of the viewpoint and the position of the operation unit. |
| US09261952B2 |
Shifting and recharging of emotional states with word sequencing
The shifting and recharging of an emotional state with word sequencing is disclosed. A selection of a first word sequence set is received from the user. The word sequence set is defined by a mood recharging characteristic value, and includes a plurality of words each with at least one corresponding definition. A first one of the plurality of words in the selected first word sequence set is displayed. Then, a first one of the at least one corresponding definition of the first one of the plurality of words in the first word sequence set is displayed while the first one of the plurality of words remains displayed. The definition remains displayed for a time duration corresponding to a predefined cadence rate value. The user is prompted with a question related to the mood recharging characteristic value and associated with the first word sequence set. |
| US09261951B2 |
Systems and methods for managing security data
Certain embodiments of systems and methods for managing security data are provided. In one embodiment, a system can be provided. The system can include at least one processor operable to execute one or more computer-executable instructions. The system can also include at least one memory operable to store the one or more computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be operable to: collect status information associated with a plurality of sites monitored by a security service provider; generate, based at least in part upon the collected information, at least one graphical presentation associated with the plurality of sites, the at least one presentation comprising one or more respective selectable status indicators associated with each of the plurality of sites; and output, by the monitoring system, the generated at least one presentation. |
| US09261949B2 |
Method for adaptive performance optimization of the soc
An apparatus and method for dynamically adjusting power limits for processing nodes and other components, such as peripheral interfaces, is disclosed. The apparatus includes multiple processing nodes and other components, and further includes a power management unit configured to set a first frequency limit for at least one of the processing nodes responsive to receiving an indication of a first detected temperature greater than a first temperature threshold. Initial power limits are set below guard-band power limits for components that do not have reliable reporting of power consumption or for cost or power saving reasons. The amount of throttling of processing nodes is used to adjust the power limits for the processing nodes and these components. |
| US09261948B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for executing a proxy in response to a heartbeat
An image forming apparatus automatically recognizes and responds to an encrypted heartbeat packet only with a small amount of calculation, without causing a sub control unit to execute an SSL/TLS decryption process. As a result, the image forming apparatus can execute a proxy response with less power consumption. |
| US09261946B2 |
Energy optimized cache memory architecture exploiting spatial locality
Aspects of the present invention provide a “SuperTag” cache that manages cache at three granularities: (i) coarse grain, multi-block “super blocks,” (ii) single cache blocks and (iii) fine grain, fractional block “data segments.” Since contiguous blocks have the same tag address, by tracking multi-block super blocks, the SuperTag cache inherently increases per-block tag space, allowing higher compressibility without incurring high area overheads. To improve compression ratio, the SuperTag cache uses variable-packing compression allowing variable-size compressed blocks without requiring costly compactions. The SuperTag cache also stores data segments dynamically. In addition, the SuperTag cache is able to further improve the compression ratio by co-compressing contiguous blocks. As a result, the Super Tag cache improves energy and performance for memory intensive applications over conventional compressed caches. |
| US09261945B2 |
Dynanmic peak power limiting to processing nodes in an information handling system
A computer-implemented method dynamically limits peak power consumption in processing nodes of an IHS. A power management micro-controller receives processing node-level power-usage and workload data from several node controllers, including current power consumption and a current workload, for each processing node within the IHS. A total available system power of the IHS is identified including a peak power output capacity and a sustained output power capacity. At least one node peak power threshold is determined based on the power-usage and workload data for each of the processing nodes. The node controllers are triggered to determine and set a central processing unit (CPU) peak power limit for each of several CPUs within each of the processing nodes based on the node peak power threshold, wherein each of the CPUs dynamically adjusts an operating frequency based on the CPU peak power limit. |
| US09261943B2 |
Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
A semiconductor device which can consume less power and a method for driving the semiconductor device can be provided. The semiconductor device includes a processor including a control device and an arithmetic unit, a memory device, an input/output device, and a plurality of bus lines which is a path for transmitting and receiving instructions, addresses, or data between the processor and the memory device, or the processor and the input/output device. A first memory storing each piece of information over the bus line is connected to each of the bus lines, and a second memory storing a status flag relating to information over the bus line is connected to the control device. |
| US09261937B2 |
Information processing apparatus and power supply control circuit
Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a power supply control portion that performs control of a power supply; a detection signal emitting portion that, when a connection of an external power source is detected in an operation stand-by state in which power consumption is suppressed and an operation is on stand-by, emits a detection signal only for a certain time period, in accordance with the detection; and a power supply portion that supplies power to the power supply control portion based on the detection signal emitted by the detection signal emitting portion and also stops the power supply to the power supply control portion after a certain time period elapses from the connection in the operation stand-by state. |
| US09261932B2 |
Minimizing switchover time in a hot swappable program memory
A method for hot swapping program code includes defining a predetermined range of new code from which to execute; identifying from the new code one or more system components which require a reinitialization or reset; reinitializing or resetting the one or more system components; and executing the new code. |
| US09261929B2 |
Cooling device control
A computing system can include a monitor (150) to estimate a temperature of a storage device (120). The monitor estimates the temperature from an activity indicating signal of the storage device. A cooling device controller (155) can be connected to the monitor. The cooling device controller can control the output of a cooling device (115). |
| US09261928B2 |
Electronic device
There is provided an electronic device including a flat-plate-like main unit including a keyboard, a flat-plate-like display unit which includes a display surface and is configured to move between a first state to be superimposed on the main unit and a second state to stand up from the first state, a hinge which connects the main unit and the display unit to each other in a manner that the display unit is movable with respect to the main unit, the hinge being provided in a center of the main unit in a left and right direction, a heat source and a cooling fan across the hinge in an inside of the main unit, and a heat pipe which connects the heat source and the cooling fan to each other and avoids an attaching portion of the hinge with respect to the main unit. |
| US09261926B2 |
Thermally actuated vents for electronic devices
Thermally actuated vents for electronic devices. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a vent having a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is an open position and the second position is a closed position; a muscle wire, a first end of the muscle wire being coupled with a connection to the vent and a second end of the muscle wire being coupled with an anchor point; and a tension element, a first end of the tension element being coupled with the vent at a connection point. The muscle wire is to apply a force to the vent to move the vent to the open position upon the muscle wire entering a contracted state, and the tension element pulling the vent to the closed position upon the muscle wire entering a relaxed state. |
| US09261924B2 |
Heat pipe assemblies
Heat pipe assemblies for Information Handling Systems (IHSs). In some embodiments, an IHS may comprise a motherboard including a Central Processing Unit (CPU); a cooling system coupled to the motherboard, the cooling system including a heat pipe, the CPU coupled to a first side of the heat pipe; and a daughterboard coupled to the motherboard and including a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) coupled to a second side of the heat pipe. In other embodiments, a method may include providing a motherboard including a CPU; coupling a cooling system to the motherboard, the cooling system including a heat pipe, the CPU coupled to a first side of the heat pipe; and coupling a daughterboard to the motherboard, the daughterboard including a GPU coupled to a second side of the heat pipe. |
| US09261915B2 |
Electronic apparatus, light-transmissive cover plate, and portable device
An electronic apparatus and a light-transmissive cover plate are disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes an image display device that includes an image display surface; a casing that houses at least a portion of periphery of the image display device; a light-transmissive cover plate that includes a first surface facing the image display surface, at least a peripheral edge region of the first surface is bonded to the casing; and a joining member that bonds the peripheral edge region of the first surface to the casing. The joining member has a Young's modulus smaller than that of the light-transmissive cover plate. The light-transmissive cover plate includes a gradual reduction area, and in this gradual reduction area, thickness is gradually reduced towards an outermost edge. At least a portion of the peripheral edge region of the first surface of the light-transmissive cover plate is included in the gradual reduction area. |
| US09261911B2 |
Detachable electronic apparatus
A detachable electronic apparatus includes a tablet device and a base. The base includes a back plate and a rotatable supporting device pivoted on the back plate. The rotatable supporting device further includes a supporting bracket and a connector module floating connected to the supporting bracket. The connector module is protruded from an opening of the supporting bracket when the tablet device is against the back plate. The connector module is stored in the opening of the supporting bracket when the tablet device is separated from the back plate. |
| US09261910B2 |
Fixing device for fixing a portable electronic device and portable electronic system therewith
The present invention discloses a fixing device for fixing a portable electronic device. The fixing device includes a base and a plurality of fixing structures. A slot structure is formed on the base. The plurality of fixing structures is disposed on the base. The plurality of fixing structures is for fixing the portable electronic device on the base as an end of the portable electronic device is inserted into the slot structure. |
| US09261909B2 |
Keyboard sled with rotating screen
A keyboard sled adapted to communicatively interact with a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the keyboard sled is comprised of an integral receiving portion adapted to mechanically and electronically receive a portable computer system. An interface connector is disposed within the receiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link between the keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portable computer system has been inserted in the receiving portion. The keyboard sled further has at least one mounting hook disposed within the receiving portion for providing positive retention of a portable computer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. A keyboard portion also present on the keyboard sled and also coupled with the interface connector provides input keys. The keyboard sled is also comprised of an integral data storage access slot which is adapted to provide access to a data storage device receptacle of the portable computer system. The keyboard sled also adds input functionality to the portable computer system. |
| US09261908B2 |
System and method for transitioning between operational modes of an in-vehicle device using gestures
A method of receiving user input includes operating a software program in a first operating mode and modifying a graphical interface of the software program in response to receiving gesture. The method also includes receiving a haptic input and operating the software program in a second operating mode in response to the haptic input. In the second operating mode, the gesture produces a different modification to the graphical interface than in the first operating mode. |
| US09261904B2 |
Point of sale system
A point of sale system includes a display device, a pivoting mechanism, a first electronic component and a base having a top surface. The display device includes a casing formed with a first receiving groove and a screen coupled to the casing and movable relative to the base between unfolded and folded positions. The pivoting mechanism interconnects pivotally the display device and the base. The first electronic component is connected to the casing and is movable between an inactive position where the first electronic component is retracted within the first receiving groove, and an active position where the first electronic component protrudes out of the first receiving groove. |
| US09261902B2 |
Electric device with a tilt mechanism
An electric device with a tilt mechanism is provided. The electric device includes a main body and a panel body rotatable with respect to the main body about a rotation axis. The electric device includes an engagement piece mounted on one of the panel body and the main body and an engaging piece mounted on the other one of the panel body and the main body. The engagement piece is formed to have a plurality of teeth on a plane spreading orthogonally with respect to the rotation axis. The plurality of teeth are disposed along a circumference centered on the rotation axis at a predetermined interval from one another. The engaging piece includes an engaging claw configured to be movable to be closer to and farther from the engagement piece, and an urging member configured to urge the engaging claw in a direction to be closer to the engagement piece. |
| US09261901B2 |
Turntable stand assembly and monitor
A system can include a platform; a turntable coupled to the platform for rotation of the platform about a vertical axis; a support that includes a column, an extension and an arm joint disposed on the extension, where the column extends vertically from the platform and where the extension extends from the column at an angle and positions the arm joint vertically above the platform and toward a perimeter of the platform; a monitor mount that includes an arm joint; a monitor that includes a computing device and a touch screen, the monitor being mountable to the monitor mount; and an arm coupled at a pivot end to the arm joint of the support and coupled at a free end to the arm joint of the monitor mount, which is pivotable about the free end of the arm. Various other apparatuses, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09261898B1 |
Activity tracing using distributed clock network
Systems and methods are described for coordinating clocks in a distributed computing environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of groups of nodes are formed. Nodes within a group may be time-synchronized and time differences between groups may be tracked. Clock adjustments between groups may be accumulated for tracked activities. The accumulated clock adjustments may be used to determine an ordering of the tracked activities. |
| US09261895B2 |
Operating pedal device for vehicle
A vehicle operation pedal apparatus includes an elongate hollow pedal arm provided with a pedal sheet, the vehicle operation pedal apparatus transmits a pedal operating force applied to the hollow pedal arm to an output member connected to the hollow pedal arm. The hollow pedal arm is formed of a pair of a front half and a rear half each having a U-shaped section and combined with each other; the vehicle operation pedal apparatus comprises a plate-shaped connection plate having a connecting portion connected to the output member so as to be pivotable relative to the output member and fixed integrally with the hollow pedal arm; in the front half and the rear half, slit-shaped through-holes are formed, respectively; and the connection plate is passed through the hollow pedal arm in a vehicle front-rear direction through the through-holes. |
| US09261893B1 |
Encoder update by using regenerative power
A robotic system may include an incremental encoder coupled to a joint of the system. The robotic system may include a memory configured to store representations of angular positions of the joint. The robotic system may include a motor coupled to the joint, where rotation of the joint while the motor is powered off (i) causes rotation of the motor such that electric power is generated, and (ii) updates the angular position of the joint. The robotic system may use the electric power to power on the incremental encoder and the memory while the robotic system is powered off. One or more processors may obtain, when the robotic system powers on after being powered off, the updated angular position of the joint from the memory, where the incremental encoder provides the updated angular position to the memory while the robotic system is powered off. |
| US09261892B2 |
Low-dropout voltage regulator apparatus capable of adaptively adjusting current passing through output transistor to reduce transient response time and related method thereof
A low-dropout voltage regulator apparatus includes a voltage source circuit, an error amplifier, an output transistor, a resistor-capacitor circuit, a detection circuit, and a current adjusting circuit. The voltage source circuit generates a reference voltage signal and at least one threshold voltage signal. The error amplifier receives the reference voltage signal and a feedback voltage signal to generate an output control signal. The output transistor provides an output current for the output terminal according to the output control signal. The resistor-capacitor circuit generates the feedback voltage signal using voltage dividing according to a voltage corresponding to the output current. The detection circuit compares at least one threshold voltage signal with the output voltage to generate at least one control voltage signal. The current adjusting circuit adaptively adjusts the current passing though the output transistor to decrease the transient response time according to the at least one control voltage signal. |
| US09261889B1 |
Method for controlling the system power and electronic device for controlling the system power
A method for controlling the system power is applied in an electronic device. The method includes detecting a sensing temperature of a system-on chip of the electronic device, comparing the sensing temperature with a presetting temperature, capturing a detected signal produced by a gravity sensor of the electronic device when determining the sensing temperature is greater than the presetting temperature, and lowering the surface temperature of the electronic device by setting the power limitation of the system-on chip to be a first preset power corresponded to a first setting status when the detected signal indicates that the electronic device is in the first setting status. |
| US09261888B2 |
System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
The disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided. The home screen has a single icon that gives a user an indication that there is at least one alert present in the dashboard. |
| US09261885B2 |
Portable metered flow apparatus for calibration/bump testing
A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, means for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, means for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided. |
| US09261880B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling vessel deviating from anchorage
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method that control a vessel deviating from an anchorage using wide-range sensor-based spherical trigonometry. In the method, vessels anchored in an anchorage are monitored. The anchorage is defined as a group, and the group of the anchored vessels is managed. Leaving of a vessel, needing to deviate from the anchorage, from the group is controlled. If a vessel recognized as a vessel identical to one that left the group requests anchoring after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the anchoring-requesting vessel is controlled. |
| US09261879B2 |
Use of uncertainty regarding observations of traffic intersections to modify behavior of a vehicle
Methods and devices for using uncertainty regarding observations of traffic intersections to modify behavior of a vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, an example method includes determining a state of a traffic intersection using information from one or more sensors of a vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to operate in an autonomous mode. The method may also include determining an uncertainty associated with the determined state of the traffic intersection. The method may further include controlling the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the determined state of the traffic intersection and the determined uncertainty. |
| US09261874B2 |
Method for configuration and/or equipment of a vehicle cabin, in particular of an aircraft
The invention relates to a method for the automatic configuration and/or equipment of a vehicle cabin, more particularly of an aircraft, wherein the cabin (1) is subdivided into a plurality of zones (A, B, C, D, E) and wherein at least one parameter zone (A, C, E) and one dynamic zone (B, D) are provided, comprising the following steps: —selection of one or more individual modules from a pool of individual modules, —automatic arrangement of the at least one selected individual module in the parameter zone in accordance with at least one predetermined individual module parameter for the complete configuration of the meter zone, —selection of one or more individual components from a pool of individual components, —automatic calculation of an individual component configuration of the dynamic zone in accordance with the arrangement of the individual modules in the parameter zone and automatic arrangement of individual components in the dynamic zone in accordance with the calculated individual component configuration. The invention furthermore relates to a system and a computer program. |
| US09261868B2 |
Process control system
A process control system performing control of an industrial process implemented in a plant, may include: a network provided in the plant; a plurality of field devices connected to the network, each of the plurality of field devices is configured to perform at least one of measurement and actuation required for control of the industrial process; and a controller, connected to the network, having a virtual part configured to operate in hardware in place of hardware, and a control unit configured to operate in the virtual part and to control operations of the field devices via the network, the controller being configured to enable replacement of hardware without changing the control unit. |
| US09261864B2 |
Method and device for producing a state signal
A state signal is produced that indicates a state of an energy transmission system. In the method, for pre-determined network nodes of the energy transmission system, electrical measuring values for at least one electrical measuring variable are measured and used to produce the state signal indicating the state. Respectively predicted load data that predict the electrical behavior of the respective load are associated with the electrical loads connected to the energy transmission system. The electrical loads are respectively associated with an electrical load group into which the electrical loads are collected with comparable prognostic reliability. An individual weighting value that describes the prognosis reliability of the predicted load data of the loads associated with the load group is respectively allocated to each load group. The state signal is formed using the measuring values, the load data and the weighting values. |
| US09261862B2 |
Automation management system and method
Disclosed herein is a method for monitoring performance of equipment located in an automation environment including identifying a sequence of tasks performed by the equipment, wherein each task in the sequence is defined by a series of signals; for each task in the sequence: (a) collecting data pertaining to the series of signals; (b) determining a completion time based on the collected data; and (c) determining a difference between the determined completion time and a predetermined reference value indicative of an expected completion time; repeating (a)-(c) for a plurality of repetitions of the sequence; summing, over the plurality of repetitions of the sequence, at least some of the determined differences to calculate an accumulated variance value for each given task; and selectively generating a predictive failure indication based on the accumulated variance values. |
| US09261855B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus include a door through which a tray carrying a cartridge passes. In a door closing operation, (i) movement of the tray from a movable position to an image forming position, (ii) movement of a drive transmission member, for transmitting a driving force to the cartridge from a main assembly, from a first spacing position to a drive-connecting position, (iii) movement of an urging member for urging the cartridge to the main assembly from a second spacing position to a contact position, and (iv) movement of an electric energy supply member, for supplying electric power to the cartridge from the main assembly, from a third spacing position to an electric energy supplying position, are carried out in the order named. |
| US09261852B2 |
Acoustic device, and electronic device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
An acoustic device includes an opening; a flange forming the opening; a first member including the opening and the flange; and a second member joined to the first member, thereby forming a cavity. The second member is formed of a material with a density lower than a material of the first member. |
| US09261850B2 |
Image forming apparatus and collecting container
An image forming apparatus includes a collecting container; connecting portions; shutters; first urging members for urging the shutters; a movable member which is accommodated toward the collecting container by contact with the main assembly when the collecting container is mounted in a mounting portion and which is projected outwardly from a side portion of the collecting container when the collecting container is dismounted from the mounting position; and a second urging member for urging the movable member. When the collecting container is mounted in the main assembly, the first urging members and the second urging member are provided so that a sum of rotation moment acting on the collecting container by the first urging members and rotation moment acting on the collecting container by the second urging member are directed opposite to each other. |
| US09261846B2 |
Image forming apparatus including power feeding members configured to hold a circuit board
An image forming apparatus including: a plurality of process units; a circuit board configured to generate voltages to be applied to the plurality of process units; and a plurality of separate power feeding members configured to supply the voltages to the process units, wherein the plurality of separate power feeding members holds the circuit board, the circuit board including: a plurality of voltage output portions arranged at different positions in a direction along an outer edge of the circuit board; and a plurality of positioning holes configured to position the plurality of separate power feeding members, and wherein the plurality of separate power feeding members each includes: a connecting portion to be connected to a corresponding one of the voltage output portions; a positioning portion to be fitted into a corresponding one of the positioning holes; and a latching portion configured to latch the circuit board. |
| US09261840B2 |
Method of determining process condition of image forming apparatus
An image forming unit forms a plurality of measurement images based on a plurality of process conditions. A measurement unit measures the density of each of the plurality of measurement images. A determination unit uses a first determination mode or a second determination mode. In the first determination mode, a process condition is determined from a first measurement result higher than target density and a second measurement result lower than the target density, from among a plurality of measurement results. In the second determination mode, the process condition is determined from measurement results lower than the target density. |
| US09261838B2 |
Printing arrangement for two-sided printing on a recording medium and printing method
A printing arrangement and printing method are disclosed for two-sided printing on a recording medium, in which intermediate fixing by superheated steam takes place after printing on the first side of the recording medium. Owing to the intermediate fixing, damage to the print image of the first side during subsequent printing on the second side is avoided without the recording medium being impaired by the intermediate fixing. |
| US09261837B2 |
Roller support mechanism, roller unit, and fixing device
A roller support mechanism supports a rotary shaft of a second roller disposed in parallel with a first roller. The roller support mechanism includes a support frame, a cover member, a bearing member, and an urging member. The support frame is made of sheet metal and has a support groove extending in a direction away from the first roller and receiving the rotary shaft. The cover member is made of sheet metal and is attached to the support groove to cover a pair of side edge sections facing each other across the support groove. The bearing member is made of resin and has a bearing groove that rotatably supports the rotary shaft. The bearing member is disposed in the support groove, with the cover member interposed therebetween, so as to be movable in a direction toward/away from a bottom of the support groove. The urging member urges the bearing member in a direction away from the bottom of the support groove. |
| US09261836B2 |
Member for use in fixing device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A member for use in a fixing device includes a base member that has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a covering member with which an outer peripheral surface of the base member is covered, the covering member including a first release layer that contains a first fluorocarbon resin and a second release layer that contains a second fluorocarbon resin and that is stacked on an area in the outer peripheral surface of the first release layer other than end portions of the outer peripheral surface of the first release layer in a width direction. In the covering member, a coefficient of kinetic friction of the outer peripheral surface of the first release layer that is exposed at ends of the member for use in a fixing device in the width direction is greater than a coefficient of kinetic friction of an outer peripheral surface of the second release layer. |
| US09261834B2 |
Fixing device having cylindrical rotatable member with electroconductive layer, magnetic member in a hollow portion of the member, and coil wound outside magnetic member
