| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09600417B2 |
Data caching
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for caching data not frequently accessed. One of the methods includes receiving a request for data from a component of a device, determining that the data satisfies an infrequency condition, in response to determining that the data satisfies the infrequency condition: determining a target cache level which defines a cache level within a cache level hierarchy of a particular cache at which to store infrequently accessed data, the target cache level being lower than a highest cache level in the cache level hierarchy, requesting and receiving the data from a memory that is not a cache of the device, and storing the data in a level of the particular cache that is at or below the target cache level in the cache level hierarchy, and providing the data to the component. |
| US09600415B1 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program stored in computer readable medium for managing storage server in database system
Disclosed is a method of managing a storage server in a database system. Provided is a storage server including a cache device to store at least one block that includes data; a permanent storage medium to record the at least one block stored in the cache device; and a controller to record the at least one block stored in the cache device in the permanent storage medium, wherein the controller includes a grade determiner to determine a grade of each of the at least one block based on a size of each of the at least one block; a victim block determiner to determine a victim block to be recorded in the permanent storage medium among blocks stored in the cache device based on the determined grade of each of the at least one block; and a block recorder to record the determined victim block in the permanent storage medium. |
| US09600406B1 |
Data tuple testing and routing for a streaming application
A tuple testing and routing operator in a streaming application routes data tuples to multiple parallel test operators that test in parallel the data tuples, receives feedback from the multiple parallel test operators regarding the results of testing the data tuples, routes a data tuple to a first operator when the data tuple passes the multiple parallel test operators according to a specified pass threshold, and optionally routes the data tuple to a second operator when the data tuple does not pass the multiple parallel test operators according to the specified pass threshold. The pass threshold allows testing to be done in a way that does not require all tests to be performed for all data tuples, thereby enhancing performance. |
| US09600395B2 |
Software quality evaluating system and methods for determining an extent of software code changes
A method for determining an extent of code changes upon implementation of a software modification has the steps of: registering the number of software code components and the respective number of lines of code of each software component of a software code before the implementation of the software modification, implementing the software modification by changing the software code, determining the number of software code components that have changed due to the implementation of the software modification, determining the number of lines of code of each software component that have changed due to the implementation of the software modification, and determining an invasiveness value on the basis of the determined number of software code components that have changed and determined number of lines of code that have changed, the invasiveness value being indicative of the extent of software code changes upon implementation of the software modification. |
| US09600394B2 |
Stateful detection of anomalous events in virtual machines
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that detects anomalous events. During operation, the system obtains machine-generated time-series performance data collected during execution of a software program in a computer system. Next, the system removes a subset of the machine-generated time-series performance data within an interval around one or more known anomalous events of the software program to generate filtered time-series performance data. The system uses the filtered time-series performance data to build a statistical model of normal behavior in the software program and obtains a number of unique patterns learned by the statistical model. When the number of unique patterns satisfies a complexity threshold, the system applies the statistical model to subsequent machine-generated time-series performance data from the software program to identify an anomaly in an activity of the software program and stores an indication of the anomaly for the software program upon identifying the anomaly. |
| US09600393B2 |
Testing of application service versions on live data
Some embodiments include a computer server implementing a splitter engine to perform testing of a pre-production version of an application service against live traffic. The splitter engine can receive a client request for a live application service. The splitter engine can generate a live response by processing the client request through a live instance of a production engine. The splitter engine can select one or more request processors to process the client request and a processing order based on a request type of the client request. The splitter engine can process the client request through the one or more request processors according to the processing order after responding to the client request with the live response. The splitter engine can compare states of at least two of the production engine and the one or more request processors. |
| US09600392B2 |
Tracking pipelined activity during off-core memory accesses to evaluate the impact of processor core frequency changes
A processor system tracks, in at least one counter, a number of cycles in which at least one execution unit of at least one processor core is idle and at least one thread of the at least one processor core is waiting on at least one off-core memory access during run-time of the at least one processor core during an interval comprising multiple cycles. The processor system evaluates an expected performance impact of a frequency change within the at least one processor core based on the current run-time conditions for executing at least one operation tracked in the at least one counter during the interval. |
| US09600388B2 |
Information processing apparatus that computes power consumption for CPU command
An information processing apparatus includes a hardware processor and a memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to extract a command from a command cache, complete a process by the command utilizing a predetermined method, input information, which indicates a final result of the process, onto a writing stage when the process by the command has been completed, compute, when operation of information input onto an execution stage for execution of the process by the command has been completed, power consumption required to execute the command stored in the execution stage in accordance with a status of a CPU (central processing unit) or a status of pertained parts around the CPU, and add, when operation of information input onto the writing stage has been completed, the computed power consumption to a current value of a power accumulating register that is a software visible register, so as to obtain accumulated power consumption. |
| US09600376B1 |
Backup and replication configuration using replication topology
Various systems and methods for configuring backup and replication operations. For example, a method involves a backup system receiving storage configuration information regarding a replication topology of a storage system. The backup system uses the storage configuration information to configure a backup operation. The backup operation is configured in accord with specifications included in backup information. Configuring the backup operation includes selecting a source volume and a target volume, using the storage configuration information. Once the backup operation is configured, the backup operation is initiated. Performing the backup operation involves creating a backup image on the selected source volume and replicating the backup image to the selected target volume. |
| US09600372B2 |
Approach for controller area network bus off handling
A system and method for determining when to reset a controller in response to a bus off state. The method includes determining that the controller has entered a first bus off state and immediately resetting the controller. The method further includes setting a reset timer in response to the controller being reset, determining whether the controller has entered a subsequent bus off state, and determining whether a reset time. The method immediately resets the controller in response to the subsequent bus off state if the reset time is greater than the first predetermined time interval, and resets the controller in response to the subsequent bus off state after a second predetermined time interval has elapsed if the reset time is less than the first predetermined time interval. |
| US09600371B2 |
Preserving server-client session context
Methods, devices, and storage media are provided for preserving the context of a server-client session. A server generates an initial context and a context for each user command executed in a first session and sends context to a client with the return for each command. The context describes software, session state, returned data, and/or hardware characteristics of a server-side environment for the first session. The client receives and stores the context with each user command. Upon determining that the database session should be rebuilt in the second session, the client sends initial context. A server for the second session receives the initial context and determines whether commands should be replayed in the second session. If commands are replayed, the server validates that server environment and client-visible results for each command in the second session match that from execution in the first session using the context for that command. |
| US09600369B2 |
Operating system recovery method and apparatus, and terminal device
An operating system recovery method is provided. The method includes starting a level 2 kernel, and transferring an image file of a to-be-recovered operating system to a specified location of a memory by using the started level 2 kernel so that a location of a recovery program in the level 2 kernel in the memory is the same as a location of a recovery program in an original kernel in the memory, where the level 2 kernel is obtained by tailoring an image file of the original kernel and then compiling a tailored image file of the original kernel; and recovering, by using the level 2 kernel, the operating system to a state, before the operating system enters a hibernation mode, of the operating system. A recovery speed of the operating system can be accelerated. In addition, a corresponding apparatus and terminal device are further provided. |
| US09600363B2 |
Data accessing method, memory controlling circuit unit and memory storage apparatus
A data accessing method for a memory storage apparatus is provided. The method includes using a first check code circuit to generate a first check code corresponding to a first data stream and generating a first data set based on the first data stream and the first check code. The method also includes using a second check code circuit to obtain the first data stream and the first check code from the first data set and check the first data stream according to the first check code. The method still includes using a third check code circuit to generate a second check code according to the checked first data stream and generating a data frame based on the checked first data stream and the second check code and thereby programming the data frame into a physical programming unit. |
| US09600361B2 |
Dynamic partial blocking of a cache ECC bypass
An aspect includes receiving a fetch request for a data block at a cache memory system that includes cache memory that is partitioned into a plurality of cache data ways including a cache data way that contains the data block. The data block is fetched and it is determined whether the in-line ECC checking and correcting should be bypassed. The determining is based on a bypass indicator corresponding to the cache data way. Based on determining that in-line ECC checking and correcting should be bypassed, returning the fetched data block to the requestor and performing an ECC process for the fetched data block subsequent to returning the fetched data block to the requestor. Based on determining that in-line ECC checking and correcting should not be bypassed, performing the ECC process for the fetched data block and returning the fetched data block to the requestor subsequent to performing the ECC process. |
| US09600357B2 |
Error detection method of failsafe software
Disclosed is an error detection method of fail safe software, the method including outputting a pulse signal according to an operation state of fail safe software monitoring a fail safe function of a motor control device; determining presence or absence of an error of the fail safe software using a frequency of the pulse signal; and controlling an output of the motor control device based on the presence or absence of the error of the fail safe software. Accordingly, even though whether the motor control device is in an abnormal state is not determined due to an error of the fail safe software, it is possible to prevent excessive motor torque from occurring. |
| US09600355B2 |
Redundant encoding
Analyzing data is disclosed. Error events are tracked. The error events are classified based on a number of errors included in each event. A desired level of error event to be able to be corrected in order to maintain an acceptable rate of uncorrected errors is determined. A redundancy level is selected so that new error events corresponding to the desired level of error event or a lower level of error event are corrected. |
| US09600347B2 |
Verifying synchronization coverage in logic code
A computer implemented system and method for measuring synchronization coverage for one or more concurrently executed threads is provided. The method comprises updating an identifier of a first thread to comprise an operation identifier associated with a first operation, in response to determining that the first thread has performed the first operation; associating the identifier of the first thread with one or more resources accessed by the first thread; and generating a synchronization coverage model by generating a relational data structure of said one or more resources, wherein a resource is associated with at least the identifier of the first thread and an identifier of a second thread identifier, such that the second thread waits for the first thread before accessing said resource. |
| US09600344B2 |
Proportional resizing of a logical partition based on a degree of performance difference between threads for high-performance computing on non-dedicated clusters
Techniques for enabling high-performance computing are provided. The techniques include resizing a logical partition in a non-dedicated compute cluster server to enable high-performance computing, wherein a high performance computing application is executed such that the high performance computing application is configured to complete execution of each of one or more application threads at a similar time as a slowest thread in the cluster, and wherein the non-dedicated compute cluster comprises one or more servers and the logical partition is created by partitioning one or more server resources. |
| US09600341B2 |
Transaction sticky load balance policies
A transaction sticky load balance policy allows a remote client to choose a target server node from a server cluster to provide a transaction service. The load balance policy directs invocations of business methods within a transaction to the same target server node. The remote client receives the load balance policy from a proxy, which is downloaded to the remote client from one of the server nodes in the server cluster. The remote client selects a target server node according to the load balance policy. The remote client then invokes the business methods within a transaction on the target server node via the proxy. The target server node can execute all of the business methods within the transaction on a Java virtual machine. The business methods can be implemented with Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs). |
| US09600332B2 |
Server load balancing based on virtual utilization, physical utilization, and feedback
Methods and apparatus for providing availability information of a virtual machine to a load balancer are disclosed. The availability information of the virtual machine may be normalized information from performance metrics of the virtual machine and performance metrics of the physical machine on which the virtual machine operates. The normalized availability of a virtual machine is provided by a feedback agent executing on the virtual machine. Alternatively, the normalized availability of a virtual machine is provided by a feedback agent executing on a hypervisor executing multiple virtual machines on a common set of physical computing hardware. |
| US09600330B2 |
Method and system for regulation and control of a multi-core central processing unit
A method and system for regulation and control of a multi-core CPU includes receiving an operating command associated with regulation and control of the multi-core CPU, responding to the operating command, and performing regulation and control on the CPU cores of the multi-core CPU via a bottom layer core interface according to a preset CPU regulation and control mode. Thereby, a working state of every CPU core of a multi-core CPU is regulated and controlled, processing capability of the multi-core CPU is improved, and energy and electric power are saved. |
| US09600328B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing background visual effect
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for processing a background visual effect. The method is registering dependence resources, running parameters and handlers corresponding to respective visual effect modes of a background, selecting a visual effect mode corresponding to the background according to a running instruction, and initializing the dependence resource, the running parameter and the handler corresponding to the selected visual effect mode to control the background to enter the running status of the selected visual effect mode, and switching the current running visual effect mode of the background according to a received switching instruction. Through the method and the apparatus for processing a background visual effect, background visual effects can be shared in different scenarios, the variety of background visual effects which can be implemented in the same scenario is enriched and the effect of user experience is improved. |
| US09600325B2 |
One-time initialization
Aspects of the present invention are directed at providing safe and efficient ways for a program to perform a one-time initialization of a data item in a multi-threaded environment. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that allows a program to perform a synchronized initialization of a data item that may be accessed by multiple threads. More specifically, the method includes receiving a request to initialize the data item from a current thread. In response to receiving the request, the method determines whether the current thread is the first thread to attempt to initialize the data item. If the current thread is the first thread to attempt to initialize the data item, the method enforces mutual exclusion and blocks other attempts to initialize the data item made by concurrent threads. Then, the current thread is allowed to execute program code provided by the program to initialize the data item. |
| US09600323B2 |
Storing and resuming application runtime state
Execution of an application is suspended and the runtime state of the application is collected and persisted. Maintenance operations may then be performed on the computer that the application was executing upon. The runtime state might also be moved to another computer. In order to resume execution of the application, the runtime state of the application is restored. Once the runtime state of the application has been restored, execution of the application may be restarted from the point at which execution was suspended. A proxy layer might also be utilized to translate requests received from the application for resources that are modified after the runtime state of the application is persisted. |
| US09600322B1 |
Leveraging multiprocessor fabric link aggregation
Data access patterns between at least three nodes within a single symmetric multiprocessing server may be monitored by at least one hypervisor. At the hypervisor, mappings for the data access patterns may be generated for the at least three nodes. Based upon the mappings, the hypervisor may determine that the data access patterns for at least two of the at least three nodes are outside of a bandwidth threshold. In response to determining that the data access patterns for at least two of the at least three nodes are outside of a bandwidth threshold, the hypervisor may formulate an asymmetric cabling plan. Based upon the asymmetric cabling plan, a recommendation to alter the multiprocessor fabric link aggregation may be displayed to a user through a graphical user interface. |
| US09600320B2 |
Mitigation of virtual machine security breaches
An approach provides solutions for responding to threats to virtual machines (VMs) and mitigating the risks of potential breaches to VMs that reside in the same neighborhood as VMs that are affected by threats. The approach can provide proactive responsive actions for one or more VMs in a determined neighborhood that help protect those VMs in a selective and prioritized manner. |
| US09600318B2 |
Method and system for closing application programs of an application system
A method and system for closing an application program are provided. The method comprises: a deployment platform determining a virtual machine relevant to an application system according to configuration information of the application system when the application system is to be closed; and the deployment platform sending an indication message for closing the application system to the virtual machine relevant to the application system, wherein, the indication message for closing the application system is used for indicating the virtual machine relevant to the application system to close application programs in the application system in sequence. Through the above-mentioned technical scheme, the deployment platform indicates a virtual machine relevant to an application system required to be closed to close application programs in the application system in sequence, which makes multiple application programs of the application system deployed on multiple virtual machines can be closed in sequence. |
| US09600317B2 |
Page compressibility checker
Techniques for checking the compressibility of a memory page that is allocated to a virtual machine (VM) running on a host system are provided. In one embodiment, the host system can determine a compression ratio for the memory page by compressing the memory page using a first compression algorithm. The host system can then compare the compression ratio to a threshold. If the compression ratio does not exceed the threshold, the host system can predict that the memory page is compressible by a second compression algorithm that is distinct from the first compression algorithm. On average, the second compression algorithm can be slower, but achieve a lower compression ratio, than the first compression algorithm. |
| US09600315B2 |
Seamless takeover of a stateful protocol session in a virtual machine environment
The disclosed technique uses virtual machines in solving a problem of persistent state for storage protocols. The technique provides for seamless, persistent, storage protocol session state management on a server, for higher availability. A first virtual server is operated in an active role in a host system to serve a client, by using a stateful protocol between the first virtual server and the client. A second, substantially identical virtual server is maintained in a passive role. In response to a predetermined event, the second virtual server takes over for the first virtual server, while preserving state for a pending client request sent to the first virtual server in the stateful protocol. The method can further include causing the second virtual server to respond to the request before a timeout which is specific to the stateful protocol can occur. |
| US09600314B2 |
Scheduler limited virtual device polling
A hypervisor executing on a computer system identifies a request of a guest operating system of a virtual machine in a shared device. The shared device comprises a shared memory space between a virtual processor of the virtual machine and the hypervisor. The hypervisor processes the request of the guest operating system and polls the shared device for additional requests. Upon determining that there are no additional requests in the shared device to be processed, the hypervisor identifies the virtual processor of the virtual machine associated with the device and determines the execution state of that virtual processor. The hypervisor disables polling the shared device for requests upon determining that the virtual processor is not executing. |
| US09600312B2 |
Threading as a service
A service manages a plurality of virtual machine instances for low latency execution of user codes. The plurality of virtual machine instances can be configured based on a predetermined set of configurations. One or more containers may be created within the virtual machine instances. In response to a request to execute user code, the service identifies a pre-configured virtual machine instance suitable for executing the user code. The service can allocate the identified virtual machine instance to the user, create a new container within an instance already allocated to the user, or re-use a container already created for execution of the user code. When the user code has not been activated for a time-out period, the service can invalidate allocation of the virtual machine instance destroy the container. The time from receiving the request to beginning code execution is less than a predetermined duration, for example, 100 ms. |
| US09600310B2 |
Compatibility-based configuration of hardware with virtualization software
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the use of a computer system with virtualization software. During operation, the system obtains a set of hardware attributes from the computer system and a hardware compatibility list (HCL) for the virtualization software. Next, the system uses the hardware attributes and the HCL to predict a compatibility of a hardware component in the computer system with the virtualization software. The system then uses the predicted compatibility to manage use of the computer system with the virtualization software. |
| US09600307B1 |
Dynamic policy based placement of virtual machines within and across multiple data centers
New and existing virtual machines are dynamically located. Dynamic location can be prompted based on performance degradation, load balancing and other policies. Potential locations include other hosts within a data center and other data centers. |
| US09600299B2 |
Application object framework
A system, a method, and a computer program product for providing an application object framework are disclosed. In response to a request, an application object of a software application is obtained from an application object framework. The application object framework loads a metadata corresponding to the requested application object. The metadata contains at least one metadata schema definition. The application object framework generates a runtime interface for execution of the requested application object based on the loaded metadata. |
| US09600298B2 |
Active and efficient monitoring of a graphical user interface
Machines, systems and methods for recognizing visual change in a graphical user interface (GUI) environment, the method comprising determining position of an active GUI object in the GUI environment based on known attributes of the active GUI object; monitoring a focus area in the active GUI object to detect visual changes in attributes of the focus area, without regard to any visual changes outside the focus area; determining whether the active GUI object has moved or has been resized, in response to determining a visual change in the attributes of the focus area; and determining position of a new active GUI object in the GUI environment, in response to determining that the active GUI object has not been moved or has not been resized. |
| US09600294B2 |
Port throttling across an operating system restart during a hot upgrade
A method includes tagging, by a processor executing a first operating system kernel, a region of a memory used by a first storage area network (SAN) adapter driver coupled to a SAN adapter, and decoupling the first SAN adapter driver from the SAN adapter. A boot of a second operating system kernel is then initiated while preserving in the tagged region of the memory contents stored therein. After the boot, a second SAN adapter driver is then coupled to the SAN adapter. |
| US09600288B1 |
Result bypass cache
A system and method for efficiently accessing operands in a datapath. An apparatus includes a data operand register file and an execution pipeline with multiple stages. In addition, the apparatus includes a result bypass cache configured to store data results conveyed by at least the final stage of the execution pipeline stage. Control logic is included which is configured to determine whether source operands for an instruction entering the pipeline are available in the last stage of the pipeline or in the result bypass cache. If the source operands are available in the last stage of the pipeline or the result bypass cache, they may be obtained from one of those locations rather than reading from the register file. If the source operands are not available from the last stage or the result bypass cache, then they may be obtained from the data operand register file. |
| US09600283B2 |
Single instruction for specifying a subset of registers to save prior to entering low-power mode, and for specifying a pointer to a function executed after exiting low-power mode
Methods and apparatuses for reducing power consumption of processor switch operations are disclosed. One or more embodiments may comprise specifying a subset of registers or state storage elements to be involved in a register or state storage operation, performing the register or state storage operation, and performing a switch operation. The embodiments may minimize the number of registers or state storage elements involved with the standby operation by specifying only the subset of registers or state storage elements, which may involve considerably fewer than the total number of registers or state storage or elements of the processor. The switch operation may be switch from one mode to another, such as a transition to or from a sleep mode, a context switch, or the execution of various types of instructions. |
| US09600280B2 |
Hazard check instructions for enhanced predicate vector operations
A hazard check instruction has operands that specify addresses of vector elements to be read by first and second vector memory operations. The hazard check instruction outputs a dependency vector identifying, for each element position of the first vector corresponding to the first vector memory operation, which element position of the second vector that the element of the first vector depends on (if any). In an embodiment, at least one of the vector memory operations has addresses specified using a scalar address in the operands (and a vector attribute associated with the vector). In an embodiment, the operands may include predicates for one or both of the vector memory operations, indicating which vector elements are active. The dependency vector may be qualified by the predicates, indicating dependencies only for active elements. |
| US09600279B2 |
Circuit and method for searching a data array and single-instruction, multiple-data processing unit incorporating the same
Search circuitry responsive to a single instruction for undertaking a step of a search of a data array for an extreme value therein, a method of searching a data array to identify an extreme value therein and a location thereof and a single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) processing unit incorporating the search circuitry or the method. In one embodiment, the search circuitry includes: a comparison element configured to compare two values in the data array, (2) multiplexers coupled to the comparison element and configured to select a more extreme value of the two values and a location in the data array of the more extreme value and (3) an incrementer configured to increment a counter associated with the search. |
| US09600276B2 |
Creating templates of offline resources
Implementations of the present invention allow software resources to be duplicated efficiently and effectively while offline. In one implementation, a preparation program receives an identification of a software resource, such as a virtual machine installed on a different volume, an offline operating system, or an application program. The preparation program also receives an indication of customized indicia that are to be removed from the software resource. These indicia can include personalized information as well as the level of software updates, security settings, user settings or the like. Upon execution, the preparation program redirects the function calls of the preparation program to the software resource at the different volume (or even the same volume) while the software resource is not running. The preparation program thus can thus creates a template of the software resource in a safe manner without necessarily affecting the volume at which the preparation program runs. |
