| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09552488B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided that receives data for an authentication print job from an external terminal connected thereto via a network, receives a user authentication request from a user, and executes the job when the user authentication is successfully performed. The image forming apparatus comprises: a display unit; and a display control unit displaying information related to an amount of time expected to be required for the execution of the job on the display unit when the user authentication is successfully performed prior to completion of the reception of the data for the job. |
| US09552477B2 |
Resource management in a processor
A processor system is arranged to execute user selected applications. A manager module is configured to detect a user selection of an application and configured to initiate a launch process. A supervisor module is configured to intercept the launch process initiated by the manager module and detect whether the application is a trusted application or an untrusted application. Trusted applications have a privilege to access resources without authorization, and untrusted applications do not have the privilege. The supervisor module has the privilege to access the resources. When the application is untrusted, the application is launched in a container, and at least one of the resources is delivered to the untrusted application in the container. |
| US09552475B2 |
Gesture recognition for device unlocking
Systems and methods provide a security function for a device or applications running on a device. A lock tap sequence is entered by a user when the device is to be locked. When the user desires to unlock the device, the user enters a unlock tap sequence. If the lock tap sequence matches the unlock tap sequence, the device is unlocked. |
| US09552473B2 |
Claiming data from a virtual whiteboard
A method of storing data from a whiteboard application executed on a computing system including an interactive display device is provided. The method comprises storing, in a memory of the computing system, whiteboard data input to the whiteboard application in response to user interaction with the interactive display device, displaying a login selector on the interactive display device, upon detecting actuation of the login selector, identifying the user based on credentials of the user; and in response to identifying the user, (i) retrieving previews of stored whiteboard files from a user account in a cloud-based storage system corresponding to the identity of the user, (ii) displaying the previews on the interactive display device, and (iii) uploading the whiteboard data as a whiteboard file from the memory of the computing system to the user account. |
| US09552471B1 |
Personal familiarity authentication
A method for computer security. A gallery comprising a first identity of a first human person is maintained, the first identity associated with a plurality of tags, with first properties, useful for identifying the first human person. A first Internet search for facial images of the first human person is performed using the plurality of tags. A first facial image is selected from the results of this search. A second Internet search is performed for facial images of other human persons based on second properties that are generated by modifying the first properties of the plurality of tags. A plurality of additional facial images of the other human persons retrieved by the second Internet search is selected. A palette of randomized facial images including the first facial image together with the plurality of additional facial images is presented. Access is denied unless the correct facial image is selected. |
| US09552470B2 |
Method, device, and system of generating fraud-alerts for cyber-attacks
Devices, systems, and methods of detecting user identity, differentiating between users of a computerized service, and detecting a cyber-attacker. An end-user device (a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like) interacts and communicates with a server of a computerized server (a banking website, an electronic commerce website, or the like). The interactions are monitored, tracked and logged. User Interface (UI) interferences are intentionally introduced to the communication session; and the server tracks the response or the reaction of the end-user to such communication interferences. The system determines whether the user is a legitimate human user; or a cyber-attacker posing as the legitimate human user. The system displays gauges indicating cyber fraud scores or cyber-attack threat-levels. The system extrapolates from observed fraud incidents and utilizes a rules engine to automatically search for similar fraud events and to automatically detect fraud events or cyber-attackers. |
| US09552467B2 |
Information processing device and information processing method
An information processing device includes an image acquirer that acquires a shot image of a user, a registered user information holder that holds face identification data of a registered user, and a face authentication section that detects a face image of a registered user existing in the shot image by using face identification data held in the registered user information holder. The information processing device further includes an information processing section that executes information processing based on a detection result by the face authentication section, and a face identification data registration section that updates the face identification data based on a face image extracted from a shot image of a user at predetermined timings. The face identification data registration section determines whether or not to update the face identification data with a condition corresponding to a situation in which the timing is generated. |
| US09552466B2 |
System and method for remotely assigning and revoking access credentials using a near field communication equipped mobile phone
The present invention is generally directed toward a mobile device that can be used in a secure access system. More specifically, the mobile device can have credential data loaded thereon remotely updated, enabled, disabled, revoked, or otherwise altered with a message sent from, for example, a control panel and/or controller in the system. |
| US09552463B2 |
Functionality watermarking and management
A method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium product are provided for functionality watermarking and management. In the context of a method, a method is provided that includes identifying a request to establish an association between a watermark template and a function of at least one user device and determining whether the request to establish the association between the watermark template and the function of the at least one user device is authorized. The method further includes authorizing the request to establish the association between the watermark template and the function of the at least one user device in response to a determination that the request to establish the association between the watermark template and the function of the at least one user device is authorized. |
| US09552461B2 |
Food preparation system and method
A system and method for preparing food, involving a nutritional information module for aggregating nutritional and portion information of an entire menu to adjust serving weight by preferred caloric value. The system involves a scheduler module which compiles task information for any individual recipe. The scheduler module has a passive task time and/or an active task time and stamps the preparation time for a recipe. The system compiles and stores a cook's information for analyzing an individual cooking: style time. Moreover, the system involves a feedback module for predicting preparation time of any particular menu choice. Additionally, the system involves recipe data, an organizer, a shopping assistant, and a recommendation module to facilitate menu pairings as well as sourcing and purchasing, required ingredients, required cookware, and utensils for a recipe. |
| US09552458B2 |
Comprehensive analysis pipeline for discovery of human genetic variation
Systems and methods for analyzing genetic sequence data involve: (a) obtaining, by a computer system, genetic sequencing data pertaining to a subject; (b) splitting the genetic sequencing data into a plurality of segments; (c) processing the genetic sequencing data such that intra-segment reads, read pairs with both mates mapped to the same data set, are saved to a respective plurality of individual binary alignment map (BAM) files corresponding to that respective segment; (d) processing the genetic sequencing data such that inter-segment reads, read pairs with both mates mapped to different segments, are saved into at least a second BAM file; and (e) processing at least the first plurality of BAM files along parallel processing paths. The plurality of segments may correspond to any given number of genomic subregions and may be selected based upon the number of processing cores used in the parallel processing. |
| US09552456B2 |
Methods and apparatus for probing signals from a circuit after register retiming
A circuit design may have registers and combinational gates. Circuit design computing equipment may perform register retiming in the circuit design, whereby registers are moved across combinational gates. Information about the register moves may be recorded, and a modified circuit design is created. The circuit design computing equipment may implement the circuit design in an integrated circuit. A logic analyzer may be used to debug the circuit design implemented in the integrated circuit in real-time and at high-speed. To facilitate the debugging process, the circuit design computing equipment may augment the integrated circuit and/or compensate for register retiming based on the information recorded during register retiming. |
| US09552452B2 |
Method and apparatus for flip chip packaging co-design and co-designed flip chip package
The present invention provides a method for flip chip packaging co-design. The method comprises steps of: providing an I/O pad information of a chip and a connection information of a PCB; performing a first I/O pad placement according to the I/O pad information of the chip and the connection information of the PCB; utilizing a RDL routing analysis device to perform a bump pad pitch analysis for the first I/O pad placement of the chip to generate a bump pad pitch analysis result; performing a bump pad planning for a package according to the bump pad pitch analysis result to generate a bump pad planning result; and performing a second I/O pad placement for the chip according to the bump pad planning result to generate an I/O pad placement result. |
| US09552449B1 |
Dynamic fault model generation for diagnostics simulation and pattern generation
Techniques relate to dynamic complex fault model generation for diagnostics simulation and pattern generation. Inline fabrication parametric data is received, and the inline fabrication parametric data is a collection of physical measurements made on a device under test during a manufacturing fabrication of the device under test. A fault model of defects is generated according to the inline fabrication parametric data, where the fault model is based on a physical design of the device under test combined with the inline fabrication parametric data for the device under test. Test patterns are generated based on the fault model and the inline fabrication parametric data, such that the test patterns are configured to test the device under test in order to obtain results that are based on the inline fabrication parametric data. A simulation is run of the device under test using the results and the inline fabrication parametric data. |
| US09552445B2 |
Automatic change propagation in an area-based open pit mine designer
Automatic change propagation in an area-based open pit mine designer is disclosed. One example includes an economic shell receiver module to receive an economic shell. In addition a user input module receives a user parametric input denoting an open pit mine shape based on the economic shell. An open pit mine designer module automatically develops an open pit mine design from the user parametric input. The user input module receives an additional area to be incorporated into the open pit mine design. The open pit mine designer module automatically propagates the additional area into the open pit mine design to generate a modified open pit mine design. |
| US09552444B2 |
Identification verification mechanisms for a third-party application to access content in a cloud-based platform
Techniques are disclosed for using a third-party application to access or edit a file within a cloud-based environment within a cloud-based platform or environment. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to a request to access the content in the cloud-based environment, providing the third-party application with a login view to verify an identity of a user. The login view is generated from a server hosting the environment. The method further includes, upon the verification of the user's identity, providing the requested content to the third-party application. |
| US09552442B2 |
Visual meme tracking for social media analysis
A system and method for analyzing visual memes includes identifying visual memes associated with at least one topic in a data source. The visual memes propagated over time are tracked to extract information associated with identified visual memes. The information associated with the visual memes is analyzed to determine at least one of generation, propagation, and use of the identified memes. |
| US09552441B2 |
Database mapping of models for reporting tools in model driven development
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for mapping models to relational databases for reporting tools. In an embodiment of the invention, a model mapping method for models of a model driven development (MDD) environment can include initializing a database table and selecting a data source storing a modeling framework representation of a model. A first query can be executed against an application programming interface (API) of the data source supporting a modeling framework query language to retrieve selected elements of the model. Likewise, a second query can be executed against the API of the data source to retrieve selected attributes of the selected elements of the model. Finally, rows of the database table can be populated with the retrieved selected elements of the model and corresponding columns of the database table can be populated with the retrieved selected attributes of the selected elements of the model. Consequently, a report can be generated for the model based upon the rows and columns of the database table. |
| US09552438B2 |
Systems and methods for responsive web page delivery based on network bandwidth
A system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for responsive web page delivery based on network bandwidth. Upon initiation of a network communication session, a bandwidth of a network connection of the client device involved in the network communication session is determined. At least one initial display element to provide as part of a webpage for display on the client device is selected based on the bandwidth of the network connection. Instructions are then provided to the client device which cause the client device to display the at least one display element. In some embodiments, an updated bandwidth is subsequently determined and updated display elements are selected based on the updated bandwidth. |
| US09552434B2 |
Providing a common virtual item repository in a virtual space
Virtual items may be unlocked in a virtual space responsive to physical token detection. A common virtual item repository may be provided in the virtual space. Once unlocked, a given virtual item may be accessible to multiple characters in the virtual space via the virtual item repository. Customization of a virtual space may be facilitated. The customization may be based on the virtual items accessible via the virtual item repository. |
| US09552426B2 |
Shared image database with geographic navigation
There is disclosed a method and device for operating an image database shared by a plurality of users. In an embodiment, each image captured by a user and stored in a shared image database is associating with the geographic coordinates of the location at which the image was captured. A search engine for the image database is configured to accept geographic coordinates as a search criterion for locating at least one captured image stored in the shared image database. The images having location coordinates within a predefined range of geographic coordinates is displayed to the user. |
| US09552425B2 |
System and method for determining query aspects at appropriate category levels
In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining query aspects for appropriate categories is provided. In example embodiments, query data is collected. The query data indicates a query term and tracked user behavior associated with past queries involving the query term. An aspect demand ratio is calculated for each category of a category tree based on the collected query data. Using at least one processor, one or more lowest categories of the category tree that satisfies a category threshold is determined. The one or more lowest categories are then appended to the query term and stored in a database. |
| US09552424B2 |
Peer-to-peer access of personalized profiles using content intermediary
A method for personalizing content for a particular user in a computing system comprising a user interface configured to display content. The method comprises identifying a content item accessed by a user, identifying features associated with the content item; using the features of the content item to identify one or more third party profiles that substantially match a content profile of the content item, and displaying a list of the identified third party profiles. |
| US09552423B2 |
Method and apparatus for searching non-public data using a single search query
Method and apparatus for facilitating real-time searching of non-public data using a single search query are provided. Method includes facilitating reporting of availability of companion application of remote source unit to auto discovery module to enable client device to automatically discover remote source unit and to enable client device to search, in real-time, non-public data on remote source unit using single search query. Companion application is non-public application. Single search query comprises a search term. Method includes enabling automatic access to non-public data on remote source unit, by single search query. Method includes facilitating receipt, at remote source unit, of single search query with search term. Method includes, in response to single search query, searching, in real-time, non-public data on remote source unit using search term; retrieving, in real-time, non-public search result comprising one or more file names or folder names; and transmitting non-public search result in real-time. |
| US09552421B2 |
Simplified collaborative searching through pattern recognition
Simplified collaborative searching is provided by pattern recognition such as facial recognition, motion recognition, and the like to provide handsfree functionality. Users join a collaborative search by placing themselves within the field of view of a camera communicationally coupled to a computing device that performs facial recognition and identifies the users, thereby adding them to the collaboration. Users also join by performing simple movements with a portable computing device, such as the ubiquitous mobile phone. A collaboration component tracks the users in the collaboration and identifies them to a search engine, thereby enabling the search engine to perform a collaborative search. The collaboration component also disseminates the collaborative recommendations, either automatically or based upon explicit requests triggered by pattern recognition, including motion recognition and touch recognition. The collaboration component can utilize heuristics to identify individual collaborative sessions, or can utilize existing collaborative infrastructure. |
| US09552419B2 |
Systems and methods to facilitate media search
Graphical user interfaces for searching music. A computer provides a window of a first webpage providing a user interface to search music, comprising search tools including filter tools and a keyword search tool. In response to a user search request for music via the filter tools and/or the keyword search tool, the computer provides, within the window, music search results. When a search result is selected by the user, the selected search result expands within the window. The expanded search result includes one or more of: a grab button, a download button, a share button, a license button, an audio player showing an audio waveform of the selected music search result, a description of the selected music search result, artwork associated with the search result, and an explore-more button, that when selected provides additional music related to the selected music based on acoustic similarity. |
| US09552418B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing a playlist within a music service
Systems and methods are provided for distributing a playlist of a user. The systems and methods receive an indication from the user of a song to add to the playlist and adds the song to the playlist. In aspects, the systems and methods analyze the playlist to determine whether an attribute of the playlist meets a specified parameter. In some cases, the specified parameter can be met if a musical attribute of the song is similar to a music profile of one of the users, or if an amount of songs on the playlist meets or exceeds a specified threshold. The systems and methods can enable the user to distribute the playlist either publicly or to a specified set of users if the specified parameter of the playlist is met. |
| US09552416B2 |
Method for identifying clusters of fluorescence-activated cell sorting data points
A method and/or system for analyzing data using population clustering through density based merging. |
| US09552415B2 |
Category classification processing device and method
A category classification processing device includes a search unit that stores, as a search keyword log assembly, Q&A examples, which are actually referred to by a client, together with keywords; and a category extracting unit that obtains keyword storage frequencies expressing a number of times each of the keywords, which are recorded together with the Q&A examples in the search keyword logs, is stored for each of the Q&A examples, extracts, as category candidates of each of the Q&A examples, an m number of top keywords (m being a positive integer) in a descending order of the keyword storage frequency, uses the extracted category candidates as categories, and associates the categories with the Q&A examples. |
| US09552414B2 |
Dynamic filtering in application search
One embodiment of a disclosed system, method, and computer readable storage medium provides dynamic filtering in application searches. Partner systems leverage search functionality of an application search system configured to perform searches for applications. In one embodiment, partner systems select application categories to be associated with search queries submitted to the application search system via the partners' websites. When users submit search queries to the application search system via a partner system, the users' queries are associated with the partner system's application category selection. Alternatively, the search queries may implicitly or explicitly specify an application category. In response to receiving the queries, the application search system returns search results from the selected application category. |
| US09552412B1 |
Boolean-query composer
Provided is a process of refining Boolean queries, the process including: obtaining a query; searching a corpus of documents based on the query; selecting narrowing terms that pertain to respective subsets of the responsive documents; selecting broadening terms related to the query; instructing the user's computing device to present a graphical user interface comprising: graphical representations of the narrowing terms; graphical representations of the broadening terms; and one or more user inputs by which the user refines the query by adding a selected narrowing term or a selected broadening term; obtaining a user selection of a broadening term or a narrowing term; forming a refined query based on the user selection; searching at least part of the corpus based on the refined query to identify refined responsive documents; and instructing the user's computing device to present an updated graphical user interface with information about the refined responsive documents. |
| US09552411B2 |
Trending suggestions
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to paragraph snapping. In aspects, trending data is collected and prepared for sending to one or more target machines. Upon receiving the trending data, a target machines installs the trending data locally and deletes previously installed trending data. After installation, the trending data may be used to suggest text in response to input from a user. If a user selects suggested text, the text may be added to a local dictionary of the target machine. |
| US09552409B2 |
Genre generation device, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing genre generation program, and genre generation method
A genre generation device (200) includes a calculating part (235) that calculates a co-occurrence level of a first keyword representing a first genre to be generated and a second keyword representing a second genre that is an attended genre in a search query in a genre hierarchy, and a generating part (265) that generates the first genre in a different layer from a layer where the second genre belongs when a difference between the co-occurrence level of the first keyword and the second keyword, and, a threshold for a level is smaller than a threshold for a disparity. |
| US09552404B2 |
Data model definition display and modification
Data model display and modification techniques are provided that can be executed on a wireless computing device. A data model display and modification technique includes wirelessly receiving a data model definition at a wireless communication device. A visual representation of the model definition is displayed on a display of the wireless device. User interactions with the visual representation of the model definition are recorded through the wireless device to alter the data model definition. The altered data model definition is stored, and transmitted to another device. |
| US09552403B2 |
Converting data models into in-database analysis models
Data sets are analyzed to discover trends and determine predictive data models. A data model is determined based on analyzing the data set with a specific algorithm from a set of different analytical algorithms. The data model is stored in a structural file format. The data model is converted into an instantiated object model with the use of a predefined object model. The instantiated object model is converted into an in-database analysis model to score new data within a database system. The scoring is based on the logic in the data model. The in-database analysis model is stored on a database server part of a database system to provide analytical functionality defined in the data model. The new data can be scored with the in-database analysis model. The new data is not extracted from the database system and the scoring is accomplished in-memory. |
| US09552400B2 |
Defining and mapping application interface semantics
An example implementation includes a system having one or more processors, a definition module, a data store, and a workflow module. The definition module is executable by the one or more processors to determine a first semantic element for a first operation included in a first application interface representing a first service and a second semantic element for a second operation included in a second application interface representing a second service, such as an enterprise service bus. The definition module may further determine a mapping of the first semantic element with the second sematic element. The data store is configured to store the mapping of the first semantic element with the second sematic element by the definition module. The workflow module is executable by the one or more processors to integrate the first application interface with the second service based on the mapping. |
| US09552398B1 |
Presenting search query results
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting search results. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a query and determining whether it is desirable to group search results responsive to the query. If so, the method further includes grouping search results by, for example, domain and displaying an indicator (e.g., a favicon) in proximity to a URL associated with search results that are related to the domain. In another aspect, a method includes crawling web properties to determine if a domain has an associated indicator, and storing an identifier associated with the indicator in a database that associates the identifier with one or more words indicative of the domain. Upon receipt of a query that includes the one or more words, the method further includes retrieving the indicator and displaying the indicator in proximity to a link describing the domain. |
| US09552394B2 |
Generation of multi-faceted search results in response to query
Aspects retrieve, organize and display different classifications of sets of search results in different, respective tabbed sheets that are nested on top of one another in a web-based interface dashboard. A text string search query is classified into constituent primary search terms that are likely to return satisfactory search results as indicated by retrieved search history data as a function of search resources and language classification rules associated with the user identity indicia. Secondary search terms related to the primary search terms and including synonyms and antonyms are determined as substitutes for the primary search terms in response to search history indicating follow-up searches immediately subsequent to searches of the primary search terms at less than a specified threshold of frequency. The set of peripheral knowledge article results is generated by searching knowledge article resources for background information on the primary search terms or the secondary search terms. |
| US09552393B2 |
Adaptive record linking in a distributed computing system
Techniques for information retrieval include the features of receiving a plurality of data records, updating a plurality of database records associated with the received plurality of data records stored in a database, receiving a query for a particular database record, and preparing for display, in response to the query, one or more of the database records based on at least one of the name of the business enterprise or the alias associated with the name of the business enterprise. Each data record includes data fields associated with a business enterprise. The data fields include a name of the business enterprise. Each database record includes attributes including the name of the business enterprise and an alias associated with the name of the business enterprise. The query includes at least one of the name of the business enterprise or the alias associated with the name of the business enterprise. |
| US09552391B1 |
Apparatus and method for improvised explosive device (IED) network analysis
Tools and apparatus are presented for identification and analysis of improvised explosive device (IED) networks, including data acquisition tools and techniques providing structured prompting and predefined answers for acquiring structured IED data reports in a streamlined fashion using uniform terminology with respect to IED components and/or structure, as well as analysis methodologies employing IED component level analysis with adjustable similarity correlation and IED attribute filtering to expeditiously identify likely IED networks using graphical renderings of IED locations in a given geolocation range of interest and connection indicators. |
| US09552388B2 |
System and method for providing search query refinements
A system and method for providing search query refinements are presented. A stored query and a stored document are associated as a logical pairing. A weight is assigned to the logical pairing. The search query is issued and a set of search documents is produced. At least one search document is matched to at least one stored document. The stored query and the assigned weight associated with the matching at least one stored document are retrieved. At least one cluster is formed based on the stored query and the assigned weight associated with the matching at least one stored document. The stored query associated with the matching at least one stored document are scored for the at least one cluster relative to at least one other cluster. At least one such scored search query is suggested as a set of query refinements. |
| US09552386B2 |
Reducing lock occurrences in server/database systems
Limiting the number of concurrent requests in a database system. Arranging requests to be handled by the database system in at least one queue. Defining a maximum value (SS) of concurrent requests corresponding to the at least one queue. Monitoring at least one queue utilization parameter corresponding to the at least one queue and calculating a performance value based on the at least one queue utilization parameter. Adapting the maximum value (SS) of concurrent requests of the at least one queue dynamically based on the performance value (PF) in order to improve system performance. Limiting the number of concurrent requests of the at least one queue dynamically based on the dynamically adapted maximum value (SS). |
| US09552380B2 |
Method and apparatus for converting heterogeneous databases into standardized homogeneous databases
A method, an apparatus, and a system for configuring, designing, and/or implementing database tables are detailed that provides a framework into which a remainder of database tables is developed. Also detailed is a method to develop this framework of database tables. This so developed framework provides a platform for converting multiple independent heterogeneous databases into standardized homogeneous databases. |
| US09552377B2 |
Method for naming image file
A method for naming an image file comprises the steps of: searching for a keyword string in initial scan image data; identifying an encoded string after the keyword string; and generating an initial file corresponding to the initial scan image data. If the keyword string is found, a file name of the initial file is automatically set up according to the encoded string. |
| US09552372B2 |
Mapping infrastructure layout between non-corresponding datasets
A system or computer usable program product for mapping infrastructure layout between non-corresponding datasets including accessing from a memory a set of long links with points that trace the curvature of a set of linestrings, accessing from the memory a set of short links that are short enough for analytical purposes wherein each short link represents a straight line, and from the set of long links and the set of short links, using a processor to create a set of hybrid links for storage in the memory, each hybrid link corresponding to one short link for analytic purposes, a plurality of the hybrid links including at least one of the points for tracing the curvature of the set of linestrings. |
| US09552370B1 |
Signaling impending out of storage condition from a virtual tape drive
In one embodiment, a method of informing a mainframe that a filesystem storing a plurality of virtual tapes is filled relative to a particular threshold includes returning, responsive to a write request to a virtual tape in the filesystem, a message indicating that the filesystem is filled relative to the particular threshold. The method can also include monitoring a plurality of filesystems for free space remaining on each of the plurality of filesystems. The method can additionally include indicating, in a data structure stored in a memory, a particular filesystem that is filled above the particular threshold. The data structure can be at least one of a table and a list. The method can further include mounting, responsive to a request to mount a particular virtual tape that is on a filesystem indicated in the data structure as being above the particular threshold, the particular virtual tape as read-only. |
| US09552368B1 |
Electronic mail attachments garden
A cloud storage system receives information associating a user's cloud storage account with a network service account associated with a service provider. The cloud storage system identifies files associated with the network service account, retrieves metadata associated with the files, and provides a list of the files and their associated metadata to the user. The metadata stored by the cloud storage system may indicate the context of the identified files within the network service account. In response to a user command, the cloud storage system may store one of the identified files in the cloud storage account, and may continue to provide the content of the stored file within the network service account even if the stored file is deleted from the network service account. |
| US09552366B2 |
Automated data synchronization
Systems and methods are presented for storing and updating data. The metadata associated with a user computing device may be used to determine whether the user computing device is configured to maintain a synchronized copy of the file. Moreover, a user computing device may be authorized to modify a file through a virtual desktop instance on a PES. If a user computing device is authorized to synchronize the file, the file may be accessible locally without a network connection. |
| US09552365B2 |
Secure synchronization apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium thereof
A secure synchronization apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium thereof are provided. The secure synchronization apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit, an interface, and a processing unit. The interface is electrically connected to a storage server via a network. The processing unit is electrically connected to the storage unit and the interface. The processing unit is configured to execute an operating system and execute an agent program installed on the operating system. The agent program configures an isolated space, manages an extended space within the storage unit, and synchronizes an object between the isolated space, extended space, and the storage server through the interface. The isolated space and the extended space are only recognized by the agent program installed on the operating system and the object in the two spaces is accessible only via the agent program. |
| US09552362B2 |
Information source agent systems and methods for backing up files to a repository using file identicality
A system, method, and computer program product for storing back-up files using file identicality properties are provided. A system is provided that intercepts file information from files while they are being stored to a back-up system. The files are intercepted with a file gathering interface that is in communication with one or more information source clients. The system includes an indexing engine to index file data contents of the intercepted file, a metadata engine to manage metadata concerning the intercepted file, and a triage engine to manage the file gathering interface, the indexing engine, and the metadata engine. Methods are provided for the interception of files being sent to a back-up system that take advantage of file identicality properties. |
| US09552359B2 |
Revisiting content history
The content items presented to a user account as part of a media station can be recorded in a content history index, which can be requested and presented to the user account. The content history can enable a user to revisit the content items included in the content history and/or provide feedback regarding the content items. The version of the content item returned to the user can be based on the client device used to request the content item. For example, a user that was presented a content item on their mobile device, can later request to revisit the content item on their PC and receive a version of the content item best suited for presentation by the PC, rather than the version presented on the mobile device. |
| US09552356B1 |
Merging client-side and server-side logs
Techniques described enable creation of a single log containing information from both server-side and client-side logs. A logging service receives page requests and other data from a user operating a computing device. These page requests are then stored in a server-side log. The logging service also receives interactions made by the user on a displayed page. These interactions are then stored in a client-side log separate from the server-side log. The logging service then converts a format of the data in the client-side log and merges the client-side and server-side logs to form a single log. A service provider may then analyze this single log to track how this and other users navigated the pages associated with the page requests. |
| US09552353B2 |
System and method for generating phrases
Techniques are disclosed for generating phrases for selection by users communicating in an online virtual world environment. A phrase generation engine automatically constructs new phrases using pre-approved words from a dictionary of frequently used words and language-specific rules for phrase formation to ensure safety and supplement an existing database of commonly used, pre-approved phrases. Increasing the number of phrases that are available for selection by a user increases the user expressivity. Each word in the dictionary is annotated with semantic and grammatical information that constrains how the word is combined with other words to generate a new phrase. Each new phrase may also be tagged to enable translation into a different language so a phrase in a first language selected by a first user may be displayed in a second language to a second user. |
| US09552349B2 |
Methods and apparatus for performing spelling corrections using one or more variant hash tables
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing spelling corrections using one or more variant hash tables. The spelling of at least one candidate word is corrected by obtaining at least one variant dictionary hash table based on variants of a set of known correctly spelled words, wherein the variants are obtained by applying one or more of a deletion, insertion, replacement, and transposition operation on the correctly spelled words; obtaining from the candidate word one or more lookup variants using one or more of the deletion, insertion, replacement, and transposition operations; evaluating one or more of the candidate word and the lookup variants against the at least one variant dictionary hash table; and indicating a candidate correction if there is at least one match in the at least one variant dictionary hash table. |
| US09552346B2 |
Producing visualizations of elements in works of literature
A visualization of literary elements of a work of literature, such as a novel or short story, is generated from meta-data records representing a digital work of literature including literary elements (humor, drama, adventure, etc.), characters, and plot devices related to a position within the work of literature where each appears. A significance level is determined for each of the elements, characters and plot devices at each position within the work of literature, and these are plotted into a sequential graph having position (e.g. timeline) axis and a significance level axis. The sequential graph is then output for printing or display. Human-generated and machine-generated meta-data may be ingested equally well by the method. Colors, line thickness, and a broken line patterns may be employed for greater visual meaning. And, the sequential graph may be annotated according to segments (e.g. chapters, sections) and dominant genre within each segment. |
| US09552342B2 |
Generating a collage for rendering on a client computing device