A fixing device includes a rotatable member having an electroconductive layer; a magnetic member which does not form a loop outside the electroconductive layer; a coil helically wound outside said magnetic member, wherein the coil forms an AC magnetic field by a flow of a current therethrough to cause the electroconductive layer to generate heat through electromagnetic induction heating; and a back-up member. When a circumferential direction resistance R of the electroconductive layer is represented by the following formula (1), a frequency f of the AC magnetic field and the circumferential direction resistance R satisfy the following formula (2): R=ρ×2πr/tw (1) f/R≧15 (kHz/milliohm) (2) where with respect to the electroconductive layer, ρ is a volume resistivity at a fixing temperature, t is a thickness, r is a radius, and w is a length with respect to a generatrix direction of the rotatable member. |
| US09261833B2 |
Backup roll having axial constraints and fuser therefor
A fuser assembly for an imaging device is shown and described. The fuser assembly includes a heat transfer member for generating heat and a backup roll coupled to the heat transfer member and rotatable therewith. The backup roll includes a central core and a rubber layer surrounding the central core. The fuser assembly further includes a plurality of end cap members, each end cap member being disposed at an end of the backup roll and dimensioned for substantially preventing outward expansion of the rubber layer in an axial direction of the backup roll. |
| US09261832B2 |
Image heating apparatus for heating toner image on sheet
In an image heating apparatus including heat generating members arranged along a longitudinal direction of a belt, when an image heating operation is performed on a recording material having a width which is smaller than a maximum width of the recording material usable in the image heating apparatus, the heat generating member positioned within an area corresponding to a non passing portion of the recording material is actuated together with the heat generating member positioned within an area corresponding to a non passing portion of the recording material. |
| US09261827B2 |
Heat source unit
In accordance with one embodiment, a heat source unit comprises a first heating section configured to include a first heating member and a first pressing member; a second heating section, which is arranged at the downstream side of the first heating section in a paper conveyance direction, configured to include a second heating member and a second pressing member; a heat source opening and closing mechanism configured to include a rotation shaft at the upstream side of the first heating section in the paper conveyance direction, and be capable of being opened and closed around the rotation shaft; and a paper conveyance guide section configured to include, between the first and the second heating sections, a first paper conveyance rib arranged at one side of the paper conveyance path and a second paper conveyance rib arranged at the other side of the paper conveyance path. |
| US09261825B2 |
Image heating apparatus having moving mechanism configured to move a rubbing rotatable member configured to rub a surface of a rotatable member, relative to the rotatable member
An image heating apparatus includes: first and second rotatable members configured and positioned to form a nip for heating a toner image on a sheet; a rubbing rotatable member configured to rub a surface of the first rotatable member; a moving mechanism configured to move the rubbing rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member between a rubbing position for carrying out a rubbing process for the first rotatable member and a retracted position retracted from the rubbing position; and an executing portion configured to execute the rubbing process in accordance with a number and a kind of the sheet processed by the image heating apparatus. |
| US09261820B2 |
Cleaning device, image forming apparatus
A cleaning device includes a cleaning portion, a polishing roller, a layer thickness restricting member, and a swaying portion. The cleaning portion removes toner that has adhered to a surface of a rotation body. The polishing roller polishes a surface of the rotation body by rotating in a state where a surface of the polishing roller is in contact with the surface of the rotation body and the toner removed by the cleaning portion has adhered to the surface of the polishing roller. The layer thickness restricting member restricts a layer thickness of the toner that has adhered to the surface of the polishing roller. The swaying portion includes a biasing portion, an undulating portion and a support portion, and causes the polishing roller to sway in an axis direction of the rotation body. |
| US09261819B1 |
Developer supply device and image forming apparatus provided with same
A developer supply device includes a shaft portion arranged in a container main body, a moving wall movable along the shaft portion, a developer discharge port and a shutter mechanism. A control unit causes the moving wall to be arranged at a first position when a remaining amount of the developer is a predetermined first remaining amount and moves the moving wall to a second position closer to the developer discharge port than the first position in the first direction when the remaining amount is a second remaining amount smaller than the first remaining amount, and causes the shutter mechanism to be set in a first open state with a predetermined opening degree when the moving wall is at the first position and causes the shutter mechanism to be set in a second open state larger than the first open state when the moving wall is at the second position. |
| US09261814B2 |
Developer carrying member, developing assembly, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A developing roller that is capable of carrying toner on a surface thereof, and that supplies the toner carried on the surface to a surface of a photosensitive drum when a voltage is applied thereto, includes: an elastic layer; and a surface layer that covers the elastic layer and contains aluminum oxide, wherein the aluminum oxide of the surface layer contains tetracoordinated aluminum atoms and hexacoordinated aluminum atoms existing in a higher proportion than the tetracoordinated aluminum atoms. |
| US09261813B2 |
Developing apparatus having aligned regulating member
A developing apparatus includes a developer carrying member, a regulating member configured to regulate developer carried on the developer carrying member, and a partition wall separating a first chamber and a second chamber. A first conveying screw conveys the developer in the first chamber, and a second conveying screw conveys the developer in the second chamber. The first conveying screw is at a position overlapping with a vertical line passing through a portion of the regulating member, and a periphery of the first conveying screw moves in the same direction as a peripheral surface of the developer carrying member that is faces. The vertical line overlaps with a part of a rotation region of the first conveying screw in which the periphery of the first conveying screw is moved in a downward direction. |
| US09261804B2 |
Toner
The present invention provides a toner that exhibits an excellent low-temperature fixability and an excellent ejected paper adhesiveness during high-speed printing, without affecting the long-term storage stability, in which the toner has a toner particle that contains a resin component, wherein the toner has, in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter, a glass transition temperature of at least 50° C. and not more than 65° C. and a cold crystallization peak during cooling of at least 40° C. and not more than 70° C., and has an endothermic peak in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter for the resin component of at least 70° C. and not more than 95° C. |
| US09261801B2 |
Steam injection process for preparing polyester latex and apparatus thereof
The present embodiments disclose processes for preparing a polyester latex containing an amount of residual organic solvent which is less than 100 ppm by weight of the total weight of the polyester latex. |
| US09261799B2 |
Movable support, position control system, lithographic apparatus and method of controlling a position of an exchangeable object
A movable support is configured to hold an exchangeable object. The support includes a movable structure movably arranged with respect to a reference object, an object holder movably arranged with respect to the movable structure and configured to hold the exchangeable object, an actuator configured to move the movable structure with respect to the reference object, and an ultra short stroke actuator configured to move the object holder with respect to the movable structure, wherein a stiffness of the ultra short stroke actuator is substantially larger than a stiffness of the at least one actuator. |
| US09261793B2 |
Image optimization using pupil filters in projecting printing systems with fixed or restricted illumination angular distribution
A pupil filter can be designed for any combination of an illumination lens and for various types of lithographic features. The pupil filter can be placed at the pupil plane of a projection optics system. For any given illumination lens providing a pupil fill within a pupil lens, a lithographic mask can be designed for the purpose of printing a one-dimensional array of line and space features or for the purpose of printing a two-dimensional array of contact holes by blocking areas, for each pixel in the pupil fill, the corresponding pixel and diffraction order pixels in the pupil lens unless +1 or −1 diffraction order pixels fall within the area of the numerical aperture. For the purpose of frequency doubling, the pupil fill area is blocked. |
| US09261791B2 |
Photoresist application
Devices and methods are provided where photoresist is applied on a substrate and at least some regions of the photoresist are dried prior to removing a substrate from a substrate support. |
| US09261790B2 |
Resist underlayer film-forming composition containing copolymer resin having heterocyclic ring
A resist underlayer film-forming composition for forming a resist underlayer film having both dry etching resistance and heat resistance. A resist underlayer film-forming composition comprising a polymer containing a unit structure of Formula (1): In Formula (1), R3 is a hydrogen atom, and both n1 and n2 are 0. A method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: forming an underlayer film on a semiconductor substrate using the resist underlayer film-forming composition; forming a hard mask on the underlayer film; further forming a resist film on the hard mask; forming a resist pattern by irradiation with light or electron beams and development; etching the hard mask using the resist pattern; etching the underlayer film using the hard mask patterned; and fabricating the semiconductor substrate using the patterned underlayer film. |
| US09261788B2 |
Compound for forming organic film, and organic film composition using the same, process for forming organic film, and patterning process
The invention provides a compound for forming an organic film having a partial structure represented by the following formula (i) or (ii), wherein the ring structures Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 each represent a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring or naphthalene ring; e is 0 or 1; R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic monovalent organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; L0 represents a linear, branched or cyclic divalent organic group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms; and the methylene group constituting L0 may be substituted by an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. There can be provided an organic film composition for forming an organic film having high dry etching resistance as well as advanced filling/planarizing characteristics. |
| US09261787B1 |
Conductive element precursor and conductive pattern formation
Black-and-white silver halide conductive film element precursors have, on one or both sides and in order, a UV filter layer, non-color hydrophilic photosensitive layer comprising a silver halide, and a hydrophilic overcoat as an outer layer. The one or two UV filter layers individually contains one or more UV absorbing agents in an amount of up 0.5 mmol/m2 and the total amount in the precursor is up to 1 mmol/m2 to prevent crosstalk during imagewise exposure. These precursors can be imagewise exposed and processed to provide conductive film elements with various conductive silver patterns (or grids) with narrow conductive silver lines on one or both sides. Such conductive film elements can be prepared with reduced yellowness as evidenced by reduced b* values. The resulting conductive film elements are highly transparent and can be used in various devices such as display devices. |
| US09261779B2 |
Photoresist composition and method of preparing the same, color film substrate, and display apparatus
An auto-repairing photoresist composition comprises 1 to 10 wt % of microcapsule having a capsule wall and a capsule core based on the total weight of the photoresist composition, wherein the capsule wall includes an alkali-insoluble resin, and the capsule core includes: 10 to 60 wt % of a photo-curable unsaturated resin oligomer; 10 to 50 wt % of a photo-curable monomers; 10 to 70 wt % of a first black pigment paste; 0.1 to 10 wt % of a first photo-initiator; and 0.1 to 5 wt % of a coupling agent, based on the total weight of the capsule core. The photoresist composition of embodiments of the present invention can be used for preparation of Black Matrix, and has an auto-repairing property to improve substantially the pass yield of product. A method of preparing the photoresist composition, a color filter substrate, and a display apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US09261771B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus for displaying panoramic images and methods of controlling the same
Digital photographing apparatus for displaying panoramic images and methods of controlling the digital photographing apparatus are disclosed. A digital photographing apparatus is provided that includes a digital signal processor to enlarge and display a panoramic image based on a target spot set in the panoramic image. Thus, a horizontal or vertical panoramic image may be more easily identified. In addition, a desired portion of the panoramic image may be set, and the panoramic image may be enlarged based on the desired portion, thereby improving satisfaction of a user. |
| US09261769B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging system
An imaging apparatus comprising a plurality of pixels each of which includes a photoelectric conversion portion, and a light-condensing portion arranged on the plurality of pixels, wherein the light-condensing portion has an area smaller than an area of the photoelectric conversion portion. |
| US09261760B2 |
Projection apparatus having illumination system and associated ion fan
An illumination system disposed in a projection apparatus includes a solid-state light source group, a cooling module, and an ion fan. The cooling module is thermally coupled to the solid-state light source group. The cooling module is located on a path of a forced convection air generated by the ion fan. The projection apparatus avails prolonging a life time of the illumination system, and the ion fan does not have a magnetic shearing sound of a motor and a wind shearing sound of fan blades to avail reducing an operation noise of the illumination system. |
| US09261756B2 |
Lock releasing device for camera
A lock releasing device a camera that is disposed on a camera body and can release by an external operation a lock of a lens locking mechanism that locks an interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body which includes a lock releasing part that can release the lock of the lens locking mechanism 2 imparting a predetermined displacement amount Sm, and a lock releasing ring that is disposed at a coaxial position to the interchangeable lens L in such a manner as to transmit the predetermined displacement amount Sm to the lock releasing part and enable the external operation. |
| US09261755B2 |
System and method for producing virtual light source movement in motion pictures and other media
A system and method is disclosed by which the movement of virtual continuous light sources illuminating various objects or persons in a scene, can be simulated over arbitrary paths throughout the captured scene. The simulated movement of each virtual continuous light source through a captured scene can be created using a stationary array of discrete light sources, and for which no physical movement of the array or the discrete light sources is required. The actuation of each of the discrete light sources can be performed sequentially according to a pre-specified sequence by a controller. Control signals for actuating the discrete light sources are synchronized with frames captured by a camera, such that the camera never sees the transitions from illuminating one discrete light source of the array to illuminating another. Thus, with respect to the images of the scene captured by the camera, it appears that a single and continuous light source is moving along a path that is dictated by the configured arrangement of the array, as well as the sequence of illumination for the discrete light sources of the array from frame to frame. |
| US09261753B2 |
Spectrum filtering for visual displays and imaging having minimal angle dependence
An optical spectrum filtering device, e.g., color filter, having reduced angle dependence is provided that comprises an interference filter assembly comprising a high refractive index dielectric material, such as a Fabry-Perot based resonator structure. The filter assembly is capable of transmitting a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum into the dielectric material to generate a filtered output with a predetermined range of wavelengths that displays minimal angle dependence, when viewed from a range of incidence angles ranging from normal (0°) to 90°. Methods of making minimal angle dependent optical spectrum filters and reducing angle dependence for such devices are also provided. |
| US09261752B2 |
Enhanced functionality of SPD electronic controllers
A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device, a small number of SPD devices or thousands of such SPD devices installed in windows in automobiles, aircraft, trains, marine vehicles, residential homes, commercial buildings and skyscrapers. A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device or thousands of such SPD devices in the presentation of a multi-media special effects display. Textual messages, graphical images and simulated motion effects are driven. Such scalable apparatus being capable of driving and using several operational parameters of SPD's such as frequency range, AC voltage and temperature so as to provide fine control of SPD characteristics such as switching speed and power consumption. |
| US09261750B2 |
Array substrate, method for fabricating the same and liquid crystal panel
An array substrate, a method for fabricating the same and a liquid crystal panel are disclosed. The array substrate includes a display region and a frame region surrounding the display region. The display region includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of scan connection lines. The plurality of data lines and the plurality of scan lines intersect each other to divide the display region into a plurality of pixel regions. The plurality of scan lines are electrically connected to the plurality of scan connection lines in a one-to-one correspondence in the display region. |
| US09261749B2 |
Display device
A display device includes gate lines, data lines, first wires and second wires extending in the directions of the gate lines and data lines, and pixels having a first subpixel and a second subpixel each. The first subpixel has a first subpixel electrode and a first switching element, and the second subpixel has a second subpixel electrode and second and third switching elements. The control terminals of the three switching elements are connected to the same gate line, and the input terminals of the first and second switching elements are connected to the same data line. The first and second switching elements have output terminals connected to the first and second subpixel electrodes, respectively. The second switching element's output terminal connects to the third switching element, which has an output terminal connected to a second wire. The first wires and the second wires are connected in a pixel. |
| US09261745B2 |
Fast response optical devices by double liquid crystal cells structure
A phase retarder comprises first and second π-cells or other tunable birefringent devices arranged optically in series. The phase retardation value of the phase retarder is a difference between the phase retardation values of the first and second π-cells. Driving circuitry drives the phase retarder to generate a target phase retardation value by: (1) prior to a relaxation period, biasing the π-cells to produce the target phase retardation value; (2) during the relaxation period, biasing the first π-cell at a constant bias value; and (3) during the relaxation period, lowering the bias value of the second π-cell continuously or stepwise to maintain the target phase retardation value for the phase retarder throughout the relaxation period. In some embodiments the operation (2) comprises applying zero bias to the first π-cell throughout the relaxation period. In some embodiments the operation (1) comprises applying a maximum operational bias to the second π-cell. |
| US09261744B2 |
Array substrate, fabricating method thereof and display device
The present invention discloses an array substrate, a fabricating method of thereof and a display device. The array substrate comprises a base substrate, and a pattern of a gate, a pattern of a gate insulating layer, a pattern of a pixel electrode, a pattern of an ohmic contact layer, a pattern of an active layer, and a pattern of source-drain electrodes formed on the base substrate. The pattern of the pixel electrode is positioned between the pattern of the gate insulating layer and the pattern of the ohmic contact layer. The technical solutions of the present disclosure can reduce one mask process, thus lowering fabrication cost and improving product yield. |
| US09261741B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including trunk lines
In the present liquid crystal display device, a conventional first auxiliary capacitance trunk line 430 is formed to be narrow, and a second auxiliary capacitance trunk line 440 is additionally provided and disposed at the closest position to the periphery of a substrate. Thus, a shift register can be distanced from the periphery of the substrate without increasing a frame area as a whole, so that the shift register is not overlaid with a seal material. Moreover, the extent of an area overlaid with a seal material within a wiring area for providing signals to the shift register can be reduced. |
| US09261740B2 |
Liquid crystal panel
To allow drive at low voltage and obtaining high transmittance in liquid crystal panel driven by FFS mode. Liquid crystal panel 10 has first substrate 14 and second substrate 27 oppositely arranged, and liquid crystal layer LC interposed between the first and the second substrates, wherein the first substrate has plural signal lines 18 and scanning lines 15 formed in matrix in mutually insulated state, upper electrode 24 having plural slit-shaped openings 25 divided by the scanning lines and signal lines, and formed for every sub-pixel, and lower electrode 21 formed with the upper electrode through insulating layer 23, the second substrate has light-shielding layer 28 superimposed with the signal lines and scanning lines in planar view, and color filter layer 29 formed for every sub-pixel, and the liquid crystal layer has at least one compound having negative dielectric anisotropy and at least one compound having positive dielectric anisotropy mixed. |
| US09261733B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for producing the same
Provided are a liquid crystal display device that suppresses occurrence of drop marks during production without degrading various properties, such as dielectric anisotropy, viscosity, nematic phase upper limit temperature, rotational viscosity (γ1), and ghosting property, and a method for producing the liquid crystal display device.A liquid crystal display device 10 of the present invention includes a liquid crystal composition layer 13 sandwiched between a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 and vertical alignment films 16 and 17 that contain a polymer of a polymerizable compound having a reactive group. The liquid crystal composition constituting the liquid crystal composition layer 13 contains compounds represented by general formulae (I) and (II). |
| US09261731B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises: a liquid crystal display panel including a liquid crystal cell between a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate; and a surface light source device having a light source unit and a light guide plate. In a polarized light output from the light guide plate, when the normal direction of a light output surface is defined to be at a polar angle of 90°, and the light guiding direction of the light guide plate is defined to be a direction of an azimuth angle of 0°-180°, a ratio La/Lt of integrated intensity La of output light in ranges where the polar angle is 50° to 80° and the azimuth angle is 135° to 225°, 0° to 45°, and 315° to 360° to integrated intensity Lt of total output light is 0.3 or more. |
| US09261729B2 |
Display panel, display apparatus having the same and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel including a substrate on which a switching element is disposed, a first electrode connected to the switching element, an image displaying layer disposed under the first electrode, a second electrode disposed under the image displaying layer and insulated from the first electrode, a protective layer disposed under the second electrode and surrounding a lower surface and side surfaces of the image displaying layer, and an upper polarizing plate disposed on the substrate, and making contact with the substrate. |
| US09261727B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including pixels and a backlight unit disposed at a rear side of the liquid crystal display panel to supply first and second color lights having different wavelengths to the liquid crystal display panel. In each pixel, first and second color filters having first and second colors different from each other are sequentially arranged in a first direction. Each pixel also includes a first open portion allowing the first and second color filters to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction and a second open portion allowing the second color filter to be spaced apart from a color filter of an adjacent pixel in the first direction. The backlight unit supplies the first and second color lights to the liquid crystal display panel during first and second sub-fields obtained by dividing a frame. |
| US09261725B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display has liquid crystal containerizing micro-cavities monolithically integrally formed as part of a thin film transistors substrate thereof where mouths of the micro-cavities are sealed shut by material of a capping layer and where the capping layer is patterned to have relatively thicker regions and comparatively thinner or devoid of capping material regions interposed between the thicker regions for thereby providing the capping layer with improved flexibility, the relatively thicker regions being disposed over the mouths of the microcavities. |
| US09261724B2 |
Jointed curved liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a jointed curved liquid crystal display device, which includes: at least two liquid crystal display units. The at least two liquid crystal display units includes: a first liquid crystal display unit (2) and a second liquid crystal display unit (4) connected to one edge of the first liquid crystal display unit (2) to be rotatable about one axis. The first and second liquid crystal display units (2, 4) receive a first cushion section (8) mounted therebetween. The axis is arranged to be opposite to the first cushion section (8). The at least two liquid crystal display units further includes a third liquid crystal display unit (6) connected to an opposite edge of the first liquid crystal display unit (2) to be rotatable about another axis. The first and third liquid crystal display units (2, 6) receive a second cushion section (10) mounted therebetween. Said another axis is arranged to be opposite to the second cushion section (10). The jointed curved liquid crystal display device can display one or multiple images according to the needs of users and allows for adjustment of curve angle thereof as desired. |
| US09261721B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a backlight unit, a fixing sheet and a coupling unit. The display panel includes an image display surface upon which an image is displayed, and a bottom surface opposing the image display surface. The backlight unit is under the display panel, and generates and provides light to the display panel. The fixing sheet includes a base film and a wing part. The base film is entirely attached to the bottom surface of the display panel and a top surface of the backlight unit. The wing part extends from an edge of the base film and is fixed to a side surface of the backlight unit. The coupling member couples the wing part to the side surface of the backlight unit. |
| US09261716B2 |
Optical semiconductor device and optical semiconductor device control method
An optical semiconductor device includes a ring waveguide, and a serpentine waveguide configured to be optically connected to the ring waveguide and surround at least a part of the ring waveguide in a serpentine form. In the optical semiconductor device, the serpentine waveguide heats the ring waveguide by absorbing input light propagated from the ring waveguide to the serpentine waveguide. |
| US09261715B2 |
Thermochromatic device and thermochromatic display apparatus
A thermochromatic device in a thermochromatic display includes an insulating substrate, a color element, a heating element, a first electrode, and a second electrode, the color element and the heating element located on the insulating substrate being virtually integral but together are physically isolated and heat-insulated and allow such fast electrically-governed color changes that moving color images can be displayed. |
| US09261714B2 |
Plasmonic all-optical switch and light control method using the same
A plasmonic all-optical switch includes a graphene layer, a first dielectric layer located on the graphene layer, a nano-antenna located on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer located on the nano-antenna. An incident beam is propagated by means of a surface plasmon wave generated at an interface between the graphene layer and the first dielectric layer. Further, localized surface plasmon resonance is selectively generated at an interface between the nano-antenna and the second dielectric layer by means of a pump beam incident to the nano-antenna to decrease an intensity of the incident beam. The plasmonic all-optical switch may operate at an ultrahigh speed just with a small light energy without any electric method, greatly reduce power consumption of an IT device by applying to an all-optical transistor or the like, and increase a processing rate. |
| US09261710B2 |
2D quality enhancer in polarized 3D systems for 2D-3D co-existence
Polarized 3D viewing systems inherently cut the viewing resolution in half. While 3D content looks of good quality, the quality of any co-existing 2D content in windowed mode on the same screen looks poor. Embodiments may be directed to modifying the 2D content in real time and presents the enhanced 2D content (i.e. 2D+) to each eye as if it was 3D content targeted at each of the left and right eyes separately. The 2D+ content quality thus appears much better than when viewing the original 2D content on a polarized screen through polarized eyewear. |
| US09261706B2 |
Display device, display method and computer program
There is provided a display device including a video display portion that displays video, and a video signal control portion which performs signal control on an input signal such that a plurality of video streams formed of a plurality of chronologically arranged unit videos are input and there is a case in which display periods of the plurality of video streams are different with respect to an interval of the input signal that includes the plurality of video streams, and which sequentially switches in a time division manner the video streams included in the signal controlled input signal, and outputs the video streams to the video display portion. |
| US09261704B2 |
Stereoscopic display and stereoscopic display device