| US09600273B2 |
Efficient annotation system for distributed version control systems
Systems and methods for making source code annotations available across software code repository commits are disclosed. An example method for creating an incremental blame structure for determining which annotations should be shown begins with receiving a commit including at least one file that has been updated with respect to a parent commit. Then, parent file revisions for the at least one file should be identified. An example method determines the differences between the at least one file and the identified parent file revisions and traces an origin of each line in the file based on the determined differences. An identifier of the line and the line's origin may be added to the incremental blame data structure of the file. |
| US09600271B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium
A system includes: processing circuitry and a database which stores target data to be accessed by a plurality of information processing apparatus each of which executes a software program that issues a request to access the target data, the request including version information regarding the software program which issued the request and is being updated from a first version to a second version. The processing circuitry is configured to: update the database by transferring data from a first database relating to the first version to a second database relating to the second version; receive the request from one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses during the updating of the database; and determine a transmission destination of the received request based on the version information included in the received request and a condition of whether or not the target data is transferred from the first database to the second database. |
| US09600270B1 |
Methods and systems for updating components on a computing device
Methods and systems for updating components on a computing device are described herein. A computing device may perform an example method, which may include receiving, at the computing device, a notification of an update corresponding to an existing component on the computing device. Responsive to receiving the notification, the computing device may receive inputs from sensors of the computing device, which may provide information indicative of a given state of use, time of day, and location associated with the computing device. Based on a weighted combination of the inputs, the computing device may determine whether to update the existing component on the computing device and update the existing component. In some instances, the computing device may use information provided by another computing device to determine whether or not to initiate an update process. |
| US09600269B1 |
Deployment of database objects
A system, a method, and a computer program product for deploying of objects are disclosed. At least one file containing a plurality of artifacts for deploying during runtime of an application is defined. Each artifact in the plurality of artifacts includes at least one object in the plurality of objects required to be deployed during runtime of the application. At least one dependency for at least one artifact in the plurality of artifacts is determined. An execution order for deployment of the plurality of artifacts is generated. The plurality of artifacts is deployed in accordance with the generated execution order. |
| US09600268B1 |
Image upgrade for devices in a telephony system
A system for image upgrade, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an upgrade director and a target device comprising a manager module. The upgrade director sends a first command to the manager module initiating an upgrade event. The manager module receives the first command. The manager module calculates a delay parameter. The manager module downloads an upgrade image after the delay parameter has ended. The upgrade director sends a second command to the manager module indicating that the upgrade event is to conclude. The manager module receives the second command from the upgrade director. The manager module reboots using the upgrade image responsive to the second command. |
| US09600266B2 |
Methods and apparatus for updating software components in coordination with operational modes of a motor vehicle
Methods and apparatus are provided for updating at least one software component of a motor vehicle in coordination with predetermined safe operational modes of the vehicle permitting the updating without danger to a driver operating the motor vehicle. The method operates such that a receiver circuit of a hub controller of the motor vehicle receives and stores a software update module in a memory of the hub controller. A processor of the hub controller determines an operational condition of the motor vehicle and selectively updates at least one software component of the motor vehicle with the software update module responsive to the operational condition of the motor vehicle being in a predetermined safe operational mode permitting the updating without danger to a driver operating the motor vehicle. Preferably, the updating of the at least one software component with the software update module takes place only during DPF regeneration. |
| US09600257B2 |
Application installation system
A method, system and computer program product for generating a list of applications available for installation on a user terminal is disclosed. In one aspect, a catalogue server identifies a first and a second installation control setting corresponding to an application on the basis of user identification data from a data store comprising entries for a plurality of applications and their corresponding installation control settings. Subsequently, the catalogue server determines installation control data for at least one of the first and second application on the basis of the first and the second installation control setting. The determined installation control data is used to generate the list of application available for installation on the user terminal. |
| US09600253B2 |
Arranging binary code based on call graph partitioning
Mechanisms are provided for arranging binary code to reduce instruction cache conflict misses. These mechanisms generate a call graph of a portion of code. Nodes and edges in the call graph are weighted to generate a weighted call graph. The weighted call graph is then partitioned according to the weights, affinities between nodes of the call graph, and the size of cache lines in an instruction cache of the data processing system, so that binary code associated with one or more subsets of nodes in the call graph are combined into individual cache lines based on the partitioning. The binary code corresponding to the partitioned call graph is then output for execution in a computing device. |
| US09600246B2 |
Development system with improved methodology for creation and reuse of software assets
A development system with improved methodology for creation and reuse of software assets is shown and described. In one embodiment, for example, in a development system, a method is described for facilitating creation of a reusable application, the method comprises steps of: during development of the application, capturing knowledge and intent of the application's original developer alongside source code created for the application; producing an archival module storing the source code for the application together with metadata capturing the knowledge and intent of the original developer, the metadata including at least one script guiding subsequent developers in use and modification of the source code for the application; and consuming the archival module by a follow-on developer, including executing the at least one script for facilitating creation of a reusable version of the application. |
| US09600245B2 |
Computer-implemented method for generating control unit program code and message management environment relating thereto
A computer-implemented method for generating control unit program code. The control unit program code or an intermediate representation in the generation of the control unit program code is generated from at least one first data object with at least one first software tool. The first software tool outputs at least one message about the generation process during the generation of the control unit program code or the intermediate representation, and a computer-implemented message management environment acquires the message output by the software tool. The evaluation of the messages output by the software tools during the generation process is achieved in a more effective manner in that a qualification for the acquired message at least as open or approved is acquired by the message management environment and in that a qualification precondition for a message qualified as approved is also acquired by the message management environment. |
| US09600242B2 |
Application framework for reactive information propagation and planning for lifelike exercises
The present invention addresses the development of software applications for multiple domains and users. The application framework of the present invention includes a collection of mutually compatible software components, technologies and capabilities that can be assembled using object-oriented techniques to build custom software applications. |
| US09600240B2 |
Trailing or leading zero counter having parallel and combinational logic
A trailing/leading zero counter includes a plurality of hardware logic blocks, each of which calculates one bit of the output value (i.e. the number of trailing/leading zeros depending on whether it is a trailing/leading zero counter). Each hardware logic block includes two blocks of section hardware logic which each receive a section of an input string and generate one or two outputs from this section of bits. Combining logic then combines the outputs of the section hardware logic to generate the bit of the output value. For hardware logic blocks which calculate bits other than the least significant bit of the output, the hardware logic blocks also include one or more OR reduction stages which reduces the length of the input string by pairwise combining of bits using OR gates before the resultant string is divided into two sections and input to the section hardware logic. |
| US09600236B2 |
Systems and methods for computing mathematical functions
Mathematical functions are computed in a single pipeline performing a polynomial approximation (e.g. a quadratic approximation, or the like); and one or more data tables corresponding to at least one of the RCP, SQRT, EXP or LOG functions operable to be coupled to the single pipeline according to one or more opcodes; wherein the single pipeline is operable for computing at least one of RCP, SQRT, EXP or LOG functions according to the one or more opcodes. SIN and COS are also computed using the pipeline according to the approximation ((−1)^IntX)*Sin(π*Min(FracX, 1.0−FracX)/Min(FracX, 1.0−FracX). A pipeline portion approximates Sin(π*FracX) using tables and interpolation and a subsequent stage multiplies this approximation by FracX. For input arguments of x close 1.0. LOG 2(x−1)/(x−1) is computed using a first pipeline portion using tables and interpolation and subsequently multiplied by (x−1). A DIV operation may also be performed with input arguments scaled up to avoid underflow as needed. |
| US09600235B2 |
Technique for performing arbitrary width integer arithmetic operations using fixed width elements
One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for performing arithmetic operations on arbitrary width integers using fixed width elements. The method includes receiving a plurality of input operands, segmenting each input operand into multiple sectors, performing a plurality of multiply-add operations based on the multiple sectors to generate a plurality of multiply-add operation results, and combining the multiply-add operation results to generate a final result. One advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that, by using a common fused floating point multiply-add unit to perform arithmetic operations on integers of arbitrary width, the method avoids the area and power penalty of having additional dedicated integer units. |
| US09600233B2 |
Generic data model for event monitoring integration
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer-implemented method for a generic data model for event monitoring integration. The computer-implemented method generates monitor application descriptor data for an identified candidate, identifies a target monitor model specification associated with the identified candidate to form an identified target monitor model specification, and responsive to identifying the target monitor model specification, provides the monitor application descriptor data and the identified target monitor model specification, to a monitor model generator. The computer-implemented method further identifies application elements of the identified candidate to be monitored to form identified elements, and generates the identified monitor model for the identified elements to create a monitor-specific output. |
| US09600228B2 |
Enhanced system and method for static query generation and entry
A system and method for static query generation and input, comprising a set of auto-complete and auto-suggest rules, based on a template derived from at least one of an initial user input and context, is used to elicit a more complete query from said user, said auto-complete and auto-suggest values being offered in the form of widgets that offer a visual indicia receptive for user interaction, and wherein depending on at least one of context and status and user input, more than one such widget may be offered concurrently. |
| US09600227B2 |
System and method for speech-based navigation and interaction with a device's visible screen elements using a corresponding view hierarchy
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling screen-specific user interfacing with elements of viewable screens presented by an electronic device are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of identifying a character sequence representing a first input that is received while displaying a viewable screen having at least one selectable viewable element. The actions further include accessing an electronic file that provides a text representation of one or more of the at least one selectable viewable element. The actions further include comparing the character sequence to the text representation. The actions further include selecting, within the viewable screen, a selectable viewable element whose text representation matches the character sequence. The actions further include triggering any action linked to the selecting the selectable viewable element. |
| US09600226B2 |
Media playback processing and control method, apparatus, and system
A media playback processing and control method, apparatus, and system are provided. The processing method includes: receiving, by a central server, a query request of a control device, and returning a query response to the control device according to a resource information table; receiving a resource request of a selected display device selected by the control device; and querying the resource information table, determining that a selected media resource corresponding to information about a selected storage path is stored on a first media server (MS), and determining a second MS with a conversion capability to convert a media format of the selected media resource into a media format supported by a playback capability of the selected display device, so as to enable the selected display device to play a media resource converted by the second MS from the selected media resource. |
| US09600223B2 |
Method for sharing screen and electronic device thereof
A method and an apparatus for sharing a screen with a counterpart electronic device in an electronic device are provided. In the method, connection with at least one counterpart electronic device is performed. Data to display on the electronic device or data to transmit to the counterpart electronic device are determined. Data is transmitted to the counterpart electronic device. Data transmission to the counterpart electronic device is stopped based on state information of the electronic device or the counterpart electronic device. |
| US09600221B2 |
Multi-pane display capture, aggregation, and sharing
Various embodiments herein include one or more of systems, methods, and software for multi-pane display capture, aggregation, and sharing. Some such embodiments include generating an image on a computing device to share with participants in a web conference meeting by capturing a first image of a first graphic display output layer and a second graphic display output layer and removing a portion of the first image. Some embodiments may also include capturing a second image of the second graphic display output layer and combining the first and second images to form a third image. The third image may then be sent to one or more participants of the web conference meeting. The first graphic display output layer may include an overlay pane graphical output of a computing device and the second graphic display output layer may include a standard pane graphical output of the computing device. |
| US09600214B2 |
Aggregate work volume estimation mechanism
A method disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of jobs at a printing environment, detecting a selection of a set of the plurality jobs, automatically calculating an aggregate work volume estimation for set of selected jobs and displaying the aggregate work volume estimation at a graphical user interface. |
| US09600213B1 |
Customized print job analysis to identify job complexity
Disclosed is a print solution that provides efficient managing, routing and processing of print jobs in a print shop. Particularly, the print solution applies a customized algorithm that analyzes the job complexity of all print jobs and based on the job complexity analysis, routes print jobs to the correct printers for printing. |
| US09600210B2 |
Setting value management apparatus and management method thereof
Virtual setting values for a specific image forming apparatus are generated using a model-dependent setting value schema which defines a schema of model-dependent setting values in each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses and tenant setting values required to commonly set setting values for the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The virtual setting values are held and managed. |
| US09600207B2 |
Integrated circuit with a patching function
An integrated circuit with a patching function comprises a one-time programmable memory (OTP), a random access memory (RAM), and a control unit. The control unit copies data stored on the OTP into the RAM to obtain a copied image mirroring said data. It checks for presence of one or more patch instructions in the OTP, and, if a patch instruction is found in the OTP, modifies a portion of the copied image based on the patch instruction, to obtain a patched image stored in the RAM. The integrated circuit further comprises a processing unit configured to access the patched image in the RAM. The patch can be provided wirelessly. |
| US09600205B1 |
Power aware power safe write buffer
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for decreasing power consumption of a storage device. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein are directed to reducing power consumption of a data storage device by enabling a command buffer associated with the data storage device to store received commands without executing the commands until a predetermined number of commands have been stored in the buffer. |
| US09600202B2 |
Method and device for implementing memory migration
Disclosed are a method and device for implementing memory migration, which relate to computer technology and are invented for solving the problem that the existing operating process for memory migration is relatively complicated. The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application includes: the basic input-output system of a computer migrating the data in the memory to be migrated to a first unavailable memory in the operating system of the computer when migrating the memory to be migrated and the basic input-output system storing the mapping relationship between the memory to be migrated and the physical address of the first unavailable memory. The embodiments of the present application can be applied to ordinary computer systems and computer systems under the NUMA architecture. |
| US09600192B2 |
Managing metadata and data for a logical volume in a distributed and declustered system
Methods, apparatus and computer program products for a distributed system include dividing logical volume data into data subsets, and defining at least one distributedly storage configuration for the logical volume. Metadata for the logical volume is written to a first set of first metadata tables, and the first set of first metadata tables is divided into metadata subsets having a one-to-one correspondence with the data subsets. The metadata subsets are distributed among the multiple digital information devices, and the metadata is copied from the first set of first metadata tables to a second set of corresponding second metadata tables in a one-to-one correspondence with the first metadata tables, and the second metadata tables are distributed among the multiple digital information devices. |
| US09600189B2 |
Bank-level fault management in a memory system
According to one aspect, bank-level fault management in a memory system is provided. The memory system includes a plurality of ranks, each rank including a plurality of memory devices each having a plurality of banks. A first error is detected in a first bank number of a first memory device of a rank. The first bank number of the first memory device is marked with a bank-level chip mark. The bank-level chip mark isolates declaration of an error condition to the first bank number. A bank-level fault management action is performed based on the bank-level chip mark to accommodate the error condition. |
| US09600187B2 |
Virtual grouping of memory
The present disclosure includes identifying, in a memory system, a capacity for each of a plurality of memory modules for a first memory channel having a first amount of memory and a second memory channel having a second amount of memory; determining a memory segment size from the capacities of the memory modules; identifying a first memory segment of the memory segment size for the first memory channel and a second memory segment of the memory segment size for the second memory channel; and creating a virtual group that includes the first memory segment and the second memory segment and that uses less than the entire first amount of memory from the first memory channel. |
| US09600186B2 |
Device and method for causing another device to execute write instruction according to index value representing load
A first storage virtualization device operates in a system in which instructions requested by host computers are assigned to a plurality of storage virtualization devices. The first storage virtualization device includes an interface and a processor. The interface receives a write instruction assigned to the first storage virtualization device, data to be written by the write instruction, and operation statuses of other storage virtualization devices in the system. The processor calculates index values which represent loads when the first storage virtualization device processes the write instruction. The processor selects a second storage virtualization device for the purpose of requesting that it execute the write instruction by use of the operation statuses when the index values are greater than thresholds. The processor transmits the write instruction and the data to the second storage virtualization device. |
| US09600184B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for coordinating storage requests in a multi-processor/multi-thread environment
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for coordinating storage requests in a multi-processor/multi-thread environment. An append/invalidate module generates a first append data storage command from a first storage request and a second append data storage command from a second storage request. The storage requests overwrite existing data with first and second data including where the first and second data have at least a portion of overlapping data. The second storage request is received after the first storage request. The append/invalidate module updates an index by marking data being overwritten as invalid. A restructure module updates the index based on the first data and updates the index based on the second data. The updated index is organized to indicate that the second data is more current than the first data regardless of processing order. The modules prevent access to the index until the modules have completed updating the index. |
| US09600181B2 |
Live configurable storage
A system for storing data in a dynamic fashion. The system includes a storage entity. The storage entity includes portions of a plurality of different persistent storage devices. Each storage device has a set of constraints. The storage entity is configured to store data in a dynamic fashion in a layout on the persistent storage devices of the storage entity that meets the different data requirements for the data while still being within the constraints for the persistent storage devices. The storage entity is configured to change the layout for a portion of the data as requirements related to at least one of performance or resiliency for a portion of the data change while the storage entity continues to provide the data from the storage entity. |
| US09600177B2 |
Electronic device with gesture display control and corresponding methods
An electronic device (100) includes a display (102). The electronic device can also include a user interface (110) to detect gesture input. One or more control circuits (116), operable with the display and the user interface, can detect a predefined gesture input (401) and alter a timer (122) controlling a duration in which the display is in an operational mode. This allows a user (300) to make a quick gesture to extend the time the display will be active without interaction so that the user can read long documents or other items without the display turning OFF. |
| US09600175B2 |
Method and system for classification sign display
An information processing apparatus includes: an operation accepting unit that accepts an instructing operation for displaying a list in which plural items classified on the basis of a predetermined rule are ordered on the basis of the predetermined rule; and a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a part of the list in accordance with the accepted instructing operation, and causes the display unit to display a classification sign display bar in which classification signs representing the predetermined rule for each classification are ordered on the basis of the predetermined rule, the display control unit controlling a display state of the classification sign display bar so that an area including classification signs corresponding to items of the plural items which are contained in the list displayed on the display unit, and an area including classification signs other than the classification signs are displayed in different modes. |
| US09600174B2 |
Portable electronic device for instant messaging
A method including displaying a list of instant message conversations on a touch screen display, a respective instant message conversation including a respective set of instant messages exchanged between a user of a device and a respective other person, and while displaying the list of instant message conversations, detecting a gesture on the touch screen display. In response to detecting the gesture on the touch screen display, entering a deletion mode. While in the deletion mode continuing to display the list of instant message conversations, displaying a selection icon adjacent to a plurality of instant message conversations in the list of instant message conversations, detecting a first user selection of an instant message conversation, and in response to detecting the first user selection of the instant message conversation, modifying a selection icon adjacent to the selected instant message conversation to indicate selection of the instant message conversation for deletion. |
| US09600171B2 |
Information display device and method for the same
Disclosed are an information display device and a method for the same, which can unlock a touch screen quickly and effectively when the touch screen is in a locking state. The information display device comprises a display module including a touch screen; a controller displaying a lock image in the display module when the touch screen is in a locking state, and displaying a first icon indicating the locking state of the touch screen on the lock image, a first region for releasing the locking state of the touch screen on the lock image, and a second region indicating a second icon linked to an application program on the lock image. |
| US09600169B2 |
Customizable gestures for mobile devices
Users are enabled to define and modify mappings between (1) gestures and (2) actions performed by one or more computing devices in response to a device detecting performance of a gesture. A generalized gesture-to-action mapping framework allows users to intuitively define and modify such mappings. In response to a device detecting the performance of a particular gesture, one or more devices may cause the execution of one or more device actions based on a set of user-defined gesture-to-action mappings. |
| US09600166B2 |
Asynchronous handling of a user interface manipulation
This document describes techniques and apparatuses for asynchronous handling of a user interface manipulation. These techniques handle a user interface manipulation with two or more asynchronous processes. One asynchronous process, for example, may determine a position responsive to the user interface manipulation while another asynchronous process determines the pixels to render. By so doing, these techniques enable a quick and/or consistent response to a user interface manipulation. |
| US09600165B2 |
Evaluating portions of content in an online community
An approach is described for evaluating portions of content in an online community. An associated method may include displaying a content post in an online community interface and, upon detecting a selection of an option in the online community interface to evaluate the content post, requesting a selection of one or more portions of the content post and an evaluation of the selected one or more portions. Requesting such evaluation may include requesting selection of a favorability score on a predefined scale for each of the selected one or more portions. Previously evaluated portions or portions predetermined via natural language processing or audiovisual processing may be displayed to facilitate evaluation of the content post. The method further may include, upon receiving a selection of one or more portions and an evaluation of the selected one or more portions, updating display of the content post to reflect the evaluation. |
| US09600162B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer readable-recording medium
An information processing apparatus comprises an operating module to which a touch operation performed with a pointing tool is entered; a calculating module that calculates a reference distance that is a distance between a reference point on an image display area of an operation display surface and a point on the image display area defined by a first operation performed on the operating module with a single piece of the pointing tool, calculates a control distance that is a distance between the reference point and a point on the image display area defined by a second operation performed on the operating module with a single piece of the pointing tool, and calculates a magnification ratio based on the reference distance and the control distance; and a magnification/reduction module that generates a scaled image by magnifying or reducing a display image displayed on the image display area by the magnification ratio. |
| US09600159B2 |
Scrollable desktop navigation
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to navigation of a scrollable desktop. In one embodiment, a user interface includes a scrollable desktop portion and a navigation portion. The scrollable desktop portion may display open applications, and the navigation portion may display representations of the open applications on the scrollable desktop with the relative position of the open applications on the scrollable desktop. |
| US09600155B2 |
Computer implemented methods and apparatus for customizing a data interface in an on-demand service environment
Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for customizing a data interface in an on-demand service environment. In some implementations, a computing device provides an application for customizing a data interface displayable on a plurality of display devices having different form factors, the application providing one or more configurable templates. The computing device receives a selection of a template and provides for display a configuration interface of the application displaying one or more components arranged according to the selected template. The computing device receives a request to display a preview of the data interface at a display dimension corresponding to a display device, the display device having a form factor. The computing device determines, based on the requested display dimension, a display configuration for the components of the data interface and provides for display in the configuration interface the components according to the determined display configuration. |
| US09600151B2 |
Interactive design variations interface
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating design variations. The technique involves identifying a first design variable and a second design variable associated with a first design. The technique further involves generating a first plurality of design variations based on the first design. Each design variation is generated by varying at least one of the first design variable and the second design variable. Finally, the technique involves causing the first plurality of design variations to be displayed to a user. |