Various technologies pertaining to generation of a client collage are described herein. A creator can construct a computer-implemented collage by selecting a plurality of computer-implemented objects from a respective plurality of network-accessible storage locations, and arranging the computer-implemented objects in a desired manner. Responsive to receiving an indication that the computer-implemented collage is suitable for publication, a server can render the collage and capture a backdrop image of the rendered collage. The server can further generate metadata that are packaged with the backdrop image as a client collage. When a client computing device requests the collage, the client collage is provided to the client computing device, which renders the backdrop image and processes the metadata. The metadata causes a click overlay to be placed upon the backdrop image, wherein functionality of the click overlay is defined by the metadata. |
| US09552341B2 |
Enterprise web application constructor system and method
A web-based application constructor can be used to construct a web display. The web-based application constructor can obtain data from heterogeneous data sources having Web Services schemas to produce the web display. The web display can contain page components and can display the data from at least some heterogeneous data sources. A versioning system can keep track of changes to page components, page layout, searches, and text to allow users to make changes without administrative approval. |
| US09552336B2 |
Methods and systems for preparing extensible markup language (XML) documents and for responding to XML requests
Methods and systems for generating and sending an XML document are described. In a specific implementation, methods and systems for responding to an XML client request utilize an XML response generator. The XML response generator responds to a client request without having to first build and save the entire response. An emitter object is provided that receives data that is gathered. The calls are made in a particular order and ensure that the hierarchical nature of the response that is being built is preserved. The emitter object translates the data that it receives into response portions that are in proper XML syntactic form. |
| US09552333B2 |
Identification of multimedia content in paginated data using metadata
One or more processors determine whether a metadata is included in a body of content. In response to a determination that the metadata is included in a body of content, one or more processors determine whether the metadata indicates that multimedia content is included in the body of content. In response a determination that the metadata indicates multimedia content is included in the body of content, one or more processors associate an indicator with a page of the body of content that includes that multimedia content, which indicates that the page includes that multimedia content. |
| US09552332B2 |
Information processing apparatus having improved preview function
There is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon and readable by a computer that is installed in an information processing apparatus, the computer program, when executed by the computer, causes the information processing apparatus to operate as: a preview data generation unit configured to acquire image data of a print job using a RAW spool type and to generate preview data from the image data, wherein the preview data is image data for preview; and a display unit configured to start up a previewer when the preview data of at least one page is generated and to display the preview data on the previewer. |
| US09552331B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing web pages having smart tables
A method and apparatus that allows a user to specify whether his web page has primarily row or column layout. Web page editor software designed in accordance with the present invention generates the internal representation of a page (such as HTML) differently depending on how the user specifies the web page. A preferred embodiment of the present invention defaults to a primarily row layout, but allows the user to specify a primarily columnar layout by checking a box displayed by the editor. The editor generates an HTML table representing the page (or each frame of the page). Within the main HTML table, the editor generates HTML subtables, depending on whether the page is laid out using primarily row or column layout. The subtables are defined in such a way that the various elements of the page lined up in either a row or column direction, thus minimizing the problems. In addition, an editor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the user to define whether the height of text is locked or whether it can be changed when viewed by a browser. |
| US09552324B2 |
Dynamic data collection communication between adapter functions
An approach is provided that collects data from a multi-function adapter that is used by multiple functions. In the approach, a master function is dynamically selected from the group of functions. The approach further allows the master function to perform a disruptive adapter data collection while inhibiting performance of disruptive adapter data collection processes by the other (non-master) functions. |
| US09552321B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatically aligning data signals and strobe signals on a source synchronious bus
A method for aligning signals on a bus, including: replicating propagation path lengths, loads, and buffering of a radial distribution network for a strobe; receiving a first signal, and generating a second signal by employing the replicated propagation path lengths, loads, and buffering; receiving control information over a standard JTAG bus, wherein the control information indicates an amount to adjust a propagation time; and measuring the propagation time beginning with assertion of the first signal and ending with assertion of the second signal, said measuring comprising: selecting one of a plurality of successively delayed versions of the first signal that coincides with assertion of the second signal; adjusting the propagation time by the amount prescribed by the control information to yield an adjusted propagation time; and gray encoding the adjusted propagation time to generate a value on a lag bus. |
| US09552320B2 |
Source synchronous data strobe misalignment compensation mechanism
A method that compensates for misalignment on a synchronous data bus. The method includes: replicating propagation path lengths, loads, and buffering of a radial distribution network for a strobe, receiving a lag pulse signal, and generating a replicated strobe signal by employing the replicated propagation path loads lengths, and buffering; measuring the time between assertion of the lag pulse signal and assertion of the replicated strobe signal; on a lag bus, generating a value that indicates the time; within a synchronous lag receiver, receiving a first one of a plurality of radially distributed strobes and a data bit, and delaying registering of the data bit by the time. |
| US09552316B2 |
Techniques for adaptive interface support
Techniques for adaptive interface support are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise logic, at least a portion of which is in hardware, the logic to execute a basic input/output system (BIOS), determine a respective impedance state for each of one or more pins in an M.2 physical interface, determine an interface type for a peripheral device coupled with the M.2 physical interface based on the impedance states for the one or more pins, and control an operational state of the peripheral device during execution of the BIOS, based on the interface type for the peripheral device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09552314B2 |
Memory system having first and second memory devices and driving method thereof
A memory system includes first and second memory devices, a memory controller configured to control the second memory device, to store a request signal to access the first memory device, and to generate an interrupt signal, and a host configured to receive the request signal in response to the interrupt signal. |
| US09552311B2 |
Method for assigning addresses to memory devices
A memory system having a memory controller and several separate memory devices connected to the controller by a system bus. The memory devices each included an array of memory cells, addressing circuitry used to address the cells and an address storage circuit which stores a local address unique to each of the memory devices. The local addresses are sequentially assigned to the memory devices by selecting a first one of the devices and forwarding an address assign command to the selected device. A command decoder, having detected the address assign command, will permit a local address placed on the bus by the controller to be loaded into the selected memory device. This sequence will continue until all of the memory devices have been assigned local addresses at which time the memory devices can be accessed to perform memory read, program, erase and other operations. |
| US09552306B2 |
Concurrent virtual tape usage
A request to access a virtual tape volume is identified and a lock status is maintained for the virtual tape volume. The lock status includes a shared status and an exclusive lock status. In shared status, it is determined whether the request includes a request for write access to the virtual tape volume. Concurrent access to the virtual tape volume can be allowed by two or more applications during the shared status based at least in part on whether the applications request for write access to the virtual tape volume. |
| US09552305B2 |
Compacting dispersed storage space
A method begins by a processing module identifying a first storage space zone that includes a plurality of deleted encoded data slices and a plurality of active encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining to compact the first storage space zone based on a function of the plurality of deleted encoded data slices and the plurality of active encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module retrieving the plurality of active encoded data slices from the first storage space zone, identifying a second storage space zone, storing the plurality of active encoded data slices in the second storage space zone, and erasing the plurality of deleted encoded data slices and the plurality of active encoded data slices from the first storage space zone when the first storage space zone is to be compacted. |
| US09552303B2 |
Method and system for maintaining release consistency in shared memory programming
A method and system for maintaining release consistency in shared memory programming on a computing device having multiple processing units includes, in response to a page fault, initiating a transfer, from one processing unit to another, of data associated with more than one but less than all of the pages of shared memory. |
| US09552302B2 |
Data processing apparatus, data processing method and program recording medium
To enable moving and copying structured data as block data at high speed, and tracing the moved or copied structured data at high speed. A data processing apparatus that processes structured data including a pointer includes a processing unit configured to process the structured data that uses as the pointer a relative address whose origin is the address of a word in which the pointer is stored. |
| US09552301B2 |
Method and apparatus related to cache memory
A cache includes a cache array and a cache controller. The cache array has a plurality of entries. The cache controller is coupled to the cache array. The cache controller evicts entries from the cache array according to a cache replacement policy. The cache controller evicts a first cache line from the cache array by generating a writeback request for modified data from the first cache line, and subsequently generates a writeback request for modified data from a second cache line if the second cache line is about to satisfy the cache replacement policy and stores data from a common locality as the first cache line. |
| US09552299B2 |
Systems and methods for rapid processing and storage of data
Systems and methods of building massively parallel computing systems using low power computing complexes in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. A massively parallel computing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes at least one Solid State Blade configured to communicate via a high performance network fabric. In addition, each Solid State Blade includes a processor configured to communicate with a plurality of low power computing complexes interconnected by a router, and each low power computing complex includes at least one general processing core, an accelerator, an I/O interface, and cache memory and is configured to communicate with non-volatile solid state memory. |
| US09552298B2 |
Smart pre-fetch for sequential access on BTree
Methods and systems configured to facilitate smart pre-fetching for sequentially accessing tree structures such as balanced trees (b-trees) are described herein. According to various described embodiments, a pre-fetch condition can be determined to have been met for a first cache associated with a first level of a tree such as a b-tree. A link to a bock of data to be read into the cache can be read into the cache by accessing a second level of the tree. The data elements associated with the retrieved link can subsequently read into the cache. |
| US09552295B2 |
Performance and energy efficiency while using large pages
Technologies are described herein for improving performance and energy efficiency in a computing system while using a large memory page size. Some example technologies may configure a main memory of the computing system to include a page-to-chunk table and a data area. The page-to-chunk table may include multiple entries such as a first entry. The first entry may correspond to a page that is made up of multiple chunks. The first entry may include pointers to the multiple chunks stored in the data area. |
| US09552293B1 |
Emulating eviction data paths for invalidated instruction cache
A method of managing processor caches. The method includes invalidating a cache line from a first instruction cache level and in response to invalidating the cache line from the first cache level, fetching data associated with the invalidated cache line from a third cache level or memory and writing the fetched data to a second cache level. The third cache level is larger or differently associative than the second cache level and the second cache level is larger or differently associative than the first cache level. |
| US09552288B2 |
Multi-tiered memory with different metadata levels
Method and apparatus for managing data in a memory. In accordance with some embodiments, a data object is stored in a first non-volatile tier of a multi-tier memory structure. A metadata unit is generated to describe the data object, the metadata unit having a selected granularity. The metadata unit is stored in a different, second non-volatile tier of the multi-tier memory structure responsive to the selected granularity. |
| US09552277B2 |
Synchronized java debugger
A synchronized JAVA debugger maintains synchronization between a JAVA source file in the debugger current working directory and a corresponding JAVA stored procedure in a database to be debugged. The debugger includes fetching module, storage module, display module, and execution module. The fetching module fetches a corresponding JAVA source file for a JAVA stored procedure from a database. The display module displays a recompile option, as a button, menu, or command line interface. In response to selection of the recompile option in the user interface, the execution module terminates the debugging session, sends a modified JAVA source file to the remote target JAVA Virtual Machine (JVM) and instructs the remote JVM to recompile the JAVA stored procedure using the modified JAVA source file before a new debugging session is started. Communication between the debugger and the remote database is by sending and receiving JAVA Debug Wire Protocol (JDWP) command packets. |
| US09552275B2 |
Mobile development platform in a cloud based architecture
Embodiments are directed towards mobile application development in a cloud-based architecture. Mobile applications may be designed to communicate with a cloud platform over a network. Mobile application developers may be enabled to submit cloud code to cloud platforms for use by mobile applications. If cloud code is provided to a cloud platform, the cloud platform may perform one or more actions to authenticate the cloud code, such as, ensuring that that the user providing the cloud code is authorized to provide the cloud code. If the cloud code is authenticated the cloud platform may perform one or more actions to validate the cloud code. If validated, the cloud code may be activated for use by mobile applications and/or mobile application developers. Activation of the cloud code may include associating the cloud code with one or more function calls and/or with one or more trigger points. |
| US09552272B1 |
Utility to instantly protect sensitive information for an application log at runtime
A computing system intercepts a message generated by an application at runtime. The message has content to be logged in a log data store. The computing system identifies sensitive information in the message content and modifies the message content to protect the sensitive information. The computing system causes the modified message content to be logged in the log data store. |
| US09552269B2 |
Test logic for a serial interconnect
An apparatus that includes a serial interconnect is provided, wherein the serial interconnect includes test logic to send a number of reporting messages, wherein each reporting message is associated with a link sub-segment in a link in the serial interconnect, and each reporting message comprises a status region for the associated link sub-segment to report transmission errors. The test logic also includes analysis logic to record errors in the link sub-segment. |
| US09552258B2 |
Method and system for storing data in raid memory devices
A redundant array of independent disk (RAID) memory storage system comprising data storage blocks arranged in a first plurality of data rows and a second plurality of data columns, wherein parity data is stored in additionally defined parity blocks, and wherein numbers of data blocks in respective columns are different, to accommodate the additional diagonal parity data block that the geometry of the system requires. The system is suitable for an SSD array in which sequential disk readout is not required. |
| US09552256B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including non-volatile memory, cache memory, and computer system
In one embodiment, the memory device includes a data storage region and an error correction (ECC) region. The data storage region configured to store a first number of data blocks. The ECC region is configured to store a second number of ECC blocks. Each of the second number of ECC blocks is configured to store ECC information. The second number of the ECC blocks is associated with the first number of data blocks, and the second number is less than the first number. |
| US09552254B1 |
Verification of erasure encoded fragments
Erasure encoded fragments are originally generated by applying an erasure encoding scheme to a data file. An erasure encoded fragment is subsequently generated directly from previously generated erasure encoded fragments or by reconstructing the original data file and then erasure encoding the reconstructed data file. The integrity or fidelity of such a subsequently generated erasure encoded fragment is verified by newly generating an error detection code, such as but not limited to a checksum, for the subsequently generated erasure encoded fragment, and comparing that subsequently error detection code against an error detection code previously generated for a previous or original version of the erasure encoded fragment. Each error detection code is preferably stored in association with its corresponding erasure encoded fragment and with one or more other erasure encoded fragments. Thus, each error detection code is saved in at least two locations. |
| US09552253B2 |
Probabilistic flit error checking
A bit error in a flit transmitted over a link is determined to affect one or more particular bits of the flit based on a syndrome value associated with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value of the flit. The link includes a plurality of lanes. It is determined that the one or more particular bits were sent over one or more particular lanes of the link. The bit error is associated with the one or more particular lanes based on determining that the affected bits were transmitted over the particular lanes. |
| US09552252B2 |
Methods and apparatuses utilizing check bit data generation
Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards methods and apparatuses in which logic circuitry generates an error detection code based on user data received from a host, and further generates a first set of check bits, to be written to the non-volatile memory circuit in conjunction with the user data, by combining the error detection code with a hashed data address of the user data. In some embodiments, the check bits associated with the user data providing verification that the user data was written in the appropriate physical block address of the non-volatile memory circuit. |
| US09552249B1 |
Systems and methods for troubleshooting errors within computing tasks using models of log files
The disclosed computer-implemented method for troubleshooting computing tasks using log files may include (1) identifying multiple log files generated during successful executions of a computing task, (2) identifying an anomalous log file generated during an anomalous execution of the computing task, (3) creating a model of a successful log file for the computing task by (a) identifying invariants that represent matching sequences found in the same location within at least two successful log files and (b) storing each invariant in a node within the model, and (4) traversing, sequentially through the anomalous log file, matching sequences within the anomalous log file with nodes within the model until identifying at least one discrepancy between the anomalous log file and the model. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09552243B2 |
Detecting an abnormal subsequence in a data sequence
A method for detecting abnormal subsequences in data sequence includes constructing a hierarchical data structure of a target subsequence, each node in a bottommost layer of the data structure storing corresponding data of the target subsequence, and each node in a layer above the bottommost layer storing values based on data stored in corresponding nodes in a lower layer next to the layer above the bottommost layer; determining a second number of neighbors of the target subsequence based on the data structure of the target subsequence and of the first number of reference subsequences constructed in advance, the second number of neighbors having minimum Euclidean distances from the target subsequence; determining a third number of neighbors of each reference subsequence in the second number of reference subsequences, which have minimum Euclidean distances from each reference subsequence and determining whether the target subsequence is an abnormal subsequence. |
| US09552238B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer-readable storage medium
It is determined whether a data source can handle an event that an application that operates on an OS (Operating System) receives via a predetermined API. If it is determined that the data source cannot handle the event, the event necessary for the operation of the data source is acquired from the OS. |
| US09552237B2 |
API validation system
A system that validates an application programming interface (API) call is provided. A key and a value associated with the key are read from a test script containing a script. The key and the value are separated by a colon. The key is included in first double quotes, and the value is included in second double quotes. Whether the key matches a plurality of keys defined for an API call is determined. Based on the key matching the plurality of keys defined for the API call, the API call is configured using the key and the value without any of the colon, the first double quotes, or the second double quotes. The configured API call is executed. |
| US09552234B2 |
Method and apparatus for energy optimization in multi-level distributed computations
An approach is provided for providing energy optimization in multi-level distributed computations. A distributed computation energy optimization platform determines energy availability information associated with at least one level of a computational architecture executing at least portion of one computation closure. The distributed computation energy optimization platform also determines energy consumption information associated with the at least portion of one computation closure. The distributed computation energy optimization platform further processes and/or facilitates a processing of the energy availability information, the energy consumption information, or a combination thereof to determine whether to migrate the at least portion of one computation closure to at least one other level of the computational architecture. |
| US09552229B2 |
Systems and methods for task scheduling
Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method for scheduling a new task. The method comprises: receiving task data in respect of the new task, the task data comprising at least information enabling the new task to be uniquely identified and a target runtime for the new task; recording the received task data in a data structure and determining if a new job needs to be registered with an underlying job scheduler. |
| US09552219B2 |
Migrating middlebox state for distributed middleboxes
A controller of a network control system for configuring several middlebox instances is described. The middlebox instances implement a middlebox in a distributed manner in several hosts. The controller configures, in a first host, a first middlebox instance to receive a notification from a migration module before a virtual machine (VM) running in the first host migrates to a second host and to send middlebox state related to the VM to the migration module. |
| US09552218B2 |
Network resource management system utilizing physical network identification for load balancing
The disclosed network resource management system employs a hardware configuration management (HCM) information handling system (IHS) that may couple to a single administered IHS or to multiple administered IHSs via an administrative network. An HCM tool in the HCM IHS may generate, modify and store hardware configuration information, including physical network identifications (PNet IDs), in an HCM database and share the HCM database with the administered IHSs. The administered IHS may be a load balancing IHS. A load balancing tool may extract hardware configuration information, including PNet IDs, from the HCM database. The load balancing tool may utilize the hardware configuration information to enable the load balancing IHS to balance adapter loads in the load balancing IHS. The load balancing tool may also utilize the hardware configuration information to enable the load balancing IHS to failover from a failing adapter to other adapters in the load balancing IHS. |
| US09552216B2 |
Pass-through network interface controller configured to support latency sensitive virtual machines
A host computer has a plurality of virtual machines executing therein under the control of a hypervisor, where the host also includes a physical network interface controller (NIC). An interrupt controller detects an interrupt generated by the physical NIC, where the interrupt corresponds to a virtual machine. If the virtual machine has exclusive affinity to one or more physical central processing units (CPUs), then the interrupt is forwarded to the virtual machine. If the virtual machine does not have exclusive affinity, then a process in the hypervisor is invoked to forward the interrupt to the virtual machine. |
| US09552214B2 |
Tool for automated extraction and loading of configuration settings
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for automating setup of configuration data for an application program. In one embodiment, a method of automating setup of configuration data for an application program can comprise identifying a set of configuration data used by a first instance of the application program. The set of configuration data can contain data for substantially replicating a configuration for the first instance of the application program. The method can further include extracting the set of configuration data from the first instance of the application program. A manifest can be created identifying data in the set of configuration data. The set of configuration data can be saved in a portable format that includes the set of configuration data and the manifest. |
| US09552212B2 |
Caching intermediate data for scroll view rendering
Data to be rendered for a scrolling display is processed into an intermediate format. The intermediate format includes data that maps directly to the rendered, displayed format with little computation, yet is smaller in size than the rendered data. This intermediate format is cached, and is rendered on demand during scrolling. During idle times of the display, original data, likely to be accessed in response to scrolling the display, can be prefetched and transformed to the intermediate format. |
| US09552204B2 |
Context-specific view of a hierarchical data structure
Dynamic ontological working sets support the automatic identification of a context-specific working set (or a visualization of a tree in a hierarchical data structure) that displays those tree nodes that are most relevant to an identified context. Pre-defined rules are used to determine a level of relevance to be applied when identifying the context-specific working set. Context-specific working sets may be displayed automatically when identified. |
| US09552196B2 |
Schedulers with load-store queue awareness
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes tracking a size of a load-store queue (LSQ) during compile time of a program. The size of the LSQ is time-varying and indicates how many memory access instructions of the program are on the LSQ. The method further includes scheduling, by a computer processor, a plurality of memory access instructions of the program based on the size of the LSQ. |
| US09552191B2 |
Secure random number generation
Various aspects are directed to random, number generation. A request from a game terminal for a random number may be received. Whether a new seed is required may be determined, for example, based on the time or quantity of random numbers generated since the last re-seeding. Conditioned on determining that the new seed is required, a pseudo-random number generator may re-seeded, wherein the re-seeding comprises setting a current seed value equal to the new seed. The pseudo-random number generator may generate a random number based at least in part on the current seed value; and transmit information based on the random number to the game terminal. |
| US09552189B1 |
Embedded floating-point operator circuitry
Circuitry that performs floating-point operations on an integrated circuit is provided. The circuitry may execute a floating-point operation by decomposing the floating-point operation into multiple steps and decomposing the floating-point number on which to perform the floating-point operation into multiple portions. The circuitry may include storage circuits that store at least some results of the multiple steps, and memory access operations may be performed using some portions of the floating-point number. The circuitry may use arithmetic floating-point and arithmetic fixed-point circuits to implement Taylor series expansion circuits that may perform a subset of the multiple steps, thereby reducing the complexity of the subset of these steps. |
| US09552187B2 |
System and method for display mirroring
A computing system that supports the use of multiple displays in display mirroring mode and extended display mode may automatically determine a display mode in which to configure the system (with little or no user input) based on various characteristics of the displays in the system. For example, the system may determine that a television, projector, or other presentation type display is connected in the system, and in response, may determine that the system should be configured in a display mirroring mode, rather than in an extended display mode. The system may also determine that the presentation type display is the preferred display, and may render image content in a best (or preferred) mode for that display using its native resolution, aspect ratio or color profile. The system may then scale the rendered image content for display on other (non-preferred) displays, such as an internal display, without re-rendering it. |
| US09552184B2 |
Facsimile apparatus and method for printing facsimile
A facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment includes a communication interface that receives facsimile data, a data storage device, a non-decolorable printing section, a decolorable printing section and a processor. The data storage device stores, prior to the facsimile data being received, a plurality of facsimile transmission source information. The data storage device also stores the received facsimile data. The processor controls printing of the content of the received facsimile data in one of the non-decolorable printing section and the decolorable printing section based on whether a detected transmission source information is determined to be included in the previously stored plurality of facsimile transmission source information. |
| US09552179B2 |
Adjusting a print speed of an image forming apparatus based on a comparison of print completion times
An image forming apparatus includes a printing section, an acceptance section configured to accept an instruction for the printing section to change a printing speed, and an operation control section configured to control an operation of the printing section. When the acceptance section accepts the instruction, the operation control section calculates a first amount of time for the printing section to start and complete printing at an unchanged printing speed, a second amount of time for the printing section to start and complete printing at a changed printing speed, and a third amount of time for the printing section to change the printing speed and start printing at the changed printing speed, compares a total of the second and third amounts of time with the first amount of time, and determines whether to allow the printing section to change the printing speed based on a result of the comparison. |
| US09552174B2 |
Method and system for preventing unreliable data operations at cold temperatures
Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with protecting data during cold excursions are provided. A method for preventing unreliable data operations at cold temperatures may include determining whether a first temperature of a solid state drive (SSD) is below a threshold temperature. The method may also include initiating an artificial read/write operation if the first temperature is below the threshold temperature. |
| US09552173B2 |
Robust data replication
Disclosed is a system for replicating data. The system may comprise a plurality of nodes preferably organized in groups with one of the nodes acting as a coordinator node. The nodes are configured to receive write requests from an external server and to apply these write requests to a data storage source of the data storage system. The write requests typically belong to a batch of independent write actions identified by a batch sequence number. Each node stores the write request in non-volatile memory with the coordinator node monitoring which batches are secured in their entirety in non-volatile memory. The coordinator node authorizes all other nodes to sequentially replicate the write requests in their non-volatile memory to the data storage source for all writes up to the highest batch sequence number for which all writes have been secured in non-volatile memory. |
| US09552165B2 |
Memory allocation buffer for reduction of heap fragmentation
Systems and methods of a memory allocation buffer to reduce heap fragmentation. In one embodiment, the memory allocation buffer structures a memory arena dedicated to a target region that is one of a plurality of regions in a server in a database cluster such as an HBase cluster. The memory area has a chunk size (e.g., 2 MB) and an offset pointer. Data objects in write requests targeted to the region are received and inserted to the memory arena at a location specified by the offset pointer. When the memory arena is filled, a new one is allocated. When a MemStore of the target region is flushed, the entire memory arenas for the target region are freed up. This reduces heap fragmentation that is responsible for long and/or frequent garbage collection pauses. |
| US09552160B2 |
Preserving data availability and I/O performance when creating virtual raid volumes
A method for preserving data availability and I/O performance when creating a virtual RAID volume includes exposing a set of backend virtual volumes. The backend virtual volumes are implemented on a set of physical storage devices (e.g., physical disks or solid state drives) residing on a storage system. The method further enables selection of the set of backend virtual volumes to create a virtual RAID volume having a selected RAID level. The method further provides verification that the backend virtual volumes will be implemented on the physical storage devices in a way that preserves the data availability and I/O performance associated with the selected RAID level. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also described. |
| US09552158B2 |
Conditional stack frame allocation
A method for allocating memory includes an operation that determines whether a prototype of a callee function is within a scope of a caller. The caller is a module containing a function call to the callee function. In addition, the method includes determining whether the function call includes one or more unnamed parameters when a prototype of the callee function is within the scope of the caller. Further, the method may include inserting instructions in the caller to allocate a register save area in a memory when it is determined that the function call includes one or more unnamed parameters. |
| US09552157B2 |
Mode-dependent access to embedded memory elements
A system has a plurality of functional modules including a first functional module and one or more other functional modules. The first functional module includes an embedded memory element and is configurable in a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode. When the first functional module is in the first mode, access to the embedded memory element is limited to the first functional module. At least one of the one or more other functional modules is provided with access to the embedded memory element based at least in part on the first functional module being in the second mode. |
| US09552154B2 |
Device and method for providing a user interface
A device and method for providing a user interface using information is provided. The device includes a display unit, a sensor and a controller. The display unit displays at least one graphic user interface (GUI). The sensor generates a sensor signal according to a user's finger touch input. The controller receives the sensor signal from the sensor, identifies a touch area and an adjacent area based on the received sensor signal, generates touch finger shape-based information according to the identified touch area and the identified adjacent area, and controls the display unit to display the GUI according to the generated finger shape-based information. |
| US09552152B2 |
Presently operating hand detector
On a mobile electronic device, a user may manually or automatically select between a first user interface configured to persons having a left dominant hand (or simply operating the device with the left hand), and a second user interface configured to persons having a right dominant hand (or simply operating the device with the right hand). |
| US09552150B2 |
Scroll bar control
A user interface control for scrolling a display of computer program data during retrieval of computer program data includes a track, a bar overlying the track, and a thumb button movable along the bar to scroll the displayed data. The size of the track indicates the total amount of data being retrieved, and the size of the bar varies to indicate the progress of the data retrieval. Thus, the ratio of the size of the bar to that of the track indicates the ratio of available to total data. The computer program data is displayed in a display area allocated to the computer program, and the size of the thumb button (compared to a corresponding size of the track) indicates the ratio of the amount of data displayed in the display area to the total amount of data being retrieved. |
| US09552146B2 |
Notched slider control for a graphical user interface
A slide track of a notched slider control can include a continuous path extending between two end points. A slider can be a graphical element able to move along the slide track. The end points can correspond to upper and lower extremes of a value range. Positions between the end points can represent values within the value range. The slide track can include at least one notch that is visually represented within the slide control as a deviation from a straight line segment having the two end points. The notch corresponds to a value within the value range. The notch can causes the slider to become fixed at a point along the slide track whenever a pointing device controlling the slider is moved in a direction of the deviation. |
| US09552141B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for operating a data processing system
Methods and apparatuses for operating data processing systems. One exemplary method of operating a data processing system which includes a display device includes receiving an input from a user, the input specifying an object to be represented in a user configurable portion of a window which is displayable on a display device, and displaying the window with the user configurable portion wherein the user configurable portion is present in an open interface window or a save interface window. Other methods are also described, and data processing systems are also described. |
| US09552138B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
A mobile terminal and a control method thereof are provided. When a pre-set input with respect to an object is received, the mobile terminal selects the object, and searches and displays at least one application associated with the selected object, and when an input with respect to a specific application, among the at least one application, is received, the mobile terminal converts the selected object into an applicable form corresponding to the specific application and displays the converted object. |
| US09552134B2 |
Pointer controlling apparatus, method thereof, and pointer controlling program to prevent erroneous operation
A pointer controlling apparatus, a control method, and a pointer controlling program are provided which can protect a button from erroneous operation without interrupting the operational flow or using excessive display area. The pointer controlling apparatus permits a pointer to move into a predetermined region after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a point in time when the pointer comes into contact with a boundary line of the predetermined region. Accordingly, the predetermined area can be securely protected from a point in time at which the pointer comes into contact with the boundary line of the predetermined region for the predetermined amount of time. Furthermore, since the pointer is permitted to enter the predetermined region immediately after the predetermined time has elapsed, the predetermined region can be protected without interrupting the operational flow, and without using an excess of a display region. |
| US09552133B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof
A display apparatus including: a display unit; a communication unit which receives information about a coordinate from an input device; and an image processor which displays an image including an object and a cursor on the display unit, and moves the cursor toward the object according to a position of the object in the image with respect to information about movement corresponding to a first input coordinate at an input start point and a second input coordinate at an input termination point, wherein the first input coordinate and the second input coordinate are received from the input device through the communication unit. |