A stereoscopic display including a display panel and a barrier panel is provided. The barrier panel is at one side of the display panel. The barrier panel includes first and second substrates, first and second patterned electrode layers, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second patterned electrode layers. The first patterned electrode layer is on the first substrate, and includes first electrodes having a first line-width. A gap between the adjacent first electrodes is a first spacing, and a first pitch is a sum of the first spacing and pitch. The second patterned electrode layer is on the second substrate, includes second electrodes having the first line-width. The gap between the adjacent second electrodes is the first spacing, the first and second electrodes are staggered to each other, and a shift in a horizontal direction between the first and second electrodes is half of the first pitch. |
| US09261698B2 |
Optical scanner and image forming apparatus including same
An optical scanner includes a light source for projecting a light beam against a target, a deflector for deflecting the light beam, a coupling lens, an optical element, a light source support member, and a housing. The coupling lens directs the light beam to the deflector. The optical element focuses the light beam deflected by the deflector into a desired shape. The light source support member supports the light source. The housing houses the light source supported by the light source support member, the deflector, and the optical elements. The housing includes at least two coupling lens mounts on which the coupling lens is fixed on an optical path between the light source and the target, and accommodates multiple light source support members. The coupling lens is fixed to the coupling lens mount using an adhesive agent after an optical axis of the light beam is aligned. |
| US09261696B2 |
Micromirror array assembly
The present invention provides a microstructure device comprising multiple substrates with the components of the device formed on the substrates. In order to maintain uniformity of the gap between the substrates, a plurality of pillars is provided and distributed in the gap so as to prevent decrease of the gap size. The increase of the gap size can be prevented by bonding the pillars to the components of the microstructure. Alternatively, the increase of the gap size can be prevented by maintaining the pressure inside the gap below the pressure under which the microstructure will be in operation. Electrical contact of the substrates on which the micromirrors and electrodes are formed can be made through many ways, such as electrical contact areas, electrical contact pads and electrical contact springs. |
| US09261692B2 |
M914 (AP/PVS-14 style) improved dual carriage head mount and dual battery compartment systems
An enhanced battery compartment associated with a night vision monocular device (NVMD) can support multiple battery types. For each battery type, a NVMD can receive an input voltage from a power source within an interior chamber of the enhanced battery compartment. The power source can be a AA battery or a CR123A battery and no additional adapter is required when the enhanced battery compartment has been attached to the NVMD. The NVMD can conform to an Army Navy Personal Viewer System 14 (AN/PVS-14) device. The NVMD can regulate the input voltage from the power source and provide an output voltage conforming to a pre-determined setting. In one embodiment, regulation of the input voltage can be performed by a component external to the enhanced battery compartment and installed in the NVMD, such as a subsystem or subassembly of the NVMD. The NVMD can activate a monocular subassembly associated with the NVMD utilizing the output voltage. The monocular subassembly can present a view of an environment within a viewport. |
| US09261691B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a light source unit, an illumination optical system configured to introduce a light from the light source unit onto a plane to be illuminated, a sample stage configured to place an object on the plane to be illuminated, an image pickup optical system configured to form an image of the object placed on the plane to be illuminated, an image pickup element portion configured by disposing a plurality of image pickup elements on an image plane of the image pickup optical system, and a light shielding member configured to reduce entrance of a light to an area where the plurality of image pickup elements of the image pickup element portion are not disposed. |
| US09261690B2 |
Microscope system
A phase-contrast microscope system includes: an illumination optical system that illuminates a specimen with an illumination light from a light source; an imaging optical system that forms an image of the specimen from a light from the specimen; a first spatial modulation element that is disposed in a position of a pupil of the imaging optical system and changes an amplitude transmittance distribution of the light from the specimen; an image sensor that detects the image of the specimen by the imaging optical system and outputs a picture signal; a calculation section that calculates the amplitude transmittance distribution of the light from the specimen appropriate for observing the specimen on the basis of the output data detected by the image sensor and the amplitude transmittance distribution of the light from the specimen formed by the first spatial modulation element. |
| US09261689B2 |
Scanning optical microscope
A scanning optical microscope includes a light source, a light converging optical system, a stage, a scanning unit which displaces an illumination light and the stage relatively, a detecting optical system, and a photodetector. A light modulation element and a relay optical system are disposed on the light converging optical system side of the light source, and a modulated signal having only amplitude changed is input to the light modulation element, and the light modulation element is positioned such that the illumination light emerged from the light modulation element with respect to the modulated signal of a predetermined amplitude coincides with an optical axis of the light converging optical system, and a position of a pupil of the light converging optical system and a position of the light modulation element are conjugate through at least the relay optical system. |
| US09261685B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens substantially consists of a first lens group having a negative refractive power and a second lens group having a positive refractive power arranged in order from the object side; that changes magnification by moving the first lens group and the second lens group; and wherein the first lens group is configured by a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens, a third lens having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens having a positive refractive power, arranged in order from the object side. The zoom lens satisfies a predetermined conditional expression. |
| US09261678B2 |
Wide angle lens and imaging apparatus
A wide angle lens consists of a first lens group having negative refractive power as a whole, a second lens group having positive refractive power as a whole, and a third lens group having positive refractive power as a whole in this order from an object side. The first lens group consists of a positive meniscus lens with its convex surface facing the object side and three negative meniscus lenses, each with its convex surface facing the object side, in this order from the object side. The second lens group includes at least two cemented lenses. The third lens group consists of a 3a-th lens group consisting of a positive meniscus lens with its convex surface facing the object side and a 3b-th lens group that includes at least two cemented lenses and has positive refractive power as a whole, in this order from the object side. |
| US09261676B2 |
Optical image capturing lens system
This disclosure provides an optical image capturing lens system comprising: a positive first lens element having a convex object-side surface, a negative second lens element, a positive third lens element having a convex image-side surface, a fourth lens element having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; and a positive fifth lens element having a convex object-side surface at a paraxial region thereof, both of the object-side and image-side surfaces being aspheric, and at least one inflection point is positioned on at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof. When particular relations are satisfied, the angle at which light projects onto the image plane can be efficiently controlled for increasing the relative illumination and preventing the occurrence of vignetting. |
| US09261672B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
The present embodiments provide a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises a first lens element, an aperture, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, and a fifth lens element positioned in an order from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces and/or the refracting power of the lens elements, the total length of the optical image lens is shortened, the field of view is broadened, and the better image performance is maintained. Above all, the optical imaging lens of the present invention is capable of shortening the total length of the optical imaging lens efficiently, enlarging the half field of view of the optical imaging lens, and showing better optical characteristics. |
| US09261670B2 |
Fixed-focus lens
A fixed-focus lens including a first lens group and a second lens group is provided. The first lens group having a negative refractive power includes a first lens, a second lens and a third lens arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side, in which refractive powers of the first, second and third lenses are negative, negative and positive in sequence. The second lens group having a positive refractive power is located between the first lens group and the image side, and the second lens group includes a fourth lens, a fifth lens and a sixth lens arranged in sequence from the object side to the image side, in which refractive powers of the fourth, fifth and sixth lenses are positive, negative and positive in sequence. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth lenses are separated from each other. |
| US09261668B2 |
Optical device provided with zooming mechanism
An optical device, such as a lens or a light quantity adjusting member, can avoid an increase in its size and also reduce the start-up time without damaging its components. An extracting section, a convex section, and a concave section are formed in a fixing member side by side in an optical axis direction. A flexible board is extracted from the extracting section. The convex section located on the extracting section projects to an inner diameter side from the extracting section. The concave section located on the convex section is recessed to an outer diameter side of the extracting section. While the optical device shifts into an accommodated state, the flexible board contacts a part of the convex section, a first bending portion of the flexible board projects to an inner diameter side thereof, and a second bending portion of the flexible board is accommodated in the concave section. |
| US09261666B2 |
Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool
A fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region and a bearing mount disposed in the interior region of the housing. A cable spool is connectedly engaged with the bearing mount such that the cable spool selectively rotates within the housing. A termination module disposed on the cable spool so that the termination module rotates in unison with the cable spool. A method of paying out a fiber optic cable from a fiber optic enclosure includes rotating a cable spool, which has a subscriber cable coiled around a spooling portion of the cable spool, about an axis of a housing of the fiber optic enclosure until a desired length of subscriber cable is paid out. A termination module is disposed on the cable spool. |
| US09261655B2 |
Protection device for an optical connector comprising a membrane seal
A connector having a ferrule, and a translucent or transparent covering membrane sealingly bonded with the ferrule by a paste zone and blanking the opening of the connector. The covering membrane being detachable from the ferrule by peeling and having a strip for gripping the membrane during peeling. The covering membrane having a line defining an easy cutting path to prevent its re-installment on the ferrule after its peel off. |
| US09261652B2 |
Optical components including bonding slots for adhesion stability
An opto-electronic apparatus comprises a substrate for supporting a plurality of components forming an opto-electronic assembly and an optical component attached to the substrate with an adhesive material, such as a solder or epoxy. The optical component is formed to include a plurality of bond slots disposed in parallel across at least a portion of the bottom surface of the optical component, the plurality of bond slots providing a path for a liquid adhesive material and improving the ability to displace the liquid adhesive material as the component is pressed into the surface of the substrate during the attachment process. |
| US09261650B2 |
Configurable optical coupling
An apparatus and method for flexible configuring of optical fibers to illuminate digital projectors. The optical fibers are attached to various positions of a configurable back plane assembly and a condensing assembly condenses the light beams prior to launch into the projector. Horizontal and vertical launch symmetries are maintained for any number of optical fibers between 1 and 9. |
| US09261643B2 |
Hollow lightguide having multiple reflectors
Lightguide is disclosed. The lightguide includes a staircase shape optical construction that includes a plurality of light reflecting risers. At least two of the risers include non-parallel light reflecting portions. |
| US09261640B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel including a liquid crystal cell between first second polarizing plates; and a surface light source device. The surface light source device includes a light source unit, a light guide plate for outputting first directivity light having directivity of maximum intensity in a first direction, which forms a predetermined angle from a normal direction of the light output surface in a plane approximately parallel to a light guiding direction of light, and having a high ratio of a polarized light component oscillating in the plane and a prism sheet being configured to convert the first directivity light into second directivity light directed in a second direction within a predetermined angle from the normal direction of the light output surface of the light guide plate while substantially maintaining a polarization state of the first directivity light. |
| US09261637B2 |
Surface light source device and its light guide plate
A light guide plate has a light introduction part having an end face configured to have light incident thereon, and a light guide plate body disposed continuously to the light introduction part and comprising a thickness smaller than a maximum thickness of the light introduction part. The light guide plate body has a light emitting surface that emits the light incident from the end face. The light introduction part comprises an inclined face disposed on at least one side of the light guide plate. The inclined face is inclined smoothly from a surface of a part thicker than the light guide plate body toward an end of the light guide plate body. An optical pattern part has a linear pattern element is disposed near a region in a proximity of the inclined face in a face on a light exit side of the light guide plate body. |
| US09261635B2 |
Rotator external to photonic integrated circuit
An optical system may include a polarization beam splitter having an input that receives multiple optical signals, a first output and a second output. The first output may provide components of the multiple optical signals having a first polarization. The second output may provide components of the multiple optical signals having a second polarization. The optical system may include a rotator having an input that receives the components to rotate the first polarization such that each of the components has the second polarization, and an output to supply components as rotated components.The optical system may also include an optical circuit including a substrate. The rotator may be separate from the substrate. The optical circuit may include an optical demultiplexer circuit provided on the substrate to receive the rotated components and the components. |
| US09261631B2 |
Method for manufacturing a diffraction grating
A diffraction grating excellent in surface precision and allowing its miniaturization and weight reduction and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention includes: a glass substrate having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 8 mm; a resin-made microstructure body having an unevenness pattern and formed on one surface of the glass substrate; and a flat resin layer formed on the other surface of the glass substrate. Even if the glass substrate has surface precision of λ/2 or greater, the replica of the diffraction grating, in which the microstructure body is not influenced by the surface precision of the glass substrate and which is excellent in surface precision, can be manufactured by the flatness of the resin layer. In addition, since the glass substrate can be made thin, the miniaturization and weight reduction of the diffraction grating can be achieved. |
| US09261629B2 |
Lens module and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a lens module including following is provided. A first lens plate having a plurality of first lens sections, a second lens plate having a plurality of second lens sections and a third lens plate having a plurality of third lens sections are provided. The first lens sections of the first lens plate are separated to form a plurality of first lens units. The second and third lens plates are connected. A relative position between each of the first lens units and one of the second lens sections corresponding to the first lens unit is adjusted. Each of the first lens units and the second lens section corresponding to the first lens unit are connected. The second and third lens sections are separated to form a plurality of second lens units and a plurality of third lens units connected to the second lens units. |
| US09261628B2 |
Photovoltaic device with patterned glass concentrator
The present invention provides a photovoltaic device having an optical component that is capable of concentrating solar energy and method of making the same. More specifically, the present invention provides for an on-line produced patterned glass component that is capable of concentrating solar energy and allows for significantly less photovoltaic material to be used in a photovoltaic device. The present invention also provides for an on-line method of making the patterned glass and a method for making a photovoltaic device incorporating the patterned glass described herein. |
| US09261624B2 |
Thermal and epithermal neutrons from an earth formation
An apparatus and method for detecting radiation in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. The apparatus may include a neutron sensitive scintillation media and at least one optically transparent neutron absorptive material optically coupled to the media, which may be positioned to prevent incident neutrons from reaching a neutron-shaded surface of the media, and to provide directional sensitivity. The neutron absorptive material may comprise a light guide optically coupled to the neutron sensitive scintillation media. The scintillation media may be disposed within the at least one optically transparent neutron absorptive material, which may be configured to prevent substantially all incident neutrons having an incident neutron energy below a selected energy threshold from reaching the media. The selected energy threshold may be approximately 0.2 eV. A neutron-reflecting material may be disposed within the scintillation media. The neutron-reflecting material may comprise a light guide optically coupled to the neutron sensitive scintillation media. |
| US09261622B2 |
Elemental concentration determination using neutron-induced activation gamma radiation
The present disclosure relates to borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating formation properties using nuclear radiation, particularly an apparatus and method for estimating amounts of silicon and/or oxygen in the formation using exposure time information. The method may include using nuclear radiation information from at least one nuclear radiation detector to estimate at least one parameter of interest. The method may also include reducing an error in the estimated formation properties due to speed variations of a nuclear radiation source that activates the silicon and oxygen in the formation. The apparatus may include at least one nuclear radiation detector. The apparatuses may include an information processing device to perform the methods. |
| US09261619B2 |
Method and device for marine seismic acquisition
Methods and systems for improving azimuth distribution in a seismic acquisition system are described. A survey acquisition system includes a plurality of streamers towed by a plurality of streamer vessels, including a first streamer vessel and a second streamer vessel and a plurality of sources towed by a plurality of source vessels. The plurality of streamer vessels and plurality of source vessels are configured relative to one another such that the plurality of source vessels are positioned at one or more predetermined inline distances behind a portion of the first streamer vessel and are also positioned at one or more predetermined inline distances in front of a portion of the second streamer vessel. The plurality of streamer vessels and plurality of source vessels are also spaced apart from one another in a cross-line direction. |
| US09261618B2 |
Method and system of depth triggers for marine geophysical survey cable retriever systems
Depth triggers for marine geophysical survey cable retriever systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments include causing a submerged geophysical survey cable to surface. In some cases, the causing the cable to surface may include: fracturing a frangible link wherein the frangible link, before the fracturing, affixes position of a piston within a cylinder bore of a housing coupled to the geophysical survey cable, and the fracturing of the frangible link responsive to pressure exerted on a face of the piston as the geophysical survey cable reaches or exceeds a predetermined depth; moving the piston within the cylinder bore; and deploying a mechanism that makes the geophysical survey cable more positively buoyant. |
| US09261617B2 |
Rope-tension system for a marine seismic cable
A rope-tension system for a marine seismic cable comprising a series of sensor nodes connected between flexible cable sections connected to other sensor nodes and flexible sections by armored cable segments. The flexible sections, which are housed in flexible protective covers, have a pair of ropes as stress members. The two ropes are pivotably pinned at both ends to termination units at the opposite ends of the flexible sections. The two ropes extend through a ring positioned between the two termination units. The pivots at the rope ends form linkages with the ropes that allow the ropes to adjust their positions as the flexible section engages a curved surface during retrieval. The ring presents bearing surfaces with a large radius of curvature to the ropes to avoid sharp bending loads. |
| US09261614B2 |
Statistics-based seismic event detection
Automated detection of microseismic events is performed by a system and method that provides automated calculation of one or more statistical parameters for statistics-based detection of microseismic events of interest. An event detector to perform signal subspace-based detection may automatically, e.g. iteratively, be configured based on the one or more automatically calculated and/or estimated statistical parameters, which may include a signal subspace dimension, an effective embedding dimension, a detection threshold, and/or a false alarm rate. Some of the statistical parameters may be calculated based on custom-generated synthetic seismic data. |
| US09261610B2 |
High purity germanium detector
The present disclosure provides a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector, comprising: a HPGe single crystal having an intrinsic region exposed surface; a first electrode and a second electrode connected to a first contact electrode and a second contact electrode of the HPGe single crystal respectively; and a conductive guard ring arranged in the intrinsic region exposed surface around the first electrode to separate the intrinsic region exposed surface into an inner region and an outer region. A leakage current derived from the intrinsic region exposed surface of the HPGe detector can be separated from the current of the HPGe detector by the conductive guard ring provided in the surface, thereby suppressing the interference of the surface leakage current. |
| US09261607B2 |
Plasma panel based ionizing radiation detector
A radiation detector is formed from a plasma panel that includes a front substrate, and a back substrate that forms a generally parallel gap with the front substrate. X (column) and Y (row) electrodes are coupled by gas discharge events to define one or more pixels. Impedances are coupled to the X and Y electrodes, and a power supply is coupled to one or both types of electrodes. Discharge event detectors are coupled to the impedances. |
| US09261606B1 |
Switching frequency extended range Geiger detection system and method
A Geiger-Mueller charge particle rate measurement system includes a clock management unit in combination with multiple oscillators and rate feedback controller to allow for reactive switching between the different oscillator frequencies to optimize system use. Controlling the clock management unit to send the appropriate frequency (clock signal) to the timers in response to measured rate date from the rate feedback controller facilitates operation at different clock speeds, which helps reduce power consumption when operated at lower speeds. |
| US09261602B2 |
Location change detection based on ambient sensor data
A method for determining a location change based on contextual data is disclosed. The method may include gathering contextual data from ambient sensors of a device. The method may include determining a probability value that the device has changed location. The method may include comparing the probability value with a predetermined value. The method may include determining whether the location has changed based on the comparison of the probability value with the predetermined value. |
| US09261598B1 |
Systems and methods for interment of cremation remains
Systems and methods for managing a plurality of interred cremation remains are disclosed. The systems and methods relate to a parcel of land and a computer database. The parcel of land includes first and second geolocated plots, wherein the first geolocated plot includes the cremated remains of a first deceased subject, and the second geolocated plot includes the cremated remains of a second deceased subject. The computer database electronically stores the geographic positions and the occupancy status of the first and second plots. |
| US09261593B1 |
Higher order processing for synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
A method for processing received return signals in a visual synthetic aperture radar (ViSAR) system is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of pulsed radar return signals over a time period corresponding to a plurality of data frames. From this data, processing is performed to generate a SAR image for each single data frame of the plurality of data frames. In parallel, the radar pulses used to form the image frames are buffered into a longer pulse sequence that is used to perform the detection processing, including identifying targets as having characteristics associated with one or more predetermined motion classes according to phase changes sensed between data frames. A visual indication of targets associated with a predetermined motion class is generated, and overlaid onto one of the SAR images. |
| US09261591B2 |
Measurement agent, a tag, a method for measuring, a method for serving measuring and a computer program product
A measurement agent for measuring a distance from the agent to a tag may include a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving radio wave signals. The agent is arranged for changing the agent transmitter from a particular state wherein the agent transmitter transmits a particular radio wave interrogation signal towards a further state determined by the agent wherein the agent transmitter transmits a further radio wave interrogation signal when a signal behavior of a received radio wave response signal changes. Further, the measurement agent includes a counter for determining a time period between transmittance of a first radio wave interrogation signal and receipt of a radio wave response signal having a predetermined signal behavior. The agent also includes a processor for computing a distance between the agent and the tag, based on the determined time period and a multiple number of radio wave interrogation signals. |
| US09261588B2 |
Radar apparatus and method manufacturing the same
A radar apparatus includes a printed circuit board having a top side, on which a radar antenna unit and an RF circuit unit are mounted, and a bottom side, on which a base band circuit unit and a signal processing circuit unit are mounted. A base plate is coupled to the printed circuit board. A protective member is coupled to the top side of the printed circuit board to cover the RF circuit unit in order to protect the RF circuit unit. The protective member has a groove formed on one side thereof, which serves as a passage of a wire for connecting the radar antenna unit and the RF circuit unit mounted on the top side of the printed circuit board. |
| US09261585B2 |
Radar apparatus using image change detector and method of operating the same
Disclosed herein are a radar apparatus and a method of operating the same. The radar apparatus includes a clutter analysis unit, a screen change detection unit, a representative value acquisition unit, and a target detection unit. The clutter analysis unit analyzes the clutter value of a signal that is received by a reception unit. The screen change detection unit calculates the screen change time up to the time at which a screen has been changed from an image captured by an imaging apparatus. The representative value acquisition unit acquires a representative value based on a plurality of clutter values analyzed for the screen change time by the clutter analysis unit. The target detection unit determines the signal to be a target signal if the size of the signal is larger than both the clutter value and representative value of the signal. |
| US09261583B2 |
Systems and methods for calibrating dual polarization radar systems
A dual polarization radar system is calibrated based on real-time data measurements, such as measured horizontal and vertical reflectivities, ZH and ZV. In this regard, the radar system analyzes the reflected power measurements to identify which measurements are associated with reflections from a respective spherical object. Using such measurements, the system determines a system differential reflectivity value, and combines such value with reflected power measurements for calibration. Since the calibration is based on real-time data measurements, the calibration process may run simultaneously with the collection of weather data. Thus, it is unnecessary to suspend weather monitoring activities in order to perform the calibration, and the calibration can be run as often as is desired without interfering with such weather monitoring activities. Further, the calibration process is immune to the weather events within range of the radar system. Accordingly, it is possible for the calibration to be performed at any time and without interfering with the weather monitoring activities regardless of the types of weather events occurring within the vicinity of the radar system. |
| US09261572B2 |
Low offset spinning current hall plate and method to operate it
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing the effect of contact resistances for Hall effect device contacts. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a Hall effect device comprising a plurality of force and sense contact pairs. The force and sense contact pairs comprise a force contact and a separate and distinct sense contact. The force contact is configured to act as a supply terminal that receive an input signal while the sense contact is configured act as an output terminal to provide an output signal indicative of a measured magnetic field value. By utilizing separate contacts for inputting a signal (e.g., an applied current) and reading out a signal (e.g., an induced voltage) the non-linearities generated by contact resistances may be removed, thereby minimizing the zero point offset voltage of the measured magnetic field. |
| US09261571B2 |