| US09600150B1 |
System and method for providing promotions to users during idle time
A system and method for displaying auxiliary content during an idle time in a virtual space. Execution of requested actions in an instance of a virtual space may be associated with wait times. Idle periods of time imposed on a user by the wait times of the requested actions may be detected. During the detected idle periods of time, sets of auxiliary content to present to the user may be determined. The sets of auxiliary content may be presented along with the view of the virtual space to the user during the detected idle periods of time. The responses of the user to the individual sets of auxiliary content during the idle periods may be monitored. In some implementations, sets of auxiliary content may be determined based on past responses of the user to previously determined sets of auxiliary content. |
| US09600148B2 |
Image display apparatus, image display method, and computer-readable medium
An image display apparatus includes a detection unit and a controller. The detection unit detects a specified position on a display screen on which an image is displayed. When the specified position on the display screen is moved, the controller performs a page switching operation or a move operation on the basis of a movement direction in which the specified position is moved. The page switching operation is an operation of switching an image being displayed on the display screen to another image. The move operation is an operation of moving a display position of the image being displayed on the display screen. |
| US09600147B2 |
Multi-layer user interfaces
Multi-layer user interfaces are provided. A user may traverse a hierarchy of information by accessing information in different branches of the hierarchy without having to traverse back up the current branch to access the new branch. A multi-layer user interface (UI) may comprise a set of UIs, each of which corresponds to a navigation layer and a level of the hierarchy. Each UI may comprise a set of UI controls that allow the user to traverse within a level or to a different level of the hierarchy. The UI controls may be configured such that a visual clue as a breadcrumb and user path history may also be provided. |
| US09600146B2 |
Interactive geospatial map
Various systems and methods are provided that display various interactive user interfaces containing interactive maps. The user may use the interactive map to perform searches for data objects, toggle different layers associated with different types of objects for display, generate heatmaps based upon a grid and/or data object shapes, copy data between different interactive maps, and/or define filters to filter the displayed data. In response to user interaction with the map at a client system, tile layers are generated using server-side components, assembled into map tiles, and transmitted to client-side components to be displayed to the user. The tile layers may include a base tile layer, vector tile layer, selection tile layer, and inactive tile layer. |
| US09600139B2 |
Electronic device and method for implementing user interfaces associated with touch screens
An electronic device and a user interface implementing method therein are disclosed. The method includes displaying at least one content, displaying a shortcut key corresponding to the at least one content if close contact is detected, and executing a function corresponding to the at least one content if the shortcut key is selected. The shortcut key can invoke a function corresponding to the at least one content if an input tool closely approaches the at least one content in an area on the touch screen and is located within a distance from the surface of the touch screen. |
| US09600134B2 |
Selecting portions of computer-accessible documents for post-selection processing
Processing documents by highlighting a portion of a document displayed on a computer display, where the portion is highlighted when a cursor is in a predefined location of the display relative to the location of the portion of the document, where the portion is identified as a candidate for selection for a post-selection operation prior to the cursor being in the predefined location of the display, and where the highlighting is done independent of any input received via a computer input device to indicate the extents of the portion, and recording a selection of the portion when an input that is predefined to indicate a selection action is received in association with the portion via a computer input device. |
| US09600132B2 |
Using custom RTF commands to extend chat functionality
A device identifies a location for a custom RFT command in a message. The custom RTF command is stored in the identified location of the message. The device also receives such messages and detects the custom RTF command in the message and acts upon the detected RTF command. |
| US09600131B2 |
Integrated application that contains software modules coupled to a message bus
A method and system for providing an integrated application that includes software modules coupled to a message bus. The software modules include applications of different degrees of complexity and different number of components, such as management applications, service applications, and other similar applications. A computer system receives a first input that selects a user interface (UI) to access the integrated application. The selected UI can be a specific UI associated with a software module, or an orchestrator UI that unifies individual styles of the specific UIs. The computer system receives, via the selected UI, a second input to access a destination module among the software modules. If the selected UI is the orchestrator UI, the second input is forwarded to the destination module via the message bus. If the selected UI is a specific UI, the second input is sent to the destination module via the selected specific UI. |
| US09600129B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a plurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines, a plurality of switch elements, a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of third lines, a display layer, and a controller. The plurality of first lines extend in a first direction. The plurality of second lines extend in a second direction. The plurality of third lines extend in the second direction. The switch elements are electrically connected to the first lines and the second lines. The pixel electrodes are connected to the switch elements. The display layer performs an optical operation based on an electrical signal applied to the pixel electrodes. The controller includes at least one switch connected between the second lines and the third lines. |
| US09600125B2 |
Sensor array with edge pattern
A capacitive sensor array may include a first set of sensor electrodes and a second set of sensor electrodes. Each of the second set of sensor electrodes may intersect each of the first set of sensor electrodes to form a plurality of unit cells each corresponding to a pair of sensor electrodes including one of the first set of sensor electrodes and one of the second set of sensor electrodes. Each point within each of the plurality of unit cells may nearer to a gap between the pair of sensor electrodes corresponding to the unit cell than to a gap between any different pair of sensor electrodes, and a first trace pattern within a first unit cell of the plurality of unit cells may be different from a second trace pattern within an adjacent unit cell of the plurality of unit cells. |
| US09600116B2 |
Touchscreen including force sensors
Computing devices and at least one machine readable medium for controlling the functioning of a touch screen are described herein. The computing device includes a touchscreen having one or more force sensors. The computing device also includes first logic to detect a force applied to the touchscreen via the one or more force sensors and second logic to control a functioning of the touchscreen in response to the applied force. |
| US09600114B2 |
Variable pressure touch system
The disclosed variable pressure touch system includes an information handling system (IHS) that may take many forms. In one embodiment, the IHS may be a tablet with a touch sensor in the form of a touch sensitive display. A user may apply pressure to the touch sensor with a finger, stylus, or other pointing device. The touch sensor may then generate a current pressure indication of the current pressure exhibited by the touch on the touch sensor. In one embodiment, a touch tool of the IHS may receive the current pressure indication and generate a display image on the display of the IHS that changes as the current pressure indication changes. In other embodiments, the touch tool of the IHS may receive the current pressure indication and generate a visual indicator on the display of the IHS that changes as the current pressure indication changes. |
| US09600113B2 |
Touch sensitive display device comprising a flexible circuit routing having a set of drive lines and a set of sense lines wherein drive line traces and sense line traces are non-overlapping
Flexible circuits for routing signals of a device, such as a touch sensor panel of a touch sensitive device, are provided. The flexible circuit can include a first set of traces for routing a first set of lines and a second set of traces for routing a second set of lines. The first set of traces can couple together the ends of at least a portion of the first set of lines. Additionally, the first set of traces can be non-intersecting or non-overlapping with the second set of traces. The flexible circuit can have a T-shape configuration and can be incorporated within a touch sensitive device, display device, printed circuit board, or the like. The flexible circuit can be placed over another flexible circuit, and can extend onto the device. |
| US09600112B2 |
Signal trace patterns for flexible substrates
A flexible substrate may have one or more bends. A bend in a flexible substrate may be made along a bend axis. Conductive traces in the flexible substrate may have elongated shapes. Each conductive trace may extend along a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the bend axis. Metal or other conductive materials may form the conductive traces. The traces may be formed from a chain of linked segments. Each segment may have patterned trace portions that surround one, two, or more than two openings. Traces may also be formed that have multiple layers of metal or other conductive material interconnected using vias. A polymer layer may cover the traces to align a neutral stress plane with the traces and to serve as a moisture barrier layer. |
| US09600108B2 |
Touch input device and method for portable device
A touch input device and method for a portable device that is capable of inputting various user commands with diversified touch events detected on a touch screen is provided. A touch input method for a mobile terminal having a touch screen may include displaying a plurality of representative images representing content objects on the touch screen, selecting at least one representative image in response to a first command designated for a first touch event on the touch screen, and executing a second command designated for a second touch event on the touch screen. The second touch event may be defined by a movement direction, speed, a lift position of a touch, and the representative images selected by the first command. |
| US09600106B2 |
Electronic display module and apparatus using the same
An electronic display module is provided. The electronic display module includes a touch display assembly, a first circuit board, and a second circuit board. The touch display assembly has a bottom edge and a top edge located at two sides of the touch display assembly. The first circuit board is connected to the bottom edge of the touch display assembly. The second circuit board is connected to the top edge of the touch display assembly. A distance from the active area to the bottom edge is different from a distance from the active area to the top edge. |
| US09600103B1 |
Method for ensuring use intentions of a touch screen device
A method for facilitating the validation of an action by a user utilizing a touch screen device having a processor executing software commands includes providing an initial screen via a GUI displaying certain data fields and functional icons of a particular application. On the touch screen an initial active area is designated in association with certain data fields and functional icons. An end user interacts with the touch screen device generating an input signal. The input signal is received from the touch screen active area by the processor requesting an action. Upon receipt of the input signal, a validation active area on the touch screen is visually displayed. The validation active area is monitored for a secondary input signal generated by an end user interacting with the validation active area. The initial active area is monitored for determining an input signal in association with the initial active area is present. |
| US09600100B2 |
Interactive input system and method
An interactive input system comprises at least one imaging device configured to capture image frames of a region of interest comprising a background and at least one background feature. Processing structure is configured to compare the image frames to determine if the location of the at least one background feature has changed signifying system displacement. |
| US09600098B2 |
Scroll wheel assembly for scrolling an image in multiple directions
A scroll wheel assembly for computer input device having a housing. The scroll wheel assembly includes a housing and an engagable scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatable with a shaft to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scroll wheel is laterally tiltable relative to the housing and the shaft. A sensor is preferably positioned within the housing for sensing tilting of the rotatable member. In response to sensed tilting movement of the rotatable member, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The computer input device having the rotatable member may take the form of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball device, or another type of computer input device. |
| US09600094B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program product for directing motion of a writing device
Apparatuses, methods, and program products are disclosed for directing motion of a writing device. By use of a processor, destination data corresponding to a destination placement for a writing device is received. Current data corresponding to a current placement of the writing device is also received. A mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the writing device is controlled to direct the writing device from the current placement toward the destination placement as a function of at least the destination data and the current data. |
| US09600092B2 |
E-book page turning accessory
An accessory device for e-reader devices that allows a user to turn pages on the electronic book without having to touch the e-reader device with hands or fingers. The accessory includes a clip that attaches to the front periphery of the e-reader device, with an electrically conductive tip end or soft-tip end that engages the page-turning surface of the e-reader device. The electrically conductive tip end or soft-tip end is operated by a finger push button on the other end of a cable release. |
| US09600091B2 |
Display device and display control method
A projector displays an image supplied by a PC on a screen using a projection unit, detects a pointed location on the screen using a location detection unit, calculates first coordinates as coordinates of the pointed location in a displayable area of the screen using a coordinate calculation part, converts the calculated first coordinates into second coordinates as coordinates in the supply image using a coordinate conversion part based on image location information indicating a location of the supply image on the screen, outputs the second coordinates obtained by the conversion from an output unit, and corrects the image location information by processing of displaying the image based on a correction image using a control unit. |
| US09600086B2 |
Electronic device and user interface and input method therefor
A portable electronic device (100,400) and user interface (425) are operated using a method including initiating entry of a content string; determining the most probable completion alternative or a content prediction using a personalized and learning database (430); displaying the most probable completion alternative or next content prediction; determining whether a user has accepted the most probable completion alternative or next content prediction; and adding the most probable completion alternative or next content prediction to the content string upon user acceptance. |
| US09600084B2 |
Methods and apparatus for capacitively detecting key motion and finger presence on keyboard keys
A keyboard including a plurality of key assemblies configured to be pressed by an input object. A subset of the plurality of key assemblies each includes a key cap and a first electrode pair underneath the key cap and configured to detect key motion in response to downward force applied by the input object. The key cap also includes a second electrode pair disposed underneath the key cap and configured to detect positional information about the input object interacting with the key cap. |
| US09600081B2 |
Information processing method and electronic device for improving gesture identification
The disclosure provides an information processing method and an electronic device using the same. The method comprises: when the electronic device is in a first operation mode in which there is a first angle between a first body and a second body of the electronic device, acquiring first operation information of an operating object, the first operation information including at least a first angle; acquiring a predefined correspondence relationship set; matching the acquired first angle with a first relationship in the relationship set to obtain a first matching result; and outputting the first matching result. The disclosure also provides an electronic device. |
| US09600079B2 |
Surface determination via bone conduction
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for surface determination via bone conduction. According to one aspect, a user device can identify a surface via bone conduction. The user device can identify one or more controllable devices to control using the surface. The user device can detect a user interaction, such as a gesture, performed by a user on the surface. The user device can provide an instruction to the controllable device(s) to cause the controllable device(s) to perform one or more operations in response to the user interaction with the surface. |
| US09600078B2 |
Method and system enabling natural user interface gestures with an electronic system
An electronic device coupleable to a display screen includes a camera system that acquires optical data of a user comfortably gesturing in a user-customizable interaction zone having a z0 plane, while controlling operation of the device. Subtle gestures include hand movements commenced in a dynamically resizable and relocatable interaction zone. Preferably (x,y,z) locations in the interaction zone are mapped to two-dimensional display screen locations. Detected user hand movements can signal the device that an interaction is occurring in gesture mode. Device response includes presenting GUI on the display screen, creating user feedback including haptic feedback. User three-dimensional interaction can manipulate displayed virtual objects, including releasing such objects. User hand gesture trajectory clues enable the device to anticipate probable user intent and to appropriately update display screen renderings. |
| US09600077B2 |
Image display device and method for controlling same
The present invention provides an image display device comprising: a sensing unit for sensing an input gesture of a user; a display unit for outputting visual information among the executed data of an application when the application is executed; a collection unit for collecting control gesture information included in the executed data; and a control unit for executing an event of the application which is included in the executed data and corresponds to the control gesture information if the control gesture information and the input gesture sensed by the sensing unit are matching while the application is executed. |
| US09600076B2 |
Systems and methods for object manipulation with haptic feedback
One illustrative computing device disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with a physical object and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction. The illustrative computing device also includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine a characteristic of the physical object based on the sensor signal; determine a haptic effect associated with the characteristic; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative computing device further includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect. |
| US09600074B2 |
Operational feedback with 3D commands
Generally, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, computer-readable medium, servers, and systems for providing customized instructional content through an application using three-dimensional input and providing feedback from an interaction with the instructional content. |
| US09600073B2 |
Automated adjustment of content composition rules based on evaluation of user feedback obtained through haptic interface
Systems and methods are provided for automatically adjusting content composition rules based on evaluation of user feedback information obtained through a haptic interface. For example, a method includes accessing user feedback information collected by a haptic interface executing on a computing device, wherein the user feedback information comprises information indicative of a user's reaction towards digital content rendered by the computing device. The digital content includes content that is automatically generated using content composition rules. The method further includes evaluating a quality of the digital content based on the user feedback information, generating an evaluation report that includes information regarding the quality of the digital content, and adjusting one or more content composition rules based on the evaluation report. |
| US09600072B2 |
Wearable tactile display
A wearable tactile display device is disclosed wherein vibrating stimulation pins are located close to each other by means of underlying vibratory actuation piezoelectric bending elements arranged in a cantilever configuration partially overlapping over each other. Optionally, the plane in which the tips of stimulation pins protrude may be a curved surface providing with the ability to comply with a curved human body part such as a finger. Vibratory stimulation can be achieved at close spatial resolution by advantageously reducing the space between adjacent stimulation pins through their ability to engage with different adjacent piezoelectric cantilever bending elements when they are placed at different planes and at additional closer spatial resolution when they are placed at an angle to each other. The programmable controller employed in order to program the pattern of stimulation pin vibrations can be used for generating different amplitudes and frequencies of vibration. |
| US09600071B2 |
Linear vibrator providing localized haptic feedback
An apparatus for providing haptic feedback, including: a shell defining an aperture; a driver disposed within the shell; a mass disposed within the coil; and a projection connected to the mass and extending through the aperture. Also described herein is a method for providing generalized and localized haptic feedback, including the operations of: receiving an input signal; determining if the input signal corresponds to a generalized haptic feedback; if so, providing a first input to a linear vibrator; otherwise, providing a second input to a linear vibrator; wherein the linear vibrator outputs a generalized haptic feedback in response to the first input; and the linear vibrator outputs a localized haptic feedback in response to the second input. |
| US09600067B2 |
System and method for generating a mixed reality environment
A system and method for generating a mixed-reality environment is provided. The system and method provides a user-worn sub-system communicatively connected to a synthetic object computer module. The user-worn sub-system may utilize a plurality of user-worn sensors to capture and process data regarding a user's pose and location. The synthetic object computer module may generate and provide to the user-worn sub-system synthetic objects based information defining a user's real world life scene or environment indicating a user's pose and location. The synthetic objects may then be rendered on a user-worn display, thereby inserting the synthetic objects into a user's field of view. Rendering the synthetic objects on the user-worn display creates the virtual effect for the user that the synthetic objects are present in the real world. |
| US09600063B2 |
Enhanced peak current-mode pulse-width-modulated (PWM) switching regulators
A system, switching regulators, and methods of control for enhanced peak current-mode PWM switching regulators are disclosed. For example, a switching regulator is disclosed, which includes a master controller circuit and a slave controller circuit coupled to the master controller circuit, wherein the slave controller circuit is configured to generate a ripple current at a first ripple node, and a sensor circuit is configured to sense the ripple current at the first ripple node and convey the sensed ripple current to a second ripple node in the master controller circuit. In some implementations, the switching regulator is part of a power subsystem formed on one or more semiconductor ICs, wafers, chips or dies. |
| US09600062B2 |
Single capacitor multi-phase three-level buck voltage regulator
Methods and apparatus relating to a single capacitor multi-phase three-level buck Voltage Regulator (VR) are described. In an embodiment, voltage regulator logic includes a first phase portion and a second phase portion. The voltage regulator logic also includes a single capacitor coupled between switches of the first phase portion and the second phase portion. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09600061B2 |
Power supply module and power supply system with sequential smart activation/deactivation based on load
The present disclosure provides a power supply module and a power supply system. The power supply module is used as a first power supply module in a computing system which further includes a second power supply module. The first power supply module and the second power supply module are cascaded in sequence. The first power supply module is in a power supplying state and the second power supply module is in an off state. The first power supply module itself is capable of automatically determining whether to turn on another power supply module or not, without any human intervention. In this way, the power distribution board can be simplified, or even eliminated, in which case the individual power supply modules can be connected by wire to reduce the cost. |
| US09600060B2 |
Link power management in an I/O interconnect
Described are embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems for link power management in an I/O interconnect. An apparatus for link power management in an I/O interconnect of a computer apparatus may include a switching fabric having a first switch and a second switch, configured to simultaneously transport first data packets over a first path of a link between a port of the first switch and a port of the second switch and second data packets over a second path of the link. The apparatus may include a power management unit configured to modify a power state of the port of the first switch based at least in part on relative power states of the first path and the second path. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09600058B2 |
Enhancing power-performance efficiency in a computer system when bursts of activity occurs when operating in low power
Techniques described above may enhance the power-performance efficiency of a processor, SoC, or a computing system. Embodiments described here allow an increase in frequency of the clock signal to a peak frequency value in response to detecting an occurrence of a burst of high activity within the low processor utilization periods. A power management unit may accumulate the budget during the low or idle processor utilization periods and the level of activity of the burst of high activity signal may be determined. The PMU may increase the frequency of the clock signal provided to the processing cores if the level of the burst of high activity exceeds a first threshold value and an accumulated budget value exceeds a second threshold value. |
| US09600055B2 |
Intelligent power management for a multi-display mode enabled electronic device
Particular embodiments described herein provide an apparatus to control power consumption including logic, at least partially including hardware logic, to determine whether an electronic device is using an external display, determine whether a user input has been received by the electronic device within a predetermined time period when the electronic device is using the external display, and control power consumption by a display of the electronic device based at least in part on whether user input has been received within the predetermined time period. |
| US09600052B2 |
Peak current handler
A device and method for limiting peak current draw in an electronic device includes identifying an operational state of the electronic device, and accessing data stored in the electronic device, the data including possible operational states of the electronic device and respective configuration data for maintaining an electric current consumption of the electronic device below a prescribed threshold. Operational parameters of the electronic device are modified based on the data obtained from memory to maintain the electric current consumption of the electronic device below the prescribed threshold. |
| US09600048B2 |
Devices and methods for controlling operation of arithmetic and logic unit
In various embodiments, devices and methods for controlling the operation of at least one arithmetic and logic unit are disclosed. In various embodiments, methods and devices for controlling an arithmetic logic unit are disclosed. More particularly, devices may comprise at least one arithmetic and logic unit for processing a task, and a processor for controlling the arithmetic and logic unit according to an electric current consumed by the arithmetic and logic unit at an operating frequency of the arithmetic and logic unit. |
| US09600047B2 |
Electronic control unit
Disclosed is an electronic control unit capable of identifying an abnormality in a power supply voltage without narrowing the operating voltage range, and having minimal effects on cost and the circuit mounting surface area. The ECU includes a microcomputer containing an input terminal VCCin and an input terminal Vrin, a power supply IC that supplies a power supply voltage VCC to the input terminal VCCin, and as a reference-voltage-generator circuit a voltage-divider resistor and a voltage-divider resistor configuring a voltage-dividing circuit that outputs a sub-divided voltage Vc is sub-divided from the power supply voltage VCC, a capacitor coupled at one end to the input terminal Vrin and coupled on at the other end to ground, and a voltage isolation element coupled between the voltage-dividing circuit and the input terminal Vrin. |
| US09600044B2 |
Portable electronic device and detachable auxiliary heat-dissipating module thereof
A portable electronic device using a fixed main heat-dissipating module and a detachable auxiliary heat-dissipating module for contacting the fixed main heat-dissipating module. The detachable auxiliary heat-dissipating module includes an outer casing structure and an inside mounted heat-dissipating structure. The outer casing structure includes a detachable casing detachably disposed inside a predetermined receiving groove of the portable electronic device and an electrical connector electrically connected to the portable electronic device. The inside mounted heat-dissipating structure is disposed inside the detachable casing. The inside mounted heat-dissipating structure includes an inside mounted heat-dissipating fan, a plurality of inside mounted heat-dissipating fins, a pump, and a circulation pipe. The circulation pipe has a contact portion exposed from the detachable casing to directly contact the fixed main heat-dissipating module, such that heat generated by the fixed main heat-dissipating module is partially transmitted to the circulation pipe through the contact portion. |
| US09600043B2 |
Signal input device
A signal input device includes a casing, an input body and a support component. The casing includes at least one air-intake hole. An accommodating space is formed inside the casing. The support component supports the input body. A chamber is formed inside the support component and includes a first through hole and a second through hole. The first through hole is in fluid communication with the outside. |
| US09600039B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is described, which includes: a first cooling member having a first overlapping portion in which a first insertion hole is formed, and provided to be abutted on a first component to be cooled provided on a substrate; a second cooling member having a second overlapping portion in which a second insertion hole is formed, and provided to be abutted on a second component to be cooled provided on the substrate, the second overlapping portion overlapping the first overlapping portion; and a coupling member inserted through the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole to couple the first overlapping portion to the second overlapping portion through an elastic member. |