| US09552130B2 |
Speech recognition support for remote applications and desktops
An application may be hosted for utilization by a remote computing platform. User interface (UI) elements of a UI generated by the hosted application may be identified. Proxy UI elements may be generated. Each of the proxy UI elements may correspond to one or more of the identified UI elements. A transcript of an audio sample may be processed. The audio sample may comprise an utterance of a user of the remote computing platform. The transcript of the audio sample may comprise at least one word corresponding to one or more of the proxy UI elements. A functionality of the hosted application may be invoked. The invoked functionality may correspond to one or more of the UI elements corresponding to the one or more of the proxy UI elements. |
| US09552127B2 |
Multi-bend display activation adaptation
Systems and methods receive input from a flexible display. A flexible display displays an image with at least one graphical user interface element and receives input from a user by flexing of the flexible display. At least one flexing sensor characterizes a flexing of the flexible display, and a user input controller receives a characterization of an initial flexing of the flexible display, determines, as an initial determination, that the initial flexing is a bending of the flexible display along a first line that is located within a first threshold distance from a proximate graphical user interface element, and provides, based on the initial determination, a user selection corresponding to the proximate graphical user interface element. |
| US09552126B2 |
Selective enabling of multi-input controls
A control system is disclosed that is configurable (e.g., by a programmer) so as to enable input from multiple sources to capture to multiple controls. Also or alternatively, the system is configurable so as to enable input from multiple sources to capture to a single control. The system also provides a consistent and extendable scheme for filtering out conflicting events for individual controls. In one embodiment, this means that the system is configurable (e.g., based on the programmer's asserted preferences) so as to enable a selective determination as to whether additional inputs can be captured for a given control. |
| US09552125B2 |
Input method editor
Methods, systems, apparatus, including computer program products for browsing and editing input for an input method editor. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes receiving an input sequence of characters in a first writing system; identifying in the input sequence of characters one or more first subsequences of consecutive characters, where each subsequence represents a syllable in a different, second writing system; identifying in the input sequence of characters one or more second subsequences, where each second subsequence includes one or more consecutive first subsequences and represents a term in the different, second writing system; determining one or more boundaries that delimit the one or more second subsequences; and generating one or more selectable indicators for display in a user interface, where each of the one or more selectable indicators identifies a respective second subsequence delimited by the one or more boundaries. |
| US09552122B2 |
Method for manufacturing touch screen panels using a dry etching apparatus
A dry etching apparatus for performing dry etching in manufacture of a set of touch screen panels on a mother substrate, including a chamber, an upper electrode in the chamber at an upper portion thereof, the upper electrode configured to apply a high-frequency power source (RF) to the interior of the chamber, a lower electrode in the chamber at a lower portion thereof, the lower electrode configured to apply the high-frequency power source to the interior of the chamber, a gas injection port configured to inject a compound mixture gas into the chamber, an exhaust port configured to exhaust a reactive gas produced in the interior of the chamber, and a shadow mask disposed above a location on the lower electrode for the mother substrate for the touch screen panels, the shadow mask having a plurality of exposure windows respectively corresponding to a plurality of exposure portions to be formed. |
| US09552121B2 |
Sensor electrode path error diagnosis
A processing system for a capacitive sensing input device comprises a sensing module, a first internal diagnostic mechanism, and a determination module. The sensing module is configured to couple with a first sensor electrode path of a plurality of sensor electrode paths, and is configured to drive the first sensor electrode path with a first signal. The first internal diagnostic mechanism is configured to couple with a second sensor electrode path and to acquire a test signal output while the sensing module drives the first sensor electrode path with the first signal. The first internal diagnostic mechanism comprises a selectable current source configured to couple with the second sensor electrode path, and the selectable current source is enabled during acquisition of the test signal output. The determination module is configured to determine whether the first and second sensor electrode paths are ohmically coupled together based on the test signal output. |
| US09552119B2 |
Touch window
A touch window includes a cover substrate including a first area for the display of a screen image and a second area at an edge of the first area, a sensing electrode to sense a touch position in the first area, a printing layer in the second area, an instruction icon in the second area with a step difference from the printing layer, and an instruction sensing electrode to recognize a touch position of the instruction icon. The instruction sensing electrode includes a first instruction sensing electrode, and a second instruction sensing electrode to form a capacitor with the first instruction sensing electrode. The first instruction sensing electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode spaced apart from the first sub-electrode while forming a space part therebetween, and the first and second sub-electrodes are connected with each other at an outer portion of the instruction icon. |
| US09552118B2 |
Capacitive finger navigation module and manufacturing method thereof
A capacitive finger navigation module including a pressure detection mode and a finger movement detection mode is provided. In the pressure detection mode, a finger press is detected to generate a continuous cursor movement signal. In the finger movement detection mode, a finger movement is detected to generate a single cursor movement signal. |
| US09552115B2 |
Simultaneous sensing arrangement
Multi-touch touch-sensing devices and methods are described herein. The touch sensing devices can include multiple sense points, each located at a crossing of a drive line and a sense line. In some embodiments, multiple drive lines may be simultaneously or nearly simultaneously stimulated with drive signals having unique characteristics, such as phase or frequency. A sense signal can occur on each sense line that can be related to the drive signals by an amount of touch present at sense points corresponding to the stimulated drive lines and the sense line. By using processing techniques based on the unique drive signals, an amount of touch corresponding to each sense point can be extracted from the sense signal. The touch sensing methods and devices can be incorporated into interfaces for a variety of electronic devices such as a desktop, tablet, notebook, and handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, and mobile telephones. |
| US09552112B2 |
Capacitive touch display panel, capacitive touch panel and manufacturing method thereof
A capacitive touch display panel including a display panel and a capacitive touch device is provided. The capacitive touch device is disposed on a display surface of the display panel. The capacitive touch device includes at least one opaque bridge line and at least one low reflection pattern layer. The opaque bridge line has a first linewidth and two first main borders. The low reflection pattern layer is disposed on a side of the opaque bridge that is opposite to the display panel. The low reflection pattern layer has a second linewidth and two second main borders. The low reflection pattern layer overlaps the opaque bridge line in a vertical projection direction. The first line width is substantially equal to the second line width, and the first main borders are substantial aligned to the second main borders. A capacitive touch panel and a manufacturing method thereof are provided, too. |
| US09552111B2 |
Touch sensing device and method of identifying a touched position
In a touch sensing device of a capacitive type, touch coordinates are obtained according to a detected signal corresponding to a variation in a mutual capacitance between an X-electrode and a Y-electrode due to a finger touch in each combination of a plurality of X-electrodes and a plurality of Y-electrodes within a sensing area. The theoretical value of the detected signal in each combination of the X-electrodes an the Y-electrodes approximately expressed by a two-dimensional Gaussian function. The touch coordinates are identified correctly by finding the optimal solution of the object function which expresses the sum of squared differences between each of the theoretical signal value and the detected signal value. |
| US09552110B2 |
Inputting fingertip sleeve
An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The sleeve includes at least one opening configured to receive a finger. The inputting end is fixed on the sleeve. The inputting end is a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is a substantially pure structure of carbon nanotubes and comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes. |
| US09552109B2 |
Inputting fingertip sleeve
An inputting fingertip includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The inputting end is located on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a supporter and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is located on a surface of the supporter. The conductive layer includes a graphene composite layer including a plurality of graphenes and a polymer matrix. |
| US09552103B2 |
Optical incoupling for touch-sensitive systems
A touch-sensitive apparatus comprises a light transmissive panel, an illumination arrangement and a detection arrangement. The illumination arrangement is configured to couple light into the panel via an incoupling site such that the light propagates by total internal reflection in opposite top and bottom surfaces of the panel and such that an object touching the top or bottom surface causes a change in the propagating light. The detection arrangement comprises a light detector arranged to detect the change in the propagating light. A compact and robust incoupling site is defined by a sheet-like micro-structured surface portion which is fixedly arranged on one of the top and bottom surfaces and configured to transmit light having an angle of incidence that enables light propagation by TIR inside the panel. |
| US09552101B2 |
Touch screen assembly
The present invention relates to a touch screen panel and a touch screen assembly including the touch screen panel, the touch screen panel including a substrate; a transparent electrode layer formed on the substrate and defined by a touch area; a plurality of conductive wires electrically connected to the transparent electrode layer; and an insulation film stacked on an upper surface of the transparent electrode layer, wherein each of the plurality of conductive wires is electrically connected to a conductive line inside the insulation film, and the conductive line is extended to an outside of the insulation film and exposed therefrom, whereby a PCB and conductive wires can be improved in electrical reliability. |
| US09552100B2 |
Touch sensing with mobile sensors
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device. |
| US09552099B2 |
Portable terminal, control method and program
There is provided a portable terminal including a display panel having a display surface with a touch pad, an area management unit which defines a plurality of display areas formed by dividing the display surface, and a display control unit which performs control on an image display in each display area. In a state where two display areas are defined with a first boundary line, in response to a touch operation on the touch pad, the area management unit determines, based on a touch position of the touch operation, a second boundary line passing one point on the first boundary line and one point within a predetermined range from the touch position and defines two areas which are formed by dividing an object area of the two display areas with the second boundary line, as first and second display areas in place of the object area. |
| US09552098B2 |
Mobile device and proximity detection method
A mobile device and a corresponding proximity detection method are provided. The mobile device includes an infrared emitter and a proximity sensor. The infrared emitter emits an infrared using first power in a first mode or emits the infrared using second power in a second mode. The first power and the second power are different. The proximity sensor detects the reflection of the infrared and determines whether or not there is an object in close proximity to the mobile device based on the reflection. |
| US09552095B2 |
Touch screen controller and method for controlling thereof
A touch panel control device may be provided that includes: a touch panel which generates at least one touch signal in response to a touch of an object; a displayer; and a controller which performs a first touch action mode in which the change of the touch position of the object is displayed on the displayer by a line in response to the object which has touched the touch panel, and performs a second touch action mode in which, in response to the position change of the object which corresponds to the position of the line displayed on the displayer, it is to carry out at least one of the removal of at least a portion of the line displayed on the displayer and the change of the color coordinate of the line. Also, a method for controlling the touch panel may be also provided. |
| US09552094B2 |
User interface responsiveness in an electronic device having a touch screen display
An electronic device with a touch screen display that includes capacitive sensing to determine the point of contact between the display and an input device. The device also includes a graphics circuit for rendering images on the touch screen display. The graphics circuit may be inactivated when not in use. The inactive mode provides a variety of advantages, such as a lower power drain on the power source. The device is further configured to sense the approach of an input device in proximity to the display. The device is configured to start activating the graphics circuit upon sensing the approach of the input device prior to contact with the display. The timing of the activation improves responsiveness of the electronic device. |
| US09552093B2 |
Selecting a sensor for user input
An apparatus and method are presented for selecting a surface for user input. The apparatus includes an information handling device having at least two surfaces and at least two sensors, as least one of the sensors being associated with one or more of the surfaces, a determination module, and a selection module. The determination module determines a current surface that is likely facing a user. The selection module selects one or more sensors associated with the current surface for user input. |
| US09552092B2 |
Display device including touch sensor and manufacturing method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a display device including a touch sensor and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, to a display device including a touch sensor using a piezoelectric material and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device includes a first substrate, wherein a plurality of thin film transistors are disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate; a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed on the second substrate; and a first sensing electrode overlapping the piezoelectric elements, the first sensing electrode being configured to transfer a sensing voltage generated as a result of pressure applied to the piezoelectric elements. |
| US09552088B2 |
Display device for a vehicle
The invention relates to a combined display and input device for a vehicle, wherein a virtual first input unit is provided, which is designed as a touch-sensitive screen for operating a plurality of functions and for displaying information. According to the invention, a physical second input unit is provided, wherein the functions can be selected by means of the first input unit and/or the second input unit, and target values of the functions can be set by means of the first input unit and/or the second input unit, wherein the functions and/or target values can be displayed on the touch-sensitive screen. |
| US09552085B2 |
Window panel and method of fabricating of the same, window panel integrated type touch screen panel and method of fabricating of the same
A window panel for a display apparatus is provided comprising a first reinforced layer formed at a first predetermined depth from entire upper and lower surfaces, a second reinforced layer formed at a second predetermined depth from a side surface connecting an edge of the upper surface and an edge of the lower surface, and a non-reinforced portion formed at least a portion of the side surface. |
| US09552080B2 |
Incremental feature-based gesture-keyboard decoding
In one example, a method includes outputting, at a presence-sensitive display operatively coupled to a computing device, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and receiving an indication of a gesture to select a group of keys of the plurality of keys. The method may further include determining, in response to the indication, a candidate word based at least in part on the group of keys. The method may further include determining a group of alignment points traversed by the gesture and respective cost values for each of at least two keys of the plurality of keys. The method may further include comparing the respective cost values for at least each of at least two keys of the plurality of keys to determine a combination of keys having a combined cost value and outputting the candidate word that is based on the respective cost values. |
| US09552079B2 |
Method, electronic device and system for remote text input
A method, electronic device, and system for remote text input in the electronic device are provided. A display signal may be outputted in the electronic device, displaying a text field for inputting text (e.g., by the user of the electronic device). A request for text input may be sent from the electronic device to another device (e.g., a communication device) which may be addressed by an identifier of the other device (e.g., a SIM of the communication device). The electronic device may then receive the requested text input from the other device (e.g., once the user of the other device enters the requested text). |
| US09552074B2 |
Method and system for generating user feedback of a gesture capturing device
A method and a system for generating user feedback of a gesture capturing device with content projection capability are provided herein. The method may include the following steps: projecting content, by a content projector, onto a projection surface; projecting patterned light, by a pattern projector, onto said projection surface and onto a maneuverable object controlled by a user; capturing reflections of the patterned light coming from said projection surface and said maneuverable object; calculating, based on said reflections, at least one of: a relative position and a relative orientation of at least two of: said projection surface, said maneuverable object, said content projector and said pattern projector; and generating a feedback, based on said calculated relative positions and/or orientations, wherein said feedback relates to a proper operation of the system, based on said relative position and a relative orientation, in view of predefined criteria. |
| US09552070B2 |
Tracking hand/body pose
Tracking hand or body pose from image data is described, for example, to control a game system, natural user interface or for augmented reality. In various examples a prediction engine takes a single frame of image data and predicts a distribution over a pose of a hand or body depicted in the image data. In examples, a stochastic optimizer has a pool of candidate poses of the hand or body which it iteratively refines, and samples from the predicted distribution are used to replace some candidate poses in the pool. In some examples a best candidate pose from the pool is selected as the current tracked pose and the selection processes uses a 3D model of the hand or body. |
| US09552062B2 |
Gaze-based security
Systems and methods for presenting actual data on a display device based on eye-tracking data. An eye-tracking engine receives sensed data from an eye-tracking device, determines a movement status of an eye based on the sensed data, and determines a display configuration based on the determined movement status. The display configuration is output on the display device and includes masking data when the determined movement status indicates the eye is in motion. |
| US09552060B2 |
Radial selection by vestibulo-ocular reflex fixation
Methods for enabling hands-free selection of objects within an augmented reality environment are described. In some embodiments, an object may be selected by an end user of a head-mounted display device (HMD) based on detecting a vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) with the end user's eyes while the end user is gazing at the object and performing a particular head movement for selecting the object. The object selected may comprise a real object or a virtual object. The end user may select the object by gazing at the object for a first time period and then performing a particular head movement in which the VOR is detected for one or both of the end user's eyes. In one embodiment, the particular head movement may involve the end user moving their head away from a direction of the object at a particular head speed while gazing at the object. |
| US09552059B2 |
Information processing method and electronic device
The present disclosure provides an information processing method and an electronic device. The information processing method is applied in an electronic device comprising or being connected to a display unit. The method comprises: acquiring a first target object containing a first display image and a second display image different from the first display image; displaying the first display image based on a first display parameter and displaying the second display image based on a second display parameter different from the first display parameter, such that a first user using the electronic device perceives a first distance value larger than zero, the first distance value indicating a distance between a plane where a display position of the first target object is located and a plane where the display unit is located; detecting user location information corresponding to the first user; and determining a second distance value between the first user and the first target object based on the user location information. In this way, the distance between the user and the first target object as perceived by the user can be determined more accurately. |
| US09552058B2 |
Vehicle-mounted equipment operating device
With a vehicle-mounted equipment operating device, upon receipt of an input from an operator by an operation input unit, and when any one of a plurality of vehicle-mounted instruments, for example, an air conditioner, exists on a line of sight of the operator, a control unit sets the vehicle-mounted instrument that exists on the line of sight as an operation target device, and thereafter, the control unit controls the operation target device based on the input of the operator that has been received by the operation input unit. |
| US09552055B2 |
Large scale page recommendations on online social networks
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph comprising a plurality of nodes and edges, accessing user-concept scores for a first set of users nodes of the plurality for nodes, respectively, generating a recommendation-algorithm for estimating recommended user-concept scores for all user-concept pairs in the first set of user nodes and the plurality of concept nodes, and calculating recommended user-concept scores for a second set of user nodes of the plurality of nodes. |
| US09552054B2 |
Method for controlling sensor
A method for controlling a sensor includes steps of: sensing an object for determining whether the object is within a sensing range of the sensor; if it is determined that the object is not within the sensing range, the sensor is turned into a non-active mode for a predicted non-active time, wherein the predicted non-active time is calculated based on a predetermined or a historical non-active time; sensing the object for determining whether the object is within the sensing range during the predicted non-active time; and if it is determined that the object is not within the sensing range during the predicted non-active time, the sensor is turned into a sleep mode for an predicted sleep time, wherein the predicted sleep time is calculated based on the predetermined non-active time and a predetermined sleep time, or is calculated based on the historical non-active time and a historical sleep time. |
| US09552052B2 |
Methods and articles of manufacture for hosting a safety critical application on an uncontrolled data processing device
Methods and articles of manufacture for hosting a safety critical application on an uncontrolled data processing device are provided. Various combinations of installation, functional, host integrity, coexistence, interoperability, power management, and environment checks are performed at various times to determine if the safety critical application operates properly on the device. The operation of the SCA on the UDPD may be controlled accordingly. |
| US09552051B2 |
Block partition to minimize power leakage
Disclosed herein is a system to minimize power leakage. The system is configured to include a system-on-chip (SOC). The SOC is configured to include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) physical subsystem and system firmware, wherein the system firmware conveys USB related events to the SOC. The system is configured to include a power management apparatus, where the power management apparatus includes USB wake functionality and USB On-the-Go (OTG) functionality. |
| US09552050B2 |
Information processing device, printing device, and control method
An information processing device having plural control units appropriately executes an arbitration process when a control unit is hibernating (in power-saving mode) and transmits data correctly to an external device. The information processing device has a first CPU and a second CPU; a first memory embedded in a semiconductor chip including the first CPU and second CPU; and a second memory disposed externally to the semiconductor chip. The first CPU executes an arbitration process according to the type of event that occurred when the first CPU is in a first state, the second CPU and the second memory are in a second state different from the first state, and an event requiring sending data from the first memory to the second memory occurs. |
| US09552049B1 |
Activating and using device with a grip switch
An activation signal is provided in response to a user gripping force incident to a grip switch. Electronic circuitry transitions from an inactive state to an active state in response to the activation signal. The activation signal may also include encoded information regarding user identity, gripping force magnitude, user input gesturing, and the like. The electronic circuitry may use the information encoded in the signal to select or perform particular functions or operations. Power consumption of a stylus, user device, or other apparatus is reduced, or various functions are improved, accordingly. |
| US09552047B2 |
Multiprocessor having runtime adjustable clock and clock dependent power supply
A multiprocessor that that provides for adjusting the clock frequency for at least some data processing units at runtime and a voltage supply adapted to supply higher supply voltages for data processing at higher clock frequencies. |
| US09552041B2 |
System, method and non-transitory computer-readable medium for controlling power supply in response to receipt of data over a network
In a system, an apparatus determines whether or not an information processing apparatus needs to return to a normal power supply mode, in response to reception of a first packet related to a job through a network, determines whether or not cooperation with another apparatus is needed in order to process the job related to the first packet if it is determined that the information processing apparatus needs to return to the normal power supply mode, generates a second packet for causing the another apparatus in a power saving mode to return to the normal power supply mode, sends the second packet to the another apparatus, if it is determined that cooperation with another apparatus is needed, and causes the information processing apparatus to return from a power saving mode to the normal power supply mode after the second packet is sent. |
| US09552039B2 |
Constrained boot techniques in multi-core platforms
Methods and apparatus relating to constrained boot techniques in multi-core platforms are described. In one embodiment, a processor may include logic that controls which specific core(s) are to be powered up/down and/or which power state these core(s) need to enter based, at least in part, on input from OS and/or software application(s). Other embodiments are also claimed and disclosed. |
| US09552037B2 |
Switching a computing device from a low-power state to a high-power state
Systems and methods for switching a computing device from a low-power state to a high-power state are provided. In some aspects, a method, implemented on a power management processing unit of the computing device, includes receiving, while the computing device is in the low-power state, a first audio signal. The method also includes verifying the first audio signal based on an audio signal key. The method also includes providing, in response to verifying the first audio signal, instructions for switching the computing device from the low-power state to the high-power state. |
| US09552036B2 |
Information transmission based on modal change
A dual-mode, dual-display shared resource computing (SRC) device is usable to stream SRC content from a host SRC device while in an on-line mode and maintain functionality with the content during an off-line mode. Such remote SRC devices can be used to maintain multiple user-specific caches and to back-up cached content for multi-device systems. |
| US09552034B2 |
Systems and methods for providing local hardware limit management and enforcement
Systems and methods for providing local hardware limit management and enforcement are described. One embodiment includes a system for managing and enforcing hardware limits on a system on chip (SoC). The system includes a plurality of chip components provided on a system on chip (SoC). A network of local limit manager (LLM) components is distributed on the SoC. Each LLM component is in communication with a corresponding sensor module that monitors one or more of the chip components. Each LLM component comprises a generic hardware structure for enforcing one or more hardware limits associated with the corresponding sensor module. |
| US09552014B2 |
Electronic apparatus
There is provided an electronic apparatus, including a first housing, a second housing which has a display section and a support member supporting the display section, and a housing connection section which rotatably connects the second housing with respect to the first housing. The support member includes a first support section connected to the housing connection section, a second support section which fixedly supports the display section, and a support connection section, positioned between the first support section and the second support section, which has a flexibility to rotatably connect the second support section with respect to the first support section. |
| US09552013B2 |
Mobile terminal having a double-sided display and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a first display unit, a second display unit having an e-paper display panel, a sensor unit configured to detect an input signal and transmit the detected input signal to a processor, a power unit configured to supply power. The processor is further configured to detect a first time prior to a predetermined period from a second time at which the power of the mobile terminal is turned off, disable a detection of the input signal for the mobile terminal and control a content currently displayed on the first display unit to be displayed on the second display unit between the first time and the second time, and switch a state of the mobile terminal to a power-off state. |
| US09552012B2 |
Frequency calibration method applicable in universal serial bus device and related universal serial bus device
A frequency calibration method applicable in a Universal Serial Bus device includes: plugging the Universal Serial Bus device to a Universal Serial Bus host; using the Universal Serial Bus device to receive a polling low frequency periodic signal generated from the Universal Serial Bus host; determining a host type of the Universal Serial Bus host according to the polling low frequency periodic signal; and calibrating a programmable oscillator of the USB device according to a specific clock period corresponding to the host type, to make the programmable oscillator generate a target oscillating signal having a predetermined frequency. |
| US09552010B2 |
Locomotive hand brake tools
An extension tool is provided for operating handwheels, such as those found on locomotive handbrakes. The tool includes a spinning handle and a tool body. The handle freely rotates about a longitudinal axis and provides a user with a spinning grip, allowing him or her to quickly and easily turn a handwheel. The tool body includes two or more jaws that clamp to the handwheel. The tool body additionally includes a screw mechanism for selectively tightening or releasing the jaws, in order to respectively attach or detach the tool from the handwheel as desired. Preferably, the screw mechanism further includes a drawbar that extends through an interior of the handle, and is adapted to move longitudinally to rotate the jaws. The drawbar is moved by rotating a threaded drawbar nut at an end of the tool. |
| US09552006B1 |
Wideband low dropout voltage regulator with power supply rejection boost
The present disclosure provides a detailed description of techniques for implementing a wideband low dropout voltage regulator with power supply rejection boost. More specifically, some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a voltage regulator comprising a voltage regulator core powered by a supply voltage and providing a regulated voltage output, and a power supply feed forward injection module delivering an injection signal to the voltage regulator core to effect a power supply rejection of the supply voltage variation from the regulated voltage. In one or more embodiments, the injection signal is determined from the supply voltage variation and a gain factor that is based on various design attributes of the output stage of the voltage regulator core. In one or more embodiments, the power supply feed forward injection module comprises a supply voltage sense circuit, a low pass filter, and one or more selectable transconductance amplifiers. |
| US09552005B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating an output current of a power conversion circuit
A controller for a power conversion circuit that includes an inductor, a diode, and a switch. The controller includes a counter configured to determine, based on a first voltage input to the inductor, an on-time of the diode. The on-time of the diode corresponds to an amount of time that the diode is conducting a first current to a load of the power conversion circuit. A current estimation circuit configured to estimate, based on the on-time of the diode and an on-time of the switch, an output current of the power conversion circuit. The on-time of the switch corresponds to an amount of time that the switch is conducting a second current. A pulse width modulator is configured to provide, based on the estimated output current, a gate drive signal to the switch. The gate drive signal selectively transitions the switch between an on state and an off state. |
| US09552003B2 |
Zero drift, limitless and adjustable reference voltage generation
A circuit for generation of a reference voltage for an electronic system, which circuit comprises at least one digital buffer (U21, U31, U32, U41, U51), a low pass filter (R21, C21; R31, C31; R41, C41; R51, C51) and an operational amplifier (OA21, OA31, OA41, OA51)), which circuit is adapted to revive an input in the form of a bandgap reference voltage into the digital buffer, which digital buffer is adapted to receive a digital input from a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal, which digital buffer is adapted to generate an output signal adapted to be fed to the low pass filter, which output signal after filtration is adapted to be fed to a positive input terminal of the operational amplifier, which operational amplifier comprises a feedback circuit, which feedback circuit comprises at least one capacitor (C22, C32, C44, C54) adapted to be connected from an output terminal of the operational amplifier towards a negative input terminal of the operational amplifier so as to form an integrator, wherein the feedback circuit further comprises at least one chopped signal path (R22, S21; R33, R34, S32; R33, R35, C35, S31), which chopped signal is adapted to be modulated by the output signal of the digital buffer. |
| US09552002B2 |
Graphical user interface for setpoint creation and modification
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The thermostat can be used to graphically display a two-dimensional setpoint plot area that includes a number of setpoint symbols each being positioned according to the time of day and temperature associated with the setpoint. The user can initiate the “birth” of a new setpoint, which includes presenting an animated sequence in which a new setpoint symbol is moved to a position on the plot area associated with the time of day and temperature for the new setpoint. |
| US09552001B2 |
Thermal management system, vehicle and associated method
A system includes a cooling system having a cooling fluid for cooling an engine and a radiator fan motor; a dynamic braking system configured to supply electrical energy to the fan motor during a braking event; and a controller that is operable to direct the electrical energy from the dynamic braking system to the fan motor to cool the coolant to a predetermined minimum threshold temperature. A method includes switching a vehicle thermal management system from a first mode of operation in which the coolant is maintained at a steady operating temperature to a second mode of operation in which the coolant is cooled to a minimum threshold temperature. |
| US09552000B2 |
Batch authoring tool and bioreactor control system
A bioreactor control system comprises a batch server for controlling a bioreactor system in response to a recipe, a batch software system for generating a control sequence for the bioreactor system via the batch server for implementing the recipe, and a recipe conversion system that inputs the recipe into the batch software system. Preferably, the recipe conversion system reads a word processor file containing the recipe and interprets styles applied to text in the word processor file as indicating equipment and phases of the recipe to the recipe conversion system. Generally, the bioreactor system includes one or more bioreactors and additional hardware to perform the upstream and downstream processing. The document properties of the word processor file containing the recipe are applied as header information for the recipe input into the batch software system. This system solves a problem associated with traditional batching software systems, in which the authoring of recipes on the systems can be relatively arcane. Here, the recipe can be authored on a common word processor. |
| US09551999B2 |
Structure of gas regulator
A structure of gas regulator comprises a space for setting an intake switchover valve formed at an outer end of a high-pressure portion and interconnected with the inside of the high-pressure portion. A pushing block is outside a diaphragm, and an elastic element is set between the pushing block and a flange at the periphery of an inner end of the pushing block. A support base outside the pushing block is abutted the elastic element and comprises an extending section extended from an inner end thereof and corresponding to the outer periphery of the elastic element and a through-hole corresponding to the pushing block. A display diaphragm with a center slot is outside the support base. A cover covered the space has a transparent side display window at the periphery thereof and a transparent outer display window at an outer end thereof. |
| US09551998B2 |
Remote control device
A remote control device includes an instruction transmitter and a controller which controls a speed of an unmanned helicopter based on an instruction from the instruction transmitter. The instruction transmitter selectively outputs one of a speed change signal that changes the speed of the unmanned helicopter and a speed determination signal that determines the speed of the unmanned helicopter. When an output from the instruction transmitter is changed from the speed change signal to the speed determination signal, the controller determines whether the speed of the unmanned helicopter should be maintained or brought to zero based on a result of comparison between speed information of the unmanned helicopter and a threshold value. Preferably, the speed change signal changes the speed of the unmanned helicopter by changing a tilt angle of a nose of the unmanned helicopter in an up-down direction in accordance with an amount of operation applied to the instruction transmitter. |
| US09551992B1 |
Fall back trajectory systems for autonomous vehicles
Aspects of the disclosure provide systems and methods for providing suggested locations for pick up and destination locations. Pick up locations may include locations where an autonomous vehicle can pick up a passenger, while destination locations may include locations where the vehicle can wait for an additional passenger, stop and wait for a passenger to perform some task and return to the vehicle, or for the vehicle to drop off a passenger. As such, a request for a vehicle may be received from a client computing device. The request may identify a first location. A set of one or more suggested locations may be selected by comparing the predetermined locations to the first location. The set may be provided to the client computing device. |
| US09551990B2 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle landing system
The present disclosure provides an unmanned flying vehicle (UAV) operable in a plurality of operating modes including a normal operations mode, a safe landing mode and an emergency landing mode. The normal operations mode is initiated when no errors are detected in the system. The safe landing mode is initiated when one or more non-critical components of the UAV are in non-responsive mode or do not work as desired. The emergency landing mode is initiated when one or more critical components are in non-responsive mode or do not work as desired. Further, the safe landing mode overrides the normal operations mode and the emergency landing mode overrides both the normal operations mode and the safe landing mode. |
| US09551987B1 |
Container holder utilization and selection