Fluxgate magnetic sensor readout apparatus
Compact, low power fluxgate magnetic sensor readout circuits and apparatus are presented in which demodulator or rectifier circuit to modulates a sense signal from the fluxgate sense coil, and the demodulated signal is provided to an amplifier circuit with a transconductance or other amplifier and one or more feedback capacitors connected between the amplifier input and amplifier output to integrate the amplifier output current and provide a voltage output signal indicating the magnetic field sensed by the fluxgate sensor. |
| US09261568B2 |
Diagnostic method to monitor battery cells of safety-critical systems
System and method to detect battery cell malfunctions through redundant offset battery cell monitoring. Redundant battery monitoring may be implemented in a battery monitoring system to process battery cell voltages at offset times. A processor may compare offset voltage samples for a particular battery cell. If the samples vary outside a predetermined range, the processor may indicate a battery cell malfunction. |
| US09261564B2 |
Battery cell control system and method
In battery cell control system and method, a monitoring section connected to a battery cell included in an assembled battery, operated with the battery cell as a power source, and configured to monitor a state of the battery cell is provided and a first consumption of the battery cell which is consumed by the monitoring section in accordance with a voltage of the battery cell is estimated using the voltage of the battery cell. |
| US09261557B1 |
Semiconductor apparatus and test device therefor
A semiconductor apparatus includes a clock enable signal buffer unit configured to receive an input clock enable signal, and generate an output clock enable signal; a buffer control unit configured to generate a buffer enable signal in response to the output clock enable signal and a test enable signal; an input/output buffer unit configured to receive input patterns and generate output patterns; and a compression test unit configured to test the output patterns and the output clock enable signal according to the test enable signal. |
| US09261556B2 |
Optical wafer and die probe testing
An optical die probe wafer testing circuit arrangement and associated testing methodology are described for mounting a production test die (157) and surrounding scribe grid (156) to a test head (155) which is positioned over a wafer (160) in alignment with a die under test (163) and surrounding scribe grid (161, 165), such that one or more optical deflection mirrors (152, 154) in the test head scribe grid (156) are aligned with one or more optical deflection mirrors (162, 164) in the scribe grid (161, 165) for the die under test (163) to enable optical die probe testing on the die under test (163) by directing a first optical test signal (158) from the production test die (157), through the first and second optical deflection mirrors (e.g., 152, 162) and to the first die. |
| US09261551B2 |
Ground fault detecting device for an ungrounded circuit
Provided is a ground fault detecting device 10 having a ground fault detection part 64 which detects a ground fault of an ungrounded circuit 70 based on a ground fault detection signal St_s of a ground fault signal detection circuit 53 when detection signals S_sig are superimposed on a positive side output part PL and a negative side output part ML by an inverting amplifier 25 connected to the positive side output part PL and an inverting amplifier 35 connected to the negative side output part ML, and having a power supply voltage detection part 66 which detects output voltage of a lithium-ion battery 71 based on a first power supply voltage detection signal Vd1_s of a first power supply voltage detection circuit 52. |
| US09261549B2 |
Leakage current sensor for suspension type insulator
A sensor apparatus for detecting leakage current in a suspension-type insulator of an electrical power system is disclosed. The sensor apparatus includes a housing having a leakage current sensor contained therein, a door pivotally connected to the housing and adapted to move between an open position where a grounded end fitting of the insulator is received by the sensor apparatus and a closed position, and a clamping mechanism connected to the housing. The leakage current sensor is adapted to detect a leakage current along the insulator. The clamping mechanism is adapted to clamp the sensor apparatus to the grounded end fitting of the insulator. |
| US09261546B2 |
Touch sensing circuit and method
A touch sensing circuit is provided. The touch sensing circuit includes: a touch capacitor, for being touched; a touch capacitor frequency detection unit, coupled to the touch capacitor, for detecting an output frequency from the touch capacitor; a reference frequency generation unit, for generating a reference frequency; a calculation unit, coupled to the touch capacitor frequency detection unit and the reference frequency generation unit, for calculating the variation of the difference between the output frequency from the touch capacitor and the reference frequency; and a determination unit, coupled to the calculation unit, for determining whether the touch capacitor is being touched based on whether the variation of the difference is greater than a criterion value. |
| US09261545B2 |
Capacitance voltage conversion circuit, input apparatus using the same, electronic instrument, and capacitance voltage conversion method
A capacitance voltage conversion circuit, which converts respective capacitances of a plurality of sensor capacitors into voltages, includes: a plurality of capacitance current conversion circuits disposed in respective correspondence with the sensor capacitors, each capacitance current conversion circuit configured to generate a detection current corresponding to a capacitance of a corresponding sensor capacitor; a current average circuit configured to average a plurality of detection currents, which are respectively generated by the capacitance current conversion circuits, to generate an average current; and a plurality of current voltage conversion circuits disposed in respective correspondence with the sensor capacitors, each current voltage conversion circuit configured to convert a difference current between a corresponding detection current and the average current into a voltage. |
| US09261544B2 |
VA metering in delta-wired electrical service
An arrangement includes an A/D converter and a processing circuit. The A/D converter is configured to generate digital samples of voltage and current waveforms in a polyphase electrical system. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive the digital samples from the A/D converter. The processing circuit configured is to obtain contemporaneous phase current and voltage samples IA, IB, IC and/or IN, and VA, VB, VC. The processing circuit is further configured to determine at least ICB sample values based on three of the current samples of IA, IB, IC, and IN, and determine a VA value based at least in part on ICB. The processing circuit is further configured to provide information representative of the VA calculation to one of a group consisting of a display, a communication circuit, a memory and a billing calculation unit. |
| US09261541B2 |
Sampling device and circuit having a single voltage supply
In embodiments of the present invention a device, circuit, and method are described for sampling input signal voltages, which may include voltages below a negative supply voltage for the device or circuit, without requiring static current from the input. Various embodiments of the invention obviate the requirement of an external negative supply voltage or attenuation resistors to allow sampling between a positive and negative voltage range. These embodiments result in a lower power sampling solution as well as simplifying any driver circuitry required by the sampler. The embodiments of the invention may be applied to sampling processes within analog-to-digital converters and may also be applicable to various other types of circuits in which a sampling input having input voltages that are lower than its negative supply voltage. |
| US09261534B2 |
Shield pin arrangement
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for shielding a signal pin. A signal pin, such as a signal pin within a probe card used to test electronic devices, such as integrated circuits, is shielded from interference signals, which are emitted from other signal pins within the probe card. Shielding the signal pin mitigates cross-talk issues and/or impendence control issues associated with signals that are carried by the signal pin. In one example, one or more shield pins are arranged with respect to the signal pin according to a shield configuration. For example, the shield configuration comprises a plane of signal pins, a substantially regular layout of signal pins, or a polygonal layout of signal pins, etc. In this way, one or more shield pins inhibit unintended interactions or effects that otherwise occur among two or more signal pins. |
| US09261532B1 |
Conductive atomic force microscope and method of operating the same
A conductive atomic force microscope including a plurality of probe structures each including a probe and a cantilever connected thereto, a power supplier applying a bias voltage, a current detector detecting a first current flowing between a sample object and each of the probes and a second current flowing between a measurement object and each of the probes, and calculating representative currents for the sample and measurement objects based on the first and second currents, respectively, and a controller calculating a ratio between representative currents of the sample object measured by each of the probe structures, calculating a scaling factor for scaling the representative current with respect to the measurement object measured by each of the probes, and determine a reproducible current measurement value based on the second measurement current and the scaling factor may be provided. |
| US09261528B2 |
Impact detecting device
An impact detecting device includes a first impact detecting portion, a determining portion and an informing portion. The first impact detecting portion detects an impact applied to an object equipped to a vehicle. The determining portion determines that the object has received the impact when a detection result of the first impact detecting portion is greater than a first impact determination threshold. The informing portion informs that the object has received the impact, when the determining portion determines that the object has received the impact. |
| US09261527B2 |
Method of utilizing mobile device to detect emergency and related emergency detecting system
A method of utilizing a mobile device to detect an emergency includes detecting whether the mobile device is carried by a user; detecting an acceleration status of the mobile device when the mobile device is determined to be carried by the user; and determining whether the user is in the emergency according to the acceleration status of the mobile device. |
| US09261523B2 |
Systems and methods for managing inventories of reagents
A system for managing the inventory of reagents for a laboratory automation system. The system for managing the inventory of reagents comprises a controller, software for the controller, and a refrigerator capable of refrigerating reagents, detecting the presence or absence of reagents in the refrigerator, and detecting the location of reagents in the refrigerator. The system for managing the inventory of reagents is connected to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises at least one clinical analyzer. A typical system for managing inventories of reagents includes an operator interface for the loading of boxes of reagents and other supplies, radio frequency identification system for identification of inventory and tracking, robotic mechanisms for loading containers onto the track system and removing containers from the track system, de-capping equipment, refrigeration equipment, and information technology connections to laboratory analyzers and vendors. |
| US09261520B2 |
PC-O 44:4—a biomarker for visceral adiposity
The present invention generally relates to the field of biomarkers. In particular, the present invention relates to biomarkers such as PC-O 44:4 that can be used, for example for detecting and/or quantifying visceral adiposity and/or changes in visceral adiposity. This biomarker may also be used to diagnosing the effect of a change in lifestyle on visceral adiposity in a subject. |
| US09261516B2 |
Diagnosis and risk stratification using NT-proET-1
The invention relates to a method for the diagnosis and/or risk stratification of cardiac diseases and diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs. According to said method, the free fragment N-terminal proEndothelin (NT-proET-1; AS 18-52 of the pre-proET according to FIG. 1) or fragments and partial peptides thereof is or are determined. |
| US09261509B2 |
Methods for monitoring methotrexate therapy
The present invention provides methods for assessing efficacy of a methotrexate (MTX) dosing regimen in a patient. |
| US09261507B2 |
Anti CEACAM1 antibodies and methods of using same
A method for diagnosing a cancer characterized by over expression of CEACAM1 using an anti-CEACAM1 antibody or antibody fragment that recognizes CEACAM1 and comprises the same CDR sequences in the same orientation as the CDRs of the antibody produced from a hybridoma cell which has been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-9974. |
| US09261504B1 |
Method and kit for detection of hemolytic uremic syndrome and necrotizing pneumonia in children with pneumococcal disease using serum fetuin-A levels as a biomarker
The invention provides a method and a kit for measuring the levels of serum fetuin-A in children to reflect the severity of invasive pneumococcal diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including necrotizing pneumonia and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The mean fetuin-A levels in the HUS patients are significantly lower (207±80 mg/L, p<0.001) when compared to patients with lobar pneumonia (610±190 mg/L) and the healthy controls (630±250 mg/L). A serum fetuin-A level is a useful biomarker to classify the severity of pneumococcal infection in children. The level of biomarker fetuin-A can be monitored and evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot hybridization. |
| US09261503B2 |
Cell analysis by mass cytometry
A combination of mutually exclusive cell-based analytical techniques can be applied to the same group of cells for analysis. The same group of cells can be prepared for analysis by each technique resulting with candidate cells targeted for mass cytometry analysis. This configuration allows for the correlation of the information between each technique to produce a matrix of multi dimension of cellular information with the same group of cells. |
| US09261502B2 |
Test system for visual analysis
The present invention relates to a test system for visual analysis and to the use thereof in the point-of-care testing field. |
| US09261501B2 |
Biosensor system for single particle detection
A biosensor system for the detection of particles includes a biosensor cartridge having a sensor surface. A biosensor magnet assembly is disposed on one side of the cartridge for generating a magnetic field effective at the cartridge and the sensor surface. The biosensor magnet assembly includes at least two magnetic sub-units separated by a gap. A first optical detection system detects the particles arranged at the same side of the cartridge as the magnet assembly. The magnet assembly and the first optical sensor are disposed such that the optical detection is accomplished through the gap of the magnet assembly. |
| US09261499B2 |
Biochemical detection unit and biochemical device having the same
A biochemical detection unit for detecting a sample and a biochemical device having the biochemical detection unit and a releasing unit are provided. The biochemical detection unit includes a photoconductor plate, a receptor, and a resistance sensing component. The receptor specifically binds to the sample so that the illumination projected on the photoconductor plate will change to vary the resistance value of the photoconductor of the photoconductor plate. |
| US09261492B2 |
Method for evaluating semi-quantitatively of concrete carbonization and evaluating apparatus using the same
Provided are a method of semi-quantitatively evaluating concrete carbonation including the steps of a specimen preparing step of preparing a concrete specimen for identifying a degree of carbonation, a carbonation depth measuring step of measuring a carbonation depth of the specimen by a method of promoting carbonation of the specimen using a carbonation promoting tester and applying an indicator, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzing step of qualitatively analyzing components of the specimen by an XRD method after cutting the specimen from a top end to a predetermined depth and crushing the specimen. Thus, the method of the present invention may calculate the exposure time of concrete carbonation by converting the analysis result value of XRD to the result value of TG-DTA. |
| US09261487B2 |
Method and system for examining the interior material of an object, such as a pipeline or a human body, from a surface of the object using ultrasound
A method and system are described for examining the interior material of an object from a surface of an object using ultrasound having a frequency of at least 100 kHz. The method comprises the step of transmitting at least a first ultrasound signal by a first ultrasound transmitter of a first number of ultrasound transmitters to the interior material of the object for forming a first image in order to determine, according for example to the principle of inverse wave field extrapolation, where in the interior material of the object reflections and/or diffractions occur. Reflections and/or diffractions of the first ultrasound signal from the interior material of the object are received using a second number of ultrasound receivers which are acoustically coupled to the surface of the object at positions which are distributed in at least one dimension of the surface of the object. |
| US09261485B2 |
Providing color doppler image based on qualification curve information in ultrasound system
There are provided embodiments for providing a color Doppler image based on qualification curve information. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data corresponding to a living body including a moving target object; a storage unit for storing qualification curve information for determining blood flow signals of the target object, clutter signals and noise based on velocity and power components of Doppler signals; and a processing unit configured to form first Doppler signals based on the ultrasound data, perform a clutter filtering process upon the first Doppler signals to form second Doppler signals, calculate velocity and power components of the second Doppler signals, form a color Doppler image based on the calculated velocity and power components, and perform a blending process upon the color Doppler image based on the calculated velocity and power components and the qualification curve information. |
| US09261484B1 |
Acoustic waveguide for the detection and characterization of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes
The present invention provides an acoustic waveguide for determining and continuously monitoring the degree, location and type of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes or catheters using acoustic waves. The tube's wall has an intermediate layer positioned between a tube outer wall and a tube inner wall of the tubea and the intermediate layer is made of a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in or outside the waveguide reducing or eliminating the amount of acoustic energy that radiates through the tube. |
| US09261481B2 |
Diagnostic system and method for nitrogen oxide sensor
A system including a nitrogen oxide sensor and a controller is provided. The nitrogen oxide sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of nitrogen oxides content in an exhaust gas. The controller is communicably coupled to the nitrogen oxide sensor. The controller configured to receive the first signal indicative of nitrogen oxides content in the exhaust gas. The controller is also configured to receive a second signal corresponding to an operational parameter of a power source. Further, the controller is configured to compare a derivative of the first signal with a derivative of the second signal. The controller is configured to trigger an error counter when an absolute value of the compared derivative crosses a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, the controller is configured to determine a condition of the nitrogen oxide sensor based on a count of the error counter in a predetermined period of time. |
| US09261476B2 |
Printable hydrogel for biosensors
Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing an analyte detecting device. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a substrate, applying a plurality of layer of materials on said substrate; applying a layer containing at least one mediator; and screen printing a hydrogel on the layer. |
| US09261470B2 |
High precision elemental composition determination
High precision elemental concentration determination is achieved using a nuclear magnetic resonance device that can continuously monitor samples of a source fluid in the field and in the refinery plant while the source fluid is refined into a desired product fluid. |
| US09261468B2 |
Multi-particle inspection using associated particle sources
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing combined neutron and gamma ray radiography. For example, one exemplary system comprises: a neutron source; a set of alpha particle detectors configured to detect alpha particles associated with neutrons generated by the neutron source; neutron detectors positioned to detect at least some of the neutrons generated by the neutron source; a gamma ray source; a set of verification gamma ray detectors configured to detect verification gamma rays associated with gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; a set of gamma ray detectors configured to detect gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; and an interrogation region located between the neutron source, the gamma ray source, the neutron detectors, and the gamma ray detectors. |
| US09261467B2 |
System and method of iterative image reconstruction for computed tomography
A system and method include acquisition of projection data from a scanned object, the set of projection data comprising a plurality of projection measurements. The system and method also include calculation of a set of modified statistical weights from the projection data, wherein a respective modified statistical weight of the set of modified statistical weights comprises a deviation from an inverse variance of a corresponding projection measurement of the projection data. The system and method further include reconstruction of an image of the scanned object using the set of modified statistical weights as coefficients in an iterative reconstruction algorithm. |
| US09261466B2 |
Device for determining a composition of a fuel mixture by means of a coaxial waveguide through which the fuel mixture is flowing
A device for determining a composition of a fuel mixture is provided, in particular for determining an ethanol component and/or a water component in the fuel mixture. The device includes at least one housing having at least one electrically conductive housing element through which the fuel mixture is able to flow. At least one internal conductor, which is at least partially enclosed by the housing element, is introduced into the housing element. In addition, the device has at least one connection device for the coupling of microwave signals. |
| US09261465B2 |
System and method to illuminate and image the inside diameter of a stent
An optical system is effective to illuminate and scan an interior wall of an object having an interior bore, such as a stent. The system includes a light source, an object support having a light conducting portion, an image taking lens, and a line scan camera. The interior bore and the light conducting portion of the object support are in axial alignment with a center optical axis of the image taking lens. A drive mechanism engages the object without impacting the axial alignment. Various aspect of this optical system include a rotating wheel or transparent plate as the drive mechanism. The object support may be an opaque rod having a light conducting portion or a transparent rod. Electronics associated with this optical system include a rotary encoder engaging the drive system to drive an electric circuit capable of triggering the line scan camera in response to rotation of the object, thereby building a line by line image of the interior bore and the line scan camera connected to a computer-based imaging system effective to identify cosmetic and functional manufacturing defects. |
| US09261463B2 |
Visual inspection apparatus
A visual inspection apparatus 10 performing a visual inspection of an electronic component 13 including opposing sides 11, 11a and opposing sides 12, 12a, the apparatus 10 including an optical-path adjusting means 30 changing a traveling direction of a light and setting an appearance of the side 11a of the electronic component 13 temporarily stopped at a first inspection point in an image of the side 11 of the electronic component 13 captured by a first imaging means 31, and an optical-path adjusting means 34 setting an appearance of the side 12a of the electronic component 13 temporarily stopped at a second inspection point in an image of the side 12 of the electronic component 13 captured by a second imaging means 35, thereby performing a visual inspection of the sides 11, 11a, 12, 12a. |
| US09261462B2 |
Monitoring of photo-aging of light-based chemical indicators using illumination-brightness differential scheme
Photo-aging monitoring of light-based chemical indicators that experience performance degradation as the cumulative amount of light exposure from measurement and/or reference illumination increases from usage. Differing regions on a chemical indicator are illuminated with measurement illumination light of differing exposures, for example, higher brightness, longer exposure times, or both. Readings from the differing regions are compared with known aging information for the chemical indicator at issue to determine a confidence factor for the measurements. The confidence factor can be used to control various actions relating to measurements acquired from the chemical indicators, such as compensating measurement readings for photo-aging, assigning confidence levels to measurement readings, and issuing alerts to users when photo-aging exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds. |
| US09261460B2 |
Real-time nucleic acid detection processes and compositions
This invention provides compositions for use in real time nucleic acid detection processes. Such real time nucleic acid detection processes are carried out with energy transfer elements attached to nucleic acid primers, nucleotides, nucleic acid probes or nucleic acid binding agents. Real time nucleic acid detection allows for the qualitative or quantitative detection or determination of single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acids of interest in a sample. Other processes are provided by this invention including processes for removing a portion of a homopolymeric sequence, e.g., poly A sequence or tail, from an analyte or library of analytes. Compositions useful in carrying out such removal processes are also described and provided. |
| US09261459B1 |
Handheld fluorometer
A fluorometer for measuring fluorescence of a sample includes an excitation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation along a first beam path to induce fluorescence in the sample. An excitation filter transmits electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source toward the sample. An excitation filter holder supports the excitation filter and defines an aperture for passage of electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source. The aperture is positioned asymmetrically relative to the first beam path such that the aperture allows an asymmetrical portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the first beam path to pass toward the sample and the excitation filter holder blocks passage of a corresponding asymmetrical portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the first beam path. The blocked passage of the corresponding asymmetrical portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the first beam path reduces the amount of electromagnetic radiation oriented directly from the emitter module to the detector module. |
| US09261457B1 |
Laser absorption measurement for clumped isotopes
In one embodiment, an apparent equilibrium constant involving a clumped isotope in a gaseous sample is measured by acquiring sample spectra of portions of the gaseous sample at different pressures. An external bulb coupled to a sample cell is filled with the gaseous sample. A first portion of the gaseous sample is transferred from the external bulb to the sample cell, where it is at a first pressure. A first sample spectrum is obtained. Then, a second portion of the gaseous sample is transferred from the external bulb to the sample cell, where it is at a second, different pressure. A second sample spectrum is obtained. An apparent equilibrium constant for the clumped isotope is calculated by determining a first isotopic ratio at the first pressure, determining a second isotopic ratio at the second pressure, and taking a product of the first isotopic ratio and the second isotopic ratio. |
| US09261453B2 |
Method and gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas
Gas analyzer and method for measuring the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas, wherein the wavelength of the light of a wavelength-tunable light source is varied within periodically successive sampling intervals and, in the process, additionally modulated with a frequency to perform wavelength dependent sampling of an absorption line of a gas component to be measured in the sample gas. |
| US09261451B2 |
Device and method for determining the permeation rate of barrier elements and ultra-barrier elements
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the permeation rate of barrier elements and ultra-barrier elements according to an isostatic permeation measurement method. In the process, the convective mass transfer of a permeate permeated through a barrier element is replaced by a diffusion-controlled mass transfer along a diffusion path in a subsequently arranged measurement chamber with a hollow conducting element and permeate sink.The permeate sink ensures that permeate is removed continuously, and so a mass flux equilibrium of the permeate is set through the barrier element and through the diffusion path.The concentration gradient of the permeate and, from this, the permeation rate of the barrier element is then determined by non-invasive determination of the concentration of the permeate along the diffusion path. |
| US09261450B2 |
Microorganism number-measuring apparatus
A microorganism number-measuring apparatus includes a container holder holding container that accommodates a liquid into which microorganisms are released, power supply unit applying a microorganism-collecting voltage and a microorganism number-measuring voltage to measurement electrode that is dipped in container held by the container holder, and reuse prevention unit that makes measurement electrode burn out after a measurement operation thereof. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent improper reuse of the measurement electrode. |
| US09261445B2 |
System for measuring golf swing parameter data on impact of a golf club face with a target surface
A system for measuring golf swing parameter data on impact of a club face of a user's golf club with a target surface includes an absorber bag having a front facing surface with target image thereon for receiving an impact of the user's club face therewith, an anchor frame to which the bag is attached thereto, and an electronics module removably attachable to the anchor frame. The system further includes a plurality of shock mounts positioned between the absorber bag and anchor frame, and at least one accelerometer in electrical communication with the electronics module and arranged on a rear surface of the bag that measures acceleration upon impact of the club face with the absorber bag, providing a signal that is converted by the electronics module into golf swing parameter data for display to the user. |
| US09261444B1 |
Apparatus, system, and method for in situ strength testing of a bonded joint