| US09600034B2 |
Attaching computing device to mount by magnets
According to an example embodiment, a base may include a frame, a keyboard enclosed by the frame, and a mount hingedly attached to the frame. The keyboard may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a computing device. The mount may include at least one magnet configured to retain the computing device. |
| US09600033B2 |
Impact-resistant display device
Provided is a display device including, a substrate, a display panel disposed on the substrate, a sealing substrate disposed over the display panel, a sealing part disposed between the substrate and the sealing substrate to at least partially surround the display panel, and a buffer part proximate to a corner region of the sealing part to at least partially surround the corner region of the sealing part, the buffer part extending from the substrate to the sealing substrate. |
| US09600030B2 |
Systems, articles, and methods for elastic electrical cables and wearable electronic devices employing same
Systems, articles, and methods for elastic electrical cables are described. An elastic electrical cable includes a molded band of elastomer with a length that follows a tortuous path including a number of semi-rigidly set changes in direction. The elastomer band is formed by an overmolding process to enclose or at least partially contain a flexible printed circuit board, with various access points provided to electrically couple to/from the flexible printed circuit board. An annular wearable electric device employing at least one such elastic electrical cable as an adaptive coupler that simultaneously provides both electrically conductive coupling and adaptive physical coupling is described. Methods of preparing/manufacturing such elastic electrical cables are also described. |
| US09600027B2 |
Multiple display mounting using a single base
An embodiment provides a device, including: a primary display unit; and at least one mounting mechanism operatively coupled to at least one side of said primary display unit that allows the mounting of at least one additional display unit; the mounting mechanism including electrical connections that facilitate detection of said additional display unit. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09600025B2 |
Touch panel and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a plurality of sensing electrode patterns spaced apart from each other on a substrate; and a bridge electrically connecting the sensing electrode patterns to each other, wherein an end portion of the bridge is perpendicular to a surface of the substrate or is inclined within a predetermined angle with respect to a perpendicular line of the surface of the substrate. |
| US09600023B2 |
Method and data processing unit for providing a timestamp
A method for providing a timestamp in a real-time system, whereby the real-time system has an FPGA and a CPU, which cooperate with one another, and at least one register, which contains a system time, is implemented in the FPGA. The method includes the steps of providing a CPU counter for the system time, which is driven by a clock signal of the CPU, providing a synchronization counter in the CPU, whereby the synchronization counter is driven by a clock signal of the CPU, reading of the counter for providing the system time by a real-time application, querying the synchronization counter in the real-time application, and synchronizing the counter with the system time in the real-time application, when the synchronization counter outputs a value that corresponds to more than a predefined time period since the last synchronization of the CPU counter with the system time. |
| US09600022B2 |
Operating clock synchronization adjusting method for induction type power supply system
A synchronous data transmitting method includes receiving, by a supplying-end module, a plurality of data impulses of power transmitting signal according to a first operating clock of a microprocessor in supplying-end module, for generating a plurality of data frames, wherein the plurality of data impulses is transmitted by receiving-end module according to a second operating clock of microprocessor in receiving-end module; calculating time periods between data impulses corresponding to start bits of the plurality of data frames, for acquiring a plurality of data frame periods; comparing the plurality of data frame periods with a data frame time period, for synchronizing the first operating clock and the second operating clock; and turning on a receiving function of the supplying-end module in a plurality of receiving periods and turning off the receiving function in a plurality of closed periods, wherein the plurality of receiving periods corresponds to the plurality of data impulses. |
| US09600019B2 |
Method and apparatus for modulating a clock signal
A clock modulation module and method for generating a modulated clock signal are provided. The clock modulation module comprises a comparator arranged to receive at a first input thereof a waveform signal, the waveform signal comprising a frequency representative of a frequency of a reference timing signal. The comparator is further arranged to receive at a second input thereof a reference voltage signal, and to output a modulated timing signal based on a comparison of the waveform signal and the reference voltage signal. Wherein the clock modulation module is arranged to output a modulated clock signal derived at least partly from the modulated timing signal output by the comparator. |
| US09600005B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and method for operating the same for a stabilizing power supply
A semiconductor integrated circuit that is used for a stabilizing power supply circuit which supplies an output power supply voltage to a parallel connection of a smoothing capacitor and a load, from an input power supply voltage, includes an error amplifier that detects an error of the output power supply voltage, an output control circuit that is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, a phase compensation circuit that is connected to the error amplifier, and a detection control circuit that is connected to the phase compensation circuit. |
| US09600004B2 |
System and method for regulation of voltage on an electrical network
An electric power system including an on-load tap changing (OLTC) transformer is provided. The OLTC transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. A portion of the at least one primary winding and at least one of the secondary windings are inductively coupled to each other. Further, the electric power system includes at least one on-load tap changer coupled to the at least one primary winding or the at least one secondary winding of the OLTC transformer. The on-load tap changer is configured to regulate the portion of the at least one primary winding or the at least one secondary winding that are inductively coupled to each other. Furthermore, the system includes at least one controller coupled to the on-load tap changer. The controller is configured to determine a permissible voltage range defined by a bandwidth around a voltage set-point at the at least one on-load tap changer, where the bandwidth is a function of one or more electrical network states. |
| US09600002B2 |
Method and electronic device for controlling driving condition based on operating state
An electronic device controls a driving condition based on an operating state. The device includes a function block, a function monitoring agent, and a driving control module. The function block includes a plurality of function modules. The function monitoring agent is configured to identify one or more activated function modules among the function modules in the function block. The driving control module is configured to determine the driving condition required for an operation of the activated function modules, and based on the determined driving condition, to drive the activated function modules. |
| US09600001B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for purging and loading sorbent tubes
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used in purging and loading applications. In some examples, a device configured to purge a sorbent tube until a desired water level is reached is provided. In other examples, a device configured to load a sorbent tube with a desired water level is provided. Systems and methods using the devices are also described. |
| US09600000B2 |
Method and device for active control of mechanical vibrations by implementation of a control law consisting of a central corrector and a Youla parameter
A method and a device are based on the application of an active correcting system with central corrector and Youla parameter for the attenuation of essentially monofrequency mechanical vibratory perturbations generated in a material structure by a rotating machine. Previously, a control law corresponding to a block modeling of the system is established and calculated, the blocks being, on the other hand, those of the central corrector and, on the other hand, a Youla parameter block, the modeling being such that only the Youla parameter, in the form of an infinite impulse response filter, has coefficients dependent on the vibratory perturbation frequency. During a phase of use, in real time, the frequency of the current perturbation is determined and the control law is calculated using for the Youla parameter the stored coefficients of a determined perturbation frequency corresponding to the current perturbation frequency. |
| US09599998B2 |
Grain pipe valve assembly
A grain pipe valve assembly maintains a desired level of flow restriction through a grain pipe. The assembly includes a valve couplable to a downspout. The valve is positionable proximate a lower end of the downspout. The valve has a swivel gate selectively extendable into the downspout wherein the swivel gate inhibits flow of grain through the downspout. A sensor is couplable to the downspout in spaced relationship to the valve towards the upper end of the downspout to detect when backflow of grain reaches a predetermined level in the downspout. The sensor is operationally coupled to the valve wherein the swivel gate is controlled and extended into the downspout to maintain backflow of grain to the predetermined level in the downspout. |
| US09599997B2 |
Feedback-controlled fluid valve
A feedback-controlled fluid valve and methods of using the same are described herein. One feedback-controlled fluid device includes piston within a valve associated with a conduit, a position sensor to determine a position of the piston relative to a metering cone, a coil to generate a magnetic field within the valve, wherein the magnetic field moves the piston, and wherein a rate of fluid flow through the valve is configured to adjust based on the position of the piston relative to the metering cone. |
| US09599995B2 |
Tethered vehicle control and tracking system
A kite system includes a kite and a ground station. The ground station includes a sensor that can be utilized to determine an angular position and velocity of the kite relative to the ground station. A controller utilizes a fuzzy logic control system to autonomously fly the kite. The system may include a ground station having powered winding units that generate power as the lines to the kite are unreeled. The control system may be configured to fly the kite in a crosswind trajectory to increase line tension for power generation. The sensors for determining the position of the kite are preferably ground-based. |
| US09599991B2 |
Method and device for automatically engaging an automated emergency descent of an aircraft
A device for automatically engaging an automated emergency descent of an aircraft. The device comprises a monitoring unit configured to automatically compare, repetitively, a current cabin altitude of the aircraft to an engagement threshold representing an altitude value, an activation unit configured to automatically engage the automated emergency descent when the current cabin altitude reaches the engagement threshold called main engagement threshold, and a unit for generating at least one engagement threshold configured at least to adapt the main engagement threshold according to the terrain, the main engagement threshold corresponding to the sum of a terrain altitude and a predetermined margin. |
| US09599989B1 |
Use of motion data in the processing of automotive radar image processing
In an example method, a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode could have a radar system used to aid in vehicle guidance. The method could include a plurality of antennas configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. The method may also include a one or more sensors configured to measure a movement of the vehicle. A portion of the method may be performed by a processor configured to: i) determine adjustments based on the movement of the vehicle; ii) calculate distance and direction information for received electromagnetic signals; and iii) recover distance and direction information for received electromagnetic signals with the adjustments applied. The processor may be further configured to adjust the movement of the autonomous vehicle based on the distance and direction information with adjustments applied. |
| US09599987B2 |
Autonomous mobile robot and method for operating the same
An autonomous mobile robot is configured to move across a floor area in accordance with a floor covering strategy and includes: based on a topological map of the floor area, designating a location of a current cell that is bounded by a primary boundary; executing a series of double strokes into and within the current cell, while mapping obstructive objects within the current cell onto an obstacle map; from the obstacle map, determining a secondary boundary of the current cell that encloses an area of the current cell covered by the executed double strokes, and distinguishes between secondary boundary portions thereof at which an obstructive object is located, and secondary boundary portions thereof at which no obstructive object is located; and adding the determined secondary boundary to the topological map of the floor area. |
| US09599983B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for automated predictive shimming for large structures
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for predictive shimming of large structures. Systems may include a remote device configured to move along a first path relative to a first vehicle structure. The remote device may be configured to move a sensor device along a plurality of measurement points included in the first path. A base device may be configured to identify a position of the sensor device at each measurement point. The base device may be configured to generate measurement data including a first plurality of measurements identifying at least one structural dimension of a first surface of the first vehicle structure. A controller may be configured to control operation of the base device and the remote device based on engineering data associated with the first vehicle structure. The controller may be further configured to determine at least one shim dimension associated with the first surface. |
| US09599975B2 |
Sensor synchronized networks using overlapping sensor fields
A method of synchronizing includes providing a sensor network including sensor nodes having object recognition sensors (ORS's) and building automation network nodes. The ORS's have partially overlapping fields of view in a sensed overlap area in the building. Movement of an individual through the sensed overlap area triggers dynamic synchronizing with the first sensor node waking up and sending a first RF request to join a subnet and for a schedule of wakeup times, the first sensor node receiving a response from any sensor node that receives the first request including synchronization information having times the first sensor node should wake up. The second sensor node is activated by the individual's movement and sends a second RF message to join the subnet and for a schedule of wakeup times. The first sensor node receives the second RF message and in response sends the synchronization information to the second sensor node. |
| US09599973B2 |
Interactive energy device for environmental stewardship
A method, system and apparatus for operating an energy-using device are disclosed. Current data related to operation of the energy-using device is received at a remote device. An operating specification for the energy-using device is received at the remote device from a database. A recommended setting of the energy-using device is determined from the current data and the operating specification. The remote device communicates the recommended setting to the energy-using device. A control unit at the energy-using device receives the recommended setting and implements the recommended setting at the energy-using device. |
| US09599964B2 |
Exterior element for a wristwatch middle part
Exterior element for a wristwatch middle part, wherein said exterior element takes the form of a separate cover plate which is fixed to the wristwatch middle part and at least partially covers a connection area between a bracelet strand and the watch middle part. |
| US09599963B2 |
Mechanism for the magnetic actuation of timepiece striking mechanisms
A watch including a timepiece striking mechanism, including a drive mechanism for driving and controlling the striking mechanism to operate at least one rigid hammer, movable between a first winding position and a second striking position, the hammer being arranged to strike a gong in the second striking position, this hammer including at least one magnetized portion arranged to cooperate with at least one actuator arranged to be driven in motion by the drive mechanism, the actuator including an alternating series of first areas and second areas with different magnetic field characteristics from each other, to whose influence the magnetized portion is successively subjected on order to trigger, as the case may be, the winding of the hammer or the striking of the hammer on the gong. |
| US09599962B1 |
Timepiece with alternating color rotating dial
A timepiece with alternating color rotating dial preferably includes a timepiece housing, at least one mounting plate, a hubbed spiral disc, a hubbed drive system, a geared spiral disc, an outside drive system, a clock module and a control module. The at least one mounting plate is attached to the timepiece housing. The hubbed drive system preferably includes a hubbed motor, a hubbed drive gear and a central gear. The hubbed drive system rotates the hubbed spiral disc. The outside drive system preferably includes an outside motor, at least one outside drive gear and an outside double-wide drive gear. The outside drive system rotates the geared spiral disc. The geared spiral disc rotates within the hubbed spiral disc. The control module controls the rotation of the geared spiral disc relative to the hubbed spiral disc. |
| US09599959B2 |
Method for recording gabor hologram
The present invention is related to an holographic probe device for recording a gabor hologram comprising: a coherent optical fiber bundle comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a recording medium optically coupled to the proximal end of the coherent optical fiber bundle; a light source producing in use a single light beam, illuminating the distal end of the coherent optical fiber bundle and the object to be observed. |
| US09599957B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a supporting member supporting multiple cartridges and movable between an inside position inside an apparatus main body and an outside position, in which the cartridges are supported arrayed in a direction of extracting the supporting member from the inside position to the outside position, with the multiple cartridges being detachably attachable at the outside position; a first cartridge; a second cartridge adjacent to the first cartridge; and a third cartridge adjacent to the second cartridge. The first cartridge has a greater protrusion amount from the supporting member compared to the second cartridge and the third cartridge, in a direction orthogonal to the extracting direction and to a longitudinal direction of the cartridges. When viewed from the orthogonal direction, the amount of overlapping between the first cartridge and the second cartridge is greater than the amount of overlapping between the second cartridge and the third cartridge. |
| US09599951B2 |
Roller, image forming apparatus and manufacturing method of cylindrical shaft
A roller is provided includes a cylindrical shaft supported by a main assembly of an image forming apparatus or a detachable cartridge. The cylindrical shaft includes a separation region on a circumference of the cylindrical shaft, where a pair of end portions of the cylindrical shaft oppose each other or are in contact with each other with respect to a circumferential direction relative to the circumference of the cylindrical shaft, and wherein the separation region extends in an axial direction of the cylindrical shaft. In addition, a rotatable cylindrical member is mounted around an outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft and is rotatable about the cylindrical shaft while an inner peripheral surface of the rotatable cylindrical member is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft in a region of the cylindrical shaft other than the separation region with respect to the circumferential direction. |
| US09599947B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method, and program
When calculating a toner consumption amount that is based on a dot count value of raster data, the toner consumption amount can be estimated more accurately by taking into consideration density control as well as pulse width control, which are used as part of image formation processing. |
| US09599945B2 |
Methods and systems for determining authenticity of a consumable product
Methods and systems are described to determine authenticity of a consumable product. The determining of authenticity may include communicating with a listing engine that contains a list of identifiers for consumable products classified as non-authentic, installing a consumable product in a host device where the consumable product stores an identifier in memory, and determining whether the consumable product matches one of the identifiers. |
| US09599944B2 |
Method of mounting electronic part, circuit substrate, and image forming apparatus
The circuit substrate includes at least two lands formed on a substrate, wherein one electrode is to be mounted on the at least two lands, an electronic part having electrodes, one of the electrodes is soldered on the at least two lands with solders whose amounts are adjusted by a metal mask having at least two opening parts, positions of the at least two opening parts corresponding to the at least two lands when the solders are applied and melted, areas of the at least two opening parts being different with each other, wherein a height of one of the solders is different from a height of the other of the solders according to the difference of the areas of the at least two opening parts of the metal mask, whereby the electronic part is mounted on the circuit substrate in an inclined state. |
| US09599939B2 |
Image forming apparatus with different fixing temperatures for each side in duplex fixing
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier to carry a toner image. A transfer unit transfers the toner image to a sheet. A fixing unit fixes the toner image on the sheet. The sheet with the image is discharged to a sheet discharge tray. A circular conveyance path turns over the sheet past the transfer unit and the fixing unit and passes the sheet through the transfer unit and the fixing unit again. A heat amount setting section sets an amount of heat applied by the fixing unit when fixing of the sheet is executed. In duplex printing, a first heat amount for fixing the toner image on a first side of the sheet is smaller than a reference heat amount for simplex printing whereas a second heat amount for fixing the toner image on a second side of the sheet is larger than the reference heat amount. |
| US09599938B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method for controlling a primary heating and a secondary heating of a fixing device
An image forming apparatus includes a controller including a primary heating control portion that determines a first amount of power supplied to a heater based on a temperature of a fixing rotator detected by a temperature detector and controls the heater to perform a primary heating to heat the fixing rotator with the first amount of power, a secondary heating control portion that controls the heater to perform a secondary heating to heat the fixing rotator with a preset second amount of power, and a switch portion that controls the heater to switch between the primary heating and the secondary heating during an identical print job without changing a target temperature of the fixing rotator. |
| US09599935B2 |
Image forming apparatus with cleaning using cleaning member and charging member
In an adjustment step, an adjustment purpose toner image is formed on an intermediate transfer belt, and the adjustment purpose toner image is removed from the intermediate transfer belt by a cleaning member contacting the intermediate transfer belt and through an electrostatic cleaning step. This adjustment step is executed in a state where a toner attachment amount on a charging member is switched from a first limit value, which is allowed in the image forming step to a second limit value, which is allowed immediately before executing the adjustment step. This switching is performed by the execution of a toner discharging step, where a power supply changes the state of applying voltage to the charging member from that in the electrostatic cleaning step, so that toner attached to the charging member is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. |
| US09599928B2 |
Powder transport member, powder container, and image forming apparatus
A powder transport member includes a rotary member that rotates around an axis inside a container in which powder is contained, a contact member that has one end secured to the rotary member and another end that is a free end, the contact member flexing upon contact of the other end with an inner wall of the container, the contact member having multiple cuts provided in an axial direction of the rotary member, the cuts extending from the other end obliquely with respect to the rotary member, and multiple projections that are provided on the rotary member in the axial direction, the projections projecting from the rotary member toward the inner wall of the container, the projections having a distal end portion that is located at a different position from a starting edge of the cuts with respect to the axial direction. |
| US09599927B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing an information storage device from falling from a removable device
An information storage device installed in a removable device configured to be removably installed in an image forming apparatus body, includes: an information storage unit that stores information communicated between the image forming apparatus body and the removable device; a terminal that comes in contact with a body side terminal; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and includes a hole configured to be engaged with a protruding section installed in the image forming apparatus body. The terminal includes a plurality of terminals each including one of a plurality of metallic plates arranged in a transverse direction thereof. An earth terminal, which comes in contact with a body side earth terminal formed in the protruding section, is formed in the hole. The hole is disposed at a position sandwiched between two metallic plates among the plurality of metallic plates. |
| US09599921B2 |
Image forming device providing accurate positioning between exposure unit and photosensitive body
An image forming device capable of providing precise positional relationship between an exposure unit and a photosensitive body. The exposure unit having an exposure head elongated in a longitudinal direction and having light emitting sections arrayed in the longitudinal direction. The light elements emit light in an optical axis direction. A frame supports the photosensitive body. A positioning protrusion protrudes in the optical axis direction from one of the frame and the exposure unit. A remaining one of the frame and the exposure unit is formed with a positioning part engageable with the positioning protrusion. A biasing unit provides a biasing force that ensures engagement between the positioning protrusion and the positioning part. |
| US09599918B2 |
Clear toner compositions
Clear toner compositions for use in offset lithography (or offset printing). Such clear toner compositions comprising a toner particle comprising a polyester resin, a highly crosslinked resin, a surface additive applied to a surface of the toner particle, which exhibit desirable properties, including for example, having low haze level. |
| US09599913B2 |
Electrophotographic member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
An electrophotographic member is provided in which conductivity barely reduces and sufficient conductivity is obtained even under a low temperature and low humidity environment, a reduction in resistance beyond necessity is readily suppressed even under a high temperature and high humidity environment, and the bleeding of the quaternary ammonium salt can be suppressed. There is provided an electrophotographic member including an electroconductive mandrel and an electroconductive layer, wherein the electroconductive layer includes a resin having at least one of a structure represented by the following formula (1) and a structure represented by the following formula (2) in the molecule, and an anion: |
| US09599912B2 |
Lithographic apparatus
A reflector includes a reflecting surface or structure provided with a cap layer formed from Silicene or a Silicene derivative. The reflector may be provided in a lithographic apparatus. |
| US09599909B2 |
Electrostatic chuck cleaner, cleaning method, and exposure apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electrostatic chuck cleaner cleaning an adsorption face of an electrostatic chuck capable of attracting a reticle, and the cleaner includes: a plurality of substrates; adhesive layers provided on a major surface of each of the substrates, the adhesive layers being pressed against the adsorption face; and conductive layers provided on the major surface of each of the substrates, and the conductive layers being provided in a region other than a region where the adhesive layer being provided. The adhesive layers provided on the major surface of each of the substrates are disposed in different regions, and the entire adsorption face is pressed by the adhesive layers when the adhesive layers of the substrates are pressed against the adsorption face. |
| US09599907B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus where liquid supply operation and liquid recovery operation for forming a liquid immersion region are excellently performed to form the liquid immersion region in a desired condition, enabling high exposure accuracy and measurement accuracy to be achieved. An exposure apparatus (EX) is an apparatus that exposes a substrate (P) by emitting exposure light (EL) on the substrate (P) through liquid (LQ). The exposure apparatus has a liquid supply mechanism (10) having a supply opening (13) capable of supplying the liquid (LQ) in the direction substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate (P). |
| US09599904B2 |
Illumination system for illuminating a mask in a microlithographic exposure apparatus
An illumination system of a micro-lithographic projection exposure apparatus is provided, which is configured to illuminate a mask positioned in a mask plane. The system includes a pupil shaping optical subsystem and illuminator optics that illuminate a beam deflecting component. For determining a property of the beam deflecting component, an intensity distribution in a system pupil surface of the illumination system is determined. Then the property of the beam deflecting component is determined such that the intensity distribution produced by the pupil shaping subsystem in the system pupil surface approximates the intensity distribution determined before. At least one of the following aberrations are taken into account in this determination: (i) an aberration produced by the illuminator optics; (ii) an aberration produced by the pupil shaping optical subsystem; (iii) an aberration produced by an optical element arranged between the system pupil surface and the mask plane. |
| US09599902B2 |
Photopolymerisable layered composite for producing flexo printing elements
Laminate comprising a) a photopolymerizable relief-forming layer, at least containing an elastomeric binder, ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a photoinitiator and optionally further additives, b) an optionally photopolymerizable elastomeric substrate layer, at least containing an elastomeric binder, optionally ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a photoinitiator and optionally further additives, the relief-forming layer a) having a hardness of 30 to 70° Shore A and the elastomeric substrate layer b) having a hardness of 75° Shore A to 70° Shore D in each case in the photopolymerized state, and the layer b) having a hardness of at least 5° Shore A greater than the layer a). |
| US09599901B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, cured product and method for producing same, method for producing resin pattern, cured film, liquid crystal display device, organic el display device, infrared cut filter, and solid-state imaging device