An inventory system includes inventory holders, container holders, containers carried by the container holders, mobile drive units, stations, and a management module. The management module instructs the mobile drive units to move the inventory holders and container holders to stations. Container holders are loaded with containers of inbound inventory items at a first station. Inbound inventory items are transferred from containers to inventory holders at a second station. Outbound inventory items are transferred from inventory holders to containers at a third station. Containers of outbound inventory items are removed from container holders at a fourth station. |
| US09551986B2 |
SCADA system real-time data and event management on a PC card
Real-time data and event management (RDEM) is implemented on a separate component in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). To assist in upgrades or changes to the SCADA system without compromising RDEM, the RDEM function is performed on a separate card or physical component. When the computer running the SCADA system is upgraded, the RDEM on the separate card and corresponding persistence store is maintained. |
| US09551981B2 |
Real-time monitoring, controlling, and optimizing electrical generation assets based on emission level measurements
A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure and includes receiving data defining a detected gas emission level of a power generation facility. The method also includes communicating the data defining the detected gas emission level to at least one subscriber device using one of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based communication and Session Initial Protocol (SIP) based communication. |
| US09551979B1 |
Method of music instruction
A method of music instruction utilizing a system capable of producing two or more sounds perceived by the user as originating in specific locations in three-dimensional space relative to the user, with the system comprising a user interface, a sound generator, a transmitter, and a monitoring device, and the method comprising the steps of obtaining the system; interacting with the user interface of the system to provide instruction to the sound generator; interacting with the monitoring device; generating the one or more sounds perceived to be emanating from some location in three-dimensional space based on the instruction provided; transmitting output signals to the monitoring device; and perceiving the sounds by means of the monitoring device, with the method being practiced at the same time that the user either plays or does not play a musical instrument. |
| US09551977B2 |
Housing and wearable electronic device using the same
A shock and water resistant housing for a wearable device includes a first housing and a second housing assembled with the first housing, the first housing includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve contained in the first sleeve and the second housing includes a cover and a sealing ring embedded and fixed in the cover. The sealing ring is disposed on a junction of the first housing and the second housing for sealing the first housing and the second housing. A wearable electronic device using the housing is also provided. |
| US09551972B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer portion transferring a toner image onto a sheet, a fixing portion fixing the toner image which has been transferred by the transfer portion onto the sheet by using heat, a discharge path guiding the sheet on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing portion to a discharge port, a branch path branched from the discharge path, a rotator pair providing on the branch path and conveying the sheet, and a control portion configured to rotate the rotator pair while consecutively discharging the sheets to the discharge port through the discharge path without passing through the branch path. |
| US09551971B2 |
Sheet storage apparatus and image forming apparatus
Provided is a sheet storage apparatus for storing a sheet conveyed by a sheet conveyance unit, wherein at a home position, at least a part of a sheet presence detection flag overlaps a rotational axis of a sheet presence detection flag of an adjacent sheet storage unit in a vertical direction. |
| US09551969B2 |
Deskew mechanism with linear motion
An apparatus comprises a bracket connected to a frame, where the bracket connects a light source to the frame. The frame supports a photoreceptor that has a planar surface. Also, the bracket positions the light source at a set distance from the photoreceptor. Further, the bracket comprises an adjustment device that moves the light source along a plane that is parallel to the planar surface of the photoreceptor, and that maintains the light source at the set distance from the photoreceptor as the light source moves within the plane. |
| US09551964B2 |
Separable fusing device and printer using the same
A fusing device comprising a pressure roller, a heating roller, a pressure applying element and a releasing element is provided. The pressure roller is installed in a frame. The heating roller opposite to the pressure roller is installed in a housing. The pressure applying element connects the pressure roller and the housing at a first side and applies a force on the pressure roller and the heating roller. The releasing element releases and locks the pressure roller and the housing at a second side. A printer from which jammed sheet may be easily removed is provided. The printer comprises a frame, a housing, an image forming device, and the fusing device. The first and second sides are parallel to axial direction of the pressure roller and the heating roller. The image forming device forms an image on a medium. The fusing device fuses the image on the medium. |
| US09551960B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A CPU 26 sets the value of the applied voltage to a first set value when the absolute value of the amount of charge on the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is lower than a threshold value, and sets the value of the applied voltage to a second set value when the absolute value of the amount of charge on the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and when the first set value is VC1 and the second set value is VC2, the relationship |VC1|<|VC2| is established. |
| US09551959B2 |
Image forming apparatus forming toner image on surface layer portion of image conveying portion
An image forming apparatus includes a toner containing portion, a first conveying member, an image conveying portion, and an image forming portion. The first conveying member is configured to convey the toner in a conveyance direction within the toner containing portion. The image conveying portion includes a surface layer portion having a first end portion located at an upstream side in the conveyance direction and a second end portion located at a downstream side in the conveyance direction. The first end portion has a larger layer thickness than second end portion. The image conveying portion is configured to convey a toner image formed on a surface of the surface layer portion at a predetermined image forming position, to a transfer position for transfer to a transfer target medium. The image forming portion is configured to form the toner image on the surface layer portion by using the toner being conveyed. |
| US09551957B2 |
Developing cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A developing cartridge mountable to a development rotary of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force from a main assembly engaging portion to a developing roller, the coupling member being engageable and disengageable relative to the engaging portion with rotation of the rotary, the coupling member being movable among a rotational force transmitting angular positio, a pre-engagement angular position in which the coupling member is inclined relative to that in the transmitting angular position to engage with the engaging portion, and a disengaging angular position for disengaging therefrom; and an inclination regulating member movable between a regulating position for positioning the coupling member to the pre-engagement position and a retracted position, the inclination regulating member being movable from the retracted position to the regulating position by being abutted by a function member of the rotary. |
| US09551950B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet includes an image bearing drum; a charging member for charging the drum by applying a voltage while contacting the drum; an AC voltage generating unit for generating and applying an AC voltage to the charging member; a state detector for detecting a state of the apparatus; a discharge current detector for detecting a discharge current between the charging member and the drum; a discharge current control unit for controlling the AC voltage generating unit on the basis of a result of detection of the discharge current detector; and a discriminating unit for discriminating whether to calibrate the discharge current detector before formation of the image, in accordance with a result of detection of the state detector. |
| US09551944B2 |
Method for replacing objective parts
A method and a device for replacing objective parts, especially of a projection or illumination objective for microlithography in which an objective having an objective interior and objective parts provided therein is provided. At least one objective part is replaceably accommodated in the objective. Immediately prior to installation in the objective, the replaceable objective part is cleaned outside the objective interior in at least one cleaning room sealed off from the ambient atmosphere. Immediately after cleaning, the replaceable objective is installed in the objective without contact with the normal ambient atmosphere. |
| US09551939B2 |
Mark position measuring apparatus and method, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An apparatus to measure the position of a mark, the apparatus including an illumination arrangement to direct radiation across a pupil of the apparatus, the illumination arrangement including an illumination source to provide multiple-wavelength radiation of substantially equal polarization and a wave plate to alter the polarization of the radiation in dependency of the wavelength, such that radiation of different polarization is supplied; an objective to direct radiation on the mark using the radiation supplied by the illumination arrangement while scanning the radiation across the mark in a scanning direction; a radiation processing element to process radiation that is diffracted by the mark and received by the objective; and a detection arrangement to detect variation in an intensity of radiation output by the radiation processing element during the scanning and to calculate from the detected variation a position of the mark in at least a first direction of measurement. |
| US09551934B2 |
Imaging system with electrophotographic patterning of an image definition material and methods therefor
A system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate. |
| US09551933B2 |
Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, using the same, pattern forming method, manufacturing method of electronic device, and electronic device
There is provided an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising: (A) a resin containing a repeating unit represented by the first specific formula and a repeating unit represented by the second specific formula, wherein the content of the repeating unit represented by the first specific formula is 35 mol % or more based on all repeating units in the resin (A), a resist film formed using the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition. |
| US09551925B2 |
Blankmask and photomask using the same
A blankmask and a photomask using the same are provided. The blankmask can be useful in preventing the loss in thickness of lateral, top and bottom surfaces of a pattern of a light shielding film or a phase shifting film after the manufacture of the photomask by forming protective film, which has an etch selectivity with respect to a pattern of a hard film or the light shielding film, on the light shielding film or the phase shifting film so that the loss of the phase shifting film formed under the light shielding film or the phase shifting film can be prevented when a process of removing the light shielding film disposed under the hard film or a pattern of the light shielding film is performed during a washing process and a process of removing a pattern of the hard film in a method of manufacturing a photomask, thereby securing uniformity in thickness. |
| US09551923B2 |
Cut mask design layers to provide compact cell height
Some embodiments relate to a method of designing an integrated circuit layout. In this method, a plurality of design shapes are provided on different design layers over an active area within a graphical representation of the layout. A connection extends perpendicularly between a first design shape formed on a first design layer and a second design shape formed on the first design layer. First and second cut mask shapes on first and second cut mask design layers, respectively, are generated. The first cut shape removes portions of the first design layer and the second cut shape removes portions of the second design layer. |
| US09551920B2 |
Tensioned projection screen assembly
A projection screen assembly is disclosed including a projection screen and a projection screen frame. The projection screen frame includes a plurality of projection screen frame modules that may be coupled together to provide a projection frame for projection screens of different sizes. |
| US09551919B2 |
Projection apparatus
A projection apparatus including a light source, a light valve, a light uniforming device, and a first curved-surface reflection device is provided. The light source provides an illumination beam. The light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam for converting the illumination beam into an image beam. The light valve has an active surface that substantially has a rectangular contour. The light uniforming device is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the light source and the light valve. The first curved-surface reflection device is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the light source and the light valve for reflecting the illumination beam to the light valve. A curvature of the first curved-surface reflection device along a first direction is not equal to a curvature of the first curved-surface reflection device along a second direction. |
| US09551916B2 |
Integrated and adjustable image projection with auto-image correction in electronic devices using an in-facing or world-facing image projector
A system and method for implementing integrated and adjustable image projection with auto-image correction in electronic devices using an in-facing or world-facing image projector are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes an electronic device including: a lid; a base including a hinge coupling the lid with the base; and an image projection subsystem including an image projector installed in the lid, the image projector being configured to produce a projected image that is projected onto a projection surface, the angle of the projection being adjustable by adjusting the angle of the lid relative to the base. |
| US09551915B2 |
Swivel wrist mount
A camera mount for coupling a camera to a user's wrist is described. The camera mount includes a swivel component that rotates relative to a wrist component when an above-threshold amount of force is applied on the swivel component. A rippled spring component is coupled between the swivel component and the wrist component, and exerts an outward force upon the swivel component in response to a compressive force exerted on the rippled spring component by the swivel component. A strap couples to each of two sides of the wrist mount component, and is configured to secure the camera mount to the user's wrist. The camera mount can additionally include a base component and a padding component, and a screw to couple each camera mount component together. |
| US09551912B2 |
High quality liquid crystal display pixel circuit
The present invention provides a high quality liquid crystal display pixel circuit, and a plurality of sub pixels arranged in array, and each sub pixel is divided into a main area (Main) and a sub area (Sub), and one data signal line, a voltage dividing unit (10) and a routing are provided in accordance with sub pixels of each column; a Nth data line (D(N)) is electrically coupled to the main areas (Main) of the sub pixels of Nth column and provides a main data signal voltage to the same, and the corresponding Nth routing (L(N)) is led out from the voltage dividing unit (10), and is electrically coupled to the sub areas (Sub) of the sub pixels of the next column, N+1 column and provides a sub data signal voltage acquired by performing voltage dividing to the main data signal voltage with the voltage dividing unit (10) to the same; polarities of the main data signal voltage provided by the Nth data signal line (D(N)) and the main data signal voltage provided by the next N+1th data signal line (D(N+1)) are opposite. The pixel circuit can diminish the color shift to reduce the flicker of the liquid crystal display panel and promote the display quality. |
| US09551910B2 |
Active matrix substrate and display device
An active matrix substrate 5 is provided with: a plurality of source wiring lines and a plurality of gate wiring lines, which are arranged in a matrix pattern; and picture elements, each of which has a thin film transistor provided in the vicinity of a part where each source wiring line and each gate wiring line intersect each other, and a picture element electrode 26 connected to the thin film transistor. In the active matrix substrate, a base member 5a is provided such that the source wiring lines and the gate wiring lines intersect each other, and on the base member 5a, the connecting portion 28a of an auxiliary capacitor electrode and the connecting portion 29a of an auxiliary capacitor wiring line are connected to each other by having therebetween a nitride film 33 composed of a high melting point metal material. |
| US09551904B2 |
Touchscreen electrode configuration
A touchscreen includes touchscreen electrode elements distributed across an active area of a substrate, and the touchscreen overlays a display. The touchscreen electrode elements are configured to avoid creating moiré patterns between the display and the touchscreen, such as angled, wavy, zig-zag, or randomized lines. In a further example, the electrodes form a mesh pattern configured to avoid moiré patterns. |
| US09551903B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal displaying device
A liquid crystal panel includes an array substrate and a color filter substrate that is arranged opposite to the array substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the array substrate and the color filter substrate, and an enclosure resin frame surrounding the liquid crystal layer. A support is arranged in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal panel and the support supports between the array substrate and the color filter substrate. The support includes a first support layer and a second support layer connected to the first support layer. The first support layer is made of a thermally deformable material. The second support layer is made of a flexible material of elastic restorability. A liquid crystal displaying device is also provided. |
| US09551900B2 |
Method and controller for operating a variable optical retarder and an array
A method and a controller for operating an array of variable optical retarders are disclosed. Neighboring pixels of the array of variable optical retarders are driven with disordered temporal bit sequences. An optical beam illuminating the pixels tends to integrate time-domain modulation caused by individual pixels driven in a non-coordinated or disordered fashion, which reduces the overall time-domain modulation amplitude of the optical beam. |
| US09551897B2 |
Polarizing plate and optical display including the same
A polarizing plate includes a polarizer, and a protective film on one side of the polarizer and including a reverse dispersion liquid crystal coating layer having λ/4 retardation. An optical display panel includes the polarizing plate. The polarizing plate has a depolarization function and allows for viewing of the display panel through polarizing sunglasses. |
| US09551883B2 |
Contact lens for keratoconus
The present invention is directed to a non-deforming contact lens for keratoconus patients having a displaced central zone. In particular, the central zone is displaced from the geometric center of the lens. The shape of the central zone is egg or spoon-shaped and is rotationally asymmetrical with one semi-meridian that is shorter than a corresponding semi-meridian. An intermediate transition zone is formed integral with the periphery of the central zone, and a peripheral zone is formed integral with the periphery of the intermediate transition zone, forming a round contact lens. |
| US09551882B2 |
Headwear with treatment pads
A head treatment device comprises a frame mountable on the head of a user, wherein the frame has at least one treatment area that will generally not obstruct the vision of the user when wearing the frame. The frame defines a vision area around at least one eye of the user when the user is wearing the device such that the user can see through the vision area. The device further comprises a treatment mechanism attachable to the treatment area of the frame, wherein the treatment mechanism extends between the face of the user of the device and the frame. A mounting device is associated with the treatment mechanism to connect the treatment mechanism to the treatment area of the frame, wherein the head treatment device is used to treat the head of the user through association of the head of the user with the treatment mechanism. |
| US09551881B2 |
Retention mechanism, driving apparatus, and blur correction apparatus
A retention mechanism includes a fixed part including a magnet, and a movable part opposed to the fixed part. A plurality of rolling elements are provided between the fixed part and the movable part, and the movable part is movable in a plane direction. A magnetic material which forms, in combination with the magnet, a magnetic spring is provided on the movable part. The magnetic spring generates a magnetic attraction force which attracts the movable part to the fixed part. The magnetic material is extended along a direction in which magnetic poles of the magnet are arrayed. |
| US09551874B2 |
Substrate-guide optical device
An optical device, including a light waves-transmitting substrate has two major surfaces and edges, optical means for coupling light into the substrate by total internal reflection, and a plurality of partially reflecting surfaces (22a, 22b) carried by the substrate. The partially reflecting surfaces (22a, 22b) are parallel to each other and are not parallel to any of the edges of the substrate, one or more of the partially reflecting surfaces (22a, 22b) being an anisotropic surface. The optical device has dual operational modes in see-through configuration. In a first mode, light waves are projected from a display source through the substrate to an eye of a viewer. In a second mode, the display source is shut off and only an external scene is viewable through the substrate. |
| US09551873B2 |
Head mounted device (HMD) system having interface with mobile computing device for rendering virtual reality content
A head mounted display (HMD) system is provided. The system includes a housing and optics disposed in the housing. The system further includes a processor disposed in the housing and shutter control logic interfaced with the processor. The shutter control logic is configured to operate to alternate between opening a left eye-side of the optics and closing a right eye-side of the optics to opening the right eye-side of the optics and closing the left eye-side of the optics. A holder portion is integrated with the housing. The holder portion is configured to receive a smart device having a display screen. The display screen is oriented toward the optics of the housing in a direction that is toward a face of a user when the HMD system is worn by the user. The shutter control in operation is configured to enable a three-dimensional view of image date rendered on the display screen of the smart device when viewed through the optics of the housing. |
| US09551870B2 |
Transmissive display device and method of controlling transmissive display device
A head mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a content as a virtual image, includes a display part that displays the content in a predetermined display area, and a control part that determines a background color of the content and use environment brightness and adjusts brightness of the display area in response to the determination results thereof. |
| US09551867B1 |
Head-up display
In an en-route navigation system such as for a vehicle, an image of a cable is presented as a navigation object in a head-up display to indicate a route that the vehicle should follow. The head-up display may comprise a projection screen, light projector apparatus configured to project one or more images onto the projection screen, viewing optics and a computer, wherein the projection screen is moveable under control of the computer in such a way as to adjust positions of the projection screen and to thereby adjust the distance between the projection screen and the viewing optics during at least a portion each of a succession of refresh periods. |
| US09551865B1 |
Electrowetting element with photosensor
An electrowetting element comprising a photosensor. The photosensor comprises a photosensitive material overlapped by an electrowetting element electrode; a first photosensor contact in contact with the photosensitive material; and a second photosensor contact in contact with the photosensitive material. |
| US09551864B2 |
Eyepiece lens and observation apparatus having the same
There is provided an eyepiece lens which has a long length from an image display surface to a first lens, a high observation magnification, and a large apparent field of view. An eyepiece lens used to observe an image displayed on the image display surface includes a first lens with a positive refractive power, a second lens with a negative refractive power, and a third lens with a positive refractive power sequentially from the image display surface side to the observation side. The lens surface of the first lens on the image display surface side has a convex shape on the image display surface side. The lens surface of the second lens on the observation side has a concave shape on the observation side. The focal length of the eyepiece lens, the focal length of the lens surface, and the focal length of the lens surface are set appropriately. |
| US09551857B2 |
Wide angle lens assembly
A camera system includes an image sensor, a stop aperture, an infrared cut filter disposed between the image sensor and the stop aperture, and a lens assembly. The lens assembly has a field of view ranging between 80 degrees and 110 degrees and is disposed between the infrared cut filter on an image side of the lens assembly and the stop aperture on an object side of the lens assembly. The lens assembly includes six lenses. Four of the six lenses have positive optical power and two of the six lenses have negative optical power. The six lenses include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth lenses having first inline, second inline, third inline, fourth inline, fifth inline, and sixth inline relative positions, respectively, along an optical path through the lens assembly. |
| US09551851B2 |
Optical-electric composite cable
An optical-electric composite cable includes an optical fiber, an inner tubular cover enclosing the optical fiber, a plurality of electric wires arranged outside the inner tubular cover, a binding member collectively bundling the plurality of electric wires, and an outer tubular cover covering an outer periphery of the binding member. A gap exists between the binding member and the outer tubular cover. |
| US09551850B2 |
Light source module of optical apparatus and operating method thereof
A light source module of an optical apparatus is disclosed. The light source module includes a laser pump unit, a lens unit, and a fiber unit. The laser pump unit generates a laser source. The lens unit converts the laser source into a condensed beam. The fiber unit receives the condensed beam and emits an optical signal. The light source module can achieve effects of low cost, large bandwidth, high resolution, and high stability with well-designed pump power of the laser pump unit, and length, doping material, and core size of the fiber unit. |
| US09551845B1 |
Method for manufacturing optical engine packages and apparatus from which optical engine packages are manufactured
The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing one or more optical engine packages, each optical engine package comprising a silicon photonic die. The method includes receiving a substrate comprising a package portion and a cutting area adjacent to the package portion, assembling the optical engine package on the substrate such that an edge-coupled waveguide of the silicon photonic die overlaps a boundary between the cutting area and the package portion, and cutting the optical engine package and the substrate in the cutting area to expose the edge-coupled waveguide for optical coupling thereof to an optical fiber core. |
| US09551844B2 |
Passive optical alignment
A system for passive optical alignment includes an through optical via formed through a substrate, an optical transmission medium secured to a first side of the substrate such that the optical transmission medium is aligned with the through optical via, and an optoelectronic component secured to a second side of the substrate such that the active region of said optoelectronic component is aligned with the through optical via. |
| US09551835B2 |
Grin lens array, lens-mounted connector, and lens-mounted connector system
A GRIN lens array of an embodiment has a structure for enabling a coupling face in which lens end faces of GRIN lenses are arranged, to be accurately polished so as to have a desired angle relative to optical axes of the GRIN lenses. The GRIN lens array has the GRIN lenses and a main body portion. The main body portion comprises a holding portion having a coupling face, and an edge portion having a reference face to be used as a reference in polishing of the coupling face. The respective thicknesses of the holding portion and the edge portion along the longitudinal direction of the GRIN lenses are set so as to form a step between the coupling face and the reference face. |
| US09551830B1 |
Optical system including multiplexed volume Bragg grating, methods, and applications
A method of reversible spatial mode selection and conversion between waveguides and free space is presented using a multiplexed volume Bragg grating (MVBG). The MVBG has an inherent angular selectivity, providing different losses for different transverse modes and converting a higher order mode in waveguide to a single fundamental mode in free space. Using the device in a resonator allows for a pure higher order mode to be guided and amplified in the gain medium, to increase the mode area, to extract accumulated excitation more efficiently, and, therefore, to increase gain of the amplifier. In the same resonator, the device is able to convert the higher order mode to a high brightness Gaussian beam in free space or to a fundamental mode in a waveguide. |
| US09551829B2 |
Photoacoustic gas sensor with a helmholtz cell
A photoacoustic detection device including a nanophotonic circuit including a first chip on which is formed at least one optical waveguide and in which is formed a set of cavities defining a Helmholtz resonator; at least one optical source capable of emitting an optical signal in a given wavelength range, capable of being modulated at an acoustic modulation frequency, this source being attached to the first chip; a second chip forming a cap for said cavities and including acoustic sensors; and electronic circuits for processing the output of the acoustic sensors formed in the first or the second chip. |
| US09551826B2 |
LCD with backlight module having quantum dot unit and frame
The backlight module includes a front frame, a backboard, a heat sink, a light source and a light guide plate. A quantum dot unit is arranged between the light guide plate and the light source. The heat sink, light source and light guide plate are arranged on the backboard, with the heat sink fixing the quantum dot unit to the backboard. The backlight module further includes a middle frame arranged between the backboard and the front frame, and coupled to the heat sink. |
| US09551825B2 |
Directional backlights with light emitting element packages
A light emitting diode package for a directional display may comprise light emitting diodes and a protection diode. The protection diode may be arranged in a well that is at a different location to the well that the light emitting diodes are arranged. The directional display may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include light extraction features arranged to direct light from an array of light sources by total internal reflection to an array of viewing windows and a reflector arranged to direct light from the waveguide by transmission through extraction features of the waveguide to the same array of viewing windows. The brightness of the directional display can be increased. An efficient and bright directional display system can be achieved. Efficient light baffling for light escaping from the edge of the waveguide is achieved through light deflecting extraction films. |
| US09551822B2 |
Display device
A display device including a light source; a wavelength conversion member to convert a wavelength of light generated from the light source; a light guide member to guide the light converted by the wavelength conversion member; and an adhering member. In addition, the wavelength conversion member includes a first surface facing the light source; a second surface facing the light guide member; a top surface extending from the first surface to the second surface; and a bottom surface facing the top surface. Furthermore, the adhering member is disposed on the top surface and the bottom surface. Also, the wavelength conversion member includes a tube, the tube receives a sealing member, an air layer and a matrix therein, and the air layer is formed between the sealing member and the matrix. |
| US09551819B2 |
Method for manufacturing polarized light splitting element and polarized light splitting element
The present application relates to a method for manufacturing a polarized light splitting element and a polarized light splitting element. The present application can provide: a method for manufacturing the polarized light splitting element having excellent polarized light splitting ability and light-transmission ability through a simple and efficient process; and the polarized light splitting element having the excellent polarized light splitting ability and the light transmission ability. |
| US09551816B2 |
Retroreflecting optical construction
Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other. |
| US09551813B2 |
Optical film, polarizing plate using same, and liquid crystal display device
An optical film including cellulose acylate and a compound represented by General Formula (I) described below, a polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal display device; R1 and R3 represent hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or aromatic groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms. R5 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group represented by -L5-Ar5 (L5 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and Ar5 represents an aromatic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms). Here, the total of ring structures present in R1, R3, and R5 is one or two. |
| US09551811B1 |
Measurement of complex sensitivity of data channels in hydrophone line array at very low frequency
A method is disclosed for acoustic calibration of a towed hydrophone line array. In a very low frequency band, calibration is performed using a surrounding ambient acoustic noise environment observed by one or more calibrated reference standard hydrophones and hydrophone channels of the array being calibrated. The array hydrophone sensitivities are computed by comparing output voltages of the array hydrophones with the output voltages of one or more calibrated reference hydrophones. The method extends the low frequency limit for the calibration of a towed hydrophone line array to substantially less than the minimum frequency at which the acoustic projectors commonly used for acoustic calibrations can transmit a useful acoustic signal. |
| US09551809B2 |
Arrayed wave division multiplexing to improve spatial resolution of IOFDR fiber Bragg sensing system
A downhole property measurement apparatus includes an optical fiber having a series fiber Bragg gratings with interleaved resonant wavelengths such that adjacent fiber Bragg gratings have different resonant wavelengths and a difference between adjacent resonant wavelengths is greater than a dynamic wavelength range of each of the adjacent fiber Bragg gratings. An optical interrogator is in optical communication with the optical fiber and configured to emit a frequency domain light signal having a swept wavelength for a first time duration and a chirp having a modulation of amplitude with a varying of wavelength for a second time duration that is less than the first time duration. A return light signal is transformed by the optical interrogator into a time domain to determine a resonant wavelength shift and corresponding location of each of the gratings. A processor converts the resonant wavelength shifts into the downhole property. |
| US09551807B2 |
NMR detection of water and hydrocarbons during induced alteration processes
Technologies applicable to NMR detection of water and hydrocarbons during induced alteration processes are disclosed. NMR measurements may be used to monitor properties of subsurface fluids within a subsurface formation. NMR measurement devices may be deployed proximal to or within a subsurface formation that contains hydrocarbons. Multiple NMR measurements may be performed during an induced alteration process applied to the subsurface formation to determine properties of the subsurface formation or fluid as the induced alteration process progresses. Changes in properties of the subsurface formation or fluid may be determined and may be used to determine efficacy of, optimize, or otherwise modify the induced alteration process. |
| US09551806B2 |
Determination and display of apparent resistivity of downhole transient electromagnetic data
Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating an earth formation. Methods may include inducing a current in the formation; measuring a time-dependent transient electromagnetic (TEM) signal induced by the formation responsive to the current; and estimating apparent resistivity values for each of a plurality of samples derived from the TEM measurement, wherein each sample corresponds to a discrete time window of the TEM measurement. Estimating the apparent resistivity values for each of the samples includes determining for each sample a simulated homogeneous formation that provides a best fit for the sample. The apparent resistivity values may be used to estimate distance to an interface. The apparent resistivity values or the estimated distance may be logged and the log displayed. The apparent resistivity values, the estimated distance, or the log may be used to conduct further operations in a borehole, including geosteering. |
| US09551805B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for detecting a foreign object in an inductive wireless power transfer system via coupling coefficient measurement
An inductive wireless power device comprises a transmitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field to a coupling region for wireless power transfer to a receiver, and control logic configured to determine a coupling coefficient of the wireless power transfer when the receiver is within the coupling region. The control logic also determines a presence of a foreign object within the coupling region responsive to a comparison of the determined coupling coefficient and an expected coupling coefficient for the wireless power transfer. An inductive wireless power device comprises a receiver configured to couple with an electromagnetic field in a coupling region for inductive wireless power transfer from a transmitter. The receiver is configured to alter a wireless power transfer characteristic of the transmitter for a determination of a presence of a foreign object within the coupling region responsive to a determination of a coupling coefficient of the wireless power transfer. |
| US09551804B1 |
Motion detection device and corresponding method
The present disclosure relates to a wearable motion detection device (12) configured for detecting body-to-ground proximity, and to a related method. The motion detection device (12) comprising a capacitance detection unit (70) arranged to detect body-to-ground capacitance, the capacitance detection unit (70) comprising a first electrode (30) arranged to contact a body portion (16) of a monitored subject, when the device (12) is worn, a second electrode (32) that is arranged separately from but operatively connected with the first electrode (30), a shield electrode (34) that is arranged to shield the second electrode (32) from the first electrode (30), the device (12) further comprising a control unit (74) arranged to determine, under consideration of a body-to-ground capacitance signal provided by the capacitance detection unit (70), whether a fall event occurs. The present disclosure further relates to a corresponding computer program for implementing a motion detection method. |
| US09551803B2 |
Geological medium exploration
Systems and methods for geological medium exploration are provided herein. A method of geological medium exploration may include generating vibrations in a geological medium and recording wave-fields at a surface and in a borehole. Additionally, the method may include obtaining a wave field modification operator and applying the wave-field operator to a full range of seismic data to achieve a spectrally-modified wave field. |
| US09551800B2 |
Device and method for deblending simultaneous shooting data using annihilation filter
A device, medium and method for deblending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes receiving an input dataset generated by first and second sources S1 and S2 that are operating as simultaneous sources; arranging the input dataset based on the firing times of source S1; applying with a computing system an annihilation filter to the arranged input dataset to estimate cross-talk noise; convolving the cross-talk noise estimate with an operator to form a signal estimate using the firing times of S1 and S2; and generating an image of the subsurface based on the signal estimate. |
| US09551799B2 |
Methods of hydrocarbon detection using spectra dominant frequency and measures of energy decay on the low side and high side of spectra dominant frequency
A method for detecting hydrocarbons including obtaining seismic trace data for a region of interest; processing, using a processor, the seismic trace data to calculate a signal spectrum for each of a plurality of locations in the region of interest; calculating a dominant frequency of the signal spectrum; calculating at least one measure of energy decay above the dominant frequency, calculating at least one measure of energy decay below the dominant frequency, and calculating at least one measure spectral shape of the signal spectrum, and locating a hydrocarbon reservoir in the region of interest using the at least one measure of energy decay below the dominant frequency, the at least one measure of energy decay above dominant frequency and the dominant frequency; or locating a hydrocarbon reservoir in the region of interest using the at least one measure of energy decay below the dominant frequency and the at least one measure of energy decay above dominant frequency; or and locating a hydrocarbon reservoir in the region of interest using the at least one measure of energy decay below the dominant frequency and the dominant frequency; or locating a hydrocarbon reservoir in the region of interest using the at least one measure of spectral shape and the dominant frequency. |
| US09551796B2 |
Radiation image conversion panel