The present disclosure relates to a system for testing the strength of a bonded joint between at least two components, wherein the system includes at least one element force energizer that creates an actual mechanical stress in the bonded joint when actuated, wherein the element force energizer is coupled with the at least two components. The system further includes an energy interface that is connectable to a power source, the energy interface being in electrical communication with the at least one element force energizer, and a sensor that detects the actual mechanical stress or strain in the bonded joint. The system may also include a recording device that records and/or transmits the detected mechanical stress or strain in the bonded joint. In one example, the element force energizers include piezoelectric materials. |
| US09261443B2 |
Method for quantification of soluble LR 11
Provided is a method for quantifying soluble LR11 in a biological sample such as serum by an immunological means conveniently and accurately without the need of carrying out any complicated separation manipulation. An immunological quantification method for soluble LR11 in a sample derived from a mammal, including a step of treating the sample with at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phenyl ether, an alkyl glycoside, an alkylthio glycoside, an acyl-N-methylglucamide and a salt of cholic acid. |
| US09261438B2 |
Matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI)
A method of preparing a sample for matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging analysis by a two-step process. Firstly, a MALDI matrix is dusted on to the sample followed by a spray of a suitable solvent onto the dusted sample. The present method has been successfully applied to the detection and mapping of several analyte classes in latent fingermarks. Using the present two-step method, fingermark enhancement, recovery and analysis from different substrate surfaces is now possible enabling visual and chemical information to be obtained simultaneously via remote testing. |
| US09261432B2 |
Barometric pressure inference based on tire pressure
Methods and systems for detecting barometric pressure (BP) changes based on tire pressure changes are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting an evaporative leak detection threshold based on a change in barometric pressure, where the change in barometric pressure is based on a tire pressure change. |
| US09261430B2 |
Performance estimation method and scale-up method for particle size breakup apparatus of a rotor-stator type
A comprehensive mixer performance estimation method that can be applied to each of the mixers of the rotor-stator type having the various configurations and circulation modes is provided. In accordance with the mixer performance estimation method of the present invention, the total energy dissipation rate εa for the mixers of the rotor-stator type may be obtained, the respective sizes of the rotor-stator and the powers and flow rates during the mixer's running time may be measured, the magnitude of the values for the configuration dependent term for the entire mixer that are specific to each of the mixers and are obtained by measuring the size of the rotor-stator and the powers and flow rates during the mixer's running time may be estimated, and the mixer's performance may be estimated. |
| US09261429B2 |
Prism-coupling systems and methods for characterizing large depth-of-layer waveguides
Prism-coupling systems and methods for characterizing large depth-of-layer waveguides are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a coupling prism having a coupling angle α having a maximum coupling angle αmax at which total internal reflection occurs. The prism angle α is in the range 0.81αmax≦α≦0.99αmax. This configuration causes the more spaced-apart lower-order mode lines to move closer together and the more tightly spaced higher-order mode lines to separate. The adjusted mode-line spacing allows for proper sampling at the detector of the otherwise tightly spaced mode lines. The mode-line spacings of the detected mode spectra are then corrected via post-processing. The corrected mode spectra are then processed to obtain at least one characteristic of the waveguide. |
| US09261428B2 |
Method for calibrating at least one headlamp
The invention relates to a method for calibrating at least one headlamp (2, 3) and/or at least one element of a headlamp, particularly on a motor vehicle (1), using the illumination structure that is contained in the light distribution of the headlamp or of the element of the headlamp, with an image data acquisition unit (6) and a control unit (7), wherein the illumination structure of at least one headlamp (2, 3) and/or of at least one element of a headlamp is formed between a dark area (9) and a light area (10), such as a dark/light boundary, and the image data acquisition unit (6) detects an, in particular retro-reflective, object (13) when changing from the dark area (9) to the light area (10), wherein also the absolute position of the object (13) upon entry into the light area (10) is determined and this is used to determine an actual setting of the at least one headlamp (2, 3) or of the at least one element of a headlamp. The invention also relates to an apparatus in this regard. |
| US09261425B2 |
High temperature pressure sensor
A pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor having a pressure sensing transducer connected to a plurality of electrode pins via a plurality of electrode pads disposed on the transducer, an inner casing configured to hold the pressure sensing transducer including a plurality of inner casing electrode pin channels having the electrode pins disposed therein. The pressure sensor further includes an outer casing holding the inner casing therein having a capsule header with a plurality of capsule header electrode pin channels defined therein which can include a ceramic seal disposed therein such that the capsule header electrode pin channels engage the electrode pins in an insulating sealed relationship. The outer casing further includes an isolator plate including an isolator plate fluid port defined therein and a pressure isolator disposed on the isolator plate and configured to deflect in response to a change in ambient pressure. The pressure sensor includes a pressure transmitting fluid disposed in the fluid volume. |
| US09261421B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring fixing force
A fixing force measuring apparatus including a section for applying a predetermined controlled hammering force to a wedge surface to generate a hammering sound, a section for controlling the hammering sound generated, a section for obtaining plural kinds of feature quantities such as a feature quantity due to a hammering sound energy, and a feature quantity due to a frequency of the hammering sound from the hammering sound collected by an arithmetic operation, and a section for obtaining a fixing force corresponding to the plural kinds of feature quantities by using a correlative relationship between the wedge fixing force previously obtained, and the plural kinds of feature quantities. |
| US09261415B1 |
System and method for temperature sensing
In accordance with an embodiment, a temperature sensor includes a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current generator having a first current output configured to provide a first temperature dependent current, a first curvature compensation circuit configured to provide a first compensating current to an internal node of the PTAT current generator, and a second curvature compensation circuit configured to add a second compensating current to the first current output. The first compensating current has a first non-linearity with respect to temperature, a portion of the first non-linearity is present in the first temperature dependent current, the second compensating current includes a second non-linearity with respect to temperature, such that the second non-linearity in the second compensating current substantially cancels out the first non-linearity in the first temperature dependent current. |
| US09261414B2 |
Overhead conductor sensor
An overhead conductor sensor for measuring various parameters that affect an overhead conductor is disclosed. The overhead conductor sensor includes an electronics housing having first and second opposing ends, a jaw assembly having a first jaw connected to the first end of the electronics housing and a second jaw pivotally attached to the first jaw to allow the jaw assembly to move between an open position for receiving an overhead conductor therein and a closed position for securing the sensor to the overhead conductor, and a thermocouple assembly electrically connected to electronics housed in the electronics housing and extending through the jaw assembly for engagement with the overhead conductor. The thermocouple assembly is adapted to measure a temperature of the overhead conductor. |
| US09261412B2 |
Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor includes a clamp and a thermistor. The clamp is adapted to be inserted into an opening formed in an object, and has a shaft member. A flange member is extended from the shaft member in a direction orthogonal to an inserting direction in which the clamp is inserted into the opening. An engaging member extended from an end part of the shaft member toward the flange member in a direction inclined with the inserting direction. The thermistor is provided in the shaft member and is disposed in the end part. The engaging member and the flange member are adapted to clamp the object therebetween when the clamp is inserted into the opening. |
| US09261410B2 |
Terahertz electromagnetic wave generator, terahertz spectrometer and method of generating terahertz electromagnetic wave
A terahertz electromagnetic wave generator according to the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric material layer; a metal layer which partially covers the surface of the thermoelectric material layer; and a light source system which is configured to irradiate both a surface region of the thermoelectric material layer that is not covered with the metal layer and an edge of the metal layer with pulsed light, thereby generating a terahertz wave from the thermoelectric material layer. |
| US09261408B2 |
Bolometric infrared quadrant detectors and uses with firearm applications
A thermal position sensor includes a collection of micro-bolometers, each having an electrical resistance and each including a substrate and an absorptive element. The absorptive element is suspended above the substrate and configured to absorb infrared radiation, including 10-micron long-wavelength infrared radiation. A change in a temperature of the micro-bolometer causes a change in the resistance of the micro-bolometer. The collection of micro-bolometers is partitioned into a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant, where each of the quadrants represents a 90-degree segment of the sensor and includes at least one micro-bolometer of the collection of micro-bolometers. Each of the quadrants includes at least one output signal that provides information indicative of a temperature of the quadrant based on a resistance associated with the at least one micro-bolometer of the quadrant. |
| US09261400B2 |
Focus detection apparatus, electronic apparatus, manufacturing apparatus, and manufacturing method
There is provided a focus detection apparatus including: microlenses; light reception units that receive light which is incident through the microlenses; waveguides that cause light, which is incident to the microlenses at a predetermined angle, to be received by the light reception units and that are provided between the microlenses and the light reception units; and a detection unit that detects focusing output values from the light reception units. |
| US09261398B2 |
Method of and system for detecting object weighing interferences
A POS-based checkout/scale system having (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem for reading bar code symbols on products being purchased at a retail POS station, and (ii) a produce weigh scale having a weigh scale assembly for weighing one or more produce items on a weigh platter during produce weighing operations carried out at the time of checkout at said retail POS station. The system also includes an automatic produce weighing interference detection subsystem, supporting an IR-based light curtain about the weigh platter, automatically detects when any object is overhanging the weigh platter during produce weighing operations, and generates an alert signal when such conditions are automatically detected. |
| US09261390B2 |
Flow meter assembly, gate assemblies and methods of flow measurement
The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24). |
| US09261388B2 |
Methods and systems to measure fluid flow
Methods and systems to measure a volumetric fluid flow rate through a fluid flow passage, such as an air handler of a HVAC system, are described. The method may include obtaining a flow rate measurement in a measuring section, and calculating a total flow rate based on a correlation between the obtained flow rate measurement and the total flow rate. The method may also include blocking a portion of the fluid flow passage so that when a minimal volumetric fluid flow rate is provided, the flow rate measurement obtained in the measuring section is at about a minimal sensitivity flow rate requirement. |
| US09261385B2 |
Housing cap for an electronics housing, respectively electronics housing fromed therewith
A housing cap comprises: a cap basic body having a cap floor having an opening as well as a surrounding cap lateral wall adjoining an edge of the cap floor. A window pane of a transparent material placed on a side of the cap floor facing toward the cap lateral wall in a manner sealing the opening of the cap floor; as well as a contact disk placed on a side of the window pane facing away from the cap floor. The cap lateral wall includes on an inner side facing the window pane a groove, while the contact disk has a contact region bearing against the window pane as well as an outer edge having formed therein a plurality of teeth, which are in engagement with the groove. |
| US09261383B2 |
Discovery of occurrence-data
Methods, devices, and systems for discovery of electronic occurrence-data, including data protected by an information security measure. In an approach, an exemplary system includes data storage operable to store a plurality of instances of occurrence-data, each instance of the occurrence-data having a representative feature, a central computing device operable to communicate with the data storage, and instructions that cause a computing device to perform steps. The steps include receive from an input-selector an input selection corresponding to a target-occurrence having a representative feature, and select a pattern recognition criteria corresponding to the representative feature of the target-occurrence. |
| US09261379B1 |
Intersection completer
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to generating roadgraphs for use by autonomous vehicles. A computer may receive input defining aspects of a roadway including an intersection with another roadway, one or more traffic control features, and one or more locations at which a vehicle is required to observe at least one traffic signal before entering the intersection. A user may identify the intersection, for example, by tracing a perimeter around the intersection. In response, for each particular location of the one or more locations, the computer may identifying a route through the intersection from the particular location and determine, based on the boundary of the intersection and the particular location, a set of the one or more traffic control features must be observed by the vehicle before entering the intersection. This information may then be used to generate a roadgraph. |
| US09261377B2 |
Route selection
A request is received to compute a route from a start point to an end point. The route is computed using map data that includes a plurality of map elements, and route data that includes rules associated with the map elements, each of the rules being triggered by a condition flag that specifies a condition according to which the rule should be applied. The route data is based inputs related to driver experience in a geographic area associated with the route, and the inputs are based on stored data and not real-time or near-real-time data. |
| US09261375B2 |
Anomaly detection for road user charging systems
A computer readable medium embodies a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a processing apparatus to perform operations including determining information corresponding to a number of differences in distances between ending points of journeys taken by a vehicle and starting points of consecutive journeys taken by the vehicle, and transmitting one or more representations of the information. Another computer readable medium tangibly includes instructions for, for each of a number of vehicles, receiving one or more scores corresponding to a vehicle, and determining a ranked list containing at least a portion of the scores, and outputting the ranked list. Another computer readable medium includes instructions for, for each of a number of vehicles, receiving information corresponding to a vehicle, using one or more metrics, calculating one or more values from the received information, and communicating one or more representations of the one or more value to one or more entities. |
| US09261373B2 |
Start-of-route map navigation with suppression of off-route feedback
A map navigation tool provides a start-of-route buffer area in which off-route feedback (e.g., audio or visual warnings or alerts) can be suppressed in some circumstances. For example, a mobile computing device implements a map navigation tool that can output off-route feedback when the user strays from a route, but also can suppress off-route feedback when the user is within a start-of-route buffer area. Off-route feedback can continue to be suppressed until some other event, such as the user leaving the start-of-route buffer area, occurs. Off-route feedback can be suppressed even if the user is not within a start-of-route buffer area, such as when the map navigation tool generates a route when the user is at an initial location that is far away from any part of the route and then joins the route later (e.g., at the start location or downstream from the start location). |
| US09261369B2 |
Method and system for automatically modifying a lateral flight plan of an aircraft
A system for automatically modifying a lateral flight plan of an aircraft includes modifying means adapted to modify the flight plan by an action to chosen among the following actions: deleting, adding and moving at least one waypoint of an initial flight plan (T1). The modified flight plan (T3) includes one downstream waypoint (P6) defined as the waypoint on which the aircraft gets back to the initial flight plan (T1), and one upstream waypoint (P4) preceding the downstream waypoint (P6). By defining an intermediate point (P5′) between the upstream (P4) and downstream (P6) waypoints, the coordinates are calculated in order to allow the aircraft to reach the downstream waypoint (P6) with the same course as the initial flight plan (T1). |
| US09261367B2 |
Human-like global positioning system (GPS) directions
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for a route from a first geolocation to a second geolocation; calculating the route from the first geolocation to the second geolocation; identifying one or more logged paths of a user that coincide with at least a portion of the route; updating one or more navigation instructions for the route based on the identified logged paths of the user; and providing the updated navigation instructions. |
| US09261361B2 |
Enhancing depth perception
Apparatuses and methods enhance depth perception, e.g., the depth perception of a human being using an apparatus worn on the user's head. |
| US09261357B2 |
Dimensioning system
A dimensioning system that determines the dimensions and volume of an object by using a three-dimensional camera that measures the distance to every reflective point in its field of view with a single pulse of light. The distance is computed by the time of flight of the pulse to each camera pixel. The accuracy of the measurement is augmented by capture of the laser pulse shape in each camera pixel. The camera can be used on an assembly line to develop quality control data for manufactured objects or on a moving or stationary system that weighs as well as dimensions the objects. The device can also ascertain the minimum size of a box required to enclose an object. |
| US09261353B2 |
Medical robotic system including surgical instrument position detection apparatus and control method thereof
A medical robot system and a method to control the medical robot system are used to detect position information of a surgical instrument in an incised region, thereby improving the safety of robotic surgery. A surgical instrument may be inserted in a through-hole of a trocar inserted into an incised region of a patient. The medical robotic system includes a surgical instrument position detection apparatus to detect position information of the surgical instrument in the through-hole of the trocar, when the surgical instrument is inserted into the through-hole. The medical robotic system further includes a console to control an operation of a surgical robot having the surgical instrument, based on the detected position information of the surgical instrument. |
| US09261351B1 |
Chromatic range sensor including high sensitivity measurement mode
A method is provided for operating a chromatic range sensor (CRS) system, which may comprise a chromatic point sensor (CPS) system including an optical pen, to measure a low reflectivity surface. The CRS system may include a high sensitivity measurement mode in which it uses an unconventional low sampling rate or “long” self-saturating exposure time, to measure the low reflectivity surface. The “long” self-saturating exposure time may cause one or more detector pixels to self-saturate to at least a saturation threshold level, which prevents them from indicating a valid wavelength peak. Such pixels may define an invalid peak portion of a nominal total measurement range. The CRS may still detect a valid wavelength peak or height measurement, when the surface is located in a valid subset of the nominal total measurement range of the CRS system determined such that it excludes the invalid peak portion. |
| US09261350B2 |
Flexible waveguides for optical coherence tomography
A system and method for depth-resolved imaging of a sample are presented. The system for depth-resolved imaging of a sample includes a substrate of substantially flexible material, a plurality of waveguides disposed on the substrate, an optical element disposed at a distal end of the plurality of waveguides, and one or more interferometers. Light is collected from the sample through the optical element and plurality of waveguides on the flexible substrate on its path to the one or more interferometers. The interferometers are configured to combine a reference light with the light received by at least a portion of the plurality of waveguides to resolve contributions from one or more depths of the sample. The system further includes a light guiding element coupled between the plurality of waveguides and the one or more interferometers. |
| US09261348B2 |
Rotary input apparatus
In a rotary input apparatus, a stationary ground electrode, a first stationary sensing electrode, and a second stationary sensing electrode are formed on a stationary facing surface of a stationary plate. The first stationary sensing electrode includes first facing portions and a first connecting portion electrically connecting the first facing portions, and the second stationary sensing electrode includes second facing portions and a second connecting portion electrically connecting the second facing portions. Each of the first facing portions has a different phase from that of the corresponding one of the second facing portions in a rotation direction. When a rotary electrode, which is provided on a rotary portion, rotates, an encoded signal of a first phase is obtained between the first stationary sensing electrode and the ground potential, and an encoded signal of a second phase is obtained between the second stationary sensing electrode and the ground potential. |
| US09261346B2 |
Position detection device
A position detection device having a first electrode pair, an electrically conductive body that forms an electrical resistor which is electrically connected to the electrodes of the first electrode pair and extends in a first direction (y), between them, and with a measurement electrode which is in electrically conductive contact with the surface of a measurement area of the body located between the electrodes of the first electrode pair and can move relative thereto. The body is electrically connected to the electrodes of a second electrode pair and extends between them in a second direction (x) such that the measurement area is located between the electrodes of the second electrode pair. |
| US09261343B1 |
Tape measure attachment device
A tape measure attachment device marks and cuts an object at a desired measurement. The device includes a first attachment member having a lower wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower wall. An upper perimeter edge of the first attachment member defines an access opening into the first attachment member. The first attachment member is configured for attachment to a flanged end of a measuring tape. A cartridge is positionable within an interior of the first attachment member. The cartridge includes a pointed bottom end being extendable through the lower wall. The pointed bottom end is a cutting element configured to cut into an object positioned below the cutting element. |
| US09261338B2 |
Marker projectile
The invention provides a marker projectile a hollow body (4) having an opening at the front; a marker substance (3) disposed within the hollow body (4); and an expelling member (5) within the hollow body (4) behind the marking substance (3); the hollow body (4) and expelling member (5) being configured such that upon impact of the projectile with a target, the momentum of the expelling member (5) relative to the hollow body (4) carries the expelling member (5) forwardly to expel the marking substance (3) through the opening, a separator (1) extending at least partly over the front opening, the separator (1) defining two or more spaces through which the marker substance (3) may pass when expelled through the opening and characterized by a deformable closing member (2) positioned between the marking substance (3) and the separator (1), the closing member (2) configured to deform under the impact of the travelling expelling member (5) whereby to release the marking substance (3) from the hollow body (4). |
| US09261331B2 |
Method and device useful for aiming a firearm
Disclosed is a method of aiming a firearm operated by an operator, comprising: a) at a range-determining rate of at least as frequent as once a second, determining the range to an object along an aiming line of a firearm; b) generating a signal audible to the operator, wherein at least one characteristic of the audible signal is modulated as a function of said determined range; and c) discharging the firearm in response to the characteristic of the signal. Also disclosed is a device useful in helping to aim a firearm, comprising: a) a range-determining unit configured for mounting on a firearm, further configured for determining the range to an object along an aiming line at a range-determining rate of at least as frequent as once a second; and b) a reporting unit functionally associated with the range-determining unit, configured to generate a signal audible to a human operator, wherein at least one characteristic of the signal is modulated as a function of a range determined by the range-determining unit. Also disclosed is a firearm comprising: a firearm body including a barrel having a muzzle at a distal end; and mounted on the firearm body, a range-determining unit of the device useful in helping to aim a firearm. |
| US09261328B2 |
Universal holder for a firearm
Holders usable to secure a firearm include a first plate, a second plate extending from the first plate at a first angle, and an insertable member extending from the second plate at a second angle. The insertable member is adapted for insertion into the barrel of the firearm to stabilize the firearm against lateral movement. Friction between the firearm and the first plate, a trigger guard engaged with the holder, or combinations thereof can stabilize the firearm against vertical movement. Such friction can be created using application of a lateral force against the interior of the firearm barrel using the insertable member, application of a lateral force against the exterior of the firearm using a trigger guard, use of a protruding, compressible, or frictional surface on the first plate, or combinations thereof. |
| US09261321B2 |
Self-tunable compound bow
Provided is a self-tunable compound bow including: a bow main body including a pair of limbs that are respectively coupled to both ends of a handle; upper and lower pulley assemblies that are respectively coupled to the rear end of each limb; a bowstring; and first and second cam cables that are wound around a cam of each of the upper and lower pulley assemblies as the bowstring is pulled. A contact pin is formed in one of the pulley assemblies, in which the contact pin is in contact with the first cam cable when the bowstring is pulled, and an indicator is formed in the other of the pulley assemblies, in which the indicator is in contact with the second cam cable and moves when the bowstring is pulled in a guide hole formed in the pulley of the other of the pulley assemblies. |
| US09261320B2 |
Magazine block for dry fire practice
Magazine block device for firearm dry fire practice which allows a user to practice proper firearm handling skills without expending ammunition, including recocking and actuating the firearm slide without pressing the slide lock release. In an aspect, a magazine block device is provided having a bullet-shaped body, two upper ridges forming a longitudinal channel through which the firearm breach face loading tab may pass without dislodging the magazine block device, and an offset lower ridge. The lower ridge is configured to evenly force a magazine follower down a sufficient distance to prevent actuation of the firearm slide lock. This allows dry fire practice of pulling the slide. Several other features include ridges to assist a user to remove and load the block device in and out of a magazine, as well as a pocket to mechanically remove same. |
| US09261319B1 |
Flash suppressor for firearm
Novel flash suppressors comprised of tines formed by cuts of varied lengths and widths to better reduce muzzle flash and eliminate any unwanted ringing caused by resonance of the tines. |
| US09261318B2 |
Firearm accessory mounting assembly
An assembly is described for use in attaching accessories to a firearm having a barrel with a threaded distal end. The assembly includes a coupler with opposed, inwardly curved side plates that together form a cylindrical bore for receiving the firearm barrel attachable behind the threaded distal end, the side plates have integrally joined upper ends and lower ends that are moveable toward each other to clamp the coupler to the barrel, the coupler including a retractable pin having an extended position and a retracted position; and an adapter having a rear end with a threaded bore for receiving the barrel threaded end, and a front end with a threaded projection for attachment to a firearm accessory, the adapter including a groove to receive the retractable pin when the retractable pin is in the extended position. |
| US09261316B2 |
Method for the manufacture of a barrel for compressed air or CO2 rifles and barrel for compressed air or CO2 rifles obtained
Method for the manufacture of a barrel for compressed air or CO2 rifles and a barrel for compressed air or CO2 rifles obtainedIt comprises a hollow tube (1), through the interior of which circulates a pellet, with an entrance end (14) and an exit end (15), characterized in that it comprises a first step in which tube (1) is introduced into a molding machine and fixing elements (50) or supports are introduced, fixing tube (1) and leaving it overhanging, centered, stable, inside the molding machine and a second step in which tube (1) is over-molded, with the exception of the tube entrance end (14), giving it the desired form. |
| US09261310B2 |
Gas cooled condensers for loop heat pipe like enclosure cooling
A cooling device includes an enclosure housing, an external heat rejection device, a primary cooling system including a loop heat pipe like (LHPL) device. The LHPL device includes an evaporator module, a condenser module, a vapor line, a liquid return line, and a working fluid having a liquid phase and a vapor phase. The evaporator module includes a component-evaporator heat spreader, an evaporator body, and an evaporator-component clamping mean. The evaporator body includes an evaporator outer shell, a working fluid inlet port, several different types of compensation chamber, a working fluid exit port, and an evaporator wick having vapor escape channels. The condenser module includes a condenser coolant inlet, a condenser coolant exit, a condenser condensation channel, a condensation channel working fluid inlet, a condensation channel working fluid exit, and a condensation channel-coolant thermal interface further comprises a coolant passageway. |