Provided is a photosensitive resin composition from which a cured product having thin film thickness, excellent light-shielding properties, and high surface hardness is obtained. A a cured film and a method for producing the same, a method for producing a resin pattern, and an LCD device, an organic EL display device, an infrared cut filter, or a solid-state imaging device are also provided. The photosensitive resin composition includes a polymer component including at least one of categories (1) or (2), a photoacid generator, a solvent, and titanium black, wherein (1) includes (a1) a constitutional unit containing a group in which an acid group is protected by an acid-decomposable group, and (a2) a constitutional unit containing a crosslinkable group, and (2) includes (a1) a constitutional unit containing a group in which an acid group is protected by an acid-decomposable group, and (a2) a constitutional unit containing a crosslinkable group. |
| US09599894B2 |
Infrared transmission photosensitive resin composition
An infrared transmission photosensitive resin composition includes (A) a pigment dispersion composition including a coloring agent (a1); (B) an alkaline soluble resin; (C) a photo-polymerizable compound; (D) a photo-polymerization initiator; and (E) a solvent, wherein the coloring agent (a1) includes a blue pigment, a red pigment and a yellow pigment. Thereby, the infrared transmission photosensitive resin composition may form an infrared transmission pixel which exhibits a high transmittance in an infrared region while having a very low transmittance in a visible light region, so as to be used in an image sensor for obtaining an image having excellent image quality at a place where the quantity of light is insufficient. |
| US09599886B2 |
Polarizer unit and projector
A polarizer unit that polarizes light incident thereon and causes the polarized light to exit includes an inorganic polarizer (light-exiting-side polarizer) that polarizes the incident light, a transparent substrate that is disposed in contact with the light-exiting-side polarizer and allows the light having exited out of the light-exiting-side polarizer to pass and exit, and a holding member that presses the light-exiting-side polarizer and the transparent substrate from opposite sides to sandwich and hold the light-exiting-side polarizer and the transparent substrate. |
| US09599885B2 |
Driving apparatus, light source driving apparatus, light source apparatus, projection apparatus, and driving method, suitable for driving load in which value of physical quantity as controlled object periodically changes
A driving apparatus drives a load so as to periodically change a physical quantity as a controlled object. The apparatus includes a calculation unit configured to calculate a deviation between the targeted value and a detection value detected by the detection unit, a storage unit configured to store past deviations calculated by the calculation unit, a determination unit configured to determine a manipulative variable corresponding to the physical quantity, by referring to a past deviation before a predetermined period, which has been stored in the storage unit, and a driving unit configured to drive the load, based on the manipulative variable determined by the determination unit. |
| US09599884B2 |
Light source apparatus and image display apparatus
A light source apparatus includes a plurality of light source units, a sensor unit, and an interval control unit. The sensor unit is capable of receiving a plurality of emitted light beams from the plurality of light source units and sampling intensities of the emitted light beams at a predetermined sampling interval. The interval control unit is capable of controlling the predetermined sampling interval on the basis of an output characteristic relating to each of the emitted light beams from the plurality of light source units. |
| US09599877B2 |
Mountable, afocal adaptor for a camera
In some implementations a mountable afocal adaptor for a camera includes an attachment plate affixed to the front of a camera housing of a camera and an afocal optical module. The afocal optical module is configured to convert a received optical image to a converted optical image for use by the camera. The afocal adaptor also includes a rotation mechanism with a rotation ring and a wave spring clamp, the rotation ring affixed to the attachment plate and the wave spring clamp affixed to the afocal optical module. The rotation ring and wave spring clamp are mounted relative to each other to rotate around a rotational axis aligned with an axis of an optical path formed between the afocal optical module and the attachment plate and aligned with a view axis of the camera. The rotation mechanism also permits rotation of the camera housing around the rotational axis relative to the afocal optical module. |
| US09599872B2 |
Electrically conductive support for a glazing unit having liquid-crystal-mediated variable scattering properties and such a glazing unit
An electrically conductive support for a glazing unit having liquid crystal scattering properties may include a multilayer of thin films. In one example, the thin films include an electrode comprising a TCO film, a silicon-nitride-based first barrier film having a thickness e1 of at least 5 nm, and a silicon-oxide-based second barrier film having a thickness e2 of at least 30 nm. The thickness e1 may be smaller than or equal to e2 and/or smaller than 80 nm. Further, the cumulative thickness of the first and second barrier films may be larger than or equal to 50 nm and smaller than 150 nm. |
| US09599870B2 |
Display panel and curved display
A display panel includes a first substrate, first gate lines, first data lines, second data lines, third data lines, fourth data lines, first sub-pixels, second sub-pixels and first shielding electrodes. The first substrate has a plurality of first sub-pixel regions and second sub-pixel regions. The first gate lines extend along a first direction. The first data lines, the second data lines, the third data lines and the fourth data lines extend along a second direction and are sequentially arranged in the first direction. The first sub-pixel is electrically connected to one of the first data line and the second data line. The second sub-pixel is electrically connected to one of the third data line and the fourth data line. The first shielding electrodes extend along the second direction and are disposed in a common boundary between the first sub-pixel region and the second sub-pixel region adjacent to each other. |
| US09599868B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel comprising a contact site for a pixel electrode that is wider than a line portion of a lead-out line when viewed in a plan view
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel that, when subjected to laser repair for repairing defects, can avoid degradation of members other than the target of the laser repair. A liquid crystal display panel of the present invention includes: an active matrix substrate; a counter substrate; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate, the active matrix substrate including: a support substrate; a transparent electrode; a scan signal line; a data signal line; a thin film transistor connected to the scan signal line and the data signal line; a lead-out line extending from the thin film transistor; an insulating film covering the thin film transistor; and a pixel electrode connected to the lead-out line via a contact site formed through the insulating film, the transparent electrode being located at a level closer to the support substrate than the lead-out line and the pixel electrode are, the pixel electrode including a substantially rectangular outline when viewed in a plan view of the support substrate, the transparent electrode having a shape with a missing area that overlaps at least one corner portion of the pixel electrode, the lead-out line extending straight to overlap the corner portion of the pixel electrode, and overlapping the missing area of the transparent electrode. |
| US09599865B2 |
Low-flicker liquid crystal display
A display may have upper and lower display layers. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the upper and lower display layers. The display layers may have substrates. A thin-film transistor layer may have a layer of thin-film transistor structures on a substrate such as a clear glass layer. A planarization layer may be formed on the thin-film transistor structures. A transparent conductive layer may be formed on the planarization layer. The display may have a dielectric layer on the transparent conductive layer. Pixels may be formed in the display layers. The pixels may include pixel electrodes having fingers. The fingers may be formed on the dielectric layer. Trenches in the dielectric layer may be formed between the fingers. The trenches may extend to the transparent conductive layer or may be formed only partway into the dielectric layer. |
| US09599864B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; a first electrode and a second electrode formed on inner sides of the first and second substrates, respectively; and at least one third electrode formed in the liquid crystal layer to divide the liquid crystal layer into a plurality of sub-liquid crystal layers in a cell gap direction. |
| US09599863B2 |
Liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, manufacturing method thereof and LCD device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a manufacturing method thereof and an LCD device are provided. The LCD panel comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely to form a liquid crystal cell; and post spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The post spacers are prepared by shape memory polymer (SMP) materials. One end of the post spacers is disposed on the first substrate and the other end is opposite to the second substrate. |
| US09599858B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate including a common electrode, an insulation film disposed on the common electrode, and a pixel electrode disposed on the insulation film, opposed to the common electrode and provided with a slit, a counter-substrate disposed to be opposed to the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed of a negative-type liquid crystal material held between the array substrate and the counter-substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules which are initially aligned at an angle of 10° to 45° to a direction which is perpendicular to a direction of extension of the slit. |
| US09599857B2 |
LED display with wavelength conversion layer
A display and method of manufacture are described. The display may include a substrate including an array of pixels with each pixel including multiple subpixels, and each subpixel within a pixel is designed for a different color emission spectrum. An array of micro LED device pairs are mounted within each subpixel to provide redundancy. An array of wavelength conversion layers comprising phosphor particles are formed over the array of micro LED device pairs for tunable color emission spectrum. |
| US09599853B2 |
Display device
In order to provide a display device capable of improving the display quality at the time of 2D display and 3D display, the present invention provides a display device that includes: a display panel that displays an image; and a liquid crystal lens panel that is arranged on the display surface side of the display panel, controls a refractive index in a cylindrical lens manner to form parallax barriers, and switches 2D display and 3D display, and the liquid crystal lens panel includes: a first transparent substrate that is arranged on the display panel side; a second transparent substrate that is arranged to face the first substrate through a liquid crystal layer; and a first polarizing plate that is formed on the display surface side of the second transparent substrate to control a polarization direction of light transmitting through the liquid crystal lens panel. |
| US09599852B1 |
Manufacturing of liquid crystal lenses using carrier substrate
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal optical device such as a lens, a beam steering device or an optical image stabilization device is described. The method includes edge bonding a thin substrate onto a carrier substrate to obtain a combined substrate; manipulating the combined substrate by the carrier substrate for wafer level fabricating at least one liquid crystal optical device on the central portion of the first thin substrate. Each liquid crystal optical device includes liquid crystal cell walls. To form the at least one liquid crystal optical device a second thin substrate is provided and bonded to the combined substrate. The cell walls support and interconnect the thin first substrate to the second thin substrate. The at least one liquid crystal optical device is singulated by dicing the combined substrate within the peripheral bonding zone. |
| US09599851B2 |
Substrate including a color filter layer made of electrochromic material, liquid crystal display panel and display device
The present invention discloses a substrate for a liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display panel and a display device. The substrate comprises: a base substrate; a color layer disposed on the base substrate; and first and second transparent electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the color filter layer and electrically connected with the color filter layer. A color of the color filter layer can be changed based on gray scale of an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel by applying a voltage signal to the color filter layer through the first and second transparent electrodes, thereby a light leakage in a dark state of the liquid crystal display panel is avoided, and thus it is possible to improve contrast of the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US09599843B2 |
Optical modulator
An aspect of the present invention is an optical modulator including an electro-optic substrate, an optical waveguide, and a signal electrode for applying an electric field corresponding to a modulation signal to the optical waveguide. The electro-optic substrate includes a trench portion, which is formed by digging a surface of the electro-optic substrate, and a ridge portion, which is formed in a ridge shape by the trench portion so that an optical waveguide is provided. The trench portion includes a first trench portion, which is a trench portion between a pair of branched optical waveguides, and a second trench portion, which is a trench portion other than the first trench portion. Digging depths of the first and second trench portions are different. |
| US09599841B2 |
Decorative eyeglasses attachment
An eyeglass frame attachment assembly generally comprising a base and a platform. The base in generally comprised of a right upper frame, a left upper frame and a center support. The right upper frame and the left upper frame each comprise an arm groove wherein the eyeglass frame attachment assembly may be attached to the eyeglasses by passing the temple arm of the eyeglasses through the arm groove. The center support strap can be affixed through a center hole for added support and stability to the platform. The platform comprises a channel, whereby the channel receives an interchangeable banner piece. |
| US09599839B2 |
Eyeglasses with rotationally secured circular lenses, lens jig and method of jig use
Eyeglasses with rotationally secured circular lenses, lens rigs, and methods of use are provided herein. A pair of eyeglasses may include a circular first lens and a circular second lens, each having a lens peripheral surface. At least one of said first lens and said second lens has a line of astigmatism with a prescribed rotational position relative to a wearer eye. The glasses also have a frame having a circular first frame opening into which the first lens is mounted and a circular second frame opening into which the second lens is mounted, each frame opening having an inward frame opening peripheral surface. A lens rotational securing means for securing each of the lenses against rotation relative to said frame, such that the line of astigmatism is prevented from moving out of its prescribed rotational position within its frame opening. |
| US09599838B2 |
Lens moving apparatus, camera module and optical appliance including the same
Embodiments provide a lens moving apparatus including a bobbin in which a lens is mounted, a first coil and a magnet configured to electromagnetically interact with each other so as to move the bobbin, a housing configured to accommodate the bobbin therein, an elastic member including an inner frame coupled to the bobbin, an outer frame coupled to the housing, and a frame connection portion configured to connect the inner frame and the outer frame to each other, and a support member connected to the elastic member and configured to support the housing, and the outer frame includes a first coupling portion coupled to the housing, a second coupling portion coupled to the support member, the second coupling portion being spaced apart from the first coupling portion, and a single connection portion configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to each other. |
| US09599832B2 |
Stereoscopic display device
The objective is to provide a stereoscopic display device that can be switched among 2D display mode, 3D display mode and mirror mode. The device includes: a display panel (12); a switch liquid crystal panel (14); an absorptive polarizer (16); and a reflective polarizer (22). The switch liquid crystal panel (14) is located closer to the viewer than the display panel (12) is. The absorptive polarizer (16) is located closer to the viewer than the switch liquid crystal panel (14) is. The reflective polarizer (22) is located between the display panel (12) and the switch liquid crystal panel (14). The reflective polarizer (22) has a transmission axis (L6) perpendicular to the transmission axis (L3) of the absorptive polarizer (16) and passes those components of light entering the reflective polarizer (22) that are parallel to the transmission axis (L6) while reflecting those components that are perpendicular to the transmission axis (L6). |
| US09599831B2 |
Spatial image display apparatus
An spatial image display apparatus includes: a first optical plate that transmits an incident light beam such that transmission gain reaches a peak greater than 1 in an optical axis direction of the incident light beam; and a second optical plate in which a plurality of optical elements are provided in a matrix formation, which regularly reflect a Z axis-direction component of a transmissive light beam of the first optical plate and are retroreflective with X and Y axes-direction components of the transmissive light beam, in a substrate having a normal line in a Z axial direction. |
| US09599825B1 |
Visual indicator for transparent display alignment
A head mounted device includes a sensor, a transparent display, and a processor comprising an augmented reality application and an alignment module. The augmented reality application generates a virtual content based on data from the sensor, and displays the virtual content in the transparent display. The alignment module detects an initialization of the augmented reality application and causes a temporary display of an alignment indicator in the transparent display in response to detecting the initialization of the augmented reality application. |
| US09599823B2 |
Detachable head mount display device and method for controlling the same
A detachable head mounted display (HMD) device includes a display unit configured to display a user interface, a detached sensor unit configured to detect whether the HMD device has been affixed to eye-glasses, a sensor unit configured to detect an input signal generated when the eye-glasses to which the HMD device is affixed are touched, and a controller configured to control the display unit, the detached sensor unit, and the sensor unit. The controller is further configured to acquire identification information of the eye-glasses if the HMD device detects that the HMD device is affixed to the eye-glasses, to acquire a look up table related to the identification information, to acquire a control input related to the input signal from the look up table in response to the detected input signal, and to control the user interface to perform a function corresponding to the control input. |
| US09599822B2 |
Corrective optics for reducing fixed pattern noise in a virtual reality headset
A virtual reality (VR) headset includes an electronic display element and a corrective optics block. The electronic display element outputs image light via a plurality of sub-pixels of different colors that are separated from each other by a dark space. The corrective optics block includes an optical element including a diffractive surface. The corrective optics block is configured to magnify the image light and generate optically corrected image light by using the diffractive surface to generate blur spots of each sub-pixel masking dark space between adjacent sub-pixels. Optically corrected light is directed form the corrective optics block to an exit pupil of the VR headset for presentation to a user. |
| US09599821B2 |
Virtual reality system allowing immersion in virtual space to consist with actual movement in actual space
A virtual reality system includes a playground defined within a real world space to have a predetermined area in which a user is movable, a head mounted device surrounds both eyes displaying an image of a virtual space formed corresponding to real objects in the playground, a sensor attached to a predetermined location in the playground, the head mounted device or body of the user sensing an actual location or motion of the user in the playground. A control unit calculates a location and direction of the user in the playground according to a signal from the sensor, and displays an image on the head mounted device of the virtual space, observed at the location and in the facing direction of the user. When the user wearing the head mounted device actually moves in the playground, a feeling of moving in the virtual space is given to the user. |
| US09599818B2 |
Obstacle avoidance apparatus and obstacle avoidance method
An obstacle detecting unit detects an obstacle for a user wearing a head mounted display from an image of the outside world. A distance calculating unit calculates the distance from a detected obstacle to the user wearing the head mounted display. An obstacle replacing unit replaces the detected obstacle with a virtual object. A virtual object synthesizing unit generates a virtual object at a position within a virtual space displayed on the head mounted display, in which the position is determined according to the distance to the obstacle. |
| US09599817B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes at least one light source to emit coherent light, a holographic optical element to diffract the coherent light from the light source to produce image light, an optical mechanism to guide the image light from the holographic optical element, at least one detection unit to detect the intensity of the image light, and an adjustment unit to adjust the power of the light source based on the result of detection by the detection unit. An image based on the image light is observed by a viewer. |
| US09599812B2 |
Foil trap and light source device using such foil trap
Disclosed herein a rotational type foil trap that is capable of avoiding the transmission rate of the EUV light to be lowered even when the EUV light source operates with the high input power and also suppressing the temperature increase of the foil to attain a sufficient life duration. In the rotational type foil trap, one end of each of foils is inserted into each of a plurality of grooves provided on a side face of a center support, and the center support and the each of the foils are fixed together by brazing. |
| US09599810B2 |
Stereoscopic endoscope system
A stereoscopic endoscope system includes: first and second image pickup sections including first and second image pickup devices, respectively, arranged on an endoscope distal end portion and configured to acquire a common subject; a reference member integrally provided on the endoscope distal end portion and serving as a reference in adjusting the first and second image pickup sections such that images are picked up in first and second image pickup ranges that can be picked up by the first and second image pickup devices, respectively; and an adjustment section configured to adjust the image picked up by at least one of the image pickup sections to generate substantially horizontally symmetrical images when the first image and the second image obtained by picking up the images of the reference member by the first and second image pickup devices, respectively, are displayed as left and right images on a display apparatus. |
| US09599809B2 |
Control system for implementing non-linear interference compensation for torsion angle of astronomical telescope
A control system for implementing nonlinear interference compensation for a torsion angle of an astronomical telescope is provided. The system includes a torsion angle detection system and a torsion angle compensation and amendment system. The torsion angle detection system is provided with a measurement mechanism for measuring the position of a driving wheel, and a position signal of the measurement mechanism is fed back to an industrial personal computer in the torsion angle compensation and amendment system in real time. An output signal of the industrial personal computer controls a compensation motor to rotate, and the compensation motor inclines an elastic plate with the driving wheel mounted thereon through a transmission mechanism, to further cause the torsion of the driving wheel by an angle and form compensation to the torsion angle. |
| US09599808B2 |
Microscope apparatus
A microscope apparatus includes: a light source; an illumination optical system configured to illuminate a specimen with light from the light source, the illumination optical system having a spatial light modulation element capable of adjusting a light intensity distribution; an imaging optical system configured to image light from the specimen; a solid-state imaging device configured to generate an image of the specimen based on light from the imaging optical system; and a controller capable of adjusting the spatial light modulation element, the controller being configured to, based on a first image output from the solid-state imaging device when the specimen is illuminated with first illumination light, adjust the spatial light modulation element and illuminate the specimen with second illumination light. |
| US09599803B2 |
Beam combiner for combining two independently scanned illuminating beams of a light scanning microscope
A beam combiner in a light scanning microscope for combining two illuminating beams that can be independently scanned. A first beam path (B1) guides a first illuminating beam (2) along a first optical axis (OA1) and a first optical device (L1) bundles the first beam (2) in an intermediate image plane. A second beam path (B2) guides a second illuminating beam (3) along a second optical axis (OA2) that intersects the first optical axis (OA1) at a point of intersection (Z) lying in or near the intermediate image plane, and a scanner (S2) for deflecting the second illuminating beam (3) and arranged before the point of intersection (Z) of the optical axes (OA1, OA2) in the propagation direction of the second illuminating beam (3). A coupling-in unit (4) is arranged at the point of intersection (Z) of the optical axes (OA1, OA2) and either has a mirror surface (5) having a passage opening (6; 7) at the point of incidence of the first optical axis (OA1), or is transparent except for a mirror element lying at the point of incidence of the first optical axis (OA1), wherein the size of the passage opening (6; 7) or the mirror element corresponds to the cross-section that the first illuminating beam (2) at the point of incidence and thus allows the first illuminating beam to pass or reflects the first illuminating beam, wherein the first and second illuminating beams (2, 3) propagate as a combined illuminating beam (8) after the coupling-in unit (4). |
| US09599802B2 |
Lens and backlight module
A lens includes a central portion and a surrounding portion. The central portion has a first and a second optical surfaces. The surrounding portion surrounds the central portion and has an inner refraction wall and an outer refraction wall. The outer refraction wall includes a first and a second outer surfaces. A distance between the symmetry axis and a junction of the inner refraction wall and the first optical surface is a first radius R1. A distance between the symmetry axis and a junction of the first outer surface and the second optical surface is a second radius R2. A distance between the symmetry axis and a junction of the second outer surface and the first outer surface is a third radius R3. The third radius R3 is greater than the second radius R2, and the second radius R2 is greater than or equal to the first radius R1. |
| US09599801B2 |
Projection zoom lens and projection type display device
A projection zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a negative refractive power provided most toward the magnification side, which is fixed when changing magnification; and at least two movable lens groups that move to change the relative distance therebetween in the direction of an optical axis when changing magnification. The first lens group is constituted by, in order from the magnification side to the reduction side, a front group which is fixed during focusing operations and a rear group having a negative refractive power that moves in the direction of the optical axis during focusing operations. The front group moves in the direction of the optical axis to correct field curvature. Conditional Formula (1) related to the focal length fw of the entire lens system at the wide angle end and the focal length fla of the front group is satisfied. |fw/fla|<0.2 (1). |
| US09599795B2 |
Optical image capturing system
A five-piece optical lens for capturing image and a five-piece optical module for capturing image, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, include a first lens with positive refractive power having an object-side surface which can be convex; a second lens with refractive power; a third lens with refractive power; a fourth lens with refractive power; and a fifth lens which can have negative refractive power, wherein an image-side surface thereof can be concave, and at least one surface of the fifth lens has an inflection point; both surfaces of each of the five lenses are aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09599794B2 |
Optical image capturing system
A five-piece optical lens for capturing image and a five-piece optical module for capturing image, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, include a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens with refractive power; a third lens with refractive power; a fourth lens with refractive power; and a fifth lens with negative refractive power; and at least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the five lens elements are aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09599791B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging device provided with the same
An imaging lens substantially consists of five lenses consisting of, in order from the object side: a first lens having a positive refractive power with a convex surface toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power and having a meniscus shape with a convex surface toward the image side; a third lens having a positive refractive power and having a meniscus shape with a convex surface toward the image side; a fourth lens having a positive refractive power and having a meniscus shape with a convex surface toward the image side; and a fifth lens having a negative refractive power, wherein an image-side surface of the fifth lens includes a concave surface and at least one inflection point, wherein a predetermined conditional expression is satisfied. |
| US09599787B2 |
Using sapphire lens to protect the lens module
An image capturing device is provided. The image capturing device includes a lens device including a first housing; and a sapphire lens directly connected to the first housing for protecting the lens device, wherein the sapphire lens includes a crystal structure and has a crystal axis, the crystal structure is a single-crystal structure, and the crystal axis includes one selected from a group consisting of c-axis (0001), a-axis (1210), a-axis (1120), a-axis (2110), a-axis (1120), a-axis (2110), a-axis (1210), m-axis (1010), m-axis (1100), m-axis (0110), m-axis (1010), m-axis (1100), m-axis (0110), r-axis (1011), r-axis (1011), r-axis (0111), r-axis (0111), r-axis (1101) and r-axis (1101). |
| US09599785B2 |
Fiber module rack system
The present disclosure illustrates to a fiber module rack system in which a rack includes receiving spaces which each is formed by two frame plates of a base panel. Shell bodies of fiber optic cassettes are mounted in the receiving spaces, and a fiber module is disposed at a front part of the shell body, and a resilient locking member is disposed between the sliding track and at least one side of the shell body, so that the user can quickly and easily dismount the fiber optic cassettes from the rack without using tool. |
| US09599784B2 |
Modular optical backplane and enclosure
Embodiments are directed to decomposing an all-to-all interconnection network topology into a plurality of smaller all-to-all interconnection network elements, replicating the interconnection network elements in a modular fashion, wherein the modular interconnection network elements construct the all-to-all interconnection network topology. Embodiments are directed to an apparatus comprising a shuffle cable assembly comprising a plurality of shuffle cables, where each of the plurality of shuffle cables comprises a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of connectors, a block configured to organize, align, and maintain a position of the plurality of connectors, and at least one handle coupled to the block and configured to actuate the plurality of connectors. |
| US09599781B1 |
Plasmon-assisted optical vias for photonic ASICS