A radiation image conversion panel having a high luminance and sharpness is provided by growing columnar crystals from the root portion. The radiation image conversion panel includes a support; and a phosphor layer mainly composed of an alkali halide, the phosphor layer being formed by vapor deposition; wherein the phosphor layer includes a plurality of domains formed of a plurality of phosphor columnar crystals; each of the domains is a single phosphor columnar crystal or an aggregation of phosphor columnar crystals having substantially the same crystal orientation, and has an average diameter of 0.2 to 10 μm; and the phosphor columnar crystals are crystalline from root portion at which crystal growth started. |
| US09551795B2 |
Ultra-thin plasma radiation detector
A position-sensitive ionizing-radiation counting detector includes a radiation detector gas chamber having at least one ultra-thin chamber window and an ultra-thin first substrate contained within the gas chamber. The detector further includes a second substrate generally parallel to and coupled to the first substrate and defining a gas gap between the first substrate and the second substrate. The detector further includes a discharge gas between the substrates and contained within the gas chamber, where the discharge gas is free to circulate within the gas chamber and between the first and second substrates at a given gas pressure. The detector further includes a first electrode coupled to one of the substrates and a second electrode electrically coupled to the first electrode. The detector further includes a first discharge event detector coupled to at least one of the electrodes for detecting a gas discharge counting event in the electrode. |
| US09551784B2 |
Intrusion detection
Systems, methods, and devices for an intrusion detection system are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include transmitting a DSSS signal, receiving a reflected DSSS signal from a target, correlating the reflected DSSS signal and the transmitted DSSS signal, and determining a distance to the target based on the correlation between the reflected DSSS signal and the transmitted DSSS signal. |
| US09551776B2 |
Methods and apparatus to determine a position using light sources
Methods and apparatus to determine a position using light sources are disclosed. An example method includes processing an output of a photodetector based on anticipated codes to identify multiple light sources from which the photodetector receives light at a first position, determining locations of the identified light sources; and determining a location of the first position based on the locations of the identified light sources. |
| US09551773B2 |
Isolating active electron spin signals in EPR
A system and method involve performing electron paramagnetic resonance on an object under study. The system comprises a first field generator adapted for generating an orienting magnetic field for orienting the magnetization of the object under study and a second field generator adapted for generating RF excitation waves at a frequency to generate electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in the object under test. The system also comprises a detection unit adapted for detecting the EPR signals emitted by the object under test and a control unit adapted for controlling the relative orientation of the orienting magnetic field induced by the first field generator with respect to the detection unit. The system furthermore comprises a processing unit programmed for combining detected EPR signals obtained using different relative orientations of the orienting magnetic field with respect to the detection unit. |
| US09551772B2 |
Organic magnetic field sensor
An organic, spin-dependent magnetic field sensor (10) includes an active stack (12) having an organic material with a spin-dependence. The sensor (10) also includes a back electrical contact (14) electrically coupled to a back of the active stack (12) and a front electrical contact (16) electrically coupled to a front of the active stack (12). A magnetic field generator (18) is oriented so as to provide an oscillating magnetic field which penetrates the active stack (12). |
| US09551757B2 |
Measuring devices of remaining battery life and measuring methods thereof
A remaining battery life measuring device may include a first estimator configured to estimate a state of charging of a battery using an open circuit voltage of the battery; a second estimator configured to estimate the state of charging of the battery using charge, discharge, or charge and discharge currents of the battery; a correction unit configured to generate a correction value on the state of charging estimated by the second estimator, based on the state of charging estimated by the first estimator or an output state of charging; and/or a state of charging (SOC) processing unit configured to calculate the output state of charging using the state of charging estimated by the second estimator and an accumulated correction value. The accumulated correction value may be generated based on the correction value. |
| US09551751B2 |
High speed controllable load
A high speed controllable load uses a voltage waveform synthesizer and a driver circuit to dynamically control an electronically variable load to generate a current though an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device under test. Sensors may be used to monitor a source voltage and the output current to generate an arbitrary waveform have a range of voltage and current phase shifts. An optical isolation circuit allows separation of grounds between a control stage and the AFCI device under test. |
| US09551750B2 |
Monitoring system and vehicle
An object is to provide, at low costs, a function for determining whether a monitoring section should execute a self-diagnosis. A monitoring system has a monitoring section for acquiring information on the charge and discharge state of an electric storage device and a determination section for determining the charge and discharge state of the electric storage device on the basis of information acquired by the monitoring section. The determination section has an output section for continuously outputting, to the monitoring section, a stepped signal made up of a High signal and a Low signal, and as well, when the charge and discharge state of the electric storage device has been determined to fall within an allowable range on the basis of the information acquired from the monitoring section, outputs a diagnosis permit signal that is a unique stepped signal having a period different from that before the determination, and when the signal received from the determination section has been determined to be the diagnosis permit signal, the monitoring section executes a self-diagnosis for detecting an abnormal event in the monitoring section. |
| US09551747B2 |
Inserting bypass structures at tap points to reduce latch dependency during scan testing
A method and apparatus are provided to test an integrated circuit by identifying first and second components of an integrated circuit. The first and second components may share a relationship that causes the first and second components to generate a matching binary output in response to an input to the integrated circuit. A tap point may be selected within the integrated circuit. The tap point may be located at a point in the integrated circuit where an insertion of a bypass structure would affect the relationship. The bypass structure may be inserted at the tap point, and the bypass structure may be used to conduct a test of the integrated circuit. |
| US09551746B2 |
Backplane testing system
A backplane testing system includes a test backplane coupled to a test device chassis and including a first connector system, a second connector system, and channels that connect the first connector system and the second connector system. A first test device in a first test device slot on the test device chassis engages the first connector system and provides a loop back circuit for the first connector system. A second test device in a second test device slot on the test device chassis engages the second connector system. The second test device sends a test signal through a channel on the test backplane such that the test signal is provided to the loop back circuit on the first test device and received back through the channel. The second test device analyzes the test signal that is received to determine a testing compliance of the channel on the test backplane. |
| US09551742B2 |
Circuit and method for overcurrent detection of power switch
An overcurrent detection circuit for a power switch comprises a sampling circuit and a comparing circuit. The sampling circuit is configured to perform current sampling on the power switch using a sampling Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) and an amplifier, convert a sample current into a sample voltage and transmit the sample voltage to the comparing circuit, and clamp operating voltages of the comparing circuit and of an output circuit of the amplifier by a serially connected clamping MOSFET. The comparing circuit is configured to compare the sample voltage with a reference voltage and to output a result of overcurrent detection. |
| US09551741B2 |
Current tests for I/O interface connectors
Current tests for I/O interface connectors are described. In one example a test may include applying a forced energy to a first pin of an interface of a data communications bus of an integrated circuit on a die, sensing the energy caused by the forced energy at a second pin of the interface, and comparing the forced energy and the sensed energy to determine an amount of current leaked by at least a portion of the interface. |
| US09551731B2 |
Gantry for mobilizing an MRI device towards static patients
The present invention discloses methods, gantry, and room's infrastructure for maneuvering a portable open-bore magnetic resonance device with no fringing of its magnetic field (MRD) from at least one first location towards at least one static patient placed at at least one second remote location. The gantry comprises a transporting mechanism; and, an open-bore MRD, interconnected to the gantry by at least one maneuverable member. The MRD, by means of the gantry, is transportable from the first location to the second remote location adjacent the static patient. The aperture of the MRD's open-bore, by means of said maneuverable member, is directable towards a defined spatially orientation facing the static patient. |
| US09551728B2 |
Bistable force and/or acceleration sensor
A technique is provided for determining a force/acceleration acting on a proof mass of a bistable device. According to an aspect of the invention, the location of a boundary of one of the stable configurations of the device is monitored. The monitored location is compared to a predetermined location of the same boundary, said predetermined location corresponding to a condition in which the force/acceleration is absent, to detect a deviation of said location. The deviation is indicative of the force/acceleration and can be used to determine the force/acceleration. According to another aspect of the invention, the resonance frequency of the proof mass' oscillation in one of the stable regions is monitored, and compared to a predetermined resonance frequency the proof mass' oscillation in the same region corresponding to a condition in which the force/acceleration is absent, to determine a deviation of the resonance frequency due to the presence of force/acceleration. The deviation in the resonance frequency can be used to determine the force/acceleration. |
| US09551727B2 |
Device for measuring the angular velocity or velocity of a moving part and for detecting the direction of motion of the moving part
Motion detection device consisting of a single encoder and a single stationary sensor element, the encoder, which is arranged on a movable part, representing an asymmetrical pattern. The angular velocity or velocity and the direction of motion of a moving part are determined from the sensor signal by measuring the edge steepness or the rise time or fall time, spectrally analyzing the frequency and the phase relation of a harmonic to the phase of the fundamental mode, or evaluating the asymmetries of a sequence of rectangular pulses. |
| US09551723B2 |
Liquid reagent of thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier and use thereof
A liquid reagent of a stabilized thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier, by which a thyroid hormone can be measured easily in a short time and at low cost, is provided. The liquid reagent of a thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier according to the present invention includes: a thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier; and a solvent, and a pH of the solvent containing the thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier is in a range from 8.7 to 11.5. The detection of a thyroid hormone using the liquid reagent of the present invention can be carried out by competitively binding a thyroid hormone in a sample and the thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier in the liquid reagent with an anti-thyroid hormone antibody and detecting a composite of the thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier and the anti-thyroid hormone antibody. |
| US09551719B2 |
BCL-2-like protein 11 SRM/MRM assay
Specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of those peptides, from the Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BIM) are provided that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the BIM protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed where the biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded. A protein sample is prepared from the biological sample using the Liquid Tissue™ reagents and protocol, and the BIM protein is quantitated in the Liquid Tissue™ sample by the method of SRM/MRM mass spectrometry by quantitating in the protein sample at least one or more of the peptides described. These peptides can be quantitated if they reside in a modified or an unmodified form. An example of a modified form of a BIM peptide is phosphorylation of a tyrosine, threonine, serine, and/or other amino acid residues within the peptide sequence. |
| US09551718B2 |
TMEM120A ion channel modulator
Assays for selecting a candidate modulator of a TMEM120A ion channel and/or a candidate modulator of chronic pain, the steps comprising contacting a lipid membrane comprising contacting a lipid membrane comprising TMEM120A polypeptide with a test compound; quantitating the TMEM120A ion channel activity; comparing the ion channel activity of the TMEM120A polypeptide with a control; and selecting the test compound that modulates the ion channel activity compared to the control; and methods and compositions for treating chronic pain including osteoarthritic pain. |
| US09551706B2 |
Density-based methods for separation of materials, monitoring of solid supported reactions and measuring densities of small liquid volumes and solids
The ability to levitate, to separate, and to detect changes in density using diamagnetic particles suspended in solutions containing paramagnetic cations using an inhomogeneous magnetic field is described. The major advantages of this separation device are that: i) it is a simple apparatus that does not require electric power (a set of permanent magnets and gravity are sufficient for the diamagnetic separation and collection system to work); ii) it is compatible with simple optical detection (provided that transparent materials are used to fabricate the containers/channels where separation occurs; iii) it is simple to collect the separated particles for further processing; iv) it does not require magnetic labeling of the particles/materials; and v) it is small, portable. The method and kits provided provide for separation and collection of materials of different densities, diagnostics for detection of analytes of interest, monitoring of solid-supported chemical reactions and determination of densities of solid and liquid mixtures. |
| US09551704B2 |
Target detection
The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker. |
| US09551703B2 |
High precision quantitative assay composition and methods of use therefor
The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for precisely determining the amount of one or more analytes present in a sample. In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for measuring the abundance of one or more target analytes in a sample, where the composition contains a set of detection units for each analyte fixed to a substrate (e.g., a membrane, bead, filter, chip, polymer-based film or glass slide, or other printable surface), where each detection unit contains a discrete amount of a capture agent that specifically binds the target analyte, and the amount of capturing agent varies over the set to form a concentration gradient. |
| US09551702B2 |
Microcantilever sensor with bimorph actuation and piezoresistive read-out
There is provided a method of monitoring one or more specified reactions in a fluid medium sample using a thermal signature, comprising providing at least one micro-cantilever sensor, said micro-cantilever sensor comprising at least two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and having a heater and piezo-resistive sensor integrated therein, calibrating the at least one micro-cantilever response to thermal changes to form a calibrated micro-cantilever response characteristic, starting the specified reaction in the fluid medium sample, pulsing the heater with one or more electrical pulses to induce heat generation in the micro-cantilever, sampling the output of the integrated piezo-resistive sensor to characterize a response of the micro-cantilever during the specified reaction in the fluid medium, and subtracting the calibrated micro-cantilever response characteristic from the sampled output to determine a characteristic of the one or more specified reactions in the fluid medium sample. There is also provided a method for measuring at least one thermal property of a fluid medium sample, and a fluid medium sample reaction detection apparatus. |
| US09551701B2 |
Method for detecting analyte in a bodily fluid, and dressing for implementing such a method
A method for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid includes placing the detector in contact with at least one metabolite resulting from the metabolism or degradation of the analyte. The contact between the detector and the metabolite produces an optically detectable signal. The detection method includes the detection of the metabolite only in gas form, said metabolite in gas form coming from the evaporation of at least a part of said metabolite. The detection is also carried out without contact between the bodily fluid and the detector. A dressing for implementing the detection method is also described. |
| US09551700B2 |
Device and methods for the detection of cervical disease
The present invention discloses a novel device and methods thereof with utility application in the high-throughput detection, screening and disease management of cervical disease. The “multiwell” device of the present invention consists of a solid support featuring multiple well-separated areas, each accommodating a patient sample, leading to simultaneous evaluation of patient samples. The methods of the present invention comprise conventional cytological staining, cervical Pap staining, and immunochemical staining using antibodies or combination of antibodies which are capable of binding to biomarkers that are overexpressed in cancer including in cervical carcinoma and dysplasia, as compared to normal controls. The device and methods of the present invention can be practiced in either manual or automated mode, and applied to any biological fluid or cell suspension from any biological specimen in view of a variety of cell biology assays, and in view of detection and screening of cervical and other diseases. |
| US09551699B2 |
Testing of blood coagulation characteristics
In some examples, a device applies an electrical potential difference across a blood sample. The device measures an electrical signal that passes through the blood sample over a duration of time to obtain a plurality of measurements representing a measurement function of time. An accumulative property of the measurement function may be determined such that the accumulative property correlates to a blood coagulation characteristic. |
| US09551698B2 |
Microneedle
The electronic device for sensing and/or actuating comprises a device surface to which an biological cell (40) is applied, further comprising a sensor and/or an actuator (25), and an access channel (20) with a channel port (21), said channel port being located in said surface. The access channel (20) is designed such that the biological cell (40) can enter the access channel (20) to thereby provide access to the sensor (25). Particularly the cell (40) forms a protruding portion (41) by entering the access channel (20), which portion is sensed. The access channel (20) may be provided with a specific sensor port at which the sensor (25) is present. The device may be used for sensing or actuating biological cells, such as neurons, for instance in electroporation treatments. |
| US09551696B2 |
Cleanability assessment of sublimate from lithography materials
A method of testing the cleanability of polymerized sublimate outgassed from a lithography material during a thermal heating process including; placing a wafer on a wafer hotplate inside a chamber with the wafer being covered by a lithography material; placing a target, having a starting composition, above the wafer in the chamber; heating the wafer using the wafer hotplate in an attempt to outgas a sublimate, where the sublimate condenses on the target; forming a polymerized sublimate on the target; and applying organic solvents to the target to determine the cleanability of the polymerized sublimate. |
| US09551694B2 |
Micro titre plate
A micro titer plate comprising a number of wells filled with separation matrix. According to the invention the volume of the separation matrix is varied between at least some of the wells. |
| US09551690B2 |
Profiling tool for determining material thickness for inspection sites having complex topography
A phased array ultrasonic probe may be mounted to a component to be inspected for wall thickness on an apparatus that includes a split ring adapted to be magnetically held in place on the component. In particular, the probe may be mounted to a carriage connected to the split ring in a manner that allows the carriage to rotate around the split ring while the probe is in operation. Between the probe and the component, a transducer shoe defining, by a flexible membrane, a cavity and an aperture. Conveniently, the construction of the flexible membrane allows wall thickness measurements to be acquired in portions of the component that have complex topography, such as welds. The apparatus is installed on an adaptor assembly for inspection of straight section of pipes. This adaptor assembly is not used in absence of straight section. By acquiring data from multiple output pulse transmitted at multiple incidence angles, processing software may conveniently produce an accurate wall thickness map of the area of interest on the component. |
| US09551688B2 |
Property measuring device for object to be measured and property measuring method for object to be measured
[Problem to be Solved] To provide a property measuring device for measuring a measurement object, which can highly reliably extract an electric signal serving as the measurement object from an electromagnetic field noise or the like generated by an acoustic wave generating source even if the acoustic wave is a continuous wave, while a high spatial resolution is maintained, by using an acoustic wave as a properly measuring means for measuring an object and method thereof.[Means for Solving the Problem] A property measuring device 100 for measuring a measurement object of the present invention includes: an acoustic wave emitting portion 40 arranged away from a measurement object 90 and emitting an amplitude-modulated acoustic wave; a receiver 50 for receiving an electromagnetic field generated when the acoustic wave is emitted to the measurement object 90; and a measuring portion 60 for extracting at least one type of properties selected from a group consisting of an electric property, a magnetic property, an electromechanical property, and a magnetomechanical property of the measurement object 90, based on at least one measurement selected from a group consisting of measurements of a strength, a phase, and a frequency of the electromagnetic field. |
| US09551687B2 |
High magnetic moment particle detection
A device includes a sensor surface and a pair of electrodes. The sensor surface includes a first conductive layer separated from a second conductive layer by an intermediary layer, a magnetization direction of the first conductive layer and a magnetization direction of the second conductive layer having a ground state orientation of approximately 0 degrees. An electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes is determined by a magnetic field proximate the sensor surface. |
| US09551684B2 |
Gas sensor element and gas sensor
A gas sensor element which has water-permeable electrodes, and water-impermeable leads connected to the electrodes A first electrode (133) has a space exposure portion (133b) exposed to internal space (160) of a gas sensor element (10) which communicates with an ambient atmosphere. A first lead (137) is connected to the first electrode (133). The first electrode (133) includes a first connection portion (133d) which is disposed at a position not exposed to the internal space (160) and connected to the first lead (137), and which is a portion of the first electrode (133) located most distant from the internal space (160). The entire first connection portion (133d) is located in a region A1 which extends from the internal space (160) over a distance of 1.0 mm or less. Also enclosed is a gas sensor including the gas sensor element. |
| US09551683B2 |
Controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor
A controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor including, as gas electrodes 10 for detecting gas, a working electrode for electrochemically reacting gas to be detected, a counter electrode with respect to the working electrode, and a reference electrode for controlling potential of the working electrode, the gas electrodes 10 being disposed to face an electrolysis solution accommodating portion of an electrolysis tank accommodating electrolytic solution 20. Each electrode 10 includes a noble metal catalyst layer 50. On the noble metal catalyst layer 50 of at least one of the working electrode and the reference electrode, there is formed a polymer layer 60 having ion conductivity and water permeability. |
| US09551682B2 |
High throughput biochemical detection using single molecule fingerprinting arrays
Various embodiments provide devices, methods, and systems for high throughput biomolecule detection using transducer arrays. In one embodiment, a transducer array made up of transducer elements may be used to detect byproducts from chemical reactions that involve redox genic tags. Each transducer element may include at least a reaction chamber and a fingerprinting region, configured to flow a fluid from the reaction chamber through the fingerprinting region. The reaction chamber can include a molecule attachment region and the fingerprinting region can include at least one set of electrodes separated by a nanogap for conducting redox cycling reactions. In embodiments, by flowing the chamber content obtained from a reaction of a latent redox tagged probe molecule, a catalyst, and a target molecule in the reaction chamber through the fingerprinting region, the redox cycling reactions can be detected to identify redox-tagged biomolecules. |
| US09551679B2 |
Device for measuring the thermal conductivity of gas components of a gas mixture
A device for measuring thermal conductivity of gas components of a gas mixture in order to determine fractions of the gas components includes a plurality of thermal conductivity sensors, each thermal conductivity sensor being a component of a resistance bridge circuit and being connected to an evaluation unit associated with the device. Each thermal conductivity sensor has a heating element and an integrated temperature measuring element, which elements generate two measuring voltages (UM3, UM2) when the temperature of the thermal conductivity sensor changes as a result of heat dissipation by the gas mixture. Voltages are compared in the evaluation unit in order to detect measuring errors. |
| US09551678B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first substrate provided with a pixel circuit in a display region, a second substrate provided facing the first substrate, a dam agent bonding the first substrate and the second substrate and sealing the display region, and a moisture detection part provided between a first region provided with the dam agent and the display region. |
| US09551676B2 |
System and method for determining the radiological composition of material layers within a conduit
There is provided a System and Method For Determining The Radiological Composition of Material Layers Within a Conduit. The system and method disclosed is equally applicable to pipes, vessels, and conduits as well as medical applications such as determining vessel thickness, occlusion, scarring, or the like in humans and animals. A phantom setup is disclosed that has a phantom containing a test standard such as a reactor water test standard, removable plates, a collimator and probe with a spectrometer display. The phantom setup provides a baseline data set that can be used in conjunction with field measurements to determine the composition of materials within the conduit, such as corrosion or the like. The baseline data set may be semi-logarithmic and contains spectrometer readings of various plate thicknesses or quantities of plates. |
| US09551675B2 |
Computed tomography system and X-ray collimator thereof
A computed tomography system and an X-ray collimator thereof are provided, which have a good collimator effect. The X-ray collimator includes a plurality of first plates extending in the circumferential direction of the computed tomography system and a plurality of second plates extending in the axial direction of the computed tomography system. The first plates and the second plates are inserted and engaged. Two adjacent first plates and two adjacent second plates define a through hole, and the extensions of the side walls of the through hole intersect at the focal spot of an X-ray source, so that the X-rays can pass through the through hole in a straight line. Since the extensions of the side walls of the through holes intersect at the focal spot of the X-ray source, the through holes are aligned with the radiation direction of corresponding X-rays. |
| US09551674B1 |
Method of producing an un-distorted dark field strain map at high spatial resolution through dark field electron holography
An inline dark field holographic method for measuring strain in a semiconductor or other crystalline material using a transmission electron microscope having an electron gun for passing an electron beam through strained and unstrained specimens. A condenser mini-lens between the magnetic tilting coil and the specimens increases defection of the beam at an angle with prior to passing through the pair of specimens. The first objective lens forms a virtual image of each of the specimens and the second objective lens focuses the virtual images of each of the specimens at an intermediate image plane to form intermediate images of each of the specimens. The biprism creates the interference pattern between the specimens is formed at the image plane, which may then be viewed to determine the degree of strain of the strained specimen and provides a coma-free strain map with minimal optical distortion. |
| US09551673B2 |
Security scanning device
A method of searching for a threat includes determining a characteristic of a target, determining an allowable dosage based on the characteristic, determining a parameter of a scanning beam based on the allowable dosage with a processing circuit, transmitting the scanning beam toward the target with a scanner, and creating a representation of the target with the processing circuit. |
| US09551672B2 |
Defect classifying method and optical inspection apparatus for silicon carbide substrate
Provided are a defect classifying method and an inspection apparatus which are capable of classifying a defect by distinguishing a basal plane dislocation, which is a killer defect in bipolar high-voltage elements, from other defects. The defect classifying method according to the present invention includes: projecting an illumination beam toward a silicon carbide substrate and forming a reflection image and a photoluminescence image; a first inspection step of detecting a defect image from the reflection image formed; a second inspection step of detecting a defect image from the photoluminescence image formed; and a defect classification step of classifying detected defects based on whether or not the defect image is detected and the shape of the detected defect image. |
| US09551669B2 |
Method and system for characterizing light emitting devices
Embodiments as disclosed herein provide a method and system that characterizes physical properties, such as thickness, uniformity, polarization, and/or sizes and locations of defect (e.g. defect density distribution) of crystalline structures grown on or thin films deposited on a substrate of a solid state light emitting device. The embodiments disclosed herein generally include exciting the light emitting device with an energy source and analyze optical energy emitted by the crystalline structures grown on or the thin films deposited on the substrate. |
| US09551666B2 |
M13 bacteriophage as a chemoaddressable nanoparticle for biological and medical applications
Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding. |
| US09551665B2 |
Method for detecting mitochondria gene alterations
The present invention relates to a method for detecting mitochondria alterations, which comprises the following steps: (A) providing a separation element and a sample; (B) mixing the separation element and the sample, wherein a detecting sample is obtained through the binding of a DNA fragment on the separation element to mitochondrial DNA in the sample; (C) dividing the detecting sample into a comparison group and a detection group; (D) adding an amplification solution into the comparison group and the detection group respectively to begin a DNA amplified reaction, and further adding a restriction enzyme into the detection group, wherein the amplification solution comprises a labeling reagent and a primer pair; and (E) detecting amounts of the labeling reagent in the comparison group and the detection group respectively after the DNA amplified reaction. |
| US09551658B2 |
STED microscopy with pulsed excitation, continuous stimulation, and gated registration of spontaneously emitted fluorescence light
In a STED fluorescence light microscope pulses of excitation light (3) are applied to a sample, which excite fluorescent entities contained in the sample for fluorescence, and which are focused on at least one focal area. Further, de-excitation light (12) is applied to the sample, which de-excites the excited fluorescent entities and which comprises an intensity zero point in the at least one focal area, as a continuous wave. Fluorescence light emitted by the excited fluorescent entities in the sample is registered after each pulse of the excitation light (3) and overlapping with applying the de-excitation light (13) with high temporal resolution between consecutive pulses of the excitation light (3). |
| US09551648B2 |
Substrate for the generation of surface plasmons and surface plasmon polaritons by means of an excitation radiation, method for the production of the substrate, and uses of the substrate
The invention is directed to a substrate for generating surface plasmons (SPs) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by means of an excitation radiation, wherein the substrate has a carrier layer and a coating with gold or silver. A surface of the carrier layer is provided with identical surface structures arranged in an array of rows and columns. The surface structures are recesses with an elongate shape which are arranged with a first periodicity (PH) and with a second periodicity (PV) in direction of the rows and orthogonal to the direction of the rows, respectively. The invention is further directed to a method for the production of the substrate and to uses of the substrate. |
| US09551645B2 |
Flow cytometry apparatus and methods
A particle analyzer, comprising a source of a substantially nondiffracting light beam; a flow path configured to produce in a flowcell a ribbon-like core stream having a cross-sectional aspect ratio of at least 4 and a largest cross-sectional dimension of at least 50 micrometers; the flowcell being configured to expose a segment of the core stream to the light beam; a detector configured to receive a signal resulting from an interaction of a particle in the core stream with the light beam; a first sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, downstream of the exposed segment of core stream; a plurality of sorting channels in fluid connection with the flow path and downstream of the first actuator; the actuator having multiple actuation states, each state configured to direct at least one part of the core stream to a corresponding channel; a second sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, opposite the first actuator, and operable in coordination with the first actuator. |
| US09551642B2 |
Characterizing ionic and nonionic condensation from a mixed vapor stream
A method includes forming a mixed vapor supply stream (MVSS) including measured amounts of water vapor, hydrocarbon vapor, and a carrier gas. For multiple target temperatures, the method includes (i) cooling the MVSS to form a first liquid stream and a mixed vapor outlet stream (MVOS), (ii) cooling the MVOS to condense vapor and form a second liquid stream, (iii) measuring an amount of a selected component in the second liquid stream, and (iv) calculating an amount of the selected component in the first liquid stream as the difference between the measured amounts of the selected component in the MVSS and the second liquid stream. The amount of the selected component as a function of the target temperature is analyzed to identify a lowest temperature at which the first liquid stream is expected to contain none of the selected component other than an amount soluble in the first liquid stream. |
| US09551638B2 |
Compression measurement device
Performance of an article of sporting equipment, such as a ball bat, is measured by applying a force through a spring of known elastic properties to compress the article of sporting equipment. Compliance of the article of sporting equipment to a known standard is based on the compression of the article of sporting equipment. |
| US09551637B2 |
Flow rate balanced, dynamically adjustable sheath delivery system for flow cytometry
Disclosed is a sheath delivery system that uses a continuous flow of sheath fluid into a pressurized internal reservoir that substantially matches the outflow of sheath fluid through the nozzle of a flow cytometer. A substantially constant level of the sheath fluid is maintained. If the sheath fluid level falls below a desired level, or goes above a desired level, a dampened control system is used to reach the desired level. In addition, air pressure in the pressurized internal container is controlled so that an external sheath container can be removed and refilled with additional sheath fluid without stopping the sheath delivery system 100. Differences in pressure are detected by a droplet camera, which measures the droplet breakoff point to determine the pressure of the sheath fluid in the nozzle. |
| US09551635B2 |
Sample processing system
In accordance with an embodiment of a system for handling and processing chemical and/or biological samples, a MicroChamber comprises a substrate, a reservoir formed on the substrate for receiving a chemical and/or biological sample, and an encoder such as a barcode or other suitable device. The encoder encodes information describing at least one characteristic of the substrate and/or reservoir. |
| US09551634B2 |
Testing apparatus for touch panel and method for using the same
A testing apparatus for a touch panel is disclosed, which includes a control system, a plurality of supporting members and a plurality of contact members. The supporting members are respectively connected to the control system, wherein one side of each of the supporting members includes at least one contact member, which is configured to be used to touch the touch panel. The contacting members are capable of being moved relative to the touch panel when the supporting members are driven by the control system. Also a method for using the same apparatus is disclosed. |
| US09551633B2 |
Systems and methods for improved reliability operations
A system for improved reliability operations of a system with a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) are presented. The system includes a processor configured to execute a model library to model a safety system. The model library includes a plurality of subsystem models each configured to derive a reliability measure. The system also includes the HRSG and an HRSG advisory system. The HRSG advisory system may be executed by the processor and is configured to receive one or more condition monitoring algorithm results, receive one or more measurements; and determine a probability of failure for the HRSG based at least in part on the one or more condition monitoring algorithm results, the one or more measurements, the model library, or a combination thereof. Moreover, determining the probability of failure includes determining a most likely state of a plurality of states of the HRSG. |
| US09551632B2 |
Probe retention-sealing feature
A probe assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The probe assembly may include a probe, and a fastener to retain the probe within a case of the gas turbine engine, the fastener including a sealing arrangement with a heat shield of the gas turbine engine. |
| US09551627B2 |
Dynamic wind velocity and pressure simulator
Various examples are provided for dynamic simulation of wind velocity and pressure. In one embodiment, among others, a dynamic wind simulator includes a fan and a fast-acting damper connected to an inlet of the fan. The fast-acting damper configured to modulate airflow provided by the fan at frequencies up to 10 Hz. In another embodiment, a system includes a fan and an air outlet path of the fan connected to a testing assembly configured to support a specimen for testing. An air inlet path of the fan includes a fast-acting damper configured to modulate airflow provided by the fan to the testing assembly at frequencies up to 10 Hz. The testing assembly may include a pressure chamber and/or a test section. |
| US09551625B2 |
Pressure measurement devices, methods, and systems
A pressure measurement system for use in blood circuits comprised of a pressure sensing pod and a force measurement device. The pressure sensing pod can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A mechanical engagement member of the force measurement device engages with a mechanical engagement feature of the diaphragm, and the engagement member is operative to move in concert with movement of the engagement feature of the diaphragm based on pressure variations with the pressure sensing pod. The force measurement device generates and outputs to a processor a signal based on detected force associated with movement of the engagement member. |
| US09551624B2 |
Tensile force measuring device
The invention relates to a device for measuring the tensile force of a long object, in which the sensor (1) and the display unit (6) can be separated from one another and, if that is the case, communicate in a wireless manner. |
| US09551617B2 |
Raman spectroscopic analyzer
Raman spectroscopic analyzer including: a beam-casting unit 3 for receiving a light beam generated by a light source and for converging the light beam on a predetermined position in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction of a measurement chamber through which a liquid sample is passed; and a light-receiving unit placed at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the predetermined position, for receiving scattered light emitted from the fluid sample. Among the scattered light which enters the light-receiving unit, the portion which enters this unit after being reflected by the inner wall surface opposite to this unit is eliminated, so that the amount of noise in the Raman spectroscopic measurement is considerably reduced. |
| US09551611B2 |