| US09261309B2 |
Loop heat pipe and manufacturing method thereof
A loop heat pipe for dissipating heat generated by a heat source includes a pipe, a first capillary structure, a second capillary structure, and a working fluid in the pipe. The pipe has a condensing section, an evaporating section adapted to contact the heat source thermally, and an obstructing section adjacent to the evaporating section. The first capillary structure on an inner surface of the pipe is disposed between the condensing section and the obstructing section. The second capillary structure has a first and a second parts connected with each other. The first part on the inner surface of the pipe is extended from the evaporating section to the obstructing section. The second part passing through the obstructing section is extended from the obstructing section to the condensing section. A space between the first capillary structure and the second part of the second capillary structure defines a compensation room. |
| US09261307B2 |
Self cleaning nozzle arrangement
The invention is directed to an arrangement of two conduits, wherein the conduits are positioned parallel with respect to each other and wherein each conduit is provided with means suitable to remove solids from its surface and positioned along the length of one of the two sides of the conduit, wherein the means are one or more pairs of oppositely oriented nozzles, each nozzle having an outflow opening for gas directed, along the surface of the conduit, towards the outflow opening of the other nozzle of said pair, wherein the pairs of oppositely oriented nozzles of one conduit are arranged in a staggered configuration relative to the pairs of oppositely oriented nozzles of the other conduit. |
| US09261301B2 |
Vehicle-transportable ice plant
A vehicle transportable ice plant includes a transportable trailer including an enclosure, and an evaporator positioned within the enclosure for supplying supercooled refrigerant to a heat exchanger, a compressor downstream from the evaporator for compressing the refrigerant, a discharge line downstream from the compressor for discharging compressed refrigerant to a condenser, a condenser fan for removing heat from the condenser, and a thermostatic expansion valve for delivering supercooled refrigerant to the evaporator in an endless cycle. An ice production brings water into contact with the evaporator heat exchanger to produce ice, and an ice cube maker is provided for producing ice cubes from the ice. |
| US09261299B2 |
Distributed microsystems-based control method and apparatus for commercial refrigeration
An arrangement for use in a refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one evaporator unit, and at least one expansion valve. The arrangement includes first and second microsystems and first and second controllers. The first microsystem includes a first MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a first operational parameter of a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The first controller is operable to generate a first actuator control signal based on a first control signal, and is configured to generate the first control signal based directly or indirectly on the first operational parameter measurement. The second microsystem includes a second MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a second operational parameter of a second of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The second controller is operable to generate a second actuator control signal based on a second control signal, and is configured to generate the second control signal based directly or indirectly on the second operational parameter measurement. |
| US09261296B2 |
Absorption heat pump with a thermally insulating dividing wall
A boiler-equipped absorption heat pump unit in which a regenerator, a boiler, and other high-temperature devices are separated from an evaporator, an absorber, and other low-temperature devices are separated by an insulated dividing wall. The dividing wall reduces heat loss by impeding the transfer of heat from the high-temperature devices to the low-temperature devices. |
| US09261295B1 |
Hybrid liquid-hydrogen and helium cryocooler systems and methods
Embodiments of the disclosed invention relate to providing cooling to instruments or other components. More particularly, hydrogen from a store is provided to pre-cool helium contained within a closed loop refrigeration circuit. Helium pre-cooled by the hydrogen, for example after expansion of the hydrogen in an expansion valve, is itself passed through an expansion valve, and applied to a heat load. The helium can be circulated through the refrigeration circuit using a compressor. The hydrogen used for pre-cooling the helium can be from a store of hydrogen that also provides fuel to a hydrogen consumer, for example for propulsion of a vehicle carrying the cooling system or for the production of electrical power. A hydrogen consumer can also be provided with hydrogen that has first been used to pre-cool the helium refrigeration circuit. |
| US09261294B2 |
Joint heating system of gas combined cycle and solar power and dispatching method thereof
A joint heating system of gas combined cycle and solar power and a dispatching method thereof, the user adopts two ways of the hot water radiator and the heat pump to supply heat, wherein the hot water comes from the gas combined cycle units, the electric power comes from the combination of the gas combined cycle units and the solar power generation units, and after detecting the power supplying and power consumption of the user in a historical time period by the comprehensive dispatching and controlling device, a future time period is predicted, and then dispatching is processed on the basis. |
| US09261292B2 |
Furnace header
A furnace having a first drain trap, a first drain outlet associated with the first drain trap, and a second drain outlet associated with the first drain trap, wherein the first drain outlet and the second drain outlet are located relative to the first drain trap so that gravity driven drainage of a liquid from the first drain trap is selectable between the first drain outlet and the second drain outlet in response to a rotation of the furnace. |
| US09261291B2 |
Hot water heater and method of supplying hot water
A hot water heater comprises a hot water tank, a supply pipe to be connected to the public water mains and a discharge pipe to be connected to a tap. The hot water tank has a circumferential wall which encloses the interior of the tank and which is provided with a heating element disposed inside the hot water tank and with a temperature control device. The circumferential wall of the tank comprises a part which is bellows-shaped so as to be deformable under pressure, thus enabling the tank to expand and contract. The bellows-shaped part of the tank wall is surrounded by a gas chamber containing a gas under pressure, which is capable of balancing the expansion of the tank. The invention further relates to a method for supplying hot water. |
| US09261287B2 |
Adaptive power stealing thermostat
An electronic thermostat and associated methods are disclosed for power stealing from an HVAC triggering circuit. The methods include making voltage measurements while controlling the amount of current drawn by the power stealing circuitry so as to determine a relationship that can be used to select how much current to draw during power stealing. Through the use of the described methods, the likelihood of inadvertent switching of the HVAC function (on or off) can be significantly reduced. |
| US09261286B1 |
Adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer
An adjustable dryer vent transition device. The device provides an adjustable dryer vent adapter with an elongated first duct and an elongated second duct which are rotatably adjustable with respect each to the other. An external inlet is provided at the elongated first duct for receiving hot most air from a clothes dryer. An external exit is provided from the elongated second duct for discharge of hot moist air from a clothes dryer. The adjustable dryer vent adapter provides a three hundred sixty (360) degree freedom of movement for placement of the external inlet and the external outlet along centerlines that may be coincident, or spaced maximally apart according to the distances afforded by the length of elongated first duct and elongated second duct, and at any rotational angle with respect to an outlet stub from a clothes dryer. |
| US09261284B2 |
Operation planning method, and heat pump hot water supply and heating system operation method
An operation planning method performed in a system including a power generation device, a first electric load operating using power generated by the power generation device, and a second electric load which generates heat using power generated by the power generation device. The operation planning method is performed to design an operation plan for the second electric load and includes: predicting, for individual unit time periods, a power generation amount by the power generation device and a power consumption amount by the first and second electric loads; and designing the operation plan for the second electric load to operate during an operation period including the time period with the largest amount of reverse power, calculated by subtracting the first and second power consumption amounts from the power generation amount. |
| US09261277B2 |
Inducer speed control method for combustion furnace
In a multistage combustion furnace having a motor driven inducer blower and a pressure sensing device or set of switches for sensing pressure in the combustion gas flowpath through the furnace, a high firing rate blower speed and low firing rate blower speed are set based on the blower speed setting required for a medium firing rate. Each particular furnace, having its own pressures and combustion gas resistance to flow characteristics, may be provided with a database of inducer blower motor speeds required to achieve predetermined pressures in the combustion gas flowpath for a variety of combustion gas venting systems generating such resistance. |
| US09261272B2 |
Marine light fixture
Configurable light fixtures are provided. The light fixture includes a housing having an opening. At least one reflector having at least a first and a second configurable throw pattern, is disposed within the housing proximate the opening. The reflector accommodates the post-manufacture installation of a number of reflective throw pattern adjustment members to provide first and second configurable throw patterns having subtended angles with the same or different values. |
| US09261271B2 |
LED light fixture
An LED light fixture a housing, a heat sink secured with respect to the housing, the heat sink has a base with front and back surfaces, and an LED arrangement mounted at the front surface of the heat sink. The back surface of the heat sink is open to water/air flow thereover. The LED light fixture also includes at least one closed channel extending along the base and spaced therefrom for receiving wire connections for the LED arrangement. The at least one closed channel receives wiring extending to/from the second LED module. The LED arrangement may include at least first and second LED modules, the first LED module being proximal to the housing with the at least one closed channel receiving wiring extending to/from the second LED module. The first and second LED modules may be in end-to-end relationship to one another such that the second LED module is distal from the housing. |
| US09261265B1 |
Backlight display device
A backlight display device includes a pixel region, a light-emitting region, a control element, a plurality of first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) contacts, and a plurality of first driving circuits. The pixel region has a first edge, a second edge opposite to the first edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge opposite to the third edge. A corner region is formed between the first edge and the fourth edge. The light-emitting region is located on the corner region of the pixel region. The control element is located on the corner region of the pixel region and between the light-emitting region and the first edge. The first FPCB contacts are located on the second edge. Each of the first driving circuits is electrically connected to one of the first FPCB contacts and the control element. |
| US09261260B2 |
Lens unit and LED module using the same
A lens unit includes a lens and a reflector hung to the lens. The lens includes a bottom face, a light incident face formed in the bottom face, a light emerging face opposite to the bottom face and a lateral face connecting the bottom face with the light emerging face. A wire extends through the light incident face and the light emerging face. A top end of the wire is attached on a block disposed on the light emerging face, a bottom end of the wire is attached to the reflector. An LED module incorporating the lens unit is also disclosed. |
| US09261256B2 |
Star lighting fixture
Systems, methods, and apparatus for illumination and/or providing an aesthetically pleasing lighted structure can include a hollow core with a plurality of cover panels mounted radially thereto. In at least one implementation, a lighting fixture can incorporate a lighted core and lighted or unlighted elements surrounding the lighted core. Furthermore, the lighted core can house lighting elements, while providing substantially unimpeded access thereto. |
| US09261255B2 |
Light source module and lamp for vehicle having the same
An light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; a light source which is provided on the substrate; a reflective sheet which is stacked on the substrate; an optical sheet which is stacked on the reflective sheet and has a protruding pattern; an optical resin which is formed on the protruding pattern; and a light diffusion sheet which is stacked on the optical resin, and the light source module may implement a surface emission image, and diffuse light so as to satisfy regulations on visible angle light distribution. |
| US09261253B2 |
Vehicle headlamp and projection lens mounting method
A vehicle headlamp includes a light source configured to emit light, a reflector configured to reflect the light, a projection lens through which the light is projected, and a lens holder holding the projection lens. The projection lens has a positioning portion, and the lens holder is formed with a jig insertion hole at a location corresponding to the positioning portion in a direction around an optical axis of the projection lens such that the positioning portion is visible through the jig insertion hole. When mounting the projection lens to the lens holder, a positioning jig is inserted through the jig insertion hole and is engaged with the positioning portion to position the projection lens in the direction around the optical axis of the projection lens. |
| US09261252B2 |
Light emitting module and head lamp including the same
Disclosed is a light emitting module including a light emitting device package having a circuit board having a cavity, an insulation substrate arranged in the cavity, with a conductive pattern formed thereon, and at least one light emitting device disposed on the insulation substrate, with being electrically connected with the conductive pattern; and a glass cover located on the light emitting device package, with lateral surfaces, a top surface and an open bottom surface, wherein the light emitting device package and the circuit board are electrically connected with each other. |
| US09261248B2 |
Battery powered electronic candle with speaker
The present disclosure relates to an electronic candle with an electronic light source. The electronic candle has a candle body with an interior cavity. A removable battery module supplies power to the electronic candle and is removable from the interior cavity of the candle body. The electronic candle can have a base cap module for closing the interior cavity of the candle body and a speaker for generating sound. The speaker can be positioned between the battery module and the base cap module, and directed to project sound downward. Apertures in the battery module and/or the base cap module allow sound from the speaker to pass through the aperture or apertures into the interior cavity of the candle body. Accordingly, the candle body can resonate and/or amplify sound generated by the speaker. |
| US09261247B2 |
LED lamp with a fan and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a LED lamp with a fan and manufacturing method thereof. A lamp body of the LED lamp has an upper lamp body and a lower lamp body connected together; an external wall of a facet of a prism of the upper lamp body is covered with a LED aluminum substrate connected to a LED PCB, a capacitor is soldered at the center of the bottom of the PCB, a LED driving circuit and a fan both are received in a cavity of a lamp holder; air flows into the LED lamp from an air inlet of the lower lamp body and a window of the lamp holder, then passes through an air outlet, a penetrating hole and an air flow channel, and finally an air outlet flue opened in a lamp cover and matching the penetrating hole dissipates heat away from the LED lamp. |
| US09261246B2 |
Light-emitting module, light source device, liquid crystal display device, and method of manufacturing light-emitting module
Provided is a light-emitting module, a light source device and a liquid crystal display device in which unevenness in the luminance and color hardly occurs as compared to conventional technology. A light-emitting module 100 is structured such that a plurality of element columns, each composed of light-emitting elements 120 arranged in line, are mounted on a substrate 110, and each element column is individually sealed by a separate sealing member 130. The light source device and the liquid crystal device each include the above light-emitting module 100. |
| US09261234B2 |
Safety system
A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method. |
| US09261231B2 |
Band for holding a fluid detection system
Provided is a band for holding a fluid detection system on a body of a wearer and methods of use thereof. The band comprises a strap having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is configured to couple to the first portion and to form a closed loop adjustable in diameter to fit around a body part of the wearer. The band further comprises a pouch configured to securely hold an alarm of the fluid detection system, and a flap configured to form a closed loop adjustable in diameter to fit the size of the alarm. The flap may include one or more openings to provide audibility and visibility of a signal produced by the alarm. The band may be securely attached to any body part including an arm, a hand, a waist, a head, a leg, a foot, a wrist, a trunk, a neck, or a chest. |
| US09261230B2 |
Connection system for connecting an electronic device, in particular for an aircraft, to a test unit
Connection system for connecting an electronic device, in particular for an aircraft, to a test unit. The connection system includes a fixed portion, which is fixable to said test unit, and a movable plate which is capable of receiving the electronic device to be tested and is displaceable linearly with respect to said fixed portion between two positions which correspond respectively to a connection position and a disconnection position of the electronic device, by manually actuated displacement. |
| US09261228B2 |
Self-leveling platform hook
The present invention relates to a self-leveling platform hook for use in supporting an object. In one embodiment, the hook includes a frame, means coupled to the frame for attaching the frame to a support surface (e.g., a table, countertop, a wall, etc.), and a saddle including a pair of support arms coupled to the frame. The support arms are coupled to the frame at an upper end of each arm, and are rotatable relative to the frame so as to be self-leveling. In addition, each arm is independently rotatable relative to the support frame and one another such that the distance and angle between lower ends of the arms may be varied so as to cradle and support an object of a given width. |
| US09261227B2 |
Integrated brake component mounting bracket
An integrated brake component mounting bracket for a mechanical spring axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle includes an axle seat that is disposed on and is rigidly connected to an axle of the vehicle. An air chamber mounting bracket is rigidly connected to the axle seat, and a cam shaft assembly mounting bracket is rigidly connected to the axle seat. A brake air chamber of a brake system is attached to the air chamber mounting bracket, and a cam shaft assembly of the brake system is mounted to the cam shaft assembly mounting bracket. The integrated brake component mounting bracket thus provides mounting of the brake air chamber and the cam shaft assembly on the axle seat, which reduces the number of components that are welded to the axle and enables the use of a thinner-wall axle, desirably reducing the weight and cost associated with the axle/suspension system. |
| US09261226B2 |
Extension/retraction device
An extension/retraction device includes a cylindrical stationary leg section having a base at the upper end thereof, a cylindrical movable leg section in which the stationary leg section is fitted so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, an engagement tube having an upper end formed in a stepped shape and installed in the stationary leg section so as to be coaxial with the movable leg section and so as to be pivotable about the cylinder axis of the movable leg section, a pressing spring installed within both the movable leg section and the stationary leg section, a pulling spring held within the pressing spring, a guide tube having an upper end affixed to the base and installed in the engagement tube, an engagement section fitted to the lower end of the engagement tube, and a spacer installed between the lower end of the guide tube and the engagement tube. |
| US09261225B2 |
Rotary unit apparatus and rotation supporting apparatus
To provide a rotary unit and a rotation support used for television, etc., with a simple structure, which can generate an adequate friction torque and has a strength enough to prevent an escape and fracture during its use, even if it is made of aluminum die-cast material or synthetic resin article, a lower interior cylindrical body and an upper interior cylindrical body are provided on an upper disc portion and a lower disc portion of a fixed cylindrical body and/or a rotary cylindrical body rotatably connected by a hinge shaft, and a reinforcing member is attached to the lower and the upper interior cylindrical bodies. The reinforcing member comprises an insertion hole in which the hinge shaft is inserted, wherein locking portions provided on a plurality of locking pieces (which are provided by folding the outer circumference portions) are locked by the lower and the upper interior cylindrical bodies. |
| US09261222B2 |
Anti-kinking device for garden or water hose
There is disclosed an anti-kinking device having a neck portion having a threaded internal surface; and a coil portion connecting the neck portion and a terminal portion; wherein the coil portion has a central coil axis and comprises a plurality of spaced apart windings with open spaces between each winding in a relaxed state, each winding having a substantially cylindrical inner wall, a substantially cylindrical outer wall, and sidewalls connecting the inner and outer walls, the sidewalls having planar angled portions with respect to the coil axis. In an aspect, the device can have a terminal portion having a threaded internal surface. There is also disclosed a hose system comprising a hose inserted through the disclosed device. The device can prevent kinking of the hose. |
| US09261219B2 |
Method of installing and curing a liner in a sewer pipe
A system for installing and curing a cured in place pipe liner includes a bladder with a terminal end and an originating end that is inflatable by an inflating medium and a return conduit within the bladder that extends from the terminal end to the originating end of the bladder. The return conduit includes an opening near the terminal end for passage of the inflating medium between the return conduit and an interior cavity of the bladder. A control valve is disposed on the return conduit and is configured to control flow of the bladder inflating medium through the return conduit. |
| US09261216B2 |
Exhaust system conduit with thermal/noise insulation
A flexible conduit for use in a pipe system such as a vehicular exhaust system to provide a torsional or non-torsional joint between two pipes. The conduit has an outer bellows and an inner liner between which a layer of noise/thermal insulation is sandwiched. |
| US09261215B2 |
Coupling
A plumbing fitting for coupling a water supply line to a second plumbing fitting includes a polymeric tailpiece having one end for coupling to a conduit and an opposite end with an outwardly extending annular flange having an annular face surface. A circular recess is formed in the face surface for receiving a seal. A nut is positioned over the tailpiece and has an inwardly extending annular rim engaging a side of the flange opposite the face surface. The nut is formed of a polymeric material having internal threads and integrally includes a metal insert extending in concentric spaced relationship to the threads of the nut. The insert includes an end which is threaded and forms a lead-in thread that is coaxial with the threads of the nut. |
| US09261214B2 |
Tube coupling having an improved collet alignment
A tube coupling includes a body (1) to receive a tube (22). The body has lateral recesses (12) extending outwardly from an internal wall. An O-ring (3) is retained by the body distally of the recesses. A collet (5) includes a ring (6) and collet legs (7) to be received in the lateral recesses and having a tooth (8) facing the passageway. Proximal movement of the collet with respect to the body causes the fingers to deflect inwardly. A tube support (10) includes a ring (12) and has a key to align with the body. Castellations (13, 14) extend proximately from the tube support ring and are complementary to the collet legs to align the collet with respect to the body as the collet is inserted into the body. |
| US09261212B2 |
Swivel connector for a fluid handling system
A swivel connector includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled with a housing stem. In some embodiments a bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the rotor and anchored at an opposite end with the housing stem. An O-ring seal is positioned between the housing stem and the exterior surface of the rotor. In other embodiments, the bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the housing stem and anchored at an opposite end with the rotor. In such embodiments an O-ring seal is positioned between the rotor and the exterior surface of the housing stem. A bearing assembly residing within a raceway that is defined by flat surfaces on each of: the rotor, the housing stem, and an interior bearing wall within the bearing cup. |
| US09261210B2 |
Pipe connector
It is presented a pipe connector (1) comprising a tubular part (2) having a first portion (2-1) with a first outer diameter and second portion (2-2) with a second outer diameter which is larger than the first outer diameter, which second portion has a circumferential groove (11), a removable stop ring (5), which, when arranged in the groove (11), protrudes radially from the tubular part (2), and a flange part (7) having a central through opening for receiving the tubular part (2), wherein the flange part (7) has a shoulder (13) for abutting against the stop ring (5) when the flange part (7) is arranged around the stop ring (5), wherein the first portion (2-1) has a plastic external peripheral surface, and the second portion (2-2) of the tubular part (2) has a metal external peripheral surface. |
| US09261208B1 |
Anti-rotation tubular casing connection and threaded pipe connector
A threaded casing connection and a thread pipe connector for connecting casing segments or tubing segments joined using a threaded connection. The threaded connection having a threaded coupling for engaging a mill end connector and a field end connector. The threaded connector has a metal barrier for accommodating any phase difference and length of the screw thread helices which limit the axial advancement of each pin connector with the threaded coupling. |
| US09261207B1 |
Coupling with anti-rotational element
A threaded connection for engaging a first tubular and a second tubular with a threaded coupling. The threaded coupling has mill end teeth and field end teeth. Each tubular has a pin connector. The threaded coupling receives and engages both pin connectors. The threaded coupling has a controlled phase or a phase difference that limits the axial advancement of the pin connectors past a coupling midpoint. The threaded coupling has a relief groove that reduces the hoop stress if the mill end pin end and the field end pin end are not centered correctly at the coupling midpoint. The threaded coupling has a metal barrier formed by the phase difference and length of the screw thread helices which limit the axial advancement of each pin connector. |
| US09261205B2 |
Pipe-to-pipe brace assembly
A pipe brace assembly includes a main clamp body that can be secured to a brace pipe. A cable, or other flexible tensioning member, can be wrapped around a braced pipe and secured to the main clamp body. The pipe brace assembly includes a method or mechanism for tensioning the cable or flexible tensioning member around the braced pipe. In some embodiments, the tensioning method or mechanism involves moving, such as rotating, the main clamp body to tension the cable or tensioning member. The clamping of the main clamp body and tensioning of the cable or tensioning member can occur simultaneously. |
| US09261203B2 |
Inflatable faucet insulation
A seasonal insulative cover for an outdoor faucet includes at least two layers formed from a weatherproof material. A first and a second of the at least two layers are further connected to define a space there between. The first and second layers include a plurality of air chambers. A valve is included on the cover for inserting air between the at least two layers. Air inflated into the insulative cover at the valve urges the first of the at least two layers to partially conform to the outdoor faucet. The air further creates the space surrounding the outdoor faucet between the at least two layers. The space contains a volume of stationary air, which prevents a movement of air current from transferring heat from the outdoor faucet to an outdoor environment. |
| US09261202B2 |
Valve assembly with a two-part housing and press-in ring
A valve assembly, in particular a solenoid valve, is disclosed. The valve assembly includes an at least two-part housing that has a first housing sleeve and a second housing sleeve, the housing sleeves being held against each other by compression of a fastening zone. The valve assembly further includes a valve receptacle in which the valve is inserted and by means of which a press-in ring positioned in the region of the fastening zone is held. The press-in ring rests radially against the first housing sleeve and axially against the second housing sleeve. |
| US09261195B2 |
Energised seal
A seal assembly (1) described comprises an elastomeric component (10) having a sealing surface (25) for providing a sealing function, and an energizing band (30), the elastomeric component (10) including an aperture for the energizing band, wherein the energizing band is adapted to fit in the aperture of the elastomeric component (10). In use, an outer surface of the energizing band applies a force to the elastomeric component (10), to deform the (10) elastomeric component to form a seal at the sealing surface. The energizing band (30) component includes non-metallic material. |
| US09261192B2 |
Cylinder head gasket
A cylinder head gasket includes two main members on two sides, and middle members sandwiched therebetween. The middle members are composed of a first middle member and a second middle member that is separated and distinct therefrom. The first middle member is a metal plate that has cylinder hole rim portions encircling cylinder holes to a particular width, with beads surrounding the cylinder holes being formed in the cylinder hole rim portions. The metal plate either forms separated items, one at each cylinder hole, or else forms an integrated item connected between the cylinder holes. The second middle member is a metal plate that is disposed on the outside of the first middle member and has oil holes and bolt holes. The thickness of the first middle member is greater than that of the second middle member. |
| US09261191B2 |
Piston ring for internal combustion engine