The present invention relates to optical vias to optically connect multilevel optical circuits. In one example, the optical via includes a surface plasmon polariton waveguide, and a first optical waveguide formed on a first substrate is coupled to a second optical waveguide formed on a second substrate by the surface plasmon polariton waveguide. In some embodiments, the first optical waveguide includes a transition region configured to convert light from an optical mode to a surface plasmon polariton mode or from a surface plasmon polariton mode to an optical mode. |
| US09599780B2 |
Optical ferrule for multi-fiber cable and hardened multi-fiber optic connector therefore
A multi-fiber cable assembly includes an optical connector and a cable. The optical connector includes a connector body; an optical ferrule body, and alignment elements. The optical ferrule body has an end face defining a plurality of alignment openings arranged in rows and has a plurality of buckling chambers. Each buckling chamber is aligned with one of the rows of the alignment openings. The optical fibers of the cable have bare portions secured at a first end of the optical ferrule body using rigid epoxy. Each of the optical fibers is routed through one of the buckling chambers to one of the alignment holes. |
| US09599779B2 |
Stackable optical fiber adapter
The present disclosure provides a stackable optical fiber adapter including shell members, a base with mating parts formed at front and rear sides thereof, and an accommodating cavity being transversely formed therein and communicated with the two opposite mating parts. One positioning part and wedged-jointing part are at two adjacent bases, and one clasping block and position-limiting groove are on the positioning part and the wedged-jointing part. By such a way, each two adjacent bases can be stacked, arranged or formed by a modularized manner, so that more shell members can be installed on a panel. The adapter can be easy to design the corresponding mold, the mating parts of each shell member is constant, and necessary to develop different molds, so the manufacturing process and the mold can be simplified, and the optical fiber adapter of the present disclosure can have stable structure and low cost, and further facilitate mass production. |
| US09599769B2 |
Hydrogen-resistant optical fiber
Embodiments of the invention relate to a hydrogen-resistant optical fiber with a core having a central axis. The core may include only silica, or only silica and fluorine, while a cladding region surrounding the core may be made of silica and fluorine, along with at least one of germanium, phosphorus, and titanium. |
| US09599767B2 |
Light emitting assembly and backlight module
A light emitting assembly, a backlight module having the light emitting assembly, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus having the backlight module are provided. The light emitting assembly includes a rigid circuit board, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices, and a flexible circuit board. The rigid circuit board has a plurality of external circuits isolated from one another. The LED devices are disposed on the rigid circuit board, and each of the external circuits is connected to a corresponding one of the LED devices. The flexible circuit board has a plurality of connecting lines, and each of the connecting lines is connected to at least two of the external circuits, so as to serially connect the LED devices that are connected to the external circuits. |
| US09599766B2 |
Laminated display unit
A laminated display unit having a light guide, an LCD panel laminated to a major surface of the light guide and a high modulus layer laminated to the light guide opposite the LCD panel. A first material having refractive index n1 is disposed immediately adjacent a first major surface of the light guide and a second material having a refractive index n2 is disposed immediately adjacent a second major surface of the light guide. The light guide has a refractive index ng which is greater than about 1.05 times nmax where nmax is the larger of n1 and n2. At least one of the first major surface and the second major surface includes a plurality of multiplets where each multiplet includes two or more extraction features. |
| US09599764B2 |
Illumination device, display device and TV receiver
Provided is a backlight device that includes: LEDs; a LED substrate; a light guide plate having a light-exiting surface, an opposite surface on an opposite side of the light-exiting surface, and a light-receiving face; a chassis; a frame; a heat dissipating member having a bottom part and a raised part; a pair of fixing members, each having a gripping part that extends along a long-side direction of the raised part and that grips each end in the long-side direction of the raised part in a direction perpendicular to a plate surface of the raised part, and a locking part that extends along the long-side direction of the raised part and that is locked to each of side faces adjacent to the light-receiving face of the light guide plate on a side of the light-receiving face. The pair of fixing members keeps a distance between the LED substrate and the light guide plate constant by fixing a distance between the gripping part and the locking part. |
| US09599759B2 |
Patterned polarizing film and its production process
A patterned polarizing film is provided for obtaining a thin patterned circular polarizing plate having a superior anti-reflection property. The film includes a substrate and a patterned liquid crystal cured layer laminated thereon. The layer contains a polymer of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound(s) and a dichroic dye. The patterned polarizing film includes a region (A) having a degree of polarization of 10% or lower and a single transmittance of 80% or higher, and a region (B) having a degree of polarization of 90% or higher and a single transmittance of 40% or higher. |
| US09599758B2 |
Optical reflective film and optical reflector using the same
An optical reflective film which includes at least one unit formed by laminating a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer on a substrate and is characterized in that at least either of the high refractive index layer or the low refractive index layer contains two or more kinds of polyvinyl alcohols having different degrees of saponification, the high refractive index layer and the low refractive index layer contain polyvinyl alcohols having approximately the same degree of saponification, and an average degree of saponification of polyvinyl alcohols contained in the high refractive index layer and an average degree of saponification of polyvinyl alcohols contained in the low refractive index layer are different from each other. |
| US09599757B2 |
Increased accuracy corner cube arrays for high resolution retro-reflective imaging applications
Tooling and optic elements for a retro-imaging system may be formed on order near atomic level of accuracy by making use of either etching or growth techniques of a cubic crystal lattice, such as silicon. The elements may be formed directly using selective etching or epitaxial growth by coating and clear resin lamination, or replicated to avoid shrinkage and curvature by use of low shrinkage resins or double-fill molding techniques. Through the use of these highly accurate reflection/diffraction elements, floating images may be formed with relatively high resolution in retro-reflective imaging systems, for example. |
| US09599752B2 |
Substrate provided with a multilayer coating having thermal properties, in particular for production of a heated glazing unit
The invention relates to a substrate (10), especially a transparent glass substrate, equipped with a thin-film multilayer comprising, in alternation, “n” metallic functional films (40, 80, 120), in particular functional films based on silver or a metal alloy containing silver, and “(n+1)” antireflection coatings (20, 60, 100, 140), where n is an integer≧3, each antireflection coating comprising at least one antireflection film, so that each functional film (40, 80, 120) is located between two antireflection coatings (20, 60, 100, 140), characterized in that said multilayer comprises at least two high-refractive-index antireflection films (25, 145), each having a refractive index≧2.15 such that the antireflection coating (20) located under the first, starting from the substrate, functional film (40) and the antireflection coating located on the last, starting from the substrate, functional film each comprise at least one high-refractive-index antireflection film (25, 145) and each antireflection coating (60, 100) located between two functional films does not comprise a high-refractive-index film. |
| US09599750B2 |
Electroseismic surveying in exploration and production environments
Systems, methods, and computer programs for monitoring production of fluids from a subterranean formation includes receiving, from a first sensor array at a first time, a first set of electromagnetic signals generated by an electro seismic or seismoelectric conversion of seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the production of fluid from the subterranean formation; receiving, from the first sensor array at a second time, a second set of electromagnetic signals generated by an electroseismic or seismoelectric conversion of seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the production of fluid from the subterranean formation; and determining one or more reservoir properties based, at least in part, on the first and second sets signals received from the first sensor array. The first sensor array is arranged to monitor the production operation. |
| US09599748B2 |
Multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor
For a manufacturing machine that moves in and out of a detection area of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, floating blanking and blanking monitoring are activated without outputting a stop signal to stop the manufacturing machine every when the manufacturing machine moves out of the detection area. A detection processing unit performs, when at least one of the plurality of optical axes is constantly interrupted by the object, floating blanking of outputting the detection signal upon determining that the number of optical axes in an interrupted state is greater than a preset maximum optical axis number, and blanking monitoring of outputting the detection signal upon determining that the number of optical axes in an interrupted state is smaller than a preset minimum optical axis number, and activates or deactivates the floating blanking and the blanking monitoring based on the signals received by the signal reception unit. |
| US09599747B2 |
Detection device for detecting an object in a detection region on an inner panel part of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle, and corresponding method
A detection device for detecting an object is disclosed. The detection device is located on and/or above an inner panel part of a motor vehicle in the region of an exit opening implemented in the inner panel part, wherein the detection device has a detection region, in which the object is detectable in an acquisition direction of the detection device, wherein the acquisition direction extends at least essentially in parallel to an opening plane of the exit opening. |
| US09599744B2 |
Method for parsing and calculating performance of satellite gravity field measurement by low-to-low satellite-to-satellite tracking
A method for calculating performance of satellite gravity field measurement by low-to-low satellite-to-satellite tracking, includes: acquiring parameters of gravity satellite system; calculating an effect of satellite loads on the power spectrum of nonspherical perturbation potential, so as to obtain an degree error variance; comparing degree error variance with degree variance given by Kaula Rule, and when degree error variance equals degree variance, considering that the highest degree of gravity field measurement is obtained, calculating geoid degree error and its accumulative error, gravity anomaly degree error and its accumulative error, so as to obtain the performance of satellite gravity field measurement by low-to-low satellite-to-satellite tracking. The method is capable of evaluating gravity field measurement performance quickly and effectively, obtaining a rule of effects of the gravity satellite system parameters on the gravity field measurement performance, so as to avoid shortcoming caused by numerical simulation. |
| US09599743B2 |
Density measurements using detectors on a pulsed neutron measurement platform
An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation and a borehole fluid includes a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole, and a pulsed neutron measurement assembly including a pulsed neutron source configured to emit neutrons into the borehole and the earth formation, and a gamma ray detector. The apparatus also includes a fluid density measurement assembly including the gamma ray detector and a gamma ray source configured to irradiate a borehole fluid with gamma rays. The gamma ray detector is positioned relative to the gamma ray source to detect both of: gamma rays resulting from neutron interactions and gamma rays emitted from the borehole fluid in response to irradiation from the gamma ray source. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to differentiate a pulsed neutron gamma ray spectrum associated with the interactions from a density gamma ray spectrum. |
| US09599742B1 |
System for creating a near real time surface log
A system to create a surface log by using a processor connected to data storage on a network that creates and executive dashboard of surface log information using computer instructions to (a) form an editable surface log template, (b) import user information, well sensor information, well event based observation data; well fluid testing data, (c) scale the imported data, forming scaled values, (d) computing a microview and a macroview log plot using the scaled values; (e) creating an executive dashboard, (f) inserting the log plots onto the executive dashboard and other real time well logging information allowing viewing of the log plots simultaneously with the other information on a real time basis, enabling safety interpretations for drilling, geological interpretations for drilling, operational interpretations for drilling, and combinations of these interpretations, in real time. |
| US09599739B2 |
Material-discerning sensing by measurement of different points of impedance
A material-discerning proximity sensor is arranged to include an antenna that is arranged to radiate a radio-frequency signal. A capacitive sensor is arranged to detect a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor and to receive the radio-frequency signal. An electrical quantity sensor is arranged to detect a change of the received radio-frequency signal and a change of a radio-frequency signal at an output of the at least one band pass filter. |
| US09599737B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing images of log data
Systems and methods are provided to enhance logging data images. Some system embodiments include a dowhole tool, at least one sensor, and a processing system. The downhole tool gathers two-dimensional logging data while moving through a borehole. The sensor(s) measure at least one characteristic of the downhole tool's operation or environment, such as tool motion, offset distance, borehole geometry, and/or properties of the borehole fluid. Such characteristics can cause smearing or spreading of the tool's logging data measurements. Accordingly the processing system determines a de-spreading function based at least in part on the measured characteristic(s) and applies the de-spreading function to the two-dimensional logging data to obtain an enhanced logging data image, which can be presented to a user via a user interface. |
| US09599730B2 |
Counting digital X-ray detector and method for recording an X-ray image
A counting digital x-ray detector for recording x-ray images of an object irradiated by x-ray radiation includes a direct x-ray converter for converting x-ray radiation into an electric signal and a matrix with a plurality of counting pixel elements. At least one part of the counting pixel elements has a signal input and two circuits for converting the signal into a count signal. A first circuit of the two circuits is configured to convert the signal entering the respective pixel element directly into a count signal and to count the count signal. A second circuit of the two circuits is configured to convert the signal entering directly into the respective pixel element together with coincident occurring signals of at least one neighboring pixel element into a count signal and to count the count signal. The first circuit and/or the second circuit are able to be activated individually and both together. |
| US09599729B2 |
Gamma-ray detectors for downhole applications
Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. |
| US09599725B2 |
Spectral imaging detector
A method includes obtaining a photosensor substrate (236) having two opposing major surfaces. One of the two opposing major surfaces includes at least one photosensor row (230) of at least one photosensor element (232, 234), and the obtained photosensor substrate has a thickness equal to or greater than one hundred microns. The method further includes optically coupling a scintillator array (310) to the photosensor substrate. The scintillator array includes at least one complementary scintillator row (224) of at least one complementary scintillator element (226, 228), and the at least one complementary scintillator row is optically coupled to the at least one photosensor row (230) and the at least one complementary scintillator element is optically coupled to the at least one photosensor element. The method further includes thinning the photosensor substrate optically coupled to the scintillator producing a thinned photosensor substrate that is optically coupled to the scintillator and that has a thickness on the order of less than one hundred microns. |
| US09599724B2 |
Gamma radiation detection device
A gamma radiation detection device (1) includes a scintillator element (2) and an optical detector (3) in optical communication with the scintillator element (2). A plurality of particles or voids (5) are dispersed in the scintillator element (2) which scatter the scintillation light (7), reducing the trapping of scintillation light (7) by multiple reflections. |
| US09599722B2 |
Large-area scintillator element and radiation detectors and radiation absorption event locating systems using same
A scintillator element (22) includes scintillator blocks (60) arranged to form an array, and transparent or translucent material (62) disposed between adjacent scintillator blocks of the array. The transparent or translucent material may comprise epoxy or glue disposed between adjacent scintillator blocks of the array and adhering the adjacent scintillator blocks together. In some embodiments the scintillator blocks have a refractive index for scintillation light of at least •=1.8, and the transparent or translucent material has a refractive index for the scintillation light of at least •=1.6. An array of light detectors (24), such as silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) detectors formed monolithically on a silicon substrate, may be disposed on a bottom face of the scintillator element to detect scintillation light generated in the scintillator element. For PET applications, the scintillator element and the array of light detectors define a radiation detector (20) configured to detect 511 keV radiation. |
| US09599721B2 |
Method and system for estimating position with bias compensation
A primary phase measurement device measures a first carrier phase and a second carrier phase of carrier signals received by the location-determining receiver. A secondary phase measurement device measures the third carrier phase and the fourth carrier phase of other carrier signals. A real time kinematic engine estimates a first integer ambiguity set associated with the measured first carrier phase and a second integer ambiguity set associated with the measured second carrier phase. The real time kinematic engine estimates a third ambiguity set associated with the measured third carrier phase and a fourth ambiguity set associated with the measured fourth carrier phase. A compensator is capable of compensating for the inter-channel bias in at least one of the third ambiguity set and the fourth ambiguity set by modeling a predictive filter in accordance with various inputs or states of the filter estimated by an estimator. |
| US09599719B2 |
Detection of manipulated satellite time signals
Disclosed herein is a system for detecting manipulation of a GNSS signal and mitigating against such manipulation. A GNSS receiver receives GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites, and calculates event times for each GNSS satellite. The GNSS receiver then compares a next event time for a particular GNSS satellite with an expected next event time for the particular GNSS satellite. If the difference between the expected next event time and the next event times exceeds a predetermined threshold, then the GNSS receiver indicates that signal integrity may be compromised. |
| US09599717B2 |
Wireless telecommunications location based services scheme selection
An intelligent system for choosing selection schemes to be tried in a predetermined order for determining the location of a wireless mobile client, including retrieving a last known position record from a cache, checking serving network capability, choosing an initial selection scheme according to parameters including at least the required response time and the requested location method, including a method employing navigational satellites, attempting to retrieve a current position record, trying successive untried selection schemes in turn according to a predetermined algorithm if no current position record has been retrieved, and returning the current position record and updating the last known position record, or returning an error if no current position record has been retrieved, and returning the last known position record if an error has been returned, the last known position record exists in the cache and the last known position record has not expired. |
| US09599714B2 |
Wind measurement coherent lidar
A noise spectral differential unit records a noise spectrum in a state without any received signal, and subtracts the noise spectrum from a received signal spectrum. An offset corrector performs offset correction of the signal spectrum obtained by subtracting the noise spectrum by the noise spectral differential unit with respect to the noise level at a frequency separated from the frequency peak position of the received signal by a prescribed value. A frequency shift analyzer executes signal processing of the signal spectrum resulting after the offset correction and measures a frequency shift. A wind velocity converter makes wind velocity detection from the frequency shift measured by the frequency shift analyzer. |
| US09599713B2 |
Distance-measuring device
The invention relates to an electro-optical distance-measuring device, more particularly a laser rangefinder, with a transmitting unit for transmitting intensity-modulated optical radiation, a receiving unit for receiving a portion of the optical radiation reflected back from a target in a photosensitive electrical component and converting it into an electrical received signal, an input filter for filtering the received signal, an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the filtered received signal and an electronic analysis unit that calculates the distance from the rangefinder to the target object on the basis of a signal propagation time using the digitized received signal. The input filter is implemented as a time-discrete and continuous-value filter structure, more particularly a digital filter structure. |
| US09599712B2 |
Method and time-of-flight camera for providing distance information
The invention relates to a method for providing distance information of a scene with a time-of-flight camera (1), comprising the steps of emitting a modulated light pulse towards the scene, receiving reflections of the modulated light pulse from the scene, evaluating a time-of-flight information for the received reflections of the modulated light pulse, and deriving distance information from the time-of-flight information for the received reflections, whereby a spread spectrum signal is applied to a base frequency of the modulation of the light pulse, and the time-of-flight information is evaluated under consideration of the a spread spectrum signal applied to the base frequency of the modulation of the light pulse. The invention further relates to a time-of-flight camera (1) for providing distance information from a scene, whereby the time-of-flight camera (1) performs the above method. |
| US09599710B2 |
Adjacent vehicle detection device
A parallel running vehicle detecting apparatus is provided, which includes a first distance sensor for detecting distance of an object in a first detection area on a rear lateral side of a vehicle, a second distance sensor for detecting distance of an object in a second detection area, a parallel running vehicle detector for detecting a parallel running vehicle based on detections of the first and second distance sensors, and a storage for storing a detection distance history of the second distance sensor. The parallel running vehicle detector is provided with multiple determination conditions for determining whether the object detected by the first distance sensor is the parallel running vehicle, and changes the parallel running vehicle determination condition based on the detection distance history stored in the storage. |
| US09599706B2 |
Fusion method for cross traffic application using radars and camera
A method and system are disclosed for tracking objects which are crossing behind a host vehicle. Target data from a vision system and two radar sensors are provided to an object detection fusion system. Salient points on the target object are identified and tracked using the vision system data. The salient vision points are associated with corresponding radar points, where the radar points provide Doppler radial velocity data. A fusion calculation is performed on the salient vision points and the radar points, yielding an accurate estimate of the velocity of the target object, including its lateral component which is difficult to obtain using radar points only or traditional vision system methods. The position and velocity of the target object are used to trigger warnings or automatic braking in a Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance (RCTA) system. |
| US09599704B2 |
Marine radar based on cylindrical array antennas with other applications
An all-solid-state marine radar technology based on a non-rotating cylindrical array antenna is described. Multiple transmit and receive modules are used to form the antenna beam, which allows the beam sequencing, the dwell time in each beam position, the resolution, and the beam shape to be varied in order to make best use of the available energy. Waveforms with a high duty ratio can be used on transmit in order to make efficient use of solid-state power amplifiers. High resolution in both range and Doppler provides high measurement accuracy and superior performance in clutter. Alternate embodiments, including continuous waveform embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09599702B1 |
On-demand multi-scan micro doppler for vehicle
A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, and a processor. The transmitter transmits a radio signal and the receiver receives a reflected radio signal. The processor samples reflected radio signals during a plurality of time slices. The processor produces samples by correlating reflected radio signals to time-delayed replicas of transmitted radio signals. The processor accumulates the time slices into a first radar data cube and stores the first radar data cube in a memory. The processor combines a portion of the first radar data cube with a portion of a previously stored radar data cube. Based at least in part on the combined portions of the radar data cubes, the processor processes a time series that is a time series of the first radar data cube concatenated with a time series from the previously stored radar data cube. |
| US09599697B2 |
Non-contact fiber optic localization and tracking system
A system for detecting and tracking one or more of direction, orientation and position of one or more light sources includes one or more optical fiber sensors configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and to generate a plurality of cones of light according to relative positions of the one or more optical fiber sensors relative to the one or more light sources. The system includes light data processing circuitry configured to detect characteristics of the plurality of cones of light and to determine one or more of direction, orientation, or position of the one or more light sources relative to the one or more optical fibers. |
| US09599691B2 |
Magnetic resonance apparatus and method for RF excitation with two resonance frequencies to detect the CEST effect
In a magnetic resonance apparatus and method for RF excitation with two resonance frequencies to detect the CEST effect, the RF excitation is achieved with the use of a first RF antenna and a second RF antenna of the magnetic resonance apparatus with a first portion of the RF excitation at a first resonance frequency of the two resonance frequencies being implemented with the first RF antenna, and a second portion of the RF excitation at a second resonance frequency of the two resonance frequencies is implemented with the second RF antenna. |
| US09599690B2 |
Magnetic resonance system and method for rephasing spin systems in slices in slice multiplexing measurement sequences for magnetic resonance imaging
In a method for rephasing a first spin system in a first slice with a first coherence curve and a second spin system of a second slice with a second coherence curve, in the generation of MR images with slice multiplexing, a first RF pulse deflects the spin system of the first slice and a second RF pulse deflects the spin system of the second slice. The beginning of the second RF pulse is time-shifted with respect to the beginning of the first RF pulse by a time period that is shorter than the duration of the first RF pulse. A rephasing correction impresses a correction phase on at least one of the spin systems, and signals of the spin systems are respectively detected. The coherence curves are rephased so detection of the signals occurs simultaneously. |
| US09599686B2 |
Systems and methods for coil arrangements in magentic resonance imaging
Systems and methods for coil arrangements in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are provided. One coil arrangement includes a magnet bore, a radio-frequency (RF) transmit coil coupled to the magnet bore, and at least one RF receive coil coupled to the magnet bore. The RF receive coil is movable within the magnet bore. |
| US09599683B2 |
Ceramic camera for MRI
A camera assembly for use in a MRI machine. The camera assembly includes a Faraday cage defining a shielded cavity and an optical path mount constructed of a highly stiff, dense, and non-electrically-conductive material in the shielded cavity. The camera imager and lens are mounted to the optical path mount. The camera assembly includes a capacitor-based power regulation circuit. The optical path mount is not subject to eddy currents because it is non-electrically-conductive. The capacitor-based power regulation circuit includes very little ferrous material and is within the shielded cavity, to reduce eddy currents. The resulting camera assembly reduces vibrations and shaking in the magnetic field environment of the MRI machine. |
| US09599678B2 |
Testing system for backlight source
A testing circuit for backlight source is provided. The testing circuit includes: a power module; a first ON/OFF module; a second ON/OFF module, the power module, the first ON/OFF module and the second ON/OFF module being connected in series; a control module electrically connected to the first ON/OFF module and the second ON/OFF module respectively; and a parallel branch connected in parallel with the second ON/OFF module. The backlight source is connected in the parallel branch, and the control module is configured to control the first ON/OFF module to switched to an ON state from an OFF state when the control module receives a control signal, and to control the second ON/OFF module to be switched to an OFF state from an ON state after a predetermined time delay. |
| US09599668B2 |
Addressable tap domain selection circuit, interface select and instruction circuitry
This disclosure describes a reduced pin bus that can be used on integrated circuits or embedded cores within integrated circuits. The bus may be used for serial access to circuits where the availability of pins on ICs or terminals on cores is limited. The bus may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations of an IC or core design. Other aspects of the disclosure include the use of reduced pin buses for emulation, debug, and trace operations and for functional operations. In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an interface select circuit, FIGS. 41-49, provides for selectively using either the 5 signal interface of FIG. 41 or the 3 signal interface of FIG. 8. |
| US09599666B2 |
Minimum voltage and maximum performance mapping using laser-assisted techniques
A method and apparatus for mapping an electronic device. The electronic device is loaded into a test fixture, which may be an automated test equipment (ATE). A laser beam is stepped across locations of interest. At each location of interest a minimum voltage and/or maximum frequency are computed. A contour map of the changes in minimum voltage and maximum frequency across a field of view of the electronic device is generated. Additional embodiments provide signaling a laser scan module during the rising edge of a synchronization pulse to indicate that minimum voltage (Vmin) and maximum frequency (Fmax) specification search data is provided to a laser voltage probe. A Vmin/Fmax module compares the specification search data with the data read from the laser voltage probe and computes a parameter shift value. The laser beam is moved to another location when the falling edge of the synchronization pulse occurs. |