Protective product reporting system
A reporting system includes a mobile computing device that wirelessly communicates with one or more sensors to track the use of a protective product. Reports are provided on the mobile computing device to remind and motivate a user of the protective product to use it at times most beneficial for receiving the intended protection from it. |
| US09551604B2 |
Multiphase flowmeter
A multiphase flowmeter includes a first flow quantity measurer configured to transmit and receive a first measurement signal, the first flow quantity measurer being disposed on an outside wall of a vertical pipe line, a second flow quantity measurer configured to transmit and receive a second measurement signal, the second flow quantity measurer being disposed on an outside wall of a horizontal pipe line which is connected to the vertical pipeline, and a flow quantity parameter calculator configured to receive the first measurement signal from the first flow quantity measurer and the second measurement signal from the second flow quantity measurer, the flow quantity parameter calculating a flow quantity parameter in accordance with the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal. |
| US09551601B2 |
Variable line size averaging pitot tube
Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for coupling an averaging picot tube (APT) primary element to a process pipe. A mounting assembly mounts the APT primary element to the process pipe such that a length of the APT primary element extending into the process pipe is adjustable to accommodate different sized process pipe diameters. The mounting assembly includes a weld coupling coupled to the process pipe over an opening in the process pipe and having the APT primary element extending therethrough into the process pipe. An extension pipe nipple is connected to the weld coupling and has the APT primary element extending therethrough such that a transition between a neck section and a sensor section of the APT primary element is positioned inside the extension pipe nipple. A union component, a ferrule, and a cap keep the APT primary element in the mounted position and form a process seal. |
| US09551599B2 |
Normalized process dynamics
A sensing system includes a filter construction module that constructs a high pass filter for filtering sensor values indicative of a process variable, the filter construction module setting values for parameters of the filter based on a temperature value indicative of a temperature of the sensor that produced the sensor values. |
| US09551592B2 |
Method of counting step number applied in electronic device
The present disclosure relates to a method of counting step-number. When detecting step-number executed by an electronic device, a g-sensor of the electronic device detects whether the moving speed is normal (one step per second), i.e. the detection result is the G value, or the movement speed has abnormal variation (such as one step per two seconds or five seconds), i.e. the detection result is the G value at Y axis, and the electronic device computes the step-number according to sums of maximum values and minimum values of speed variations every second within a counting period, and average of the sums. The processing unit determines the variation of the step-numbers of the G values and the G values at Y axis, and selects one of the two step-numbers for use as a correct step-number detection result, so as to achieve the objective of precisely computing step-number upon the speed variation. |
| US09551587B2 |
Navigation device and navigation method capable of presenting prompt information with different light effects
The present disclosure discloses a navigation device and a navigation method. The navigation method includes a satellite signal receiving module of the navigation device for receiving a positioning signal, a control unit of the navigation device for controlling a display module to display a navigation map on a map region according to the positioning signal, and the control unit of the navigation device for controlling a prompt region to present prompt information with different light effects according to traffic information. The prompt region is located outside the map region. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the user to further pay too much cognitive attention on understanding or referring to the navigation images and instructions, so the driving safety can be ensured. |
| US09551586B2 |
System and method for providing contextual information for a location
A contextual description of the arrival location can be determined based on individual or combined attributes, which include (i) a text-based identifier of one or more of the multiple places, and (ii) a spatial relationship as between one or more of the places, or as between the multiple places and the arrival location. The contextual description can be provided for a navigation interface of a computing device used by the user. |
| US09551585B2 |
Vehicle assistance device
A fuel supply prompting method obtains a remaining fuel level of a vehicle from a detection unit, determines a fuel economy of the vehicle, and determines an available moving distance of the vehicle that the remaining fuel level can sustain according to the fuel economy of the vehicle. The method recalls a navigation system to determine a distance of a route from a current position of the vehicle to a destination. The method compares the available moving distance with the distance of the route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination, to determine whether the vehicle can reach the destination without refueling. The method further generates a first prompt when the vehicle cannot reach the destination without refueling. And a related vehicle assistance device is also provided. |
| US09551582B2 |
Mobile communication device
A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof. |
| US09551578B1 |
Systems and methods for a ring laser gyroscope with electrically isolated dither motor
Systems and methods for a ring laser gyroscope with electrically isolated dither motor are provided. In one embodiment, a ring laser gyroscope, the gyroscope comprises: a laser block comprising a discharge gas filled chamber ring, a cathode, an anode and at least one other electrode; a dither motor mechanically coupled to the laser block and to a sensor chassis, wherein the laser block is secured to the sensor chassis by the dither motor; and an electrical isolator positioned between the dither motor and the laser block, wherein the electrical isolator electrically isolates the dither motor from the sensor chassis. |
| US09551577B2 |
Gyroscope structure and gyroscope
A gyroscope structure with a specific arrangement of drive and sense structures and coupling spring structures, which allows orthogonally directed motions of larger scale drive and sense structures in a very limited surface area. |
| US09551568B2 |
Prediction of a focal plane with progressive through-focus scans
A method for operating a scanning microscope system. The optimal number of required through-focus scans, that is required to predict the position of a focal plane of the objective with respect to the object to produce the image with minimized blur, is not pre-determined but rather defined iteratively in real-time, contemporaneously with conducting the sample scanning operation itself. |
| US09551567B2 |
Reducing noise in spectral data from polishing substrates
Among other things, a machine based method includes representing a plurality of spectra reflected from one or more substrates at a plurality of different positions on the one or more substrates in the form of a first matrix; decomposing, by one or more computers, the first matrix into products of at least two component matrixes of a first set of component matrixes; reducing dimensions of each of the at least two component matrixes to produce a second set of component matrixes containing the at least two matrixes with reduced dimensions; and generating, by the one or more computers, a second matrix by taking a product of the matrixes of the second set of component matrixes. |
| US09551565B2 |
Method and system for optical coherence tomography including obtaining at least two two-dimensional images of an object in three-dimensional space
A method and corresponding system for optical coherence tomography includes optical coherence tomography equipment that acquires at least two two-dimensional initial images of an object in planes of the object that are spaced apart from one another, in particular running parallel to one another, wherein the initial images each include a plurality of initial image values. In order to assure an examination of the object in the case of medical applications that is as reliable as possible, an interpolation of the initial image values of the at least two two-dimensional initial images is performed in three-dimensional space, wherein interpolation values are obtained that form a two-dimensional final image. |
| US09551564B2 |
Optical coherence tomography apparatus and optical coherence tomography method
An OCT apparatus includes a wavelength selector provided on an optical path between a light source unit and a pair of optical detection units, and having a wavelength selectivity with equal wavenumber intervals. A differential detection unit detects a differential between two interference lights detected by the two optical detection units, and an information acquisition unit obtains peak values in the temporal waveform of the intensity of the interference lights and acquires information about an object on the basis of the obtained peak values. |
| US09551562B2 |
Method and device for determining the absolute position of a movable body
In a method for determining absolute position of a mobile element in reference to two magneto-sensitive sensors, having a source of a magnetic field fastened to the element, a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal are measured with one magneto-sensitive sensor each. An amplitude ratio of the respective sensor signals and the off-set values about the respective zero point of the sensor signals are determined from the minimum and maximum values of the sensor signals, and from these values, scaled sensor signals are calculated that form a sum signal and a difference signal, which are scaled, with the determination of the minimum and the maximum values occurring by a relative movement of the element over a full range of motion, and an absolute position is calculated via the scaled sum signal and the scaled difference signal. |
| US09551558B2 |
Articulated arm
An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. At least two of the articulation members can include at least one encoder and the at least two encoders can both be enclosed within a single monoblock housing. |
| US09551555B2 |
Projectile
Embodiments of a projectile are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a projectile includes a substantially solid core of a material, and two or more petals attached to the core. The two or more petals can be formed from the same material used to form the core and can include a trocar tip. A cavity can be bound by the core and inner surfaces of the plurality of petals. |
| US09551545B1 |
Pivot axis pin fixtures for rifle receivers
A pivot-axis, pin arrangement for rifle receivers can serve as a trigger or hammer pin therefor. A lower housing has a pair of sidewalls defining a gap and with a pair of bores spaced across the gap. The outer side of one sidewall has a slightly recessed channel which is elongated between spaced ends, at least one of which is rounded and centered on the axes of the spaced bores. The pivot axis pin has a cylindrical shaft and a T-slot head style head. The head has one portion forming an annular ring while the remaining portion is elongated to an end. In use, the pin is inserted through the bores, and is ‘simply supported’ by the ends thereof in the bores therefor. The head of the pin locks against rotation merely by settling in into at least one rounded end of the recessed channel. |
| US09551542B2 |
Firearm configuration for reducing recoil
Disclosed is a firearm configuration for a handgun. The firearm configuration is designed to reduce the recoil forces encountered by a user upon firing the weapon. Recoil forces are reduced by lowering the firearm's center of mass and by aligning a recoiling mass with the user's arm and trigger finger. The various detail of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter. |
| US09551539B2 |
Heat exchanger and manufacturing method thereof
A heat exchanger which may be continuously mass-produced by press-fitting heat exchange fins into refrigerant tubes and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method includes processing a metal sheet into a plurality of rows of heat exchange fins, transferring the plurality of rows of heat exchange fins through a transfer apparatus, dividing the plurality of rows of heat exchange fins into heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and heat exchange fins in even-numbered rows and integrating the heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows through integration apparatuses, vertically standing and aligning the heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows, separating the heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows into a number of heat exchange fins, which may be simultaneously press-fitted into refrigerant tubes, through separation apparatuses, and press-fitting the separated heat exchange fins into the refrigerant tubes. |
| US09551538B2 |
Sheet-type heat pipe and mobile terminal using the same
Provided is a sheet-type heat pipe that has a sufficient heat transport capability and can be effortlessly installed in a thin chassis. The sheet-type heat pipe is made of a sealed container having a thickness of not larger than 0.5 mm. This container is formed by stacking and diffusion-joining together etched sheet bodies. Particularly, etching is performed on one side surface of each of the sheet bodies such that fine concavities and convexities can be formed on the inner surface of the container and the sheet-type heat pipe with a sufficient heat transport capability can thus be obtained even when the thickness of the container is not larger than 0.5 mm. More particularly, since the thickness of the container is formed to not larger than 0.5 mm, the sheet-type heat pipe can be effortlessly installed in a thin chassis such as that of a mobile terminal. |
| US09551533B2 |
Heat exchanger unit
A heat exchanger unit includes a heat exchanger main body in which a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger are arranged in series relative to a refrigerant flowing direction and an air flowing direction. The heat exchanger main body includes on one side thereof an external connection portion configured to supply at least refrigerant and on the other side thereof a communicating portion configured to connect (allowing fluid communication between) the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A bypass flow path extends from the one side to the other side of the heat exchanger main body, and is configured to bypass the first heat exchanger. At least one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger includes a pair of tank sections disposed at an interval, and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes configured to connect the pair of tank sections. |
| US09551532B2 |
Modular air cooled condenser apparatus and method
A mechanical draft cooling tower employs air cooled condenser modules and operates by mechanical draft to exchange heat between atmospheric air and steam. The cooling tower utilizes a modular air cooled condenser with heat exchange deltas having tube bundles that are manufactured and assembled prior to being shipped to the tower site. |
| US09551522B2 |
Self-cooling compositions, systems and methods
Self-cooling compositions and systems adapted to rapidly chill a substance in a compact container are provided. In some implementations, the composition comprises an aqueous solution and solid chemical reactants, wherein at least one solid chemical reactant is selected independently from the group consisting of NH4NO3, urea, and mixtures thereof; and a second solid chemical reactant is selected independently from the group consisting of NH4Cl, calcium sulfate, borax, phosphates, MgCl2, carrageenan, and mixtures thereof. The self-cooling compositions and systems can have a wide range of applications such as cooling comestibles or medical assay kits. |
| US09551518B2 |
Automotive air conditioner and expansion valve
A first expansion valve is provided in a first refrigerant circulation passage through which the refrigerant discharged from a compressor is able to circulate by passing sequentially through an external heat exchanger and an evaporator and returning to the compressor. A second expansion valve is provided in a second refrigerant circulation passage through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is able to circulate by passing sequentially through an auxiliary condenser and the external heat exchanger and returning to the compressor. The second expansion valve regulates the valve opening degree such that the refrigerant state at an inlet side of the compressor during a heating operation is in a range where the dryness of refrigerant is greater than or equal to 0.9 and the superheat of refrigerant is less than or equal to 5° C. |
| US09551517B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a controller configured to control opening and closing of a solenoid valve and that of a solenoid valve depending on any of a time when a compressor is activated, a time when the compressor is in normal operation, a time when a temperature of a motor of the compressor rises in the normal operation, and a time when the compressor stopped due to low-pressure cutoff is activated. |
| US09551509B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for fastening roofing strapsand structural members to roofs
A number of apparatuses and methods for fastening roofing straps and structural members to roofs are disclosed. |
| US09551507B2 |
Process for producing an element for absorbing solar radiation for a thermal concentrating solar power plant
A solar radiation absorber element for a thermal concentrating solar power plant is achieved by forming a selective coating on an outer surface of a substrate made from stainless steel, chosen from stainless steels presenting an aluminum content of more than 0.5% by weight. Formation of the selective coating includes a surface treatment step of the substrate, by polishing, and a heat treatment step of the substrate, in an oxidizing atmosphere, in a temperature range included between 550° C. and 650° C. The heat treatment in particular enables at least one intrinsically selective superficial thin layer to be formed on the outer surface of the substrate. |
| US09551502B2 |
Hybrid ventilation apparatus capable of both natural and forced ventilation
Disclosed herein is a hybrid ventilation apparatus capable of both natural and forced ventilation. In the case of a natural ventilation mode, a worm gear is rotated in a normal direction by drive force of a drive unit under control of a control unit so that a pressing member engages with a rotation guide protrusion and rotates a damper, thus opening a flow passage, and then the worm gear is reversely rotated by drive force of the drive unit to return the pressing member to its original position, thus allowing a user to rotate a roller upwards and downwards and rotate the damper so that the degree of opening of the flow passage can be adjusted. Thereby, rapid inflow of outdoor air can be blocked, and a cold graft phenomenon, in which the temperature of indoor air rapidly drops, can be prevented. |
| US09551501B2 |
Multi-mode auto changeover system
An auto changeover mechanism for a thermostat. A heat and cool mode auto changeover with single or crossed setpoints may be an approach for doing a single setpoint auto changeover, an approach that can handle auto changeover with separate heat and cool setpoints that do not require the cool setpoint to always be higher than the heat setpoint, and also an approach that does not necessarily require a dead band between the setpoints. A hysteresis may be associated with switching to the other mode. The thermostat having the auto changeover mechanism may have a display of a mode that automatically changes between heat and cool. |
| US09551495B2 |
HVAC system grading systems and methods
A first tracking module increments a first period of time when a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is ON during a predetermined period of time. A second tracking module increments a second period of time when, during the predetermined period of time: (i) the HVAC system is ON and (ii) a split temperature of the HVAC system is outside of a temperature range of the HVAC system. A grade determination module determines a grade of the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time based on both the first period of time and the second period of time. A reporting module generates a displayable report for the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time. The report includes the grade of the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time. |
| US09551492B2 |
Gas turbine engine system and an associated method thereof
A gas turbine engine system includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The combustor is coupled to the compressor and disposed downstream of the compressor. The combustor includes a secondary combustor section coupled to a primary combustor section and disposed downstream of the primary combustor section. The combustor also includes a transition nozzle coupled to the secondary combustor section and disposed downstream of the secondary combustor section. The combustor further includes an injector coupled to the secondary combustor section, for injecting an air-fuel mixture to the secondary combustor section. The turbine is coupled to the combustor and disposed downstream of the transition nozzle; wherein the transition nozzle is oriented substantially tangential to the turbine. |
| US09551485B2 |
Method for controlling NOx concentration in exhaust gas in combustion facility using pulverized coal
A method for controlling an NOx concentration in an exhaust gas in a combustion facility by: measuring a reaction velocity ki of each of a plurality of chars, each corresponding to a plurality of types of pulverized coals; determining a relationship between the NOx concentration in the exhaust gas and the reaction velocity ki for each of the chars; (iii) blending the plurality of the types of the pulverized coal, wherein a blending ratio of the plurality of the types of the pulverized coal is determined by using, as an index, a reaction velocity kblend of the char of the blended pulverized coal, which corresponds to a target NOx concentration or below, on the basis of the relationship; and supplying the blended pulverized coal to the combustion facility as the fuel of the combustion facility. |
| US09551484B2 |
Electric lamp with pin safety arrangement
An electric lamp comprises a lighting module, a pin comprising an electric contact for powering the lighting module, and an insulating sleeve surrounding the pin and movable along the pin between a covering position and an uncovering position. Further, the sleeve covers the electric contact of the pin when in the covering position, and is retractable against the action of a biasing means to the uncovering position, in which the sleeve uncovers at least a portion of said electric contact of the pin. |
| US09551480B2 |
Tubular LED lamp with flexible circuit board
There is herein described an LED lamp suitable for replacing conventional fluorescent lamps. The LED lamp has a tubular body and a flexible circuit board as compared to the rigid circuit boards used in other similar lamps. The flexible circuit board has a plurality of LEDs, electric circuitry for powering the LEDs, and a curvature that is maintained by a retention means. The curvature of the flexible circuit board substantially corresponds to the curvature of the tubular body which places the LEDs further away from the front surface of the lamp thereby allowing for improved diffusion and light distribution. |
| US09551477B2 |
More than one level(s) LED bulb has multiple features
An LED bulb has more than one movable level that can change position to avoid blocking or interference with heat dissipation, light emission or projection, or control signal transmission. The LED bulb offers nearby and far away illumination or any combination of other light effects, image projection, or digital data image display, and may function in response to a power failure remote control or control by an infrared controller, Bluetooth controller, WiFi, Internet, or app software control, or a motion sensor. |
| US09551476B2 |
Light flux controlling member and light emitting device
A luminous flux control member (100) has: a light input region (110), to which light having been outputted from a light emitting element (210) is inputted; and a light output region (150), from which the light having been inputted from the light input region (110) is outputted. The input region (110) has: a refracting section (120); a reflection fresnel lens section (130), which is positioned outside of the refracting section (120); and a reflecting surface (140), which is positioned outside of the reflection fresnel lens section (130). The reflecting surface (140) reflects, toward the light output region (150), the light which has been inputted to the reflection fresnel lens section (130), and which has not been reflected (the light leaked from the reflection fresnel lens section (130)). |
| US09551474B2 |
Wavelength conversion member, light source, and vehicle head lamp
A wavelength conversion member includes: a heat conducting layer; a sapphire substrate having a third surface directly contact with a second surface of the heat conducting layer and the fourth surface opposite to the third surface; and a phosphor layer having a fifth surface directly contact with the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface, the phosphor layer including phosphor. At least one of an area of a first surface and an area of the second surface of the heat conducting layer is at least 2800 times as large as an area of the sixth surface of the phosphor layer. At least one of an area of the third surface and an area of the fourth surface of the sapphire substrate is at least two times as large as the area of the sixth surface of the phosphor layer. |
| US09551471B2 |
Lighting system having grids
The invention provides a lighting system (1) comprising at least 16 lighting units (100) arranged in a grid (2) with in at least one direction center-to-center distances (d) between nearest neighbor lighting units (100) in the range of 4-16 mm, wherein each lighting unit (100) comprises a light source (110) and an optical element (20) configured to control a beam shape of light (101) generated by the light source (110), wherein each lighting unit (100) is conjured to generate said light (101) having a luminous flux of at least 100 lm and wherein the lighting system comprises as one luminous surface a plurality of grids (2), wherein between two nearest neighbor grids (2) an intermediate region (300) without a lighting unit (100) is configured, and with in at least one direction a shortest distance (d3) between nearest neighbor grids (2) of at least 35 mm. |
| US09551464B2 |
Low profile LED lamp bulb
A low profile LED lamp with high efficient heat dissipation is disclosed. Each of the lead frame unit has a left top metal section, left middle metal section, right top metal section, and a top-down tapered metal section. The top-down tapered metal section is bent inwards to form a lead frame bottom cup which is suitable for fitting in the low profile LED lamp. |
| US09551463B2 |
Retrofit LED lighting system
A retrofit LED lighting system with a combination of a directional downlight component and an indirect uplight component is provided. The system comprises light emitting diodes arranged so as to replicate the function of a legacy light source in a transparent or translucent fixture housing. The LED lamp includes upwards facing LEDs emitting light upwards, and a translucent stem covering the uplight LEDs to allow the light from the LEDs to pass through it. Advantageously, the LED lamp with uplight component and a transparent/translucent stem allows the light to be directed upwards and hence, avoids having a sharp cut-off of light appearing in the middle of the reflector fixture and also avoids a lack of uplight shone on the ceiling. |
| US09551461B2 |
CNG/LNG filling station
A method and apparatus for a natural gas filling station comprising a dispenser; a structure covering the dispenser and having a canopy top; at least one tank disposed on the canopy top, the tank having at least one gas therein comprising CNG or LNG; and at least one line between the tank and the dispenser for communicating the gas between the tank and the dispenser. |
| US09551459B2 |
Multifunctional ultraportable support
Ultraportable support (A, B, B′, C, D, E), comprising at least two feet (2) attached by means of hinges (3) allowing rotation of said feet (2), a locking system (5) of the hinges (3) allowing to maintain the feet (2) into different angular positions, the support further comprises at least two straps (4) whose width is substantially constant over the entire length, each of the straps (4) being attached to the two opposed feet (2) at a location of the foot distant from the hinges (3). |
| US09551458B2 |
Pivot bearing unit comprising a braking device
A pivot bearing unit (18), having a pneumatic braking device (21) with a first and second bearing part (22, 23), which are embodied as rotatable relative to one another, wherein the braking device (21) is activatable by means of compressed air (36) via a compressed air supply line (10). The braking device (21) is provided with a brake hose (1), embedded in a bearing plate (14), in the first bearing part (22), and the brake hose (1) expands as a result of subjection to compressed air (36) with a motion (8) in the direction of a free end (16) and, via an axially movable switching ring (2), exerts a force (17) on at least one brake block (6) of the second bearing part (23), for transmitting a braking moment (15) between the first and second bearing parts (22, 23). |
| US09551456B2 |
Belleville washer nut plate
An apparatus includes a nut plate with a plurality of retention tabs integrally attached to the nut plate. A spring assembly is contained with the plurality of retention tabs. The apparatus also includes a nut retained by the retention tabs. |
| US09551449B2 |
Method for creating a seal between pipe liners
A method of providing a seal between pipe liners in a pipe, or at the juncture between a main and lateral pipe is provided. A first liner, which has been impregnated or otherwise coated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening, is positioned in a pipe about an area in need of repair. A second liner, also including the resinous material, is place in the same pipe, with a portion of the second liner overlapping a portion of the first liner. A sealing member, such as a hydrophilic or hydrophobic band or material, is placed between the two liners at the overlap to seal the connection of the two liners. |
| US09551448B2 |
Coupling designed for pressure-relieved coupling
This invention relates to a coupling comprising a male part and a female part (7, 9), each having a ducting system (39) for the transmission of fluid (F) during the use of the coupling (1, 1′, 2), at least a front portion (13) comprising a main valve member (19) designed to prevent the fluid (F) from leaving the ducting system (39) when the coupling (1, 1′, 2) is uncoupled. An operating member (5) is connected to a pilot valve member (41, 63, 63″, 64) for controlling the flow of fluid (F) to and for pressurizing a valve chamber (45, 45″) in which a pressure relief valve member (33, 33′, 35, 35″) is designed to move into a position in which the ducting system (39) is opened or throttled. |
| US09551447B2 |
Connector for connecting to a tube
A connector having a body 1 with a central throughway in which a tube T is received. A collet 30 within the body has a plurality of flexible legs 32 arranged to grip the tube T if a force is applied to withdraw the tube. The connector further comprises at least one first tooth 14, the first tooth having a gripping edge in a plane angled to a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the connector, and being mountable with respect to the body so as to be non-rotatable about the main axis X. |
| US09551443B2 |
Engine fluid line with flexible joint
A vehicle fluid line for transporting high and low pressure fluids of an engine includes a rigid pipe having opposing ends configured to fixedly couple with the engine. An adjustable joint divides a length of the rigid tube into first and second segments. The adjustable joint has a cylindrical housing coupled with the first segment and having an inner diameter. A stop feature protrudes from an outer diameter of the second segment and interfaces with the cylindrical housing to prevent disengagement of the second segment from the housing. An elastomeric grommet is seated between the inner and outer diameters and is configured to maintain a fluid seal that allows the second segment to rotate axially, pivot radially, and slide longitudinally within the cylindrical housing. |
| US09551442B2 |
Vehicle plastic intercooler pipe with low vibration characteristics
An intercooler pipe for a vehicle may include an inlet which is positioned at an upper portion of the intercooler pipe; an upper bellows portion which forms an upper bellows body that protrudes in a rib shape from a surface of a pipe body extended in a direction toward the inlet; an outlet which is positioned at a lower portion of the intercooler pipe; a lower bellows portion which forms a lower bellows body that protrudes in a rib shape from a surface of the pipe body extended in a direction toward the outlet; and an intermediate portion which has the pipe body bent downward from the upper bellows portion and connected to the lower bellows portion, wherein a thickness of the pipe body of the intermediate portion is greater than a thickness of the upper bellows body and a thickness of the lower bellows body. |
| US09551441B2 |
Multilayer pipe with polyamide layer
A pipe or pipeline for use in the oil and gas industry for conveying lines, collection pipelines and transport pipelines with reduced operating risk and increased lifetime is provided. The pipe contains: a) an external reinforcement layer and b) an internal liner which comprises securely bonded to one another: I) a layer made of a thermoplastic molding composition selected from a polyolefin molding composition and a fluoropolymer molding composition and II) a layer made of a polyamide molding composition, wherein not only the polyamide molding composition but also the molding composition of the layer according to I) in essence comprises no blend component which is composed of another polymer and which has disperse distribution in the molding composition. |
| US09551439B2 |
Wire management article
A wire management article includes a base sheet and a plurality of wire management elements. The base sheet has a major surface from which the wire management elements project. The wire management elements define a plurality of channels. Each channel is configured to retain at least one wire. The wire management article may include a cover sheet releasably attached to the base sheet. The wire management article may be part of a wire management system. |
| US09551436B2 |
Protective guide for cables and bracket used for the protective guide
A protective guide internally holds long members including at least one of flexible cable and duct to move in harmonization with the movement needed by the long members. The guide includes a flexible long plate-shaped base made of a synthetic resin and having a longitudinal direction, flexible sectioning members made of a synthetic resin, and two brackets. The sectioning members uprise from ends of the base, spaced apart from each other by gaps in the longitudinal direction, the ends facing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and cooperatively define a space for accommodating the long members along the base. The brackets detachably connect ends of the base to fixed and movable members of a machine installing the guide. Each bracket has a first engaging means detachably engaging the bracket with the gaps and a second engaging means detachably connecting the bracket to the fixed or movable member. |
| US09551425B2 |
Valve with stop mechanism
In the specification and drawings, a valve is described and shown having a first and second valve seat carrier, a valve seat associated with each valve seat carrier, and a valve ball between the valve seats. The valve further includes a stop mechanism operatively connected to at least a first valve seat, the stop mechanism limiting travel of the first valve seat towards the valve ball such that the valve ball may be push away from a sealing engagement with the first valve seat. |
| US09551423B2 |
Butterfly valves
A lightweight butterfly valve having a disk maintained in a fixed position on a compound shaft through an interlocking relation ship between each of the individual shafts of the compound shaft and the disk as the disk is moveable between an open or closed position with the butterfly valve may having other features such as an electric drive to quickly rotate the compound shaft to provide for rapid opening and closing the butterfly valve, a disk position indicator and a shaft stop to prevent the disk from being driven past a full open condition. |
| US09551422B2 |
Gasket
Gaskets for sealing two mating surfaces are described. The gaskets have an outer portion including a core between two sealing layers and an inner portion made of a deformable material and located in an aperature in the outer portion. The thickness of the inner portion is greater than the thickness of the outer portion. The inner portion may include a chemical treatment agent that can provide chemical protection to the mating surfaces. Methods of producing the gaskets and methods of using the gaskets for sealing joints, including corroded joints, are also described. |
| US09551421B2 |
Sliding member and process for producing the same
Object: To provide a sliding member with a low friction coefficient in which, when fine dents are formed in a surface of the sliding member by dimpling using a laser, no hard raised portions are generated, and which does not damage a mating member; and to provide a process for producing the sliding member.Solution Means: A sliding member comprising a polyamide resin and 10 to 50 wt % of a fibrous filler selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and whiskers, and having fine dents formed in a sliding surface thereof by dimpling using a laser; and a process for producing a sliding member comprising adding 10 to 50 wt % of a fibrous filler selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and whiskers to a polyamide resin, and forming fine dents in a sliding surface of the sliding member by dimpling using a laser. |
| US09551418B1 |
System and method for reducing engine flywheel power reduction while protecting drivetrain components
Methods and systems are disclosed for reducing engine flywheel power reduction of an engine while protecting a drivetrain. The method includes monitoring transmission gear selection; determining reduction in flywheel power to protect the drivetrain; and monitoring engine power consumption by other engine power loads. When other engine power loads consume less power than the reduction in flywheel power to protect the drivetrain, the method includes reducing flywheel power by the power difference. When other engine power loads consume the same or more power than the reduction in flywheel power to protect the drivetrain, the method includes not reducing the flywheel power. Engine power can be consumed by both on-vehicle and off-vehicle power loads. Engine power can be consumed by an electric generator and/or a plurality of inverters, and their power consumption can be monitored. Information and commands can be communicated over a controller area network (CAN) bus. |
| US09551417B2 |
Gearbox for a motor vehicle
Described herein is a gearbox for a motor vehicle including a plurality of forward gear ratios and a reverse gear ratio, the gearbox further including: a control device (configured for controlling the selection and the engagement of said forward gear ratios and of said reverse gear ratio; and a plurality of engagement devices that can be controlled by means of said control device for engaging the forward gear ratios or reverse gear ratio (RM) of the gearbox that are operatively associated to said devices. The gearbox includes a locking device, which is electrically controlled and configured for preventing actuation of the engagement device associated to a predetermined forward gear ratio, said locking device being configured for being actuated above a threshold speed of the motor vehicle on which said gearbox is installed. |
| US09551415B2 |
Output torque control method
Readings of multiple sensors are utilized to estimate transmission output, which is used as a feedback signal to control the torque capacity of a transmission clutch. Some sensor readings, such as transmission output speed, are used to compute an input vector. Then, a current state vector is computed as a linear function of the previous state vector and the input vector. One of the values in the state vector is shaft twist, which is proportional to transmission output torque. Various other sensor readings, including wheel speed, are used to correct for noise. Wheel speed signals are received with a delay. To accommodate this delay, the state vector is expanded to include estimates of wheel speed at various past points in time. An accelerometer reading is used at very low speeds at which the wheel speed sensor and transmission output speed sensor are unreliable. |
| US09551407B2 |
Transmission
The invention concerns a transmission mounted in a housing between a turbine and a generator on top of a tower of a wind turbine, comprising a gearbox and in the gearbox a main gear mounted on a main gear shaft and a pinion that engages a set of gear teeth of the main gear. The pinion is mounted on a pinion shaft and the pinion shaft is coupled to a hydraulic pump mounted on the gearbox, a hydraulic motor drives the generator. In accordance with the invention the main gear shaft and the rotor shaft together form a common shaft and a main gear shaft bearing is mounted between the common shaft and the gearbox and at least two tension bars prevent the rotation of the gearbox and leave the gearbox free to move in linear directions. |
| US09551404B2 |
Continuously variable transmission and an infinitely variable transmission variator drive
A transmission having a variator drive capable of being placed in a continuously variable operating mode or an infinitely variable operating mode, capable of having a wide ratio range, and capable of integrating a clutching capability within the transmission. The variable transmissions can be operated in at least two different operating modes, depending on an engagement status of the clutches therein. Methods of running the variable transmissions and drivelines that incorporate such variable transmissions are provided. |
| US09551401B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes an input arrangement associated with an input shaft and an output arrangement associated with an output shaft. An input sprocket and an output sprocket are connected via a chain. An input cone member is connected to the input shaft, disposed within a central opening of the input sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the input sprocket such that rotation of the input cone causes the input sprocket to rotate. An output cone member is connected to the output shaft, disposed within a central opening of the output sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the output sprocket such that rotation of the output sprocket causes rotation of the output cone member. |
| US09551399B2 |
Cable guiding and protecting chain
A cable guiding-protecting chain comprises a plurality of chain members connected in series. Each chain member comprises two connection plates which face each other and are spaced apart from each other and a first link plate and a second link plate which each connect the two connection plates. The two connection plates, the first link plate and the second link plate cooperate to define a passing space penetrating from the front to the rear. Each connection plate has an inner link portion at a front segment thereof, an outer link portion at a rear segment thereof and an outer step portion. The outer link portion has a rear end edge which is arcuate in shape and a thinned portion which is close to the rear end edge and is thinned in thickness at a side adjacent to the passing space. |