An object of the present invention is to provide a piston ring for an internal combustion engine capable of preventing aluminum cohesion for a long time under high temperature and high load conditions. Specifically, a piston ring 1 for the internal combustion engine including a piston ring base material 11 coated with an aluminum cohesion resistant film 12, wherein the aluminum cohesion resistant film 12 is made of ceramics coated on at least one of an upper side face 11a and a lower side face 11b of the piston ring base material 11. |
| US09261187B1 |
Pressure staging in a continuously variable transmission
A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a controller. The CVT has an output shaft, a primary pulley connected to and driven by the engine, a secondary pulley connected to the output shaft, and a belt. The pulleys each have mating halves with conical faces defining a gap in which the belt is positioned. Actuators act on one of the halves of the primary and secondary pulleys in response to a respective primary and secondary pressure. The controller detects a desired CVT ratio change in response to control inputs and determines a required shift force for achieving the desired ratio change. The controller also determines whether a calibrated rate of change is achievable. The controller adjusts the primary and/or secondary pressures when the calibrated rate is not achievable, including transmitting a pressure command to at least one of the primary and secondary actuators. |
| US09261186B2 |
Rotating clutch pack assembly
A transmission having a rotating clutch pack assembly is provided, the rotating clutch pack having an interconnecting member, a plurality of friction discs, a rotating member, a first and a second axial bearing, and a biasing member. The interconnecting member is connected for common rotation with a member of the planetary gear set. The rotating member is connected to the second set of friction discs for common rotation. The first axial bearing is disposed between the clutch piston and the plurality of friction discs and the second axial bearing is disposed between the plurality of friction discs and the transmission housing. The biasing member is disposed between the interconnecting member and the rotating member. A clutch piston selectively applies an axial force through the first axial bearing, the plurality of friction discs, and the second axial bearing to the transmission housing. |
| US09261180B2 |
Power split transmission
A power-split transmission for a vehicle comprises a forward-reverse transmission module, an epicyclic module and a secondary power branch. The forward-reverse power shuttle module (12) comprises an input shaft (22) coupled to a primary motor (20) and an output shaft (38). Also included, first and second clutches (30,48) are alternatively engageable to close respective forward and reverse drive paths between the input shaft and output shaft. Engagement of the first clutch couples the input shaft directly to the output shaft. Engagement of the second clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft via first and second gear sets (32, 34, 36, 42, 44) which each comprise a plurality of meshed gears. One of the gear sets (32, 34, 36) comprises an odd number of gears and the other gear set (42, 44) comprises an even number of gears. The epicyclic module comprises a first epicyclic input connected to the output shaft of the forward-reverse transmission module, a second epicyclic input connected to an output side of the secondary power branch, and an epicyclic output. The secondary power branch derives power from the primary motor via the first gear set. |
| US09261178B2 |
Linear device
A linear device is provided which can greatly reduce an amount of leakage of fine particles that are produced between a rolling element raceway and rolling elements to the outside of the device and which is therefore suitable for a semiconductor production apparatus or liquid crystal display panel production apparatus or other clean environment. In a linear device, each of a pair of seal members is formed to a shape which has a clearance of 0.025 to 0.15 mm in range with respect to a raceway member when cut along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the raceway member in a state attached to a moving member. Grease with a worked penetration of 175 to 250 is coated between the rolling element raceway and the rolling elements. |
| US09261177B2 |
Camshaft with axially movable cam pack
A camshaft includes a carrier shaft which can be mounted rotatably along a shaft axis and at least one cam pack or package axially displaceably disposed on the carrier shaft. The cam pack includes at least two cams and at least one adjusting member for axial adjustment of the cam pack. The cams and the at least one adjusting member are cast integrally with a carrier body in an axially adjacent configuration and are connected to one another by the carrier body. The cams and/or the adjusting member include an inner toothing which engages in an axially displaceable manner with an outer toothing of the carrier shaft. A cam pack and a method for producing a camshaft are also provided. |
| US09261174B2 |
Positioning device and positioning mechanism for same
A positioning device includes a base and two positioning mechanisms oppositely positioned on the base to position a workpiece. Each positioning mechanism includes a driver positioned on the base, a mounting member mounted on the base, a gear rack, a gear, and a positioning member. The mounting member defines a sliding groove. The gear rack slidably is received in the sliding groove and connected with the driver. The gear is rotatably connected with the mounting member and is meshed with the gear rack. The positioning member is fixedly-connected with the gear. The driver drives the gear rack to slide along the sliding groove to make the positioning member rotate and outstretch into an interior of the workpiece. The drivers drive two positioning members apply two opposite forces on the workpiece to positioning the workpiece. |
| US09261160B2 |
Piston valve of shock absorber
Provided is a piston valve of a shock absorber which can achieve both an effect of varying an attenuation force according to a pressure and an effect of varying an attenuation force according to a frequency region. The piston valve includes: a main valve unit coupled to a lower end of a piston rod formed with an orifice hole, to divide an inside of a cylinder into an extension chamber and a compression chamber, the main valve unit generating an attenuation force according to a difference of pressure between the extension chamber and the compression chamber; and a frequency sensitive valve unit installed at one side of the main valve unit and configured to generate an attenuation force according to a frequency of hydraulic fluid delivered through the orifice hole of the piston rod, wherein the frequency sensitive valve unit is installed within the main valve unit. |
| US09261159B2 |
Fire protection for mono-tube damper
A piston-cylinder unit for a mono-tube damper, includes: a cylinder having an inner wall and a closure fixed axially with respect to the cylinder by positive engagement with one or more impressions of the inner wall, the closure having a plug sealed with respect to the inner wall, the plug having a reinforced portion and being axially moveable with respect to the cylinder when a temperature threshold is exceeded. Axial movement caused by the temperature threshold being exceeded causes deformation of the plug with respect to the cylinder so as to: (i) form a channel between the plug and the inner wall of the cylinder, through which pressure, caused by the increased temperature, can escape the piston-cylinder unit, and (ii) permit axial movement of the closure only to a point at which the reinforced portion of the plug comes into contact with the one or more impressions in the cylinder. |
| US09261151B2 |
Electromagnetic brake
An electromagnetic brake and a method for manufacturing an electromagnetic brake are disclosed. The electromagnetic brake includes a coil former, a coil, which is fitted on the coil former, and also an electrically connecting part, which is equipped to make an electrically conductive contact between the coil and the power supply cable supplying current to the electromagnetic brake. |
| US09261150B2 |
Drive system for a high lift system of an aircraft and method for detecting a misalignment between a transmission shaft and an opening in a drive system for a high lift system of an aircraft
An arresting apparatus for arresting a rotational motion of two components relative to each other is provided. The arresting apparatus includes a first arresting means having a longitudinal axis and at least one first engaging element, and a second arresting means having an opening and at least one second engaging element. In a first mode of operation, the first arresting means extends through a first section of the opening of the second arresting means such that it is freely rotatable and the first engaging element and the second engaging element are distanced from each other. In a second mode of operation, the first arresting means is misaligned and extends through a second section of the opening of the second arresting means such that the first engaging element and the second engaging element engage and arrest the first arresting means relative to the second arresting means. |
| US09261142B2 |
Flanged radial bearing with rolling bodies
A flanged radial bearing having rolling bodies, the bearing being provided with an outer ring radially bounded by an outer surface; an inner ring mounted coaxially inside the outer ring; a row of rolling bodies arranged between the two rings that allows relative rotation between the two rings; and a flange joined to the outer ring and mounted along an assembly groove formed through the outer surface; the flange not being a flange integral with the outer ring, but being releasably assembled on the outer ring. |
| US09261139B2 |
Friction-reducing geometric surface feature
A sealing or bearing structure for sealing or separating moving surfaces is provided. The sealing or bearing structure includes a main body that defines a body axis going through the main body. A contact surface is configured to slidingly contact another surface, such as a rod, and defines a contact axis that is parallel to the body axis. At least one geometric surface feature, such as a shaped edge, is located between the body axis and the contact axis. The geometric surface feature has an entry angle that is less than 5 degrees relative to the contact axis. |
| US09261137B2 |
Bearing assembly with ring retainer
A bearing assembly is for rotatably coupling a shaft and a housing includes an inner ring with an inner surface disposable about the shaft, an outer ring disposed about the inner ring and having an outer circumferential surface, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner and outer rings. A retainer has a first end engageable with the shaft or housing and a second end engaged with the inner ring or outer ring. The retainer positions the inner or outer ring with respect to the central axis such that the ring is generally centered on the axis. The retainer is further configured to substantially prevent angular displacement of the inner or outer ring about the central axis and to bias the ring generally axially. |
| US09261134B2 |
Thrust sliding bearing
A thrust sliding bearing includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing; a synthetic resin-made lower casing which is superposed on the upper casing so as to be rotatable about an axis in a circumferential direction relative to the upper casing; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece disposed in an annular space between the upper casing and the lower casing; and a synthetic resin-made seal member for sealing respective other end portions, communicating with the outside, of a first gap on an inner peripheral side and a second gap on an outer peripheral side in a radial direction between the upper casing and the lower casing, the first gap and the second gap respectively communicating with the annular space at their one annular end portions. |
| US09261131B2 |
Crankshaft structure
A crankshaft structure includes a crank pin section, a crank journal section, and a counter weight section arranged between the crank pin section and the crank journal section in a direction of a crankshaft. A crank arm section connecting the crank pin section and the crank journal section is formed with each of lateral edge portions extending substantially along a circumscribed tangential line connecting a base of the crank pin section and a base of the crank journal section when viewed in the direction of the crankshaft. Each of the lateral edge portions of the crank arm section includes an edge groove having a length extending between a central axis of the crank pin section and a central axis of the crank journal section when viewed in a direction to cross the crankshaft. The edge groove has a groove bottom portion formed between two reinforcing ribs. |
| US09261130B2 |
Vehicle component fixture
Disclosed is a fixture to fix a vehicle component which comprises a metallic bolt to fix the vehicle component having a threaded portion to be threaded into a nut to fasten the vehicle component to the support member; a metallic bracket having a through-hole into which the threaded portion is inserted, the bracket holding the vehicle component between the bracket and the support member; and a metallic washer into which the threaded portion is inserted, the washer comprising a washer portion which contacts a peripheral edge of the fixture hole of the support member on the same side as the vehicle component and a locking portion which is provided integrally with the washer portion to be locked with and thus integrated with the bracket. According to the above constitution, the loosening of the nut can be prevented to stably maintain the earth performance of the vehicle body. |
| US09261126B2 |
Rivet bolt in combination with an attachment and process for making same
A rivet bolt in combination with an attachment wherein the rivet bolt includes: a flange having a top surface and a bottom surface, and, a shaft having a threaded portion. An upper cylindrical portion of the rivet bolt includes an upper edge and an interior base surface having a drive head socket. The attachment receives the rivet bolt and comprises: a top surface, a bottom surface, a cylindrical bore therethrough, and an inverted frusto-conical surface extending from the top surface to the cylindrical bore. The upper cylindrical portion of the rivet bolt is deformed and rotatably and slidingly engages the inverted frusto-conical surface extending from the top surface of the attachment to the cylindrical bore therethrough. The upper cylindrical portion of the rivet bolt resides partially within the cylindrical bore. A process for making a rivet bolt in combination with an attachment is disclosed. |
| US09261125B2 |
Staple strip and staple cartridge
To provide interlinked staples which are made possible to be fed accurately in the inside of a stapler and a staple cartridge which houses these interlinked staples.The interlinked staples 1a are constituted by interlinking a plurality of staples 2a each of which has an elongated and straight-formed shape. The vicinities of the edge portions in the longitudinal direction of the each staple 2a are formed in trapezoidal shapes, and the widths are tapered toward the tips thereof. Also, adhesion portions 31 coated with adhesive agent are provided on the rear surfaces of the vicinities of both the edge portions in the longitudinal direction of the each staple 2a. Also, there are provided elliptical feeding holes 32 at predetermined positions from both the edge portions of the side by which each staple 2a is interlinked. A portion between two feeding holes 32 is made to be a slit portion 33 and the respective staples 2a are cut off perfectly thereby. Portions on the outside of the two feeding holes 32 and until both the edge portions of the side by which each staple 2a is interlinked are operated as staple interlinking portions 34 and the respective staples 2a become in a state of being interlinked. |
| US09261124B2 |
Corrugated angle bracket consisting of a composite material
The invention relates to an angle bracket including a composite material for connecting parts. The angle bracket has two wings forming an angle along a longitudinal folding axis and coupling regions on the outside of the fold. The coupling regions attach to parts to be connected, and is associated with a securing means. At least in the longitudinal direction, the angle bracket has at least one succession of domed sections with a concave or convex profile on the inside and/or outside of the fold, providing the bracket with a corrugated form in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09261122B2 |
Tube connector for facilitating a covered connection between two or more tubes
Tube connectors are provided for connecting tubes together to form a framework where the connectors are substantially hidden from view by ends of the tubes. Each connector has a support body and several anchor bodies that are formed integrally with the support body or independent from it. The support body has six faces with at most six anchor bodies. For any face of the support body that does not have an anchor body, it is formed to be coplanar with a surface of an adjoining anchor body, allowing an end of a tube with a suitably shaped end portion to cover that face of the support body. A U-shaped aperture with a slanted through passage are provided at a junction of at least one anchor body with the support body. This allows a tool to be inserted into the connector to fix a final tube to the connector. |
| US09261120B2 |
Clips for coupling devices to support members extending between structural members
Clips for coupling devices, such as electrical junction boxes, to support members are provided. In one example, a clip for coupling an electrical junction box to a support member includes a coupling member and a flange. The coupling member is adapted to engage the support member and includes a first member, a second member spaced-apart from the first member, and a third member extending between and engaging the first and second members. The first, second and third members together define a receptacle adapted to receive the support member therein. The flange extends from the coupling member and defines a fastener opening therein adapted to receive a fastener for coupling the clip to the electrical junction box. |
| US09261118B2 |
Boom cylinder dig flow regeneration
A hydraulic system and methods for conserving energy in such system is disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic actuator having a head end, a rod end and a piston disposed therebetween. The system also includes a pump that pumps fluid to the actuator, a first valve disposed downstream of the rod end, and a second valve disposed between the pump and the head end of the actuator. When the system is in a load overrunning condition, the second valve is partially closed to restrict the flow of a combined fluid. The combined fluid including fluid received from the pump and fluid received from the rod end of the actuator. When the system is in the light resistive load condition, the second valve is open to allow the combined fluid to flow through the second valve. |
| US09261116B2 |
Hydraulic valve with helical actuator
A hydraulic spool valve includes a housing, a valve element disposed within the housing, a first piston coupled to the valve element, and a first biasing member. The housing includes a pair of first ports. The valve element is selectively moveable within the housing between a first closed position and a second open position allowing fluid communication between the first ports. Hydraulic pressure against the first piston causes helical translation of the piston in a first direction, and motion of the valve element in a first direction from the first position toward the second position. The first biasing member is configured to bias the first piston and the valve element toward the first position. |
| US09261115B2 |
Hydraulic control system
A hydraulic control system comprises: a regulator valve, which regulates a fluid pressure established by an oil pump to an operating pressure required in a control circuit; a signal pressure establishing valve, which applies a signal pressure to the regulator valve to determine a level of the fluid pressure to be established by the regulator valve; and an accumulator, which accumulates the operating pressure to be applied to the control circuit. The hydraulic control system is characterized by: an accumulator control valve, which is arranged between the accumulator and the control circuit, and which is adapted to connect the accumulator with the control circuit when opened, and to disconnect the accumulator from the control circuit when closed; and a signal pressure feeding passage, which delivers the signal pressure established by the signal pressure establishing valve to a signal pressure port of the accumulator control valve thereby actuating the accumulator control valve in accordance with the signal pressure. |
| US09261113B2 |
Dual stage piloted force reduction valve
A pressurized fluid subassembly comprising: (a) a fluid driven actuator configured to utilize fluid at a high pressure to change an overall length of the fluid driven actuator; and, (b) a sequence valve interposing a low pressure line and a supply line conveying the fluid to the fluid driven actuator, the sequence valve including a first sequence configured to inhibit fluid communication between the supply line and the low pressure line when the fluid at the high pressure is actively supplied to the fluid driven actuator, the sequence valve including a second sequence configured to establish fluid communication between the supply line and the low pressure line when the fluid at the high pressure is not actively supplied to the fluid driven actuator, wherein the sequence valve includes a variable bias that changes depending upon whether the fluid at the high pressure is actively supplied to the fluid driven actuator. |
| US09261111B2 |
Balancing device, particularly for turbocompressors, and corresponding method
A balancing method, particularly for turbocompressors, performed with a balancing device having a base structure which elastically supports a supporting structure having a flange for supporting a receptacle of a rotating element and a rotating element. The balancing device further includes an actuator—adapted to actuate a lever along a substantially radial direction, the lever being adapted to generate a force for fixing the receptacle to the flange. The method includes the following steps: accommodating the receptacle and the rotating element in the supporting structure; translating the lever with the actuation means which operate along a substantially radial direction; and rotating the lever, by operating the actuator, the lever being adapted to generate a force for fixing the receptacle to the flange. |
| US09261104B2 |
Air blower for a motor-driven compressor
A fluid compression system includes a compressor, an electric motor including a stator and a rotor positioned adjacent to the stator, and a shaft coupled to the rotor to support the rotor for rotation and having a drive end and a non-drive end. A plurality of flow-inducing elements are integrally-formed as part of the shaft and is adapted to induce a flow of fluid from the non-drive end toward the drive end in response to rotation of the shaft. |
| US09261102B2 |
Compressor arrangement
Compressor arrangement having an axial compressor and a radial compressor which are arranged axially one behind the other on a common driveshaft which can be coupled to a drive and which each have a compression fluid input and a compression fluid output. The axial compressor is provided with first control elements and the radial compressor is provided with second control elements. The first control elements and second control elements are controllable separately so that the axial compressor and the radial compressor are controllable separately. |
| US09261100B2 |
Axial flow heat exchanger devices and methods for heat transfer using axial flow devices
Systems and methods described herein are directed to rotary heat exchangers configured to transfer heat to a heat transfer medium flowing in substantially axial direction within the heat exchangers. Exemplary heat exchangers include a heat conducting structure which is configured to be in thermal contact with a thermal load or a thermal sink, and a heat transfer structure rotatably coupled to the heat conducting structure to form a gap region between the heat conducting structure and the heat transfer structure, the heat transfer structure being configured to rotate during operation of the device. In example devices heat may be transferred across the gap region from a heated axial flow of the heat transfer medium to a cool stationary heat conducting structure, or from a heated stationary conducting structure to a cool axial flow of the heat transfer medium. |
| US09261099B2 |
Vacuum pump
Vacuum pump for pumping gas from a process chamber, the pump comprising: a rotor supported for rotation in a pumping chamber by a drive shaft, the shaft extending through a shaft bore in a wall of the pumping chamber extending transversely to the drive shaft, and a seal arrangement provided between the shaft and the transverse wall for resisting the passage of gas through the shaft bore, wherein on rotation of the rotor gas is pumped from a low pressure region at an inlet of the pumping chamber to a high pressure region at an outlet of the pumping chamber, and wherein the rotor and the transverse wall are spaced apart by an axial clearance along which back leakage of gas can flow from the high pressure region to the low pressure region, and an additional leakage path for back leakage is formed spaced away from the seal arrangement along which gas can flow without contact with the seal arrangement so that the amount of gas which contacts the seal arrangement during use of the pump is reduced. |
| US09261097B2 |
Monitoring, diagnosing and optimizing electric submersible pump operations
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and optimizing operation of an electric submersible pump (ESP). At least some illustrative embodiments include a method that includes collecting measured data representative of a state of an ESP within a well or of well conditions and storing the measured data, matching a nodal analysis model of the well to the well by matching one or more modeled values to corresponding measured data, and identifying one or more likely conditions of the ESP based at least in part on data generated by a matched model. The method further includes updating the matched model to reflect a selected correction of one of the likely conditions identified, generating ESP performance curves using the updated model, and presenting to a user an action recommended to achieve an ESP performance consistent with an ESP operating point selected from one of the ESP performance curves. |
| US09261083B2 |
Filter and retainer assembly for piston pump
A pump cartridge for use in a hydraulic braking system includes a sleeve having an outer surface and an inner bore. A piston has a first portion that is coaxially received within the sleeve inner bore. A second portion of the piston extends from the sleeve and is configured to reciprocate the piston first portion relative to the sleeve in response to rotation of an eccentric. A retainer engages the sleeve and is configured to maintain the first portion of the piston within the sleeve inner bore. A filter assembly is formed as a separate component and has a bore configured to permit the piston second portion to extend through the filter bore. |
| US09261079B2 |
Arrangement for generating a control signal for controlling a power output of a power generation system
An arrangement for generating a control signal for controlling a power output of a power generation system, such as a wind turbine, is provided. The power output is supplied to a utility grid. The arrangement includes a first input terminal for receiving a first input signal indicative of an actual grid frequency of the utility grid, a control circuit for generating the control signal, and an output terminal to which the control signal is supplied. The control circuit includes a bang-bang controller for generating a first power signal being indicative of a predefined amount of power to be added to the power output of the power generation system. The bang-bang controller is adapted to be activated when the first input signal falls below a first predefined threshold. The control signal depends on the first power signal. |
| US09261075B2 |
Wind turbine shadow flicker protection system having a driving mechanism allowing a single light sensor to receive light at different times and directions
A light intensity detection system for a wind turbine including a single light sensor adapted to measure the intensity of light, a housing for protecting the single light sensor from environmental influences, and a driving mechanism configured to allow the single light sensor to receive light from a first direction at a first time and from a second direction at a second time. |
| US09261073B2 |
Wind energy system and method for using same
A wind energy system comprising a wind turbine comprising a cowling surrounded by a diffuser and a plurality of inner rotor blades located inside of the cowling that rotate about an inner hub, a plurality of outer rotor blades positioned between the diffuser and the cowling that are counter-rotating relative to the plurality of inner rotor blades, a drive mechanism located within the inner rotor hub, a dynamic telescopic tower, and a tower support that connects the wind turbine to the dynamic telescopic tower. |
| US09261058B2 |
Near-wall roughness for damping devices reducing pressure oscillations in combustion systems
A damping device for reducing pressure oscillations in a combustion system includes at least a portion provided with a first, outer wall, a second, inner wall, an intermediate plate interposed between the first wall and the second wall. This intermediate plate forms a spacer grid to define at least one chamber between said first wall and said second wall, first passages connecting each of said at least one chamber to the inner of the combustion system, and second passages connecting each of said at least one chamber to the outer of the combustion system. The second passages open at the same side of said chambers as the first passages, the second passages have a portion extending parallel to the inner wall. This parallel portion of said second passages is equipped with heat transfer enhancing means. |
| US09261057B2 |
Evaporative emission control
Methods and systems are provided for purging a multi-port canister into an engine intake. Air is circulated through the canister and a resulting purge air is directed to an intake passage upstream of a throttle in engine configured with a throttle body. An amount of fresh intake air received at the intake passage is corresponding decreased. |
| US09261053B2 |
Self-igniting internal combustion engine with ether fumigation of the combustion air for vehicles and a method for ether fumigation of the combustion air in a self-igniting internal combustion engine for vehicles
The invention relates to a self-igniting internal combustion engine (10) with ether fumigation of the combustion air for vehicles, wherein to provide for ether fumigation, a feed means (1, 2, 3) is provided for an alkanol fuel in the flow direction, an exhaust gas heat exchanger (4) is provided for cooling a portion of the exhaust gas arising from the firing of the internal combustion engine (10) and for vaporizing the alkanol fuel fed while at the same time absorbing the thermal energy to be dissipated during cooling of the exhaust gas, and a catalyst (5) is provided for dehydrating the evaporated alkanol fuel to form ether, and wherein the feed means (1, 2, 3), the exhaust gas heat exchanger (4) and the catalyst (5) are connected to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (10) and adapted in such a way that a portion of the fuel required to fire the internal combustion engine (10) can be fed to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine (10) by way of the ether fumigation of the combustion air while mixing in the exhaust gas cooled in the exhaust gas heat exchanger (4). The invention further relates to a method for ether fumigation of the combustion air in a self-igniting internal combustion engine for vehicles. |
| US09261051B2 |
Methods and systems for boost control
Methods and systems are provided for managing a compressor temperature using EGR to address surge and condensation. A variable mixture of cooled compressor recirculation flow and hot EGR is provided to a compressor inlet. A composition of the mixture is adjusted to maintain a compressor inlet temperature sufficiently warm so as to reduce ingestion of condensation, and a compressor outlet temperature sufficiently cold to be within component temperature limits with flow above the surge limit. |
| US09261049B2 |