| US09599663B2 |
Probing method, probe card for performing the method, and probing apparatus including the probe card
A probe method includes setting an allowable temperature range, the allowable temperature range including a test temperature and ensuring contact between a pad of a circuit substrate and a needle of a probe card, providing the probe card with a temperature within the allowable temperature range, contacting the needle of the probe card to the pad of the circuit substrate, and supplying a test current to the pad through the needle to test the circuit substrate. |
| US09599660B2 |
Electrical interconnect status monitoring system
Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include basic, ASIC, AC, DC, and RF monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system. |
| US09599658B2 |
Method and apparatus for signaling partial shadowing of a photovoltaic generator
The disclosure relates to a method for signaling partial shadowing within a PV generator including at least two partial PV generators connected in parallel. The method includes performing a reference impedance measurement on each of the at least two partial PV generators in a state of uniform irradiation of the PV generator, and determining at least one reference resonant property of each of the at least two partial PV generators from the reference impedance measurement. Furthermore, impedance measurements are carried out on the at least two partial PV generators at a first operating point of the PV generator during operation of the PV generator. Resonant properties of the partial PV generators are determined from the impedance measurements. Partial shadowing within the PV generator is detected and signaled if a difference between the resonant properties of the partial PV generators at the first operating point differs from a difference between the reference resonant properties of the partial PV generators. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus suitable for carrying out the method. |
| US09599656B2 |
Methods, apparatus and system for voltage ramp testing
At least one method and system disclosed herein involves testing of integrated circuits. A device having at least one transistor and at least one dielectric layer is provided. A first voltage is provided during a first time period for performing a stress test upon the device. A second voltage is provided during a second time period for discharging at least a portion of the charge built-up as a result of the first voltage. The second voltage is of an opposite polarity of the first voltage. A sense function is provided during a third time period for determining a result of the stress test. Data relating to a breakdown of the dielectric layer based upon the result of the stress test is acquired, stored and/or transmitted. |
| US09599650B2 |
Secure on-board system for charging the battery of a motor vehicle from a power supply network
A secure system for charging a battery of a motor vehicle from a power supply network, which system is in a vehicle and includes a mechanism measuring frequency of the network, an injection mechanism injecting current pulses into the network, a mechanism measuring voltage between the ground and a neutral of the network, an analog filter filtering the measured voltages at high frequencies, a digital filter filtering the analog-filtered voltages at low frequencies, and a mechanism determining resistance between the ground and the neutral of the network on the basis of the digitally filtered voltages and an amplitude of the current pulses. The digital filter includes a mean value filter which determines a mean value based on N voltage measurements spaced apart by a time interval T+T/N, where T is the period of the network determined by the mechanism measuring the frequency of the network. |
| US09599649B2 |
System and method for electrostatic discharge testing of devices under test
A system and method for electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing devices under test (DUTs) uses an ESD gun attached to a robotic arm to execute ESD testing processes. The system and method also uses a relay station to place a DUT after an ESD testing process is performed on one major side of the DUT so the ESD testing can be performed on the other major side of the DUT. |
| US09599644B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device operates with electric power supplied from a direct-current power supply to an internal circuit in a state where a bypass capacitor is connected to a power supply terminal. The semiconductor device includes a load current control unit and a detection unit. The load current control unit changes an electric current supplied from the power supply terminal only in a predetermined operation period. The detection unit detects a voltage of the power supply terminal. The detection unit outputs a detection signal when the voltage is higher than a threshold upper limit in a case of being provided with the threshold upper limit. Alternatively, the detection unit outputs a detection signal when the voltage is lower than a threshold lower limit in a case of being provided with the threshold lower limit. |
| US09599639B2 |
Device and method to prevent inter-system interference
A method of preventing inter-system interference while acquiring waveforms in a test and measurement instrument with variation in a device under test system S-parameters. The method includes receiving a waveform from a device under test at the test and measurement instrument, digitizing the waveform, identifying portions of the digitized waveform with different S-parameter characteristics, separating the identified portions of the digitized waveform into different waveforms, and displaying the different waveforms to a user. |
| US09599637B2 |
Apparatus and method for facilitating transmission of a wireless signal from embedded sensors
An embedded sensor apparatus for enabling wireless signal transmission while protecting an embedded sensor is disclosed. In various embodiments, an embedded sensor apparatus may comprise a substrate with a cavity, a wireless sensor embedded in the cavity of the substrate, a protective cover coupled to the wireless sensor, and a ferrite layer covering the protective cover. Further, the embedded sensor apparatus may comprise an electromagnetic reflector coupled between the wireless sensor and the substrate. In addition, the ferrite layer may be a ferrite plug, a deposited ferrite layer, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, in various embodiments, covering the protective cover with the ferrite layer may comprise depositing the ferrite layer on the protective cover using a cold spray process. In another embodiment, covering the protective cover with the ferrite layer may comprise depositing the ferrite layer on the protective cover using a thermal spray process. |
| US09599636B2 |
Probe microscope with probe movement from heating
A scanning probe microscope comprising: a signal generator providing a drive signal for an actuator to move a probe repeatedly towards and away from a sample. In response to the detection of an interaction of the probe with the sample the drive signal is modified to cause the probe to move away from the sample. The drive signal comprises an approach phase in which an intensity of the drive signal increases to a maximum value; and a retract phase in which the intensity of the drive signal reduces from the maximum value to a minimum value in response to the detection of the surface position. The intensity of the drive signal is held at the minimum value during the retract phase and then increased at the end of the retract phase. The duration of the retract phase is dependent on the maximum value in the approach phase. |
| US09599633B2 |
Mounting angle calibration for an in-vehicle accelerometer device
The present application provides a system, method and non-transitory computer readable medium for mounting angle estimation and compensation for in-vehicle devices with an accelerometer sensor. In example embodiments, a two phased calibration starts with the vehicle parked on a horizontal surface and uses averaging to obtain mean value estimates of the force due to gravity on each directly coupled accelerometer sensor axis. These mean value estimates are used to perform an axes reassignment, if necessary, and to estimate the pitch and roll mounting angles. The calibration is completed by estimating the yaw mounting angle while the vehicle is driven. The yaw estimate is based on acceleration data in the vehicle's x-y plane that is accumulated when the amplitude is above a threshold. The accumulation includes a sign change if forward deceleration is indicated. Calibration provides a coordinate transformation matrix that is used during device operation to transform the sensor data into the standard vehicle body coordinates for subsequent device-dependent application processing. |
| US09599632B2 |
Fitness monitoring device with altimeter
Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device. |
| US09599631B2 |
Automatic analyzer
A plunger is moved downwardly in predetermined distance while the tip of the sample probe is immersed in a sample to suck the sample into the probe. A pressure sensor detects the pressure fluctuation during the suction operation, an AD converter converting the signals into digital signals to send the signals for a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit extracts feature variables data of a suction waveform to calculate the Statistical distance from normal group data. The Statistical distance an a threshold value are compared with each other, it is judged that there is an abnormality in the suction operation when the Statistical distance is more than or equal to the threshold value. When the Statistical distance is smaller than the threshold value, an operation is proceeded to a discharge operation. |
| US09599630B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic staining of tissue samples
The present invention concerns an apparatus for staining tissue samples, said apparatus including a reagent section or reagent containers; at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head or robotic element that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element. By providing the robotic element with a 2-D optical sensor, a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus. The optical sensor may be used to automatically identify the slides and the reagent containers present in the apparatus, just as the optical sensor may be used for checking if a slide is misplaced at or absent from a slide position, etc. |
| US09599629B2 |
Modular fluid dispensing devices
The present disclosure provides devices which deliver fluids from several reservoirs to a reaction vessel and eventually to a waste chamber in a predetermined schedule. The device provides improved simplicity while improving operational robustness and flexibility. |
| US09599628B2 |
Small molecule-dependent split aptamer ligation
Methods, assays, and products for the detection of small molecules are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of detecting a small molecule in a sample can include reacting together a first half of a DNA split aptamer having a first reactive group coupled thereto, a second half of a DNA split aptamer having a second reactive group coupled thereto, where the DNA split aptamer is selective for the small molecule, and a sample containing the small molecule. The first half and the second half bind to the small molecule and the first reactive group and the second reactive group react to form an aptamer ligation product of the first half and the second half. The method can also include assaying for the aptamer ligation product in order to detect the small molecule presence in the sample. |
| US09599626B2 |
Therapeutic and diagnostic method for ataxia-telangiectasia
ATM kinase is shown to regulate proteasome-mediated protein turnover through suppression of the expression of the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 (Interferon Stimulated Gene 15). Silencing of the ISG15 pathway restored both the ubiquitin and autophagy pathways, and the UV-mediated degradation of their substrates in A-T cells. The ATM kinase negatively regulates the ISG15 pathway, and the constitutively elevated ISG15 pathway induces proteinopathy in A-T cells, and in A-T patients. These findings indicate that proteasome-mediated protein degradation is impaired in A-T cells due to elevated expression of the ISG15 conjugation pathway, which contributes to progressive neurodegeneration in A-T patients. The ISG15 pathway is a new target for both detection and treatment of A-T Inhibitors if ISG15 expression can be used to inhibit or attenuate neurodegeneration in A-T patients. In addition, an inhibitor of the early phase of autophagy, 3-MA, was shown to be effective in decreasing the impaired proteasome-mediated protein degradation in A-T cells, and thus would be effective in decreasing the neurodegeneration in A-T patients. |
| US09599625B2 |
Blood biomarker for early blood brain barrier disruption in ischemic stroke
Methods and apparatus for determining blood brain barrier (BBB) damage and treating patients who may have suffered from BBB damage due to an ischemic event are provided. The methods and apparatus involve detecting the presence of cleaved occludin fragments in a sample of blood. According to some embodiments, the method further provides determining the degree of BBB damage based on the concentration of occludin fragments in the sample. In further embodiments the present disclosure provides kits for detecting the presence of occludin fragments in a blood sample. |
| US09599624B2 |
BARD1 isoforms in lung and colorectal cancer and use thereof
The present invention relates to new BARD1 isoforms specific to lung cancer and colorectal cancer, a method for detecting thereof and a method for treating and/or preventing lung cancer and colorectal cancer. |
| US09599623B2 |
Diagnostic devices, methods and systems for detecting platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies
The present invention provides a novel assay for detecting human antibodies specific for a platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin complex in a fluid sample. The assay utilizes an immobilized PF4/polyanion complex and an anti-human antibody conjugated to a non-particulate fluorescent dye to capture and detect human PF4/heparin antibodies. Various devices, methods and systems based on the disclosed PF4/heparin assay are also provided. |
| US09599622B2 |
Fluorogenic pH-sensitive dyes and their methods of use (II)
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, methods and kits for detecting pH in samples using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes. The compounds disclosed herein are novel xanthene-derivative dyes comprising an aniline moiety with one or more electron donating groups, which dyes are for detecting pH in samples either in vitro or in vivo. Also described herein are processes for preparing said dyes for use in the disclosed compositions, methods and kits. |
| US09599620B2 |
Methods and monitoring of treatment with a DLL4 antagonist
Methods for treating diseases such as cancer comprising administering a DLL4 antagonist, either alone or in combination with other anti-cancer agents, and monitoring for cardiovascular side effects and/or toxicity. |
| US09599614B2 |
Calibration of nanostructure sensors
The present invention relates to uniform nanostructure biosensors and methods of calibrating the response of nanostructure biosensors. The invention overcomes device to device variability that has made quantitative detection difficult. The described biosensors have uniform characteristics that allow for more reliable comparison across devices. The methods of the invention comprise normalizing the initial current rate, as measured by the nanostructure biosensor following the addition of an analyte, to device characteristics of the biosensor. The device characteristics of the biosensor which can be used to normalize the response include baseline current and transconductance. Calibration of responses allows for the generation of calibration curves for use in all devices to quantitatively detect an analyte, without the need for individual device calibration. |
| US09599609B2 |
Lateral flow strip assay with immobilized conjugate
The present invention discloses analyte detection devices for detecting one or more analytes present in test samples, especially biological samples. In particular, the devices of the invention are lateral flow assay devices comprising immobilized metal nanoparticle conjugates as the detection means. Methods of using the devices and kits comprising the devices are also described. |
| US09599607B2 |
Potency test for vaccine formulations
The invention relates to certain methods for the determination of an antigen content of a first antigen in a mixture comprising two or more antigens. The invention also relates to a potency test for an antigen in a combination vaccine. The method allows the determination of the antigen content in a mixture additionally comprising antibodies that are capable of binding with the antigen. |
| US09599605B1 |
Parkinson's disease model and methods
This application provides a novel mouse model (PLA2g6 KOEx2) in which genetic deletion of the N terminus of PLA2g6 results in a loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra (SN), and development of PD-like motor deficits that can be significantly improved by L-DOPA. Based in part on experimental results demonstrated with this model, this disclosure provides genetically modified animals and genetically modified animal cells that comprise a mutant allele of PLA2g6 and in which store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is impaired and ER Ca2+ stores are depleted. This disclosure also provides methods of screening a compound for an effect on the SOCE pathway and/or ER Ca2+ by administering the compound to such a genetically modified animal or genetically modified animal cell. This disclosure also provides methods of treating or preventing PD-related deficit(s) in an animal by characterizing a compound as a SOCE activator using the screening methods and then administering an effective amount of the compound to an animal. This disclosure also provides methods of restoring normal store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway and ER Ca2+ in a cell, comprising introducing a caspase-3 cleavage-resistant PLA2g6 protein into the cell. This disclosure also provides methods of treating or preventing a PD-related deficit(s) in an animal, comprising administering a caspase-3 cleavage-resistant PLA2g6 protein to the animal. |
| US09599604B2 |
Flow chambers, methods of using the flow chamber, and methods of making the flow chamber
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to a device (or “flow chamber”), methods of making a device, methods of using a device, and the like. |
| US09599603B2 |
Methods and compositions for modulating adhesion and migration of cadherin expressing cells
A method modulating adhesion and migration of at least one cadherin expressing cell includes administering a cadherin modulating agent to the at least one cadherin expressing cell in an amount effective to modulate cell adhesion and migration. The cadherin modulating agent includes a small molecule peptidomimetic of a peptide or cyclic peptide that comprises a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence. The cadherin modulating agent can promote or inhibit neurite outgrowth when applied to at least one neuron disposed on a substrate coated with a cadherin molecule. |
| US09599601B2 |
Apparatus and cartridge for hemostasis testing
A sample testing cartridge is usable to perform a variety of tests on a visco-elastic sample, such hemostasis testing on a whole blood or blood component sample. The cartridge includes a sample processing portion that is in fluid communication with a sample retention structure. A suspension, such as a beam, arm, cantilever or similar structure supports or suspends the sample retention portion relative to the sample processing portion in a unitary structure. In this manner, the sample retention portion may be placed into dynamic excitation responsive to excitation of the cartridge and correspondingly dynamic, resonant excitation of the sample contained within the sample retention portion, while the sample processing portion remains fixed. Observation of the excited sample yields data indicative of hemostasis. The data may correspond to hemostasis parameters such as time to initial clot formation, rate of clot formation, maximum clot strength and degree of clot lysis. |
| US09599594B2 |
Stackable planar adsorptive devices
Adsorptive bed devices include a scaffold in housing having a stress absorbing rigid structure and open cells filled with adsorptive beads. The scaffold restricts movement of the plurality of adsorptive beads, absorbs stress induced by a hydraulic pressure gradient along a direction of liquid flow and transfers a portion of the induced compressive stress to the housing. In one embodiment the adsorptive bed is packed into a chromatography column, and in another embodiment the adsorptive bed is sealed in a monolithic block. In another embodiment, the adsorptive bed device includes an adsorptive block, first and second planar distributors and peripheral seal. The adsorptive media includes multiple layers of planarly cohesive media and when operated in a shallow bed configuration possesses significant tensile strength along its planar dimensions enabling it to support the hydraulic pressures that will be generated by the fluids being processed through the adsorptive devices. |
| US09599592B2 |
Method and apparatus for magnetic crack depth prediction
A method of magnetic crack depth prediction for a magnetisable component of a first geometry comprising determining a measure of remnant magnetic flux leakage for a section of the component and, converting the remnant magnetic flux leakage to a predicted crack depth for that section of the component using an empirically determined relationship between remnant magnetic flux leakage and crack depth for a previously tested in service component of the first geometry. |
| US09599591B2 |
Low cost, portable sensor for molecular assays
An integrated sensor that is capable of discriminating the distance of a label from the sensor without using an optical signal. The label is attached to a single probe molecule or a group of probe molecules that interacts with a single or group of target molecules. As a consequence of this interaction, the probe molecule and/or the target molecule undergo a conformal change. This conformal change leads to perturbations in the distance of the label from the sensor. Thus, measurements and properties such as the concentration and the identity of one or more target molecules can be discerned from signals generated by the sensor (or by a plurality of sensors in a sensor array) and subjected to analysis using general purpose programmable computers programmed with suitable software that controls the analytical process, and such measurements and properties can be provided as a result of the analysis. |
| US09599587B2 |
Methods and apparatus for an ISFET
An ISFET includes a control gate coupled to a floating gate in a CMOS device. The control gate, for example, a poly-to-well capacitor, is configured to receive a bias voltage and effect movement of a trapped charge between the control gate and the floating gate. The threshold voltage of the ISFET can therefore by trimmed to a predetermined value, thereby storing the trim information (the amount of trapped charge in the floating gate) within the ISFET itself. |
| US09599584B2 |
Imbedded chip for battery applications
Provided are methods, systems and devices for thermodynamically evaluating electrochemical systems and components thereof, including electrochemical cells such as batteries. The present systems and methods are capable of monitoring selected electrochemical cell conditions, such as temperature, open circuit voltage and/or composition, and carrying out measurements of a number of cell parameters, including open circuit voltage, time and temperature, with accuracies large enough to allow for precise determination of thermodynamic state functions and materials properties relating to the composition, phase, states of charge, health and safety and electrochemical properties of electrodes and electrolytes in an electrochemical cell. Thermodynamic measurement systems of the present invention are highly versatile and provide information for predicting a wide range of performance attributes for virtually any electrochemical system having an electrode pair. |
| US09599581B2 |
Nuclear magnetic resonance gas isotherm technique to evaluate reservoir rock wettability
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gas isotherm techniques to evaluate wettability of porous media, such as hydrocarbon reservoir rock, can include constructing a NMR gas isotherm curve for a porous media sample gas adsorption under various pressures. A hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the porous media sample can be determined using the NMR gas isotherm curves. A wettability of the porous media sample can be determined based on the NMR gas isotherm curve. The wettability can be determined for porous media samples with different pore sizes. In the case of reservoir rock samples, the determined wettability can be used, among other things, to model the hydrocarbon reservoir that includes such rock samples, to simulate fluid flow through such reservoirs, or to model enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from such reservoirs. |
| US09599579B2 |
Method for inspecting an infrastructure, compton scattering inspection device and method of operating thereof
The method is for inspecting an infrastructure having a corrugated pipe at least partially surrounded by soil. The corrugated pipe has a cylindrical wall which is corrugated along a length thereof and forming a longitudinally extending series of corrugations. The method generally has the steps of emitting, outwardly from the interior of the corrugated pipe, a beam of radiation particles directed towards a given voxel positioned beyond an inner face of the cylindrical wall and along a scanning plane parallel to an orientation of individual ones of the corrugations of the cylindrical wall; detecting backscattered photons scattered back from the given voxel and along the scanning plane; and generating inspection data based on the detected backscattered photons associated with the given voxel for use in inspecting the corrugated pipe. |
| US09599575B2 |
System, a method and a computer program product for CAD-based registration
A system for generating calibration information usable for wafer inspection, the system including: (I) a displacement analysis module, configured to: (a) calculate a displacement for each target out of multiple targets selected in multiple scanned frames which are included in a scanned area of the wafer, the calculating based on a correlation of: (i) an image associated with the respective target which was obtained during a scanning of the wafer, and (ii) design data corresponding to the image; and (b) determining a displacement for each of the multiple scanned frames, the determining based on the displacements calculated for multiple targets in the respective scanned frame; and (II) a subsequent processing module, configured to generate calibration information including the displacements determined for the multiple scanned frames, and a target database that includes target image and location information of each target of a group of database targets. |
| US09599574B2 |
System for inspecting a hollow object that is at least translucent, having at least one marking
A system for inspecting an object that is at least translucent extending along a vertical axis A, having at least one marking and being located in an inspection area including at least one inspection assembly that comprises a main illumination device positioned on one side of the inspection area, comprising a light source and emitting at least one light beam of illumination axis Δ. An acquisition device is positioned opposite the illumination device relative to the inspection area and comprising acquisition optics of optical axis Δ′ and an image sensor optically aligned with the acquisition optics. |
| US09599573B2 |
Inspection systems and techniques with enhanced detection
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for inspecting semiconductor samples. On an inspection tool, a plurality of different wavelength ranges is selected for different layers of interest of one or more semiconductor samples based on whether such different layers of interest have an absorber type material present within or near such different layers of interest. On the inspection tool, at least one incident beam is directed at the different wavelength ranges towards the different layers of interest and, in response, output signals or images are obtained for each of the different layers of interest. The output signals or images from each of the different layers of interest are analyzed to detect defects in such different layers of interest. |
| US09599571B2 |
Pipeline inspection system
An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. |
| US09599570B2 |
Systems and methods to measure and display the scintillation potential of a diamond or other gemstone
Systems and methods for generating an image of a gemstone under evaluation which is coded according to angular ranges in its angular spectrum across a broad range of tilts, this allows for scintillation of a gemstone to be demonstrated based on a singular coded image of the gemstone. Scintillation information is thus presented in a single image, or as a plurality of images showing fire scintillation, flash scintillation, and other scintillation related criteria as a series of static images. |
| US09599568B2 |
Method of determining the appearance of losses of cohesion in a transparent ceramic coating layer formed on a substrate
A method of determining the appearance of losses of cohesion in a transparent ceramic coating layer (16) formed on a substrate (10), the method comprising the steps that consist firstly in looking for an image representative of a separation zone, if any, between the ceramic layer and the substrate, and secondly in analyzing the detected image, if any, with the image being viewed optically at particular wavelengths that are greater than or equal to 500 nm. |
| US09599567B2 |
Gas chromatographic “in column” spectroscopic analysis
A chemical detector for rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple chemicals including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and explosives having one or more gas chromatography columns each with a chemosorbent or a chemo-reactive stationary phase and an infrared-transparent base, a bright infrared light source, a mechanism to direct the light source to any point along any of the columns, and an infrared sensor. Another disclosed detector has one or more gas chromatography columns each on the surface of a substrate having at least one infrared-transparent waveguide pattern, a bright infrared light source, and at least one ring resonator for each column, where each ring resonator is coated with a chemosorbent or a chemo-reactive stationary phase, and where each ring resonator spectroscopically probes the stationary phase. Also disclosed are the related methods for chemical detection. |
| US09599565B1 |
Identification and analysis of materials and molecular structures
Provided are methods and systems for identification and analysis of materials and molecular structures. An apparatus for identification and analysis of materials and molecular structures may include a laser. The laser may, in turn, include an amplified spontaneous emission-suppressed single-frequency laser excitation source. The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of filters. The plurality of filters may include reflective volume holographic grating blocking filters. The apparatus may also comprise an optical unit and an optical spectrometer. The optical unit may be configured to deliver excitation energy to a sample substance and capture Raman signal scattering from the sample substance. The optical spectrometer may be disposed in a path of the Raman signal and configured to measure a spectrum of the Raman signal and generate a detection signal. Finally, the apparatus may comprise a processing unit configured to analyze the spectrum. |
| US09599560B2 |
Methods and apparatus for detecting metals in liquids
Method for detecting metals in a liquid are described. The liquid is contacted with a hexahydrotriazine and/or a hemiaminal material, and a UV absorption spectrum of the material before and after exposure to the liquid is examined to determine whether metals are present in the liquid. |
| US09599559B2 |
Method and apparatus for the application of force to a sample for detection using an electromechanical means
The embodiments of the present invention are directed to applying intimate contact pressures to samples while undergoing ATR infrared interrogation. As a general mode of operation, after a solid sample is placed on the ATR element, a force actuator moves an anvil arm to apply a contact force to the sample against the ATR. Thereafter, when the scan is over, the user can see the result of the one or more scans. The force actuator may be a motor or a solenoid or other type of force actuator. The applied contact force may be a fixed force or may be a user-selectable force or may be automatically controlled through feedback from the spectrometer based on the spectroscopic signature of the sample material. |
| US09599558B2 |
Measuring device for measuring a measurement object and related method
A measuring device and corresponding method for measuring a measurement object, comprising an illumination device for illuminating the measurement object with an illumination pattern, a pattern generation device with at least one pattern generating element for bringing about a positionally variant intensity distribution of the illumination pattern, and an optical sensor arrangement for detecting the illumination pattern reflected and/or scattered by the measurement object. The measuring device has an optics which is telecentric at least on the measurement object side and is arranged in a beam path from the illumination device to the measurement object. The optical sensor arrangement detects the illumination pattern through at least one part of the telecentric optics. The pattern generating device is designed in such a way that the illumination pattern has a positionally and/or spectrally variant vertex focal length distribution on the measurement object side. |