| US09551393B2 |
Rotorcraft vibration isolation systems
A rotorcraft vibration isolation system includes a plurality of liquid inertia vibration elimination (LIVE) units mounted on a first rotorcraft surface, an accumulator mounted on a second rotorcraft surface at a location that is remote from locations of the plurality of LIVE units, and a fluid passage to connect the accumulator to the plurality of LIVE units in parallel. The fluid passage has sufficient length to traverse between the location of the accumulator and each location of each LIVE unit. During rotorcraft operation, the second rotorcraft surface experiences lesser periodic vibration than the first rotorcraft surface. |
| US09551385B2 |
Mixer drum driving device with an auxiliary hydraulic pump to rotate a mixer drum
A mixer drum driving device includes a mixer drum, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, an auxiliary hydraulic pump for rotating the mixer drum for mixing by supplying pressure oil to the hydraulic motor independently of the hydraulic pump, and a direct-current brush motor for driving and rotating the auxiliary hydraulic pump. The auxiliary hydraulic pump is driven and rotated by the direct-current brush motor when the engine stops during the rotation of the mixer drum for mixing. |
| US09551382B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, in which: each of first track groove portions positioned on an interior side of an outer joint member includes an arc part having a curvature center that is positioned without being offset in an axial direction with respect to a joint center; the first track groove portions are inclined in a peripheral direction with respect to a joint axial line (N-N) and adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction with their inclination directions opposite to each other; each of second track groove portions positioned on an opening side is formed into a different shape from a shape of the each of the first track groove portions so as to increase an effective track length at a maximum operating angle; the each of the first track groove portions and the each of the second track groove portions are connected to each other at a position on the opening side with respect to the joint center; each of track grooves of an inner joint member is formed so as to be mirror-image symmetrical with corresponding one of paired track grooves of the outer joint member with respect to a plane including the joint center and being perpendicular to the joint axial line at an operating angle of 0°; and an axial clearance between the inner joint member and a cage is set to be larger than an axial clearance corresponding to a clearance between each of balls and each of the track grooves. |
| US09551380B2 |
Rigid flange coupling and associated internal connection assembly
This invention concerns a partially discontinuous inner sleeve for use in a rigid flange coupling. The partially discontinuous sleeve has an internal cylindrical passage for, in use, receiving an end of a shaft. The partially discontinuous sleeve further has at least two partial discontinuities along the length of the sleeve in the form of two discrete axial slits in the sleeve. These slits are displaced from each other to form a connecting formation between them. The invention further concerns an internal connection assembly including the partially discontinuous in the sleeve, and a rigid flange coupling including such internal connection assembly. |
| US09551378B2 |
Rolling bearing with means for angularly adjusting of the inner ring relative to the outer ring
A rolling bearing assembly comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and at least one row of rolling elements located between raceways provided on each of the inner and outer rings. The rolling bearing assembly comprises an angular adjustment feature for angularly adjusting the inner ring relative to the outer ring, wherein the adjustment feature comprises at least one angular indexing finger extending radially from one of the inner ring and the outer ring towards the other of the inner ring and the outer ring and an arc-shaped stop for the angular indexing finger mounted on the other of the inner ring and the outer ring. |
| US09551377B2 |
Crankshaft or connecting-rod bearing assembly of an internal combustion engine
A crankshaft or connecting-rod bearing assembly of an internal combustion engine includes a bearing journal configured to function as a bearing inner ring, and a bearing outer ring surrounds the bearing journal. At least one row of rolling elements is disposed between the bearing journal and the bearing outer ring, the rolling elements are held by a cage, and the cage includes at least two cage segments, each of which extends around a circumferential section of the bearing journal. Furthermore, the at least two cage segments are connected to each other in a materially-bonded manner at at least one joint lying in the circumferential direction. |
| US09551371B2 |
Load floor screw plate (LFSP) used to distribute hinge and bracket loads to the load floor panels
A screw plate panel arrangement for the connection of articles, such as hinges, to a moveable panel. The screw plate is connected to the panel in a single one step molding process that mechanically fastens and imbeds the screw plate into the finished panel. |
| US09551369B2 |
Unit fixing insulation to a wall
The object of the invention is a unit fixing insulation to the wall intended both for styrofoam insulation as well as for mineral wool insulation. A unit fixing insulation to a wall, according to the invention, is formed with the locating sleeve which is ended at one end with an expansion zone, and with a circular plate at the other end, whereas the locating sleeve houses an expansion element, preferably in the form of a screw. A unit characterized in that the expansion element has a head embedded permanently in the sleeve with an outer thread and a polygonal hole is provided within the sleeve, and the locating sleeve has a diameter with gradation, wherein a larger diameter is from the inlet side. Length of the locating sleeve from the step to its end is equal to or larger than the length U of the expansion element from the point of being connected to the sleeve to its end, whereas a larger inner diameter of a locating sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve fixedly joined to an expansion element. The length of a larger inner diameter of the locating sleeve is equal to or longer than the length K0 of the sleeve fixedly joined to an expansion element. |
| US09551368B2 |
Spooling machine
Spooling machine including two side frames spaced at a horizontal distance by a telescopic spacer beam, each frame having a pintle on supports for bearing a drum for cable pipe or hose, the telescopic spacer beam including at least one outer tube and at least one inner tube, which are slidably and telescopically one inside the other, and a locking device positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube for locking the outer and inner tube in adjustable position. The locking device includes a split part of the inner tube extending over a part of the length of the inner tube and dividing the inner tube into sections, and a force element for creating a swelling force on the split part of the inner tube to press the sections against the inner surface of the outer tube. |
| US09551360B2 |
Hydraulic accumulator
A hydraulic accumulator, comprising a base body (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i) having a first component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i) and a second component (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i) which are connected to one another by a form fit and/or a material join, is, with the aim of specifying a hydraulic accumulator which, after fabrication without difficulty, exhibits a very reliable seal, a high level of strength, an as far as possible undamaged surface and an as far as possible rotationally symmetrical design in the joining region of the components, characterized in that at least one component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i) is deformed by a contactless shaping method in such a way that it enters into the form fit and/or material join with the other component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i). |
| US09551359B2 |
Device for pressure-dependent opening of a suction intake
The invention relates to a device (6) for pressure-dependent opening of a suction intake (10), comprising a suction jet pump (11), comprising a feed line (12), an outlet line (13) and the suction intake (10); a valve body (15), displaceably arranged inside the feed line (12) in the delivery direction (14) of the suction jet pump (11) and having an effective area (16) exposed to the feed pressure of the suction jet pump (11); and a spring element (17), arranged between the feed line (12) and the valve body (15), for applying a force in opposition to the feed pressure inside the feed line (12); wherein the effective area (16) of the valve body (15), and the spring element (17) are designed so that the valve body (15) closes the suction intake (10) so that it is fluid-tight below a predefined pressure inside the feed line (12) and opens said intake when the predefined pressure inside the feed line (12) is exceeded. The invention further relates to a fuel tank, comprising a device (6) for pressure-dependent opening of a suction intake (10). |
| US09551349B2 |
Circulating dielectric oil cooling system for canned bearings and canned electronics
A cooling system for a rotating machine, such as a centrifugal compressor. Specifically, the cooling system may be configured to cool radial and axial magnetic bearings in the rotating machine and the bearing control system that controls said bearings. The cooling system includes canned magnetic radial bearings on each end of the rotor and a canned bearing control system. The canned bearings and canned bearing control system may be filled with a dielectric cooling fluid and in fluid communication with each other via sealed conduits. Accordingly, the radial magnetic bearings and the bearing control system may be entirely immersed in the dielectric cooling fluid to regulate heat generation. An axial magnetic bearing may also be canned and fluidly coupled to the cooling system to immerse the axial magnetic bearing in the dielectric cooling fluid. |
| US09551345B2 |
Axial flow fan
A leading edge of a rotating blade of an impeller is formed in an arc recessed in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of the impeller. An angle where an extended line of the recessed arc of the leading edge meets another extended line of a curve of a side edge is set in an acute angle of 30 to 37 degrees in a front view so that a leading tip of the rotating blade may be projected in the rotating direction. An opening angle of a suction-side slant portion of a venturi casing is set in the range of 12 to 17 degrees and an opening angle of a discharge-side slant portion is set in the range of 30 to 35 degrees. |
| US09551344B2 |
Anti-entrapment and anti-dead head function
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, an interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a blockage condition based on a power consumption value of the motor, and further includes an auto-restart function that is designed to allow the pump to automatically restart after detection of the blockage. |
| US09551343B2 |
Magnetic pump assembly with shaft and axle arrangement
A fluid pump assembly is provided. The pump has a pair of units magnetically coupled to each other. The first unit contains a drive motor and a magnetic assembly. The second unit contains a magnetic assembly and a blade of a propeller/impeller for imparting movement to a fluid. As the first unit is activated by the drive motor, a magnetic flux is created which in turn rotates the magnetic assembly in the second unit, driving the blade. |
| US09551340B2 |
Displacement pump having fluidly connected pressure chambers
A displacement pump with a pot-shaped housing, a rotor which is swivel-mounted about a rotation axis inside the housing, and two blades which are guided in a movable manner insider the rotor, wherein the pot-shaped housing includes an inner peripheral wall which has a sealing portion for tightly adjoining the rotor and a chamber portion for tightly adjoining the blade tips, as well as for dividing the internal space of the housing into chambers. The rotor has two blade receptacles for receiving and guiding the blades, wherein each internal radially extending blade tip restricts a pressure chamber in the respective blade receptacle. Both pressure chambers are fluid-connected to one another via a connection element, wherein the total volume of both pressure chambers and the connection element remains at the same level during a rotation of the rotor, at least while the blade tips are attached to the chamber portion. |
| US09551338B2 |
Pump
A pump for use in low-profile applications comprises a barrel for holding fluid; and a piston that converts a rotational driving force into a longitudinal driving motion within the barrel. The pump provides space saving advantages by reducing the need for external equipment and mechanisms around the pump for providing actuation or moving the actuating mechanism. |
| US09551337B2 |
Electromagnetic pump
An electromagnetic pump including a piston, an electromagnetic portion that moves the piston forward, and a spring that moves the piston backward. The piston including a discharge check valve built in the piston. The piston is formed with a hollow portion that opens in an inner peripheral portion of an end surface of the piston, and a spring receiving surface formed on an outer peripheral portion of the end surface to receive the spring. The discharge check valve is fixed through plastic deformation of the piston by inserting the discharge check valve into the hollow portion from an opening of the piston, and partially pressing a portion of the spring receiving surface of the piston on an inner peripheral side after the insertion to recess the spring receiving surface and elevate an inner peripheral surface of the piston surrounding the hollow portion. |
| US09551332B2 |
Flushing dispensers for delivering a consistent consumer experience
An assembly for flushing a dispenser that internally mixes a first composition and a second composition; dispensers including said assemblies are also provided. |
| US09551329B2 |
Automated dilution for liquid chromatography
Described are a method and system for diluting a sample in a liquid chromatography system. A sample flowing at a first flow rate is combined for a predetermined time with a diluent flowing at a second flow rate to generate a volume of diluted sample. The diluted sample has a dilution ratio determined according to the two flow rates. A portion of the volume is loaded into a sample loop of an injection valve and subsequently injected into a mobile phase flowing to a chromatography column. The method eliminates the need to have a technician available to perform dilutions or to transfer the sample to a remote location for dilution. Advantageously, manufacturing or processing downtime to perform the dilution is not required and the amount of sample flowing to waste is reduced. |
| US09551325B2 |
Wind turbine flange connection
A wind turbine flange connection between a hub and a nacelle of the wind turbine, a wind turbine, a wind turbine hub and a wind turbine nacelle is provided. The hub of the wind turbine comprises a first flange and the nacelle of the wind turbine comprises a second flange. The first flange and the second flange are connected to each other by a number of connection means, to transfer forces between the first flange and the second flange. The first flange comprises a plurality of holes and the second flange comprises a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the first flange. Shear pins are arranged in the holes in the flanges to transfer rotational forces between the hub and the nacelle. |
| US09551320B2 |
Asymmetric load control for torsion fatigue reduction in a wind turbine tower
A method and system for reducing a torsional movement and/or a torsional loading of a tower of a wind turbine is disclosed includes generating a tower torsion signal with a detection system and providing the signal to an asymmetric load control assembly. The tower torsion signal may correspond to an actual torsional movement of the tower or a torsional loading of the tower. The asymmetric load control assembly is configured to mitigate an asymmetric load acting on the wind turbine using the tower torsion signal. |
| US09551316B2 |
Device and method for generating power using buoyancy
A power generator may generate power using buoyancy having a fluid column contained by a tank having a sealable drain and a piston having a substantially hollow interior capable of being filled with a fluid. The piston has a sealable outlet, a vent, an inlet, and a lateral cross-section that is smaller than a lateral cross-section of the tank. A rod is connected to the piston and a power generator is connected to the rod. The piston operates from a first position near the top of the fluid column to a second position near the bottom of the fluid column. The piston moves from the first position to the second position as fluid is added to the inlet. The piston moves from the second position to the first position as the fluid is drained from the outlet. |
| US09551306B2 |
Air filtration element
A segmented air filtration element is provided. The segmented air filtration element includes a center tube defining a central axis and an inner passage therein. The center tube includes a plurality of ribs extending along the central axis and spaced apart from one another. A plurality of segmenting surfaces is attached to the center tube in a radial arrangement with respect to the central axis. The plurality of segmenting surfaces is configured to accommodate a plurality of filter media therebetween such that each of the plurality of filter media is selectively replaceable therefrom. |
| US09551299B2 |
Check valve for propulsive engine combustion chamber
A combustion chamber includes an inner wall, an outer wall surrounding the inner wall, and a flow passage between the inner wall and outer wall that permits forward flow and restricts reverse flow. The inner wall has a plurality of effusion holes in fluid communication with the inside of the combustion chamber. The outer wall has a plurality of cooling side holes in fluid communication with a cooling source. The inner wall and the outer wall define a flow passage therebetween that fluidly connects one or more of the cooling side holes with one or more of the effusion holes. The flow passage has a geometric configuration to permit forward flow of gases through the flow passage from the cooling source to the inside of the combustion chamber and to restrict reverse flow of gases through the flow passage from the inside of the combustion chamber to the cooling source. The permitted flow rate is greater than the restricted flow rate. |
| US09551294B2 |
Sliding nozzle flap assembly
Tracks (35), fastened to static structure of an aircraft engine nozzle, guide sliders (32) journaled in struts (27, 28) fastened to a flap (23) of the nozzle. Each slider and attached journal axle or bolt (33) is formed of cobalt, and each track slider surface (61) and journal bushings (43, 44) are formed of a nickel alloy to reduce wear from rubbing. Track slides (40, 41) are mounted to the static structure of the nozzle by blind bolts (68) having a tool recess (70) at its threaded tip to prevent the bolt (68) from turning as a nut is secured. Each slider has limited rotation due to a pin (102), thereon engaging a slot in a tab (100) of the bushing (43) to assist in inserting the slider (32) into the beveled ends of the tracks (35, 36), when mounting or replacing a flap. |
| US09551293B2 |
Replaceable thrust generating structures attached to an air vehicle
A replaceable thrust generating structure for an air vehicle, which includes one or more mounts, which are attachable to the air vehicle, and a thrust generating structure attached to each of the one or more mounts, and wherein the thrust generating structure includes an NMSET element. |
| US09551292B2 |
Semi-isothermal compression engines with separate combustors and expanders, and associated systems and methods
Engine systems and associated methods, including systems with semi-isothermal compression devices are disclosed. An engine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and outlet, a combustor having a combustor inlet coupled to the compressor outlet and further having a combustor outlet, a positive displacement expander having an expander inlet coupled to the combustor outlet, and further having an expander outlet and a work output device. A valve is coupled between the combustor and the expander to regulate a flow of hot combustion products passing from the combustor to the expander, and an exhaust energy recovery device is coupled to the expander outlet to extract energy from the combustion products exiting the expander. |
| US09551291B2 |
Steel piston with fourth land guidance and improved friction characteristics
Steel pistons used in many internal combustion engines are generally composed of a skirt and a crown. The skirt's function is to reduce the lateral and rotational movement of the piston in the cylinder while the engine is in operation. Lateral and rotational frictional forces imparted to a piston during engine operation cause the piston to scrape off the lubricating oil film present on the cylinder wall. The reduced oil film thickness increases piston and cylinder wall wear due to metal to metal contact. The subsequent metal to metal contact produces a phenomenon called scuffing. This disclosure incorporates several design modifications to the piston and results in a significant reduction of the lateral and rotational motion of the piston during engine operation. The reduction of piston motion reduces the amount of oil film removed from the cylinder wall and increases lubrication efficiency. The Increased lubrication efficiency realized reduces frictional wear power loss and scuffing. |
| US09551288B2 |
Method and system for pre-ignition control
Methods and systems are provided for reducing late burn induced cylinder pre-ignition events. Forced entry of residuals from a late burning cylinder into a neighboring cylinder may be detected based on engine block vibrations sensed in a window during an open exhaust valve of the late burning cylinder. In response to the entry of residuals, a pre-ignition mitigating action, such as fuel enrichment or deactivation, is performed in the neighboring cylinder. |
| US09551283B2 |
Systems and methods for a fuel pressure oscillation device for reduction of coherence
A system with a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a first combustor comprising a first fuel nozzle, a second combustor comprising a second fuel nozzle, and a first fuel pressure oscillation system. The first fuel pressure oscillation system includes a first rotary device coupled to a first fuel circuit. The first fuel circuit is disposed along a first fuel passage leading to the first fuel nozzle. The first rotary device is configured to generate a first fuel pressure oscillation through the first fuel nozzle. The gas turbine engine also includes a second fuel pressure oscillation system having a second rotary device coupled to a second fuel circuit. The second fuel circuit is disposed along a second fuel passage leading to the second fuel nozzle, and the second rotary device is configured to generate a second fuel pressure oscillation through the second fuel nozzle. |
| US09551278B2 |
Hydrogen production system and process
Hydrogen production process and apparatus using a combined stream of gas turbine exhaust from a gas turbine and combustion air from forced draft fan as combustion oxidant in a steam reforming furnace. A valve assembly for providing draft air is included to quickly provide additional combustion air to the reformer furnace when the gas turbine unexpectedly shuts down. |
| US09551272B2 |
Power system with heat transfer circuits
A power system including an engine, a first heat transfer circuit, and a second heat transfer circuit. The first heat transfer circuit includes a first heat exchanger that cools a first circuit fluid. The first circuit fluid cools a block and a head of the engine. The second heat transfer circuit includes a second heat exchanger that cools a second circuit fluid. The second circuit fluid cools a lube oil cooler. |
| US09551266B2 |
External exhaust guiding flow chambers for multiple catalyst architecture
A converter housing including a primary housing portion for housing a first converter brick, an intermediate housing portion, and a secondary housing portion for housing a second converter brick. The intermediate housing portion includes an inlet having a first axis and an outlet having a second axis that is angled with respect to the first axis. The first converter brick is disposed within the primary housing portion while the intermediate housing portion defines flow channels that communicate with a downstream end of the first converter brick along an outer surface of the primary housing portion and toward the outlet. The intermediate housing portion includes indented attachment surfaces which engage and hold the primary housing portion. |
| US09551262B1 |
Method and system for particulate filter leakage detection
Methods and systems are provided for determining degradation of a particulate filter in an exhaust conduit. In one example, a method may include diverting exhaust gas to a secondary soot sensor assembly downstream of a first filter, comprising a second filter and determining degradation based on time intervals between subsequent filter regenerations of the second filter in the secondary soot sensor assembly. |
| US09551260B2 |
Deterioration diagnosis device for oxidation catalyst
A deterioration diagnosis device for an oxidation catalyst includes: a multi-gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage downstream of an oxidation catalyst, the multi-gas sensor including a NO2 sensor unit and a NOX sensor unit, the NO2 sensor unit directly detecting a NO2 concentration in exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst, and the NOX sensor unit directly detecting a NOX concentration in the exhaust gas; an NO concentration calculation unit configured to calculate an NO concentration in the exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst based on the NO2 concentration and the NOX concentration; and a deterioration judgment unit configured to determine a deterioration degree of the oxidation catalyst from an evaluation value based on the NO concentration calculated by the NO concentration calculation unit. |
| US09551259B1 |
Method and system for diesel particulate filter diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for determining degradation of a particulate filter in an exhaust conduit. In one example, a method may include diverting exhaust gas to a secondary soot sensor assembly downstream of a first filter, comprising a filter and determining degradation based on time intervals between subsequent filter regenerations of the second filter in the secondary soot sensor assembly. |
| US09551258B2 |
Control apparatus for optimizing the regeneration of an aftertreatment device
A control apparatus is disclosed for optimizing the regeneration of an aftertreatment device located in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The control apparatus includes an Electronic Control Unit configured to collect data from a GPS device associated to the vehicle, determine a time period for starting a regeneration of the aftertreatment device on the basis of data collected by the GPS device, and initiate the a regeneration of the aftertreatment device within the time period. |
| US09551255B2 |
Mixing plate as stabilizer for ammonia gas injector
A system for mixing ammonia (reductant) with engine exhaust includes an exhaust flow created by a vehicle engine, an ammonia feed line passing into the exhaust flow, an injector connected to the feed line and positioned within the exhaust flow, the injector having at least one port for discharging ammonia into the exhaust flow, and a mixing plate positioned within the exhaust flow downstream of the ammonia injector and stabilizing at least one of either the feed line and the injector. An aspect of the invention is to stabilize the injector by attaching the mixing plate to the feed line to provide such stability. Alternatively or additionally, the mixing plate is attached to the injector to stabilize. The feed line may even pass through the mixing plate. |
| US09551254B2 |
Silencer and catalytic converter apparatus with adjustable blocking panel
A silencer and catalytic converter apparatus includes a housing and a frame assembly arranged in the housing. The frame assembly may receive at least one catalyst panel and support the catalyst panel to occupy an area of a flow passage between upstream and downstream chamber sections of the housing. A blocking panel may be supported by the frame assembly to obstruct a remaining area of the flow passage so that fluid flowing between the upstream and downstream chamber sections is directed to flow through the catalyst panel. The blocking panel may be adjustable to accommodate catalyst panels of different sizes. |
| US09551253B2 |
Method and device for coating a series of support bodies
The accuracy of the coating concentration when applying a catalytically active coating to suitable carrier bodies can be increased if, following raw coating with a relatively wide fluctuation range in the coating concentration, excessive or insufficient coating applied is if appropriate corrected iteratively. Excessive coating suspension applied is removed, for example by subsequent suction, while the coating is still in the wet state, whereas insufficient coating suspension applied is topped up, for example by spraying on additional coating suspension. |
| US09551251B2 |
Selective dosing module control system
Systems and methods to selectively control plurality of dosing modules may include receiving data indicative of an exhaust flow rate. An amount of reductant to be dosed may be determined based, at least in part, on the data indicative of the exhaust flow rate. A decomposition delay time may also be determined and a first dosing module and a second dosing module may be selectively activated. The first dosing module may be selectively activated at a first time and the second dosing module is selectively activated at a second time. The second time is based on the first time and the determined decomposition delay time. |
| US09551249B2 |
Aftertreatment system for internal combustion engines
An aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The aftertreatment system includes in a sequence along the exhaust pipe, a lean NOx trap and a particulate filter. An air/fuel ratio sensor is located upstream of the lean NOx trap and downstream of the turbine outlet to determine the air/fuel ratio during a regeneration process (DeNOx) in the lean NOx trap. A NOx sensor is located downstream of the lean NOx trap or downstream of the particulate filter, to determine NOx in the exhaust pipe. A turbine temperature is determined in accordance with a first means, and a temperature during a desulphation process (DeSOx) in the lean NOx trap is determined in accordance with a second means. At least one of the first and second means for determining a temperature may be a temperature sensor. |
| US09551238B2 |
Pin connector for ceramic matrix composite turbine frame
A connector between a first object having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second object having a second coefficient of thermal expansion has a slot attaching to the second object. The slot formed by an inner shell having a slot shape and a first portion that blends into an outer surface of the second object, the slot having an enclosed portion facing forward and an aft portion that is open. |
| US09551236B2 |
Arrangement for the guiding of the flow of a liquid in relation to the rotor of a turbomachine
An arrangement for the guiding of the flow of a liquid in relation to the rotor of a turbomachine, which includes an intermediary disc and a downstream disc of which the internal diameter and the axial position of the discs are defined in such a way that the tank is arranged inside the discs. The rotor supports a guide flange with an element of revolution of which the diameter of the section increases in the downstream direction, according to the direction of flow of the gases in the turbomachine. The downstream axial end of the flange is fixed to a portion of the rotor located downstream of the downstream disc and the upstream axial end of the flange is connected to the internal radial end of the intermediate disc. |
| US09551229B2 |
Turbine airfoil with an internal cooling system having trip strips with reduced pressure drop
A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine and having at least one cooling system with an efficient trip strip is disclosed At least a portion of the cooling system may include one or more cooling channels having one or more trip strips protruding from an inner surface forming the cooling channel. The trip strip may have improved operating characteristics including enhanced heat transfer capabilities and a substantial reduction in pressure drop typically associated with conventional trip strips In at least one embodiment, the trip strip may have a cross-sectional area with a first section of an upstream surface of the trip strip being positioned nonparallel and nonorthogonal to a surface forming the cooling system channel extending upstream from the at least one trip strip and a concave shaped downstream surface of the at least one trip strip that enables separated flow to reattach to the cooling fluid flow. |
| US09551228B2 |
Airfoil and method of making
An airfoil includes leading and trailing edges, a first exterior wall extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge and having inner and outer surfaces, a second exterior wall extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge generally opposite the first exterior wall and having inner and outer surfaces, and cavities within the airfoil. A first cavity extends along the inner surface of the first exterior wall and a first inner wall and has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a feed cavity is located between the first inner wall and the second exterior wall. |
| US09551225B2 |
Structures and methods for forcing coupling of flow fields of adjacent bladed elements of turbomachines, and turbomachines incorporating the same
Turbomachines having close-coupling flow guides (CCFGs) that are designed and configured to closely-couple flow fields of adjacent bladed elements. In some embodiments, the CCFGs may be located in regions extending between the adjacent bladed elements, described herein as coupling avoidance zones, where conventional turbomachine design would suggest no structure should be added. In yet other embodiments, CCFGs are located upstream and/or downstream of rows of blades coupled to the bladed elements, including overlapping one of more of the rows of blades, to improve flow coupling and machine performance. Methods of designing turbomachines to incorporate CCFGs are also provided. |
| US09551223B2 |
Fluid stream driven wobble plate motor
Several embodiments of a wobble plate motor include a disc mounted on a bent shaft. Driving the wobble plate so it revolves on a flat base causes the bent shaft to rotate and drive a generator or other work consumer. The wobble plate may be driven by a fluid stream impinging on the plate or by a blade assembly in a path of fluid movement. In one embodiment of a bladed motor, a shroud may direct the fluid stream so it more efficiently cooperates with the blade assembly. |
| US09551214B2 |
Method for determining the complex response of a permeable stratum
A method for determining the complex response of a permeable stratum at the bottom of a producing well, the well comprising a well head fitted with an outlet valve and the bottom of the well comprising a height-adjustable pressure and flow rate sensor, comprising the following steps: periodically altering the degree to which the outlet valve is open, and, while the alteration is in progress: —measuring the pressure and flow rate in the well at the top/bottom of the stratum for a certain number of periods of alteration, after a certain delay; and —measuring the pressure and the flow rate in the well at the bottom/top of the stratum for a certain number of periods of alteration, immediately after the positioning of the sensor. |
| US09551209B2 |
System and method for accessing subterranean deposits
According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction. |
| US09551208B2 |
Identifying uncertainty associated with a stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) calculation
In some aspects, first and second boundaries are computed based on locations of microseismic events associated with a stimulation treatment of a subterranean region. Based on the first and second boundaries, an uncertainty associated with a stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) for the stimulation treatment is identified. The first and second boundaries are defined in a common spatial domain and at least a portion of the second boundary resides outside the first boundary. |
| US09551205B2 |
Modular securing device for ROV and diver mate-able subsea applications
The present invention relates generally to a modular locking and retaining mechanical design solution to reliably secure immersed, unrestrained and un-powered objects in a fluid environment to a fixed support surface such as a mounting frame or panel, with a quick connect/disconnect engagement method by a diver (i.e. manual mate) or remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) mate, into a fixed mounting frame or panel installed at a subsea deployed platform for oil and gas offshore applications. |
| US09551203B2 |
Closing of underwater oil spills with the help of magnetic powders
A segment of a structure mitigates flow of fluid therethrough. In one embodiment the segment includes an opening for the fluid flow and the modified structure may include a ferromagnetic wall defining the opening and a plurality of permanently magnetized particles. Some of the permanently magnetized particles are attached to the wall by magnetic forces. A system is also provided for injecting magnetic particles into a cavity to impede movement of fluid through the cavity. A method is also described for mitigating a flow of fluid through an opening in a wall. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a plurality of first magnetic particles along the wall and about the opening and attaching a plurality of second magnetic particles to the first magnetic particles wherein some of the second magnetic particles collectively extend across the opening to cover the opening. |
| US09551202B2 |
System and method for sampling assembly with outer layer of rings
A sampling assembly has an inner expandable packer, and an outer layer formed by rings may be disposed about and/or may be positioned on the outer surface of the inner expandable packer member. Drains may be positioned between the rings and may be located under ports positioned between the rings. Flowlines may be connected to the drains, may be positioned in the rings and may extend through the rings. For each of the ports, a plate may be positioned between the port and the laterally adjacent port. The flowlines may be connected to a downstream component, such as a fluid analysis module, a fluid containment module and/or the like. |
| US09551193B2 |
Drill pipe handling apparatus having improved pipe gripping mechanism
In a drill pipe handling apparatus, a pipe gripping mechanism comprises three pipe-gripping jaws arranged to grip a pipe at locations adjacent the apices of a triangle containing the axis of the pipe. A first pipe gripping jaw is connectible to a first pivoted arm at any selected one of a set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the first arm and connected to the first arm at one of those plural distances, and a second jaw is connectible to the second arm at any selected one of the same set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the second arm and connected to the second arm at the same one of those plural distances at which the first jaw is connected to the first arm. Because the same first and second jaws are connectible to the arms at plural distances from the pivot axes, the same jaws can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters. |
| US09551192B2 |
Solid state wear tracers for drill bits
A method and apparatus for providing a reliable signal to the operator while drilling when a bit or tool becomes worn or damaged to a predetermined extent. The approach, in an exemplary embodiment, is to integrate one or more wear tracer elements into one or more parts of a drill bit or downhole tool that do not engage the earthen formation until the predetermined wear or damage occurs. At that time wear tracer elements are released upon wearing of the bit body, cutters, inserts, nozzles, or other components that include the wear tracer elements and enter the drill fluid. The presence of wear tracer elements in drilling fluid can be detected at the surface directly, or indirectly as a result of, for example, one or more reactions between the wear tracer elements and the mud, formation, or other subterranean elements, which yield some compound that may then be detected. |
| US09551186B2 |
Turbine speed control system for downhole tool
Systems, methods, and devices are provided to generate a stable supply of electrical power in a drill string. In one example, a downhole turbine generator includes a turbine, a speed governor, and an alternator. The turbine may transform hydraulic power of a first fluid medium into rotational power of a rotating shaft. The speed governor may reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft in a variable amount that depends on the speed of the rotating shaft. Specifically, weighted arms may shear a second fluid medium more when the speed is higher and less when the speed is lower. The shearing of the second fluid medium may generate a countervailing torque on the rotating shaft to reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft. The alternator then may produce a generally stable supply of electrical power from the rotational power of the rotating shaft. |
| US09551184B2 |
Roof climbing tool
A tool for engaging a roof includes a peak engagement member for engaging a first surface of the roof, and an operator climbing member including an elongated central body and a plurality of spaced apart step handles mounted on the central body. The operator climbing member is configured for engaging the second surface of the roof and is operatively connected to the peak engagement member. |
| US09551181B2 |
Joint seals for flexible wall panels
Example room dividers are disclosed herein. An example room divider includes a first panel and a second panel. A first seal between the first panel and the second panel is to provide a first line of contact with at least one of the first panel or the second panel. A second seal between the first panel and the second panel is to provide a second line of contact with at least one of the first panel or the second panel. A touch-and-hold fastener connects the first panel and the second panel. The touch-and-hold fastener is positioned between the first line of contact and the second line of contact. |
| US09551172B2 |
Motor-vehicle door lock
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising a locking mechanism, at least one locking lever (3) and an electric drive (5, 6, 7) for the locking mechanism. In normal operation, said electric drive (5, 6, 7) acts upon the locking mechanism for an electric opening. Additionally, the electric drive (5, 6, 7) allows the locking mechanism to be mechanically opened at least for an emergency operation. According to the invention, said locking lever (3) remains, in the normal operation, in the ‘locked’ position, also when opened electrically. |
| US09551171B2 |
Door locking device