Two step metering solenoid for multi-physics fuel atomizer
A metering system for a fuel atomizer includes a housing, first and second metering members, and at least one solenoid. The housing includes a mixing chamber. The first metering member is operable to control flow of oxidizer to the mixing chamber. The second metering member is arranged coaxial with the first metering member and operable to control flow of fuel to the mixing chamber. The at least one solenoid is configured to operate at least one of the first and second metering members. |
| US09261048B2 |
Combustion gas supply control device
A combustion gas generator has: a motor case; a first propellant loaded within the motor case to burn at a first pulse; a second propellant loaded within the motor case to burn at a second pulse subsequent to the first pulse; a front motor head fixed to a front portion of the motor case and having a combustion gas exhaust hole; and a rear motor head fixed to a rear portion of the motor case and having a combustion gas exhaust hole. A combustion gas supply control device prevents combustion gas of the first propellant at the first pulse from flowing into the combustion gas exhaust hole of the front motor head and supplies combustion gas of the second propellant at the second pulse to the combustion gas exhaust hole of the front motor head. |
| US09261047B2 |
Jet exhaust noise reduction
Reducing jet noise by weakening Mach cones in a jet exhaust gas streamtube. The Mach cones are weakened by modifying exhaust gas flow in a longitudinal axial core of the exhaust gas streamtube. |
| US09261043B2 |
Stop control system for engine
A stop control system for an engine including a crankshaft is provided with a motor and a control device. The motor is connected to the crankshaft of the engine, and the control device is configured to stop the crankshaft in a compression stroke of the engine by temporarily driving the motor to thereby assist rotation of the crankshaft that is still being forwardly rotated after starting stop control operation of the engine under predetermined engine stop conditions. |
| US09261039B2 |
System and method for alerting and suppression of detonation and/or pre ignition phenomena in internal combustion engines by monitoring RPM fluctuation
An engine system with advance detection of detonation and/or pre ignition, the system comprising an engine, operative for propulsion of a vehicle by generating rotational motion, whose rotational velocity over time is monitored; and a detonation and/or pre ignition detector operative to provide an alert for impending detonation and/or pre ignition of the engine, if the rotational velocity fluctuates over time to an extent which is predetermined to be unsafe. |
| US09261032B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine
An air-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention determines whether or not a lean request has occurred, based on a comparison between a value correlating with an output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor disposed downstream of the catalyst (downstream air-fuel ratio sensor output correlating value) and a predetermined lean request determining value, and determines whether or not a rich request has occurred, based on a comparison between the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor output correlating value and a predetermined rich request determining value. Further, the air-fuel ratio control apparatus calculates a total amount of oxygen (released oxygen amount) released from the catalyst in the rich request occurring period, and calculates an integrated value (present stored oxygen amount) of oxygen stored in the catalyst after a start of the lean request occurring period which follows the rich request occurring period. The apparatus changes the rich request determining value in such a manner that a point in time at which it is determined that the rich request has occurred comes much earlier as the present stored oxygen amount comes closer to the released oxygen amount. |
| US09261031B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine and method for controlling internal combustion engine
Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine, capable of controlling acceleration-response characteristics, performing an operation at an optimal fuel-efficiency point, and learning variation factors in an internal combustion engine provided with a supercharger including a wastegate valve. A target throttle-valve upstream pressure is calculated based on a target charging efficiency and a rotation speed. An exhaust-gas flow rate is calculated based on an air/fuel ratio and an intake-airflow rate. A target compressor driving force is calculated based on a target intake-airflow rate and a target throttle-valve upstream pressure. A wastegate-valve control value is calculated from the exhaust-gas flow rate and the target compressor driving force by using the relationship in which the relation expression expressing the characteristics of the exhaust-gas flow rate and the target compressor driving force depends only on the wastegate-valve control value. |
| US09261029B2 |
Multi-cylinder gasoline engine
A multi-cylinder gasoline engine is provided. The engine includes an engine body having a plurality of cylinders, an exhaust manifold through which exhaust gas discharged from each of the cylinders of the engine body passes, and a controller for controlling various instruments provided to the engine body and the exhaust manifold. The engine body includes a switch mechanism. The exhaust manifold includes a plurality of independent exhaust passages, a gathering section, a negative pressure generating device, bypass passages, and openable-and-closable flow switch valves. The controller controls the injector, the ignition plug, the switch mechanism, and the flow switch valve so that a CI combustion is performed within a predetermined first operating range and an SI combustion is performed within a second operating range set on a higher engine load side than the first operating range. |
| US09261025B2 |
Fuel system of gas turbine engines
A method for purging fuel from a fuel system of a gas turbine engine on shutdown of the engine comprises, in one aspect, terminating a fuel supply to the fuel system and using the residual compressed air to create a reversed pressure differential in the fuel system relative to a forward pressure differential of the fuel system used to maintain fuel supply for engine operation, and under the reversed pressure differential substantially purging the fuel remaining in the system therefrom to a fuel source. |
| US09261023B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring fluid separation and/or monitoring the health of a valve
The present subject matter is generally directed to fuel systems for a gas turbine and related methods for monitoring fluid separation in the fuel systems. More particularly, the systems and methods include measuring pressure differentials and comparing the measurements to a predetermined value. |
| US09261022B2 |
System for controlling a cooling flow from a compressor section of a gas turbine
A system for controlling a flow rate of a compressed cooling medium between a compressor section and a turbine section of a gas turbine includes a flow path that is defined between the compressor section and the turbine section of the gas turbine and a thermally actuated variable flow valve disposed within the flow path. The variable flow valve defines an opening that changes in size based on a temperature of the compressed cooling medium flowing therethrough. |
| US09261020B2 |
Integrated coal gasification combined cycle plant
Synthesis gas (syngas) gasified in a gasification furnace to which coal is introduced burns in a combustor. An exhaust-heat recovery boiler generates steam by using exhaust gas let out from a gas turbine equipped with the combustor. The steam generated in the exhaust-heat recovery boiler is introduced to a steam turbine. A generator is driven by the steam turbine and the gas turbine to generate electrical power. Part of the exhaust gas let out from the gas turbine is introduced to a carbon-dioxide recovery unit, where carbon dioxide is recovered therefrom. Coal is carried to the gasification furnace by the carbon dioxide. |
| US09261012B2 |
Abnormality determination apparatus and abnormality determination method for coolant temperature sensor, and engine cooling system
When a temperature difference between intake air temperature that detected by an intake air temperature sensor and engine coolant temperature thw1 detected by an engine coolant temperature sensor is greater than a threshold value, a coolant temperature sensor abnormality determination apparatus opens a changeover valve to cause the coolant to flow into an engine coolant passageway, thereby mixing the coolant in an engine and the coolant in a heater passageway (bypass passageway). If the temperature difference between the engine coolant temperature thw1 and a heater inlet coolant temperature (bypass coolant temperature) thw2 occurring after the changeover valve opens is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the apparatus determines that the engine coolant temperature sensor is normal. If the temperature difference is greater than the predetermined value, the apparatus determines that the engine coolant temperature sensor is abnormal. |
| US09261011B2 |
Cooling module and pair of adapters for module standardization
In order to standardize the structure of a cooling module with and without a main radiator and thus to make a cooling module equally usable for motor vehicles with an internal combustion engine as well as with an electric motor and for hybrid vehicles it is provided to replace the bearing and holding function of a cooling component, in particular of the radiator unit flowed through by air and engine fluid of an internal combustion engine, by two adapter parts. |
| US09261007B2 |
Catalyst-degradation detection device
An oxygen amount (an oxygen storage amount OSA) stored by metal cerium during a storage cycle is obtained based on an output value of an A/F sensor in a time period immediately before an exhaust air-fuel ratio (a downstream side A/F) detected by the A/F sensor shifts to a lean region, and degradation relating to OSC of the three-way catalyst is detected. In the storage cycle, a target air-fuel ratio is set so that an air-fuel ratio of exhaust emission flowing into an S/C changes from rich to lean. Therefore, the downstream side A/F shifts from stoichiometry to the lean region at a time after reaching stoichiometry. When the three-way catalyst degrades, the downstream side A/F shifts to the lean region from stoichiometry at a time. Therefore, the calculated oxygen storage amount OSA becomes extremely smaller as compared with that at a normal time. |
| US09261006B2 |
Apparatus, method and system for diagnosing reductant deposits in an exhaust aftertreatment system
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system that delivers reductant to an exhaust stream in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A temperature sensor may be positioned in or near the flow of reductant and exhaust to measure the temperature of the reductant and exhaust. A change in temperature over time, such as an increase, decrease, or change in variation amplitude, may indicate the presence of a reductant deposit in the system. Detection of the deposit may initiate a regeneration cycle in which the operating characteristics of the system change to eliminate the reductant deposit to prevent it from hindering the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system. |
| US09261005B2 |
Exhaust gas heat recovery device
An exhaust gas heat recovery device of the present invention recovers heat of an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas heat recovery device includes an exhaust pipe that leads the exhaust gas from an upstream side to a downstream side, a cylindrical shell that covers an outside of the exhaust pipe, and an exhaust gas heat recovery section that is interposed between the exhaust pipe and the cylindrical shell and that performs heat exchange between the exhaust gas and a heat exchange medium. The exhaust gas heat recovery section includes a stacked body that is composed by stacking a plurality of jacket each having a heat exchange medium conduit provided thereinside. In the stacked body, the respective heat exchange medium conduits in the plurality of jacket parts are serially connected to each other. |
| US09261000B2 |
Device for exhaust-gas aftertreatment having a dosing unit for an exhaust-gas aftertreatment agent and motor vehicle having the device
A device for the aftertreatment of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine flowing through an exhaust line includes at least one dosing unit disposed in an opening of an exhaust pipe of the exhaust line and configured to add an exhaust-gas aftertreatment agent into the exhaust line. The dosing unit is enclosed by a cooling jacket, through which the dosing unit is fastened in the opening of the exhaust pipe. The cooling jacket is at least partially enclosed by a space or chamber delimited at least by the cooling jacket, the exhaust pipe, and a cover plate. The cover plate is connected to the exhaust pipe and spaced apart from the cooling jacket or the dosing unit by a gap. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided. |
| US09260999B2 |
Apparatus and method for engine backpressure reduction
An improved catalytic substrate for use with a can in an automotive exhaust system, the substrate being of the type which is disposed in use in the can, the improvement comprising: an insulation material thermally separating the substrate into a central zone and a tubular outer zone surrounding the central zone, the insulation material, central zone and outer zone collectively defining a modified substrate, the insulation material being adapted such that, in an operating condition, the temperature difference across the insulation material is at least 25° C. |
| US09260998B1 |
Airstream treatment apparatus (ATA) and methods of use thereof
An exhaust treatment apparatus (ATA) is provided for reducing one or more components of the airstream directed through the ATA. The ATA includes at least one corona/NTP generating region, wherein at least one component of the airstream is reduced upon passing through the ATA. A method is provided for using the ATA for treating an airstream, including an exhaust airstream from a combustion engine, as well as an exhaust airstream from a compression-ignition (diesel) engine. |
| US09260993B1 |
Oil and air separator system and method
An oil and air separation can includes: a diffuser tube positioned within a diffuser shield at a can intake for blow-by gases; and a first diffuser screen spaced vertically apart from a second diffuser screen proximate a can exhaust for blow-by gases, wherein the first diffuser screen and the second diffuser screen are spaced horizontally from the diffuser tube and extend about the diffuser shield. |
| US09260992B2 |
Oil mist separator
[Problem to be Solved]To enhance the performance for separation of oil mist from blow-by gas.[Solution]A filter element 13 which is to be attached to an oil separator unit 3 includes a core 31. This core is a double tube having an internal cylindrical member 34 and an external cylindrical member 35, and a space between the internal cylindrical member and the external cylindrical member is used as a separation chamber 36. An injection hole 39 for injecting blow-by gas while increasing its flow velocity is provided in the internal cylindrical member. A surface which is an inner wall surface of the external cylindrical member and which faces the injection hole is a spraying surface onto which the blow-by gas injected from the injection hole is sprayed. Moreover, an opening for oil discharge from which oil OL condensed on the spraying surface is discharged, and an opening for discharge from which the blow-by gas from which oil mist has been separated is discharged are provided in the core. |
| US09260989B2 |
Oil level indicator for a screw-type compressor
A device for monitoring and/or indicating an oil level in an oil sump of a screw-type compressor, the oil level fluctuating in different operating states of the screw-type compressor. A device for monitoring and indicating the oil level in a screw-type compressor, the reliability thereof being improved over the prior art and erroneous measurements being excluded. The device is an optical unit which has no mechanically moving parts that can become damaged during the often rough use of the device. |
| US09260987B2 |
Variable valve lift system in engine and control method thereof
A variable valve lift (VVL) system in an engine includes an oil control valve and a lock pin configured to be hydraulically actuated against an elastic force of a return spring under a control of the OCV. An orifice through which oil passes is formed to supply hydraulic pressure to the OCV and the lock pin. An oil pressure sensor measures the hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the OCV and the lock pin. A controller is configured to receive a signal from the oil pressure sensor and to control the OCV according to the received signal. |
| US09260985B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A seat surface of a flat head bolt and a seat surface of a front plate are in contact with each other such that a tightening axial tension acts at an axial tension action point in an axial cross-section. A normal vector is perpendicular to the seat surface of the front plate and passes through the axial tension action point in the axial cross-section. An axial tension reach point is an intersection point between the normal vector and a shoe front surface in the axial cross-section. The normal vector intersects the shoe front surface at the axial tension reach point in the axial cross-section, and the axial tension reach point is included in a range of a shoe part. |
| US09260981B2 |
Bearing housing of an exhaust-gas turbocharger
A bearing housing (1) of an exhaust-gas turbocharger (24), having a mounting bore (2), a bearing device (3) which has two bearing bushes (4, 5) arranged in the mounting bore (2), between which bearing bushes is arranged a spacer (6), and a rotational speed sensor (7) which is fixed in a bearing housing recess (9) and which engages into a sensor recess (8) of the spacer (6). A resilient sleeve (10) is arranged in the bearing housing recess (9) around the rotational speed sensor (7) and engages with one end (11) into the sensor recess (8). |
| US09260979B2 |
Outer rim seal assembly in a turbine engine
A seal assembly between a hot gas path and a disc cavity in a turbine engine includes a non-rotatable vane assembly including a row of vanes and an inner shroud, a rotatable blade assembly axially adjacent to the vane assembly and including a row of blades and a turbine disc that forms a part of a turbine rotor, and an annular wing member located radially between the hot gas path and the disc cavity. The wing member extends generally axially from the blade assembly toward the vane assembly and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart flow passages extending therethrough from a radially inner surface thereof to a radially outer surface thereof. The flow passages each include a portion that is curved as the passage extends radially outwardly to effect a scooping of cooling fluid from the disc cavity into the flow passages and toward the hot gas path. |
| US09260976B2 |
Engine health monitoring and power allocation control for a turbine engine using electric generators
A control for a turbine engine using electrical machines monitors engine health and allocates power extraction between the electrical machines. |
| US09260973B2 |
Fan blade adjustment piezoelectric actuator
A pump for driving a hydraulic fluid to adjust an angle of an airfoil has a transmission to be rotated to change the angle of incident of a plurality of airfoils. The transmission is driven through a rotating input to in turn rotate, and change the angle. The input is caused to rotate by a piston having engaging threads on the input, and the piston is mounted within a hydraulic chamber. Opposed chambers are on each of two opposed ends of the piston. A piezoelectric pump selectively delivers pressurized fluid into the opposed chambers to drive the piston, and to in turn cause the input to rotate. |
| US09260967B2 |
Filamentous turbine
A kind of filamentous turbine comprises a shell body and a rotor, the shell body is provided with a nozzle, the nozzle is used to eject gas into the shell body, the rotor which is arranged in the shell body comprises a rotor shaft, two fixing disks and a filamentous structure, the two fixing disks are mounted to the rotor shaft, the filamentous structure is mounted between the two fixing disk. The filamentous structure for this kind of filamentous turbine replaces the thin and circular disk of the traditional Tesla turbine, and the filamentous structure provides good integral rigidity and is not easy to deform, so that the rotor can be made larger in diameter, and the filamentous structure facilitates to reduce the machine noise. |
| US09260965B2 |
Chisel holder for a soil treatment machine
The invention relates to a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a road milling machine, that comprises a bit receptacle in the region of a working side of a support member and that indirectly or directly carries an insertion projection on an insertion projection side of the support member, the support member comprising two stripping surfaces [first or second stripping surfaces] that form a stripping surface pair and are at an angle to one another. In order to achieve a stable and long-lived configuration with such a bit holder, provision is made according to the present invention that the support member comprises at least one further stripping surface that is at an angle to the two stripping surfaces of the stripping surface pair. |
| US09260963B2 |
Acoustic determination of the position of a piston within a sample bottle
A method to determine a piston position in a sample bottle, having steps of providing a transducer near a chamber of the sample bottle, exciting the transducer to provide at least one wave of acoustic energy, propagating the acoustic energy through the chamber to a surface, reflecting the acoustic energy from the surface, receiving the acoustic energy at a receiver, determining a time of flight of the acoustic energy, and calculating the piston position from the time of flight of the acoustic energy. |
| US09260961B2 |
Modular monitoring assembly
A monitoring assembly, including a sleeve, a sensor for monitoring one or more selected parameters, and a plurality of modules in communication with the sensor and removably disposed with the sleeve. The plurality of modules includes a first module in an active state and a second module in an inactive state. A detector is included that determines when the first module has been removed from the assembly. The second module transitions to the active state when the first module is removed from the assembly. A method of using a monitoring assembly is also included. |
| US09260960B2 |
Method and apparatus for subsea wireless communication
System and method for communicating the state of a downhole subsea well which includes a wellbore with at least one sensor disposed within it. Information from the wellbore is communicated to a seabed data governor which is disposed on the seafloor. The seabed data governor includes buoyant signaling devices and a release module allowing the release of the buoyant signaling devices which then travel to the sea surface. |
| US09260958B2 |
System and method for acoustic imaging using a transducer array
An apparatus for acoustic imaging includes an array with a number of acoustic transducers. Each acoustic transducer transmits and receives acoustic signals. The apparatus also includes a control unit that is coupled to the array and selectively powers a number of acoustic transducers based upon standoff distance between the array and an object-of-interest (e.g., a borehole wall). In some embodiments, the control unit also varies the frequency of acoustic signals transmitted from the array using the standoff distance between the array and the object-of-interest. |
| US09260955B2 |
Method of reducing zone permeability by in-situ formation gel of urotropin and urea in an aqueous solution
Mineral oil is produced from underground mineral oil deposits by injecting one or more flooding media into an injection well and withdrawing mineral oil from a production well. Highly permeable zones are blocked in the region between the injection well and the production well by separately injecting, in succession, two different aqueous formulations, one having water and urotropin and the other having water and urea, through the injection well into the deposit. The two different aqueous formulations mix in the formation after injection to form viscous gels. Either or both formulations have at least one further metal or semimetal compound that can form gels when admixed with bases. The injection well temperature is not more than 60° C. |
| US09260954B2 |
Linear electric motor for artificial lift system
A method for pumping production fluid from a wellbore includes deploying a downhole assembly of an artificial lift system (ALS) into the wellbore. The downhole assembly includes a linear electric motor (LEM) and a pump. The method further includes operating the LEM, thereby reciprocating the pump and lifting production fluid from the wellbore to surface. The LEM includes a stator and a reciprocating head having permanent magnets. The production fluid leaks through an interface formed between the head and the stator. |
| US09260947B2 |
Adaptive Newton's method for reservoir simulation
A method of performing a simulation of a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir. The reservoir is approximated by a reservoir model having a plurality of cells. Each cell has an equation set representing a reservoir property. An initial guess is provided to a solution for a system of equations formed using the equation set for each of the cells. An iterative root-finding method and the initial guess are used to solve for a solution to the system of equations. When the number of non-converged cells is greater than a predetermined amount, neighboring converged cells are added to the non-converged cells. Parts of the method are repeated, substituting the solved solution for the initial guess and the equation sets corresponding to the non-converged cells for the first system of equations, until substantially all equation sets satisfy the convergence criterion. The solved solution is outputted as a simulation of the subsurface reservoir. |
| US09260944B2 |
Connection system for subsea flow interface equipment
A system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The system relates particularly to an apparatus adapted to inject fluids into a well having a flow bore. The system includes a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold. |
| US09260943B2 |
Tool health evaluation system and methodology
A technique facilitates evaluation of a tool, such as a drill tool. The technique comprises collecting tool data via a sensor on a given tool during use of that tool in a given operation, e.g. drilling operation. Additional data related to the tool is accumulated from a plurality of sources external to the tool. For example, data may be collected from both downhole sources and surface sources. Upon completion of the operation, the tool data is transmitted to the surface for processing on a processor system in combination with the data cumulated from sources external to the tool. The processing may be performed in real time as the tool data is received from downhole to enable a comprehensive diagnosis of tool health prior to retrieval of the tool to the surface. |
| US09260940B2 |
Pressure testing valve and method of using the same
A wellbore servicing system and method are disclosed. The wellbore servicing system includes a casing string and a pressure testing valve. The pressure testing valve includes a housing, a sliding sleeve, and a deactivatable locking assembly. The housing includes ports and an axial flowbore. The sliding sleeve is positioned within the housing and is transitional between first, second, and third positions. When the sliding sleeve is in the first and second positions, the sliding sleeve blocks fluid communication via the ports. When the sliding sleeve is in the third position, it does not block such fluid communication. Application of a fluid pressure transitions the sliding sleeve from the first to the second position, and a reduction in fluid pressure transitions the sliding sleeve from the second to the third position. When activated, the locking assembly inhibits movement of the sliding sleeve toward the third position. |
| US09260936B1 |
Downhole bridge plug or packer assemblies
A bridge plug or packer assembly includes a mandrel. At least one sealing element is provided on the mandrel. A pair of backup rings is provided on the mandrel on respective sides of the at least one sealing element. Each of the pair of backup rings has a single spiraled ring groove. A pair of pressure-applying elements is provided on the mandrel on respective sides of the pair of backup rings, respectively. |
| US09260934B2 |
Remote operation of a rotating control device bearing clamp
A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body. |
| US09260931B2 |
Riser breakaway connection and intervention coupling device
A breakaway connection for a subsea riser, the connection including a tubular stabbing member having a central axis, an upper end, a radially outer cylindrical surface, a radially inner surface, and an annular recess in the outer cylindrical surface. The breakaway connection also includes a tubular female member having a central axis, a lower end, a radially outer surface, a radially inner surface defining a receptacle extending axially from the lower end, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced threaded holes extending radially from the radially outer surface to the receptacle, wherein the stabbing member is disposed in the receptacle and coaxially aligned with the female member. The breakaway connection further includes a plurality of shear pins, wherein each shear pin is threadably disposed in one threaded hole, and wherein each shear pin has a radially inner end seated in the annular recess. |
| US09260929B2 |
Mobile rig and method
A mobile rig for use in lowering a string comprising joints of a conduit into a well is provided with a rig transporter comprising a motorized unit, a mast assembly, a pivotal connection on the mast assembly with respect to the rig transporter. At least one hydraulic arm is pivotally mounted to the rig transporter and the mast assembly operable to move the mast to an upright position and for lowering the mast to a substantially horizontal position for transportation. In one embodiment, a top drive is mounted in the mast which is raised and lowered with the mast whereby the top drive is transported in the mast in the substantially horizontal position. |
| US09260924B2 |
Flexible joint connection
A downhole submersible pumping system includes an adapter for use in connecting a first component to a second component within the downhole pumping system. The adapter preferably includes an upstream section configured for connection to the first component and a downstream section configured for connection to the second component. The adapter further includes an articulating joint that permits the angular movement of the first component with respect to the second component. |
| US09260923B1 |
Superabrasive compact and rotary drill bit including a heat-absorbing material for increasing thermal stability of the superabrasive compact
In an embodiment, a superabrasive compact is disclosed in which a heat-absorbing material having a phase-transition temperature lower than a peak operating temperature of a superabrasive table of the superabrasive compact is positioned in the superabrasive compact. In some embodiments, the heat-absorbing material positioned between the substrate and the superabrasive table. In another embodiment, a rotary drill bit is also disclosed including a bit body and at least one cutting element including a substrate and a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. At least one heat-absorbing material is positioned within the bit body at least proximate to the at least one cutting element. |
| US09260922B2 |
Roller cone drill bit with cuttings evacuator
An earth boring drill bit having an alternate path to allow cuttings to be ejected or evacuated from the drill bit and up the bore hole is disclosed. The evacuation hole of the present disclosure allows larger sized cuttings to evacuate from the bit without having to be continually ground by rolling cone cutters until the cuttings are small enough to follow a path around the edge of the shirttail of the bit and up the borehole. A cuttings restrictor is disposed at the inlet of the evacuation hole. The cuttings restrictor ensures that only cuttings that are sized to move completely through the evacuation hole and exit the drill bit are allowed to enter the evacuation hole. |