A door locking device includes a latch mechanism with which a striker is engageable or from which the striker is disengageable. A first link operates the latch mechanism in an interlocking manner with an inner door handle so as to release the striker. A second link is movable between an unlocked position where the second link is operated in an interlocking manner with the first link and a locked position where the second link is not operated in an interlocking manner with the first link and operates the latch mechanism in an interlocking manner with an outer handle by way of the first link in the unlocked position so as to release the striker. A locking lever changes over the second link between the unlocked position and the locked position. |
| US09551169B2 |
Apparatus for securing a computing device to a surface
A vacuum based apparatus that will, when activated, inhibit relocation of a computing device. The apparatus includes a first surface of a main body. A suction cup is attached to the main body. The suction cup faces outward from and protrudes from the first surface. The suction cup is connected to a vacuum pump and activation of the vacuum pump generates adhesion between the suction cup and another surface that is in contact with the suction cup. A spacer is attached to and protrudes outward from the first surface. The spacer surrounds at least a part of the suction cup that is protruding from the first surface. A control logic that controls the activation of the vacuum pump. |
| US09551161B2 |
Theater entrance
The present disclosure is directed to an entrance to a theater of the type normally used to show motion pictures. The motion picture theater entrance has distinctive outer walls separating a vestibule from a lobby. The vestibule has a curved image projection wall located inside said vestibule and is connected to a viewing area by a curved walkway. The entrance also may include border lighting along the upper and or lower edges of its walls. |
| US09551160B2 |
Scaffold and method
A scaffold includes a first end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a second end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a first side brace assembly supported by the first end frame assembly and the second end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a second side brace assembly supported by the first end frame assembly and the second end frame assembly. Each end frame assembly has a first rail with holes and a caster assembly and a second rail with holes and a caster assembly, and a horizontal that is attached to each rail. Each side brace assembly has a locking pin in proximity to each end which engages with a hole in a respective rail, and an associated guard disposed about each pin. Each locking pin has a handle which has a length that extends below the associated guard on an interior side of the guard. A method for a scaffold. |
| US09551159B2 |
Board-free roof jack clip and method of use
A quick connect metal roof jack clip that releasably attaches between adjacent roof boards for holding a worker on the roof without the need for any typical jack cross boards or planks. The quick connect clip comprises a plurality of folds for inserting between the boards, flipping down into place and standing thereon before easy flip up, removal and reinsertion into another roof shingle removal and/or installation location. |
| US09551156B1 |
Process of making artificial rocks out of expended plastic bottles and metal cans
A method for converting expended plastic and metal containers into artificial rocks by removing the label from a plastic or metal container, removing the top, stuffing the container with compacted, smaller, expended plastic, beverage bottles, or cleaned, crushed, expended food cans, shaping the filled plastic container by means of a heat gun, or the filled metal container by crimping the ends, burning holes into the filled, shaped plastic container with a soldering iron or drilling holes in the filled shaped metal container with an electric drill. A first layer of wet stucco is troweled onto the shaped container, lightly pressed into the holes, and allowed to dry, whereupon a second layer of stucco is applied over the base layer and allowed to dry, after which a layer of colored cement is applied over the second layer and brushed and rolled while still wet to create different surface textures like those of real rocks and allowed to dry to form the final rock product that looks just like a real rock. |
| US09551153B2 |
Scupper door systems
A scupper door system includes a frame defining a passageway. A door is mounted within the frame at a pivot and is therein rotatable about the pivot within the passageway between a closed position, blocking the passageway, and an open position wherein the passageway is open to permit passage of water therethrough. A latch mechanism is configured to retain the door in the closed position and is triggerable in response to a preset water condition at one side of the passage to release the door from the closed position and allow the door to rotate to the open position. |
| US09551152B2 |
Roofing method and apparatus
In an embodiment, a method includes applying a liquid plural component polymer to a sloped roof to form a protective surface that inhibits moisture seepage to the roof sheathing. In some embodiments, the plural component polymer may be a polyurea compound having a hardening time that is less than approximately 10 minutes. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be aerated prior to application to the roof substrate. In some embodiments, one or more polystyrene panels may be affixed to the sloped roof prior to application of the liquid plural component polymer. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09551151B2 |
Apparatus for coupling reinforcing bar using hydraulic pressure
A coupling apparatus presses conical members having curved surfaces in a direction perpendicular to reinforcing bars by using hydraulic pressure, thereby considerably reducing working time for coupling reinforcing bars, completely securing the reinforcing bars and increasing compressive and bending strength. It is possible to stably carry force from the conical members through external force dispersion medium members to reinforcing bar securing members. Accordingly, there is a structural advantage of effectively preventing the displacement and the loosening of the coupled reinforcing bars. |
| US09551150B2 |
Tensionable threaded rebar bolt
Embodiments of the present invention include hot-rolled threaded rebar bolts that have a substantially circular core with semi-continuous threads on opposing sides of the rebar bolts. In some embodiments of the invention the shaft is substantially void of longitudinal ribs along at least a portion of the longitudinal area between the first set of threads and the second set of threads of the shaft. The threaded rebar bolt is manufactured in a continuous hot-rolling process to create a threaded rebar shaft with semi-continuous threads and substantially no longitudinal ribs in the longitudinal areas and no additional machining is required to create the threads after the threaded shaft is created from the hot-rolling process. |
| US09551148B2 |
Header track with stud retention feature
A track for a wall construction for use in building construction is disclosed. Embodiments can include a track having a plurality of bendable tabs that can be manipulated to grip or release wall studs to prevent lateral or side to side movement of the studs. Embodiments can include tracks which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. |
| US09551147B2 |
Building block for wall construction
Building block for forming a wall construction, including insulating material and vertical load-bearing walls extending from one longitudinal side towards another longitudinal side of the building block, where the insulating material is provided with recesses for accommodating and holding the load-bearing walls in position, where inner part of the insulating material and the load-bearing walls are provided with recesses for accommodating at least one longitudinal reinforcing element binding the load-bearing walls together in longitudinal direction of the building block for forming an inner core where the vertical load-bearing walls, insulating material and the at least one reinforcing element together form the basic load-bearing in the building block, and that the building block includes at least one outer core formed by parts of insulating material and load-bearing walls outside the at least one reinforcing element, where the at least one outer core has supplementing and reinforcing properties for the inner core. |
| US09551146B2 |
Method for installing acoustic panel
Described herein is a multi-component panel comprising a ceiling panel and a sound attenuation layer, as well as a ceiling system that includes the multi-component panel. |
| US09551145B2 |
Targeting assembly
A targeting assembly includes a pipe that is installed in a construction environment. A housing is structured to be coupled to the pipe. A level is coupled to the housing so the level indicates an inclination of the pipe. A laser is coupled to the housing so the laser directs a laser beam toward a wall. The laser beam indicates a location that the pipe will penetrate the wall. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is electrically coupled to the laser so the actuator selectively actuates the laser. |
| US09551139B2 |
Urine splash guard
A urine splash guard for a toilet bowl has a first splash guard member having an intermediate section interconnecting dual, forwardly extending arm sections, the sections being connected by fold joints, and a second splash guard member which is permanently connected to the arm sections. The second splash guard member is connected to the intermediate section by a fold joint and is fixedly attached to the underside of the toilet bowl seat. When the toilet bowl seat overlays the toilet bowl rim, the splash guard is compacted into a flat orientation on the toilet bowl rim. When the toilet bowl seat is raised and lifted, the various sections of the splash guard are rotated upward, to a vertical orientation, thereby covering the vulnerable areas of the toilet bowl rim and toilet bowl seat during urination. |
| US09551135B2 |
Mounting system for plumbing fixture fitting
The present invention provides a mounting system for a plumbing fixture fitting that provides a secure mounting even when the mounting conditions are not optimal. |
| US09551122B1 |
Fully adjustable air deflector system for snow plow blades
A fully adjustable system is provided for reducing overheating of engines caused by the blockage of air flow by snow plow blades. One embodiment mountable onto blades of a split V-plow includes two elongated deflectors, two T-shaped mounting brackets, and a U-shaped slide bracket. When the system is assembled, the base plates are slidable in a direction parallel to the blade before the fasteners are tightened, the deflectors are slidable relative to the slide bracket in a direction parallel to the blade before the fasteners are tightened, the deflectors are slidable in a direction perpendicular to the blade before the fasteners are tightened, and the deflectors are angularly rotatable relative to a top lip of the blade. |
| US09551121B2 |
Base insert for traffic delineator posts
A detachable base insert for use with a traffic delineator post assembly to enhance durability of the post assembly is provided. The traffic delineator post assembly includes a tubular post member and a post base comprising a central opening able to receive the tubular post member. The base insert includes a tubular insert member disposed within an interior wall of the bottom portion of the tubular post member, and a base ring coupled to a bottom portion of the tubular insert member. The base ring serves as a barrier between the bottom of the tubular post member and the ground surface, thereby minimizing surface wear of the tubular post member. The detachable base insert replaces a worn out base retention ring on the tubular post member. |
| US09551117B2 |
Pavement repair system utilizing solid phase autoregenerative cohesion
A method for repairing an aged asphalt pavement is provided. The method involves passing an emitter over the aged asphalt pavement, wherein the emitter generates electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from 20 microns to 1 mm that penetrates into the pavement to a depth of at least 2 inches. The asphalt pavement is repaired by disturbing voids and interstices in the damaged pavement without dehydrogenation of the asphalt, such that oligomers present in the aged asphalt are linked together into longer polymer chains to improve ductility of the aged asphalt. |
| US09551115B2 |
Transition on the fly
A system for varying the width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. Position and height of the paving machine relative to an external reference system are determined and controlled using at least two 3D stringless reference objects. An additional sensor provides a signal corresponding to a frame width and thus a concrete slab width, and an actuator controls the frame width actively as the paving machine advances. |
| US09551113B1 |
Method and apparatus for constructing a parking lot
A land area can be improved to support a geotextile having nonwoven top and bottom layers, and a geogrid core. The top layer defining at least one parking space, such that land areas of various sizes can be covered to form parking lots with rain-draining features. |
| US09551112B2 |
Decor paper comprising self-dispersing pigments
Disclosed is a décor paper with a self-dispersing pigment having an isoelectric point of at least about 8, where the inorganic particle is treated sequentially by (a) hydrolyzing an aluminum compound or basic aluminate to deposit a hydrous alumina surface and (b) adding a dual-functional compound. The dual functional compound has an anchoring group that attaches to the pigment surface and a basic amine group. Typically, the inorganic particle is titanium dioxide, TiO2. These décor papers are useful in making paper laminates. |
| US09551111B2 |
Chemical compounds
Compounds according to formula (I) or formula (II) wherein R1 and R2, independently from each other, are chosen among hydrocarbons having from 1 carbon atom up to 30 carbon atoms, with the proviso that at least one of R1 and R2 are chosen among hydrocarbons having at least 8 carbon atoms, and A is a halogen. Use of compounds as hydrophobing agent, such as sizing agent. |
| US09551108B2 |
Dispersion machine for removing impurities from fiber
A dispersion machine for removing impurities from a fiber which includes a housing, a feed port and a discharge port arranged on the housing, and several processing components arranged in the housing wherein the processing component includes a connection portion and a scraping portion. When the processing component moves, the scraping portion is adapted to contact the fiber and moves relative to a surface of the fiber so as to remove impurities from the fiber surface. A feed screw rod and a discharge screw rod for processing material are also arranged in the housing to repeatedly feed material, discharge material and remove impurities form the fiber surface. The dispersion machine can be used to remove impurities from fiber in the papermaking field, textile field and the like, so as to obtain a raw material with a low impurity content. |
| US09551104B2 |
Filter device for washing machine
A filter device for a washing machine includes a circulation flow path frame on an inner wall of a washing tub, having a first overflow path between the circulation flow path frame and the inner wall of the washing tub; and a filter unit in the circulation flow frame, having a second overflow path between the filter unit and the circulation flow path frame to communicate with the first overflow path. Wash water entering the first overflow path is discharged into the washing tub through a discharge port of the first overflow path and a discharge port of the second overflow path, and the discharge port of the second overflow path is under the discharge port of the first overflow path. |
| US09551100B2 |
Dust mite killing carpet
A light source carpet includes a light source and a tufted carpet. The tufted carpet includes a primary backing layer having top and bottom faces. The primary backing layer further includes yarns integrated in the primary backing layer with tufts protruding from the primary backing layer at the top face, where the tufts form a carpet top face. The light source is configured to illuminate the primary backing layer. The intensity of the light at the carpet top face is smaller than the intensity of the light at the top face. The light source is further configured to generate light having a wavelength in the range of 200-400 nm. |
| US09551099B2 |
Sewing machine, non-transitory computer-readable medium and sewing machine system
A sewing machine includes an embroidery frame moving portion, a sewing portion, a processor, and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of acquiring image data created by a device and obtained by capturing an image of a range that includes at least one reference mark and at least one indicator mark, computing positioning data based on the image data, specifying an embroidery pattern to be formed in a sewing workpiece clamped in an embroidery frame, setting at least one of a position and an angle of the embroidery pattern on the sewing workpiece, based on the positioning data, acquiring embroidery data, causing the embroidery frame moving portion and the sewing portion to form the stitches that make up the embroidery pattern in the sewing workpiece, based on the embroidery data. |
| US09551096B2 |
Method for knitting footwear
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for knitting a novel knitted fabric in which a stitch direction on an instep side is orthogonal to a stitch direction on a sole side using a flat knitting machine.In a sole section (4), a pickup stitch (8) in which a cover section (3) continues to a left side and a right side of the sole section (4) is formed while moving a stitch row of a BB, which becomes a part of a toe section (2), toward one side (right) in a knitting width direction. In the cover section (3), a three-dimensional cover section (3) is formed by carrying out a narrowing knitting while forming a new stitch following a stitch row of an FB of the toe section (2), a stitch row of an BB of the toe section (2) in which the pickup stitch (8) is formed on a left side (12) and a right side (13) of the sole section (4) while being moved toward the right, and a stitch row of the pickup stitch (8). |
| US09551095B2 |
Modified jersey knit fabric and methods of making the same
A knit fabric having a modified knit structure comprising a first layer of jersey knit fabric and a second layer of jersey knit fabric, wherein the first and second layers of jersey knit fabric are joined to each other by a third layer of tuck stitches, and wherein the first and second jersey stitch layers include at least one continuous strand of bare rubber and a plurality of continuous strands selected from the group consisting of continuous strands of bare rubber and continuous strands of non-elastic yarn, and the third layer of tuck stitches are made of continuous strands of non-elastic yarn, knit together into the fabric so as to hold the first and second jersey stitch layers together. |
| US09551087B2 |
Two-dimensional large-area growth method for chalcogen compound, method for manufacturing CMOS-type structure, film of chalcogen compound, electronic device comprising film of chalcogen compound, and CMOS-type structure
Provided is a two-dimensional large-area growth method for a chalcogen compound, the method including: depositing a film of a transition metal element or a Group V element on a substrate; thereafter, uniformly diffusing a vaporized chalcogen element, a vaporized chalcogen precursor compound or a chalcogen compound represented by M′X′2+δ within the film; and, thereafter, forming a film of a chalcogen compound represented by MX2 by forming the chalcogen compound represented by MX2 through post-heating. |
| US09551082B2 |
Insulated metal substrate
An insulated metal substrate (IMS) for supporting a device comprises a metallic substrate having a ceramic coating formed at least in part by oxidation of a portion of the surface of the metallic substrate. The ceramic coating has a dielectric strength of greater than 50 KV mm−1 and a thermal conductivity of greater than 5 Wm−1K−1. |
| US09551081B2 |
Leveling composition and method for electrodeposition of metals in microelectronics
The present disclosure relates to a leveling composition for electrodepositing metals. The composition comprises a compound of formula (I): |
| US09551076B2 |
Electrochemical reactor and process
The electrochemical reactors disclosed herein provide novel oxidation and reduction chemistries and employ increased mass transport rates of materials to and from the surfaces of electrodes therein. |
| US09551069B2 |
Reaction apparatus having multiple adjustable exhaust ports
A reaction apparatus for a semiconductor fabrication apparatus, wherein the reaction apparatus includes at least two adjustable outlet ports for withdrawing reactant gases from the reaction chamber. Adjustment of the flow rate through each of the outlet ports selectively modifies the flow pattern of the reactant gases within the reaction chamber to maintain a desired flow pattern therewithin, such as a substantially uniform flow over the surface of a substrate being processed, and/or minimization of turbulence within the reactor. |
| US09551067B2 |
Coating method for depositing a layer system on a substrate and substrate having a layer system
The invention relates to a coating method for depositing a layer system formed from hard material layers on a substrate, by depositing at least one contact layer including the evaporation material on the surface of the substrate only by means of a cathodic vacuum arc evaporation source. After the depositing of the contact layer, at least one intermediate layer is deposited in the form of a nano-layer intermediate layer in a hybrid phase or as a nanocomposite layer, including the evaporation material and the discharge material, by parallel operation of a cathodic vacuum arc evaporation source and of a magnetron discharge source. |
| US09551063B2 |
Fabrication system and a fabrication method of a light emitting device
An evaporation apparatus with high utilization efficiency for EL materials and excellent film uniformity is provided. The invention is an evaporation apparatus having a movable evaporation source and a substrate rotating unit, in which the space between an evaporation source holder and a workpiece (substrate) is narrowed to 30 cm or below, preferably 20 cm, more preferably 5 to 15 cm, to improve the utilization efficiency for EL materials. In evaporation, the evaporation source holder is moved in the X-direction or the Y-direction, and the workpiece (substrate) is rotated for deposition. Therefore, film uniformity is improved. |
| US09551052B2 |
Rare earth sintered magnet and method for production thereof
A rare-earth sintered magnet includes 12.0 at % to 15.0 at % of rare-earth element(s), which is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Pr, Gd, Tb, Dy and Ho and at least 50% of which is Nd and/or Pr; 5.5 at % to 8.5 at % of boron (B); a predetermined percentage of additive metal A; and iron (Fe) and inevitably contained impurities as the balance. The predetermined percentage of additive metal A includes at least one of 0.005 at % to 0.30 at % of silver (Ag), 0.005 at % to 0.40 at % of nickel (Ni), and 0.005 at % to 0.20 at % of gold (Au). |
| US09551051B2 |
Weldable oxidation resistant nickel-iron-chromium aluminum alloy
A weldable, high temperature oxidation resistant alloy with low solidification crack sensitivity and good resistance to strain age cracking. The alloy contains by weight percent, 25% to 32% iron, 18% to 25% chromium, 3.0% to 4.5% aluminum, 0.2% to 0.6% titanium, 0.2% to 0.43% silicon, up to 0.5% manganese and the balance nickel plus impurities. The Al+Ti content should be between 3.4 and 4.2 and the Cr/Al ratio should be from about 4.5 to 8. |
| US09551050B2 |
Aluminum alloy with additions of scandium, zirconium and erbium
An aluminum alloy including additions of scandium, zirconium, erbium and, optionally, silicon. |
| US09551046B2 |
Apparatus and method for the treatment of a flat steel product, taking place in throughput
An apparatus and a method for the treatment of a flat steel product, taking place in throughput. The apparatus includes an indirectly heated annealing furnace chamber, a conveyor device for continuously conveying the flat steel product over a conveyor path leading from an entry to an exit of the annealing furnace chamber, and nozzle arrangements for feeding atmosphere gas, which is reactive in relation to the flat steel product, into the annealing furnace chamber. A controlled treatment of the flat steel product includes a first nozzle arrangement, from which a gas jet induces a first gas flow towards the entry of the annealing furnace chamber and sweeping over the surface of flat steel product to be treated. A second nozzle arrangement includes a gas jet which induces a second gas flow directed towards the exit of the annealing furnace chamber and sweeping over the surface of flat steel product. |
| US09551045B2 |
Flexible minimum energy utilization electric arc furnace system and processes for making steel products
In an electric arc furnace system for making steel, a method and structure (1) for eliminating teeming hang-ups and ensuring temperature homogeneity in a ladle which teems into an ingot mold by gas purging at all possible steps under both atmospheric and vacuum conditions, and (2) for preventing non-metallic inclusions from appearing in the final product by deflecting the granular material in the teeming ladle well block away from the ingot mold by a heat resistant but combustible deflector just prior to entry of the teeming stream into the ingot mold. |
| US09551042B2 |
Polypeptides having protease activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having protease activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09551040B2 |
Serial quantitative PCR assay for detection, species-discrimination and quantification of Leishmania spp. in human samples
The invention provides a method for determining the presence, species, and/or quantity of Leishmania in a sample. |
| US09551039B2 |
Rapid detection of the “high virulent” ST-17 clone of group B streptococcus
The present invention relates to polynucleotides enabling the rapid, simple and specific detection of Group B Streptococcus highly-virulent ST-17 clones.The present invention also relates to the polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotides, as well as to antibodies directed or raised against said polypeptides.The present invention also relates to kits and methods for the specific detection of Group B Streptococcus highly-virulent ST-17 clones, using the polynucleotides, the polypeptides or the antibodies according to the invention. |
| US09551036B2 |
Metabolic gene mesenchymal signatures and uses thereof
Aspects of the invention relate to methods and compositions for characterizing or modulating the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes. In some embodiments, methods for assessing the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes and related gene signatures are provided that are useful for cancer classification, prognosis, diagnosis, or treatment selection. |
| US09551034B2 |
Method to use gene expression to determine likelihood of clinical outcome of renal cancer
The present disclosure provides gene and gene sets, the expression of which is important in the classification and/or prognosis of cancer, in particular of renal cell carcinoma. |
| US09551032B2 |
Unfolding proximity probes and methods for the use thereof
The present invention relates to a proximity-probe based detection assay for detecting an analyte in a sample and in particular to a method that comprises the use of at least one set of at least first and second proximity probes, which probes each comprise an analyte-binding domain and a nucleic acid domain and can simultaneously bind to the analyte directly or indirectly, wherein the nucleic acid domain of at least one of said proximity probes comprises a hairpin structure that can be unfolded by cleavage of the nucleic acid domain to generate at least one ligatable free end or region of complementarity to another nucleic acid molecule in said sample, wherein when the probes bind to said analyte unfolding said hairpin structure allows the nucleic acid domains of said at least first and second proximity probes to interact directly or indirectly. |
| US09551031B2 |
Modular nucleotide compositions and uses therefor
Nucleic acid compositions, methods of making and using such compositions that comprise modular functional groups that can be configured to provide desired functionality to different nucleotide types through a swappable and preferably non-covalent linkage component. Such compositions are useful in a variety of applications including nucleic acid analyses. |
| US09551025B2 |
Nucleic acid structure complex including nucleic acids, Raman-active molecules, and metal particles, method of preparing the same, and method of detecting target material by using the nucleic acid structure complex
Provided are nucleic acid structures suitable for reproducible Raman spectroscopy, methods of preparing the same, and methods of detecting a target material using the nucleic acid structures, whereby various target materials may be analyzed by using reproducible Raman spectroscopy. |
| US09551022B2 |
Dual surfactant enzymatic method for measuring a substrate in a blood sample
Provided is a method for measuring a substance in a blood sample, which allows avoidance of the influences of both of bilirubin and hemoglobin by simple operations.Provided is a method for measuring a substance in a blood sample by an enzymatic method using an oxidizable color reagent, the method including (1) bringing the blood sample into contact with a non-ionic surfactant; and then (2) bringing the resultant sample into contact with a betaine-type amphoteric surfactant, to perform an enzyme reaction and a color reaction by an oxidizable color reagent at the same time as the contact or after the contact. |
| US09551018B2 |
Process for the preparation of optically active chiral amines
The present invention relates to the production of optically pure secondary amines, which can be used as intermediate products in a synthesis of for instance pharmaceutical products. |
| US09551017B2 |
Structuring fats and methods of producing structuring fats
Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type. |
| US09551012B2 |
Production of trichoderma citrinoviride micropropagules as a biocontrol agent by means of an economical process
The present invention relates to producing micropropagules from Trichoderma citrinoviride EGE-K-130 mold strain isolated from resources of our country and whose strain is molecularly identified, as a bio-control agent by means of an economical production process. |
| US09551011B2 |
Method for expression of small RNA molecules within a cell
The invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a lentiviral vector. The methods can be used to express doubles stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, which are capable of down regulating the expression of a target gene through RNA interference. A variety of cells can be treated according to the methods of the invention including embryos, embryogenic stem cells, allowing for the generation of transgenic animals or animals constituted partly by the transduced cells that have a specific gene or a group of genes down regulated. |
| US09551010B2 |
Methods of improving retroviral titer in transfection-based production system using eukaryotic cells
The invention relates to methods of improving titer in transfection-based bioreactor culture production or transfection-based production systems using eukaryotic cells. |
| US09551009B2 |
Transcription unit and use thereof in expression vectors
A transcription unit constituted by a polynucleotide including the hCMVie virus enhancer, the enhancer having the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, or a nucleotide acid having at least 70% sequence identity with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 and essentially having transcription activation properties, and the promoter region of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), the promoter region having the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, or a nucleotide acid having at least 70% sequence identity with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 and essentially having a promoter activity. |
| US09551007B2 |
Cloning and exploitation of a functional R-gene from Solanum chacoense
The invention relates to a resistance gene and functional homologues or fragments thereof isolated from S. chacoense, S. berthaultii, S. sucrense or S. tarijense. More over, the invention relates to the use of said resistance gene, for example the use of said resistance gene in a method to increase or confer at least partial resistance in a plant to an oomycete infection. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding one of the amino acid sequences of FIG 4 or a functional fragment or a functional homologue thereof such as those presented in FIG. 13. |
| US09550994B2 |
RNAI-mediated inhibition of frizzled related protein-1 for treatment of glaucoma
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of Frizzled Related Protein-1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having glaucoma or at risk of developing glaucoma. |
| US09550989B2 |
Rational design of microRNA-siRNA chimeras for multi-functional target suppression
The present disclosure encompasses methods for rational design of microRNA and small interfering RNA chimeras and compositions and methods of use thereof. |
| US09550988B2 |
Antisense compounds
Provided herein are gapmer oligomeric compounds for reduction of target RNA in vivo comprising different nucleotide modifications within one or both wing regions. Also provided are methods of using such oligomeric compounds, including use in animals. In certain embodiments, such compound have desirable potency and toxicity characteristics. |
| US09550985B2 |
Methods for forensic DNA quantitation
Described herein are methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification and, in particular, to microfluidic methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification. In certain embodiments methods of quantifying a target nucleic acid without the need for amplification are provided. The methods involve, in some embodiments, allowing a binding agent to become immobilized with respect to the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the binding agent comprises a signaling moiety that can be used to quantify the amount of target nucleic acid. In another aspect, the quantification can be carried out rapidly. For example, in certain embodiments, the quantification can be completed within 5 minutes. In yet another aspect, samples containing a low amount of target nucleic acid can be quantified. For instance, in some cases, samples containing less than 100 nanograms per microliter may be quantified. Also described are devices and kits for performing such methods, or the like. |
| US09550984B2 |
Fungal endoglucanases, their production and use
Novel fungal endoglucanases Cel5 and Cel12 are disclosed. The endoglucanases are conveniently produced by recombinant technology, and means for their production are described. The endoglucanases are used for treating cellulosic material, especially in textile industry, e.g. in biofinishing or biostoning. They may also be used in detergents, in animal feed and/or in pulp and paper industry, or in hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material for, e.g. bioethanol production. |
| US09550973B2 |
Bacterial host strain
A recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell comprising one or more of the following mutated protease genes: a) a mutated Tsp gene, wherein the mutated Tsp gene encodes a Tsp protein having reduced protease activity or is a knockout mutated Tsp gene; b) a mutated ptr gene, wherein the mutated ptr gene encodes a Protease III protein having reduced protease activity or is a knockout mutated ptr gene; and c) a mutated DegP gene encoding a DegP protein having chaperone activity and reduced protease activity; wherein the cell is isogenic to a wild-type bacterial cell except for the mutated Tsp gene and/or mutated ptr gene and/or mutated DegP gene and optionally a polynucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest. |
| US09550969B2 |
Flexible bag for cultivation of cells
An inflatable bioreactor bag for cell cultivation, which comprising a top and a bottom sheet of flexible material, joined together to form two end edges and two side edges, wherein one baffle or a plurality of baffles extend from the bottom sheet in a region where the shortest distance to any one of the two end edges is higher than about one fourth of the shortest distance between the two end edges. |
| US09550967B2 |
Cleaning compositions and methods
The present invention relates, in part, to cleaning methods and solvent cleaning compositions including at least one hydrofluoro-olefin or hydrochlorofluoro-olefin solvent for use in connection with cleaning of metal parts, and in certain preferred embodiments cleaning metal parts to be used in an aircraft. |
| US09550965B2 |
Cleaning compositions containing a polyetheramine
The present invention relates generally to cleaning compositions and, more specifically, to cleaning compositions containing a polyetheramine that is suitable for removal of stains from soiled materials. |
| US09550964B2 |
Detergent compositions containing pyridinol-N-oxide compositions
This disclosure relates to detergent compositions containing pyridinol-N-oxide compounds and being substantially free of bleach. Methods for treating a stained fabric using such detergent compositions are also disclosed. |
| US09550953B2 |
Sliding component for use in an internal combustion engine
A sliding component for an internal combustion engine may include a ferrous base having a peripheral sliding surface covered with a protective layer including at least one of a nitride applied via physical vapor deposition and a nitrided layer. The base may include a coating of carbon of a diamond-like carbon type. The coating may include at least one of (i) a transition layer including a composition of WC1-X and (ii) a layer of metallic chromium of crystalline structure disposed between the ferrous base and an outer layer of amorphous carbon. The coating may also include an intermediate layer of a nanocrystalline phase of carbides in a multilayer structure having a first sub-layer including a composition different than a second sub-layer disposed under the outer layer. |
| US09550949B2 |
Gasification apparatus
In a gasification apparatus, a gasification furnace (101) having an octagonal hollow cross-sectional shape, a heat exchanger (102) having a quadrangular hollow cross-sectional shape, and a connection portion (103) which connects an upper portion of the gasification furnace (101) to a lower portion of the heat exchanger (102) are provided, thereby simplifying structures and enhancing efficiencies can be achieved. |
| US09550941B2 |
Sterically hindered amine light stabilizers with a mixed functionalization
A compound of the formula (I), wherein one or two radicals of the radicals R1 are independently of one another C1-C20alkyloxy or C3-C12cycloalkyloxy and the remaining radicals R1 are independently of one another hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl or C3-C12cycloalkyl; the radicals R0 and R2 are independently of one another hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (II-a) with R3 being hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl, C1-C20alkyloxy or C3-C12cycloalkyloxy; Y is C2-C12alkylene; m is 0 or 1; n is 1, 2 or 3; when n is 1, X is hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (II-a); when n is 2, X is C2-C12alkylene; when n is 3, X is a group N(Z—)3 with Z being C2-C12alkyl. |
| US09550940B2 |
Etching material
An etching material including at least one boron compound selected from a Lewis acid that includes, in its structure, boron and a halogen that is bonded to the boron, a salt of the Lewis acid and a compound that generates the Lewis acid. |
| US09550938B2 |
Particulate aggregating and surface modification with improved hydrocarbon fluid flow through the aggregated particulates and over solid surface reagents and methods for making and using same
Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces. |
| US09550933B2 |
Napthol-based epoxy resin additives for use in well cementing
Disclosed are methods and compositions for cementing in a subterranean formation. A method comprises introducing a resin composition into a wellbore. The resin composition may comprise a resin, a napthol-based epoxy resin additive, and a hardening agent. The napthol-based epoxy resin additive may comprise two naphthalene functional groups and two epoxide functional groups. |
| US09550930B2 |
Thermal lamination adhesive coatings for use on substrates
Lamination adhesives including an aqueous dispersion having a mixture of a polyamide and an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer are provided for use on a variety of substrates. In various embodiments, the aqueous dispersion is substantially free of plasticizers and non-aqueous organic solvents. Also provided is a method of forming a laminate adhesion between two substrates. The disclosure also describes a laminate structure comprising first and second substrates laminated together by the lamination adhesive, the lamination adhesive including a mixture of a polyamide and a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. |
| US09550929B2 |
Use of a latently reactive adhesive film for adhesive bonding of eloxated aluminum to plastic
Adhesive bonding of eloxated aluminum to plastic, with a product having at least one layer of a latently reactive adhesive film which has a thermoplastic component having a melting point T(melting) where 35° C.≦T(melting)≦90° C. and contains functional groups that can react with isocyanate and an isocyanate-containing component dispersed in particulate form in the thermoplastic and is essentially deactivated in the region of the particle surface, the particles having a start temperature T(start) where 40° C.≦T(start)≦100° C. and where T(start)≦T(melting). |
| US09550924B2 |
Acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and surface finishing material comprising the same
Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive including an acrylic copolymer formed by copolymerizing: i) 81 to 96% by weight of an alkyl (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer having a carbon number of an alkyl group of 2 to 14; ii) 1 to 10% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an allyl ester, a vinyl ester and an unsaturated acetate; iii) 1 to 10% by weight of an acrylonitrile monomer; and iv) 0.1 to 2% by weight of a crosslinker including 5 to 15 of an alkylene oxide group, and having two or more groups of an acrylate group, a vinyl group or the combination thereof, and a surface finishing material comprising the same, which is environmentally friendly, has an excellent room temperature and an aging adhesive property, and has an excellent constructability. |
| US09550920B2 |
Adhesive tape, preferably self-adhesive tape, comprising of at least two layers A and B laminated directly on one another, with at least one or both layers A or B being an adhesive
Adhesive tape having at least two layers A and B laminated directly on one another, with at least one or both layers A or B being an adhesive, and the interfaces of the layers A and B laminated on one another being subjected to a physical method, the physical method being selected from the group consisting of corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, flame pretreatment and plasma treatment, before the layers are laminated to one another, with the two methods differing from one another. |
| US09550919B2 |
Anti-blocking adhesive-coated substrate, and a method for making the same
A substrate, such as, for example, a flap member of a pinch-bottom product bag, and a method of making the same, comprises a hot melt adhesive disposed upon the substrate so as to comprise first horizontally spaced upstanding portions whereby adhesive blocking is effectively eliminated or significantly reduced. A fiberized hot melt adhesive overcoat/overspray may also be disposed atop the hot melt adhesive to further assure the elimination or reduction in the adhesive blocking. The fiberized hot melt adhesive may also be used in conjunction with a conventionally applied hot melt adhesive base or foundation upon the substrate or deposited directly onto the substrate. |