| US09599556B2 |
Reference signal generation for lock-in amplifier in high sensitivity gas sensing system
A gas sensing system includes a signal generator including a wavelength tunable laser, the signal generator providing a first periodic signal and a second periodic signal, wherein the first periodic signal comprises a wavelength scanning signal and the second periodic signal comprises a modulation signal; an optical signal absorption path which is wavelength selective, wherein the generated signal covers at least one of the absorbance band; a signal detector that uses lock-in detection to detect a second harmonic of the second periodic signal after absorption, the signal detector further including a local reference generator, a multiplier, and a low pass filter; a local reference includes a first path (ref1) that outputs sinusoidal signal with frequency equals to that of the second signal in signal generator, and a second path (ref2) that outputs sinusoidal signal of two times ref1 frequency; and a local reference generator having a first phase shifter that is configurable from 0 to 2π and a second phase shifter that shifts 90-degree, wherein the first phase shifter is for an alignment of ref1 with the modulation signal and the second phase shifter provides 90-degree shifts for ref2 from ref1, wherein the first and second paths (ref1 and ref2) are selected by a switch, wherein the switch uses the first path during initialization and the second path for normal operation. |
| US09599552B2 |
Devices and methods of determining disturbance variable-corrected analyte concentrations
Devices and methods are provided for determining concentration of at least one analyte in a body fluid sample such as blood, especially a blood glucose concentration. In the methods, a test element is provided that has at least one reagent element configured so as to carry out at least one optically detectable detection reaction in the presence of the analyte. The body fluid sample is applied to the test element and a time course of at least one optical measurement variable of the reagent element is detected. At least one first time interval of the time course of the optical measurement variable is used to determine at least one disturbance variable value in the body fluid sample, in particular a concentration of a disturbance variable such as hematocrit. At least one second time interval of the time course is used to determine analyte concentration. The at least one disturbance variable value can be used to correct/compensate the analyte concentration. |
| US09599550B2 |
Analysis and control of aerosol flow
An aerosol generation system has a light source arrangement which provides signals at first and second wavelengths, and the detected light signals are recorded. The detected signals are processed to derive at least a measure of the aerosol particle size. This can be used in combination with the other parameters which are conventionally measured, namely the aerosol density and flow velocity. Thus, optical measurement (possibly in combination with an air flow measurement) can be used to estimate the aerosol output rate as well as the particle size. |
| US09599546B2 |
Pressure monitoring of whole blood aspirations to determine completeness of whole blood mixing
Methods for use with chemical analyzers aspirate a sample portion from one location to dispense it at a second location, aspirate another sample portion at that second location and dispense it at the first location, and measure the pressure values experienced inside a probe performing the aspirations and dispenses. By comparing the pressure values (or other values indicative of the viscosity or other relevant properties of the sample), the chemical analyzer can determine if the sample is sufficiently mixed or if the sample components remain separated and the method should be repeated. |
| US09599544B2 |
Method and apparatus for preparing a bale sample from a bale of fibrous material, and a bale sample produced thereby
A method for preparing a bale sample, a bale sampling apparatus, and a bale sample are provided. The method includes the steps of removing a portion from a bale of fibrous material and wrapping an elongated substrate completely around the portion to form a bale sample. The elongated substrate includes identification information. The identification information includes information that associates the bale sample with the bale of fibrous material. |
| US09599538B2 |
Method and device for vehicle measurement
A method for checking the correct positioning of a vehicle on a measuring station for vehicle measurement includes: a) taking images of at least two tires of the vehicle; b) identifying features, in the images taken, which describe at least one area of the respectively recorded tire; c) fitting a mathematical model to the identified features; d) determining the extent of the flattening of each tire from the fitted mathematical model; e) comparing the flattening of the at least two tires. |
| US09599535B2 |
Method and apparatus for excitation of gear rattle
A test apparatus for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device includes a fixture configured to support the device in a fixed starting position. The test apparatus also includes a tie-rod operatively connected to the device. Additionally, the test apparatus includes a controller configured to command the tie-rod to apply to the device at the starting position a force event defined by a mathematical function continuous in time. The force event is configured to elicit the gear-train rattle from the gear-train. A method for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device is also disclosed. |
| US09599533B2 |
Accessory to configure portable device with camera (E.G. smartphone) as lighting meter
An example of an optical accessory configured to produce an optical image depicting spectral characteristics of light. The produced optical image is captured by an image capture sensor of a mobile device. The captured image is processed by the mobile device to produce a measured value corresponding to a lighting-related parameter. |
| US09599531B1 |
Topological connectivity and relative distances from temporal sensor measurements of physical delivery system
Technical solutions are described for determining topological connectivity between stations of a fluid-delivery pipeline network. An example method includes receiving temporal sensor measurements of the fluid-delivery pipeline network, that include a series of sensor measurements from each respective station of the fluid-delivery pipeline network. The method also includes generating a causality graph of the fluid-delivery pipeline network based on the temporal sensor measurements, where the causality graph includes a set of nodes and a set of links, where the nodes are representative of the stations, and a pair of nodes is connected by a link in response to the pair of stations being temporally dependent. The method also includes determining a topological network of the stations based on the causality graph, where the topological network identifies one or more destination stations for a supply station in the fluid-delivery pipeline network. |
| US09599530B2 |
Method of testing a gas shut-down valve and a system for exercising the method
Method of testing a gas shut-down valve for a combustion engine, by which method the valve is placed in a chamber of a holder 1 and the valve in closed condition is influenced by a non-burnable test gas under pressure to check whether the valve seat and the sealing ring 6 of the valve are close. Further the opening and closing functions of the valve are to be checked. |
| US09599522B2 |
Device for measuring or evaluating a characteristic of a heat flux exchanged between a first medium and a second medium
Disclosed is a method for forecasting the energy consumption of a building, taking into account the heat exchanges from received solar radiation and/or heat convection and/or conduction between the building and the outside environment based on a physical model. The method includes a learning step to deduce the value of the parameters of the physical model based on previous measurements performed on the building. |
| US09599509B2 |
Spectroscopy system with displacement compensation and spectroscopy method using the spectroscopy system
A spectroscopy system includes detectors configured to obtain detection spectrums of respective detection areas that are located at different positions of an object; and an information processor configured to obtain a target spectrum of a target area by using position information of the detection areas and the detection spectrums obtained by the detectors. |
| US09599505B2 |
Fiber optic directional acoustic sensor
A fiber optic acoustic sensor and a method of using same. The sensor includes a light emitting diode and a fiber optic probe having a transmitting multimode optical fiber and at least one receiving multimode optical fiber. The transmitting multimode optical fiber and the receiving multimode optical fiber are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe. The fiber optic probe communicates with the light emitting diode. The sensor further includes a cantilever, which includes a cantilever rod. The cantilever rod includes a proximal end with an edge reflector located thereon. The edge reflector is spaced apart from the fiber probe and oriented to face said fiber probe. The edge reflector is able to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic probe. The sensor further includes a light intensity detector communicating with the fiber optic probe. |
| US09599504B2 |
Fiber optic vibration detection
An apparatus to detect vibration is provided. The apparatus comprises an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter is configured to send an optical signal that is modified by a vibration sensor. The optical receiver configured to receive the optical signal from the vibration sensor, the optical signal comprising fluctuations responsive to vibration of the vibration sensor. The optical signal includes a radio frequency (RF) signal. The vibration sensor is comprised by an optical assembly configured to detect underground vibrations. |
| US09599503B2 |
Checkweighing device, system, and method of operation
A checkweighing device, checkweighing systems employing one or more checkweighing devices, and methods of operation thereof. The checkweighing devices are designed for installation between parallel, spaced apart and vertically offset infeed and outfeed conveyors. Each checkweighing device includes a weighing cell with a weighing platform; a slide chute and at least one sorting gate for directing items either to the outfeed conveyor or to a discard receiver; and a power-actuated rake for sweeping incoming items from the infeed conveyor to the weighing platform, and sweeping weighed items from the weighing platform to the slide chute. While in no way limited to such a use, exemplary checkweighing device, system and method embodiments are well-suited for automatically checking the individual weights of small articles of high value, and/or other items that need to be weighed with high accuracy. |
| US09599502B2 |
Magnetic field sensor feedback for diagnostics
Magnetic field sensor feedback for diagnostics is disclosed herein. A disclosed example apparatus includes a first magnetic field sensor to provide a first output signal in response to a magnetic field generated by a magnet coupled to a movable portion of a process control device, and a second magnetic field sensor to provide a second output signal in response to the magnetic field. The disclosed example apparatus also includes a processor to use the first and second output signals to generate diagnostic information associated with a feedback of the process control device. |
| US09599501B2 |
Devices and systems for liquid level detection in hematology instruments, and methods related thereto
A hematology instrument with liquid level detection for liquid in a container is provided. The hematology instrument includes a probe disposed next to a container site. The probe is displaceable relative to the container site to enter a container when positioned at the container site. Further, the probe is electrically grounded. The hematology instrument includes a capacitive sensor having at least one capacitive electrode disposed next to the container site. The capacitive sensor also has a detection module to detect capacitive changes at the at least one capacitive electrode when the probe contacts liquid in the container. The hematology instrument also includes a calibration module configured to calibrate the capacitive sensor a plurality of times as the probe displaces relative to the container site to enter the container. Kits and methods related thereto are also provided. |
| US09599496B2 |
Flow rate measuring device with first temperature sensor in a main passage and second temperature sensor in a sub-passage
A flow rate measuring device with high precision is provided.The flow rate measuring device includes a sub-passage that takes a part of the fluid flowing in a main passage, first temperature measuring means for measuring a temperature of the fluid flowing in the passage, second temperature measuring means for measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing in the sub-passage, detecting means for detecting a flow rate of the fluid flowing in the sub-passage, and measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fluid flowing within the main channel on the basis of an output of the first temperature measuring means, an output of the second temperature measuring means, and an output of the detecting means. |
| US09599495B2 |
Thermal flow sensor with vibrating element and gas sensor comprising at least one such sensor
The invention relates to a thermal flow sensor comprising: a support, at least one element intended to be vibrated relative to the support, suspension means for said vibrating element relative to the vibrating element, means for heating the vibrating element, means for electrostatic excitation of the vibrating element so as to vibrate it at its resonance frequency, piezoelectric gauges for detecting the resonance frequency variation of the vibrating element, the gauges forming means for heating the vibrating element by Joule effect and the suspension means comprising two beams formed by nanowires so as to reduce the heat losses from the vibrating element toward the support. |
| US09599492B2 |
Mobile device and method for controlling sensor by the mobile device
A method for controlling a sensor by a mobile device, the method comprising: executing an application performing a task; obtaining first sensor data using a first sensor to perform the task; receiving second sensor data obtained using a second sensor of at least one communicably connected external device; comparing the first sensor data with the second sensor data; and when the first sensor data is replaceable with the second sensor data, controlling an operation of the first sensor and the second sensor according to a battery state of the mobile device and the external device. |
| US09599490B2 |
Reduced airborne contamination detector heads
A radiation detector head assembly is provided that includes a detector housing and a rotor assembly. The detector housing defines a cavity therein. The rotor assembly includes a detector unit, a body, and a sealing member. The body defines an opening oriented in the imaging direction. The body is disposed at a distance from the detector housing within the cavity defining a passageway extending axially along the body. The sealing member includes a body extending across the opening. The sealing member is coupled to at least one of the shielding unit or the collimator, and is mounted within the cavity to provide a gas-tight seal along the imaging direction between the passageway and the detector unit. |
| US09599486B2 |
Image mapping to provide visual geographic path
Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters. |
| US09599484B2 |
Social media based weighted route selection
A method, system, and computer program product for social media based weighted route selection are provided in the illustrative embodiments. It is detected that a first route and a second route are possible between two places. A first set of points of interest (POIs) is identified relative to the first route. By accessing a social media source, a set of social information is collected comprising information related to a POI. A subset of the social information is organized into a set of categories related to the POI. Each information in the subset is assigned a corresponding weight to compute a value for each information. A total value of each POI is determined using the computed values. From the first route and the second route, that route as presented as socially preferred route which has a higher total route value. |
| US09599480B2 |
Vehicle localization and transmission method and system using a plurality of communication methods
A vehicle localization system and method uses a hybrid communication layer. The system and method detect a vehicle location and transmit the vehicle location to an application layer using a plurality of communication methods. In addition, the method and system can determine a preferable communication method. The preferable communication method can be dependent on past vehicle locations. |
| US09599479B2 |
Broadcast map program method employing point-of-interest, geo-coordinate validation by a trusted person
An map display method wherein a point of interest is displayed on a map, the geo-coordinates updated by a trusted person and then stored for subsequent display to the displays of a plurality of different computers such as through the internet. |
| US09599477B1 |
Specifying unavailable locations for autonomous vehicles
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices that receive a request for a vehicle from a client computing device. The request identifies a first location. The one or more computing devices also determine whether the first location is within a threshold outside of a service area of the vehicle. When the location is within the threshold distance outside of the service area of the vehicle, the one or more computing devices identify a second location within the service area of the vehicle where the vehicle is able to stop for a passenger and based on the first location. The one or more computing devices then provide a map and a marker identifying the position of the second location on the map for display on the client computing device. |
| US09599474B2 |
Technique to improve navigation performance through carouselling
A method to improve estimation and stabilization of heading in an inertial navigation system is provided. The method includes operating an inertial measurement unit oriented in a first orientation, forward-rotating the operational inertial measurement unit by a selected-rotation angle about a Z-body axis of the inertial navigation system, wherein the inertial measurement unit is oriented in a second orientation, operating the inertial measurement unit oriented in the second orientation, reverse-rotating the operational inertial measurement unit by the selected-rotation angle about the Z-body axis, wherein the inertial measurement unit is oriented in the first orientation, continuously receiving information indicative of an orientation of the inertial measurement unit at a rotational compensator, and continuously-rotationally compensating navigation module output at the rotational compensator, wherein output of the rotational compensator is independent of the rotating. |
| US09599470B1 |
Dielectric high Q MEMS shell gyroscope structure
A gyroscope includes a cylindrical shell having a first end and a second end, a base on the second end of the shell, a substrate, an anchor coupling the base to the substrate, and electrodes for driving and sensing mechanically separated from the cylindrical shell. |
| US09599467B2 |
Method and arrangement for testing the proper functionality of an elevator
The invention relates to a method for testing the proper functionality of an elevator, in which a car (3) is movable in an elevator shaft having an elevator shaft excavation space, and a characteristic value is ascertained under predefined test conditions to determine the proper functionality of the elevator. To simplify the method, it is proposed according to the invention that a change of the distance (A) between a car lower side and a fixed measuring point in the elevator shaft excavation space be measured to ascertain the characteristic value. |
| US09599464B2 |
Laser device for pulley/sheave alignment
An alignment device to facilitate the alignment of a pulley and a sheave. The device may be used to align invention can be used in adjustable sheaves and in sheaves with multiple grooves. The device includes a laser beam generation component with a pulley contact section configured for releasable engagement with an interior surface of the groove of the pulley. The device also includes a laser beam target component with a sheave contact section configured for releasable engagement with an interior surface of the groove of the sheave. When the laser beam generation component and the laser beam target component are positioned facing one another in the pulley and sheave, respectively, the laser beam from the laser beam generation component contacts the target of the laser beam target component and wherein when the laser beam aligns with the target, the pulley and the sheave are aligned. |
| US09599463B2 |
Object detection device
An object detection device includes at least one light source, an irradiation optical system configured to irradiate a measured object with light emitted from the light source, a light reception element configured to image reflected light reflected by the measured object, and a detection unit configured to detect the measured object based on the reflected light received by the light reception element, and the irradiation optical system includes conversion means for converting the light emitted from the light source into a plurality of regular patterns. |
| US09599459B1 |
Conveyor belt, conveyor belt assembly including an imaging system, and methods of using the same
Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt. |
| US09599458B2 |
Distance determination of images with reference object
A method for determining a distance between two spatial points, thus between a first point and a second point, includes recording a first picture from a first viewing point, wherein the first picture includes a reference object and the first point, recording a second picture for a second viewing point, wherein the second picture includes the reference object and the second point and wherein the second viewing point is different than the first viewing point and finally determining the distance between the first point and the second point from picture data of the first picture and picture data of the second picture using a known dimension of the reference object. Thereby, the first point and/or the second point can be arranged outside a plane encompassing the reference object. |
| US09599453B2 |
Device and method for processing signals which represent an angular position of a motor shaft
In an apparatus and a method for processing signals that represent an angular position of a shaft of a motor, a storage unit for storing arrival times of the signals in a memory is provided, the storage unit additionally evaluating a rotation direction datum of the shaft. Storage of the times in the memory is performed in a first sequence in the event of a rotation of the shaft in a first direction, and storage in the memory is performed in a second sequence that is opposite to the first sequence in the event of a rotation of the shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. |
| US09599452B2 |
Non-contact electrical machine air gap measurement tool
A measuring kit for contactless measuring of the air gap distance between a frame mounted pole and core of a rotor includes a capacitance sensor which generates a signal proportional to the measured air gap, a panel meter in communication with the capacitance sensor which interprets the signal and displays the minimum air gap distance, an A/D converter also in communication with the capacitance sensor which converts the signal to a digitized signal, and a control panel which takes the digitized signal from the A/D converter, processes the digitized signal, and then displays the minimum air gap measurement. The control panel shows a graphic of the core and its surrounding poles to track the progress of the testing, and when the testing between the core and one of the surrounding poles is complete, the graphic of the pole tested visually darkens to indicate that portion of the test is complete. |
| US09599443B2 |
Base insert for polymer ammunition cartridges
An insert for a high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include an outside, an inside formed within the insert, and a back end disposed at a rear of the cartridge casing. The back end includes a rim and groove disposed around the outside of the insert and a primer pocket disposed inside the back end. Also included is a front end, opposite the back end, having an overmolded area disposed around the outside of the insert above the primer pocket and a basin, having a depth, formed inside the overmolded area. A flash hole can be included inside the insert and communicating between the primer pocket and the basin. The flash hole has a perimeter and a ring disposed around the perimeter of the flash hole, including a height starting at a bottom of the basin, disposed toward the front end, and less than the depth of the basin. |
| US09599442B2 |
Automatic apparatus for high speed precision portioning of granules by weight
An automated granule portioning system includes at least one volumetric measuring chamber capable of adjusting the volume of the chamber automatically to a programmed target volume and arranged to receive a first portion of granules into the chamber to fill the target volume. A transport system automatically delivers the target volume of granules from the chamber to a weighing device. A granule metering device dispenses granules and, depending on a signal from the weighing device that the first portion of granules is below a programmed target weight, dispenses granules to the first portion to increase the weight to achieve a second portion having the target weight. |
| US09599441B2 |
Off-board influence system
An influence system including open cell structures with one or more fractal reflective or resonating structures, wherein the fractal reflective or resonating structures are adapted to produce an emitted reflective or resonance signal that approximately matches a target electromagnetic signal reflection or resonance profile comprising a plurality of electromagnetic signal characteristics, said plurality of electromagnetic signal characteristics, a tow yoke coupled to one end of said blanket comprising a floatation chamber section, a tow cable adapted to tow said tow yoke and blanket, said tow cable comprising a low electromagnetic observable material or having a radar absorptive material coating. |
| US09599437B2 |
Quick detach accessory mount for a rifle
A quick detach accessory mount for a rifle and a method of using an accessory mount in combination with a rifle. |
| US09599435B2 |
Sighting apparatus for use with a firearm that discharges ammunition having multiple projectiles
A weapon system comprises a firearm configured for discharging ammunition having multiple projectiles and a sighting apparatus integral with the firearm. The sighting apparatus outputs a beam of light having a generally round shape. The sighting apparatus is oriented such that a centerline longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm extends through the beam of light. The sighting apparatus includes a light beam size selector for allowing a cross-sectional size of the beam of light at a fixed reference location external to the sighting apparatus to be selectively adjusted by a shooter of the firearm to a plurality of different cross-sectional sizes. |
| US09599431B2 |
Device for attachment to a profiled rail
A device for selective affixation to a profiled rail is generally provided. The device generally includes a body and a clamp assembly operatively supported thereby. The body has an upper portion characterized by first and second opposing and spaced apart sidewall segments. The first sidewall segment has a profiled rail receiving surface and the second sidewall segment has a channeled face. The clamp assembly includes a clamping block adapted for advancement toward the profiled rail receiving surface of the first sidewall segment of the upper body portion, a portion of the clamping block pivotingly received by the channeled face of the second sidewall segment of the upper body portion so as to operatively self-seat the clamping block with a profiled rail interposed between the first sidewall segment and the clamping block of the clamp assembly upon advancement thereof. |
| US09599426B2 |
Crossbow with improved rail and arrow slot
A crossbow includes a barrel having a bowstring rail with a slot including spaced first and second arrow rest areas aligned along said bowstring rail and an arrow clearance area therebetween, and an arrow retention spring carried by the barrel. The first arrow rest area is positioned adjacent to an end of the bowstring rail, and the second arrow rest area is positioned beneath the arrow retention spring directly beneath said arrow retention spring in a location where said arrow retention spring is adapted to contact said arrow. Provision of the spaced rest areas, particularly the second rest area beneath the arrow retention spring, stabilizes an arrow on the barrel prior to launch. |
| US09599424B2 |
Bow riser
A riser for a bow is disclosed. The riser, in an embodiment, includes an upper section, a structure, a middle section, and a lower section. The structure defines a cavity, and the structure is configured to reduce deformation of at least part of the riser. |
| US09599423B2 |
Grip/cover for key lock system
Covers for key lock mounting systems on small arms such as the AR or M4 family of rifles and carbines can provide protection for the firearm and comfort for the operator. The cover has keyhole grips that are pressed into the key lock mounting points in mounting system. The cover is held seated against the surface of the mounting system by the shape and resilience of keyhole grips. V-notch keyhole grips can attach to keyhole shaped mounting points and slot shaped mounting points. |
| US09599421B1 |
One-piece monocore firearm sound suppressor
A firearm sound suppressor having a one-piece monocore. The monocore comprises a mainframe and a central channel therein which is connected to the mainframe by support arms which form support chambers. The central channel has a circular central bore, through which a projectile passes, and a rectangular external shape with four sides with openings thereon, wherein each side rotates 60 to 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the central bore, forming a helical twist in the central channel. The support chambers are attached to connecting members at the circumference of the mainframe. The support chambers and connecting members form the same helical configuration as the central channel, producing a helical flow of propellant gases, coming out of the openings, from the rear end to the front end of the central channel. Compressed propellant gases are prevented from entering the central chamber in front of the projectile. This design improves sound suppression and accuracy of the firearm. |
| US09599417B2 |
Extractor mechanism for firearm
An ejector mechanism for a firearm. The ejector mechanism includes a claw-type extractor disposed opposite a ledge portion that includes an inclined face, the inclined facing being oriented to face toward a bolt face to help secure a shell casing to the bolt face during the extraction process. The claw-type extractor and inclined face, while providing positive retention of the shell casing during ejection, also cooperate to enable the shell casing to be dislodged by an ejector. |
| US09599414B2 |
Liquid reservoir
A liquid reservoir used in a heat exchanger, for example an automotive air conditioner, and a manufacturing method therefor. The liquid reservoir includes an inlet hole and an outlet hole. The outlet hole is provided with a filter element covering the outlet hole. A flow area at a location of the outlet hole covered by the filter element is greater than the cross-sectional area of other locations of the outlet hole. In this way, in the case that other structures of the inlet hole are not improved, a filtering area of the filter element is increased, thereby increasing a flow area of a refrigerant, reducing a flow resistance effect exerted by the filter element on the refrigerant, and reducing a workload of the heat exchanger. |
| US09599408B1 |
Loop heat pipe evaporator including a second heat pipe
An evaporator for a loop heat pipe with high input heat transfer. The heat transfer is attained by constructing a heat pipe on the loop heat pipe evaporator heat input surface. The heat pipe then distributes the heat from limited input areas over the entire surface of the loop heat pipe evaporator, and that entire evaporator surface functions as the loop heat pipe heat input area as opposed to limited smaller areas into which the heat usually enters. |
| US09599403B2 |
Cooling tower having plume abating means
A cooling tower having plume abating means is disclosed. The cooling tower disclosed herein includes: a housing; a cooling unit disposed inside of the housing and configured to convert high-temperature cooling water into low-temperature cooling water by contacting it with ambient air, wherein the cooling unit includes a wet unit and a dry unit that limit or block transfer of materials therebetween; a cooling water distributing unit disposed on top of the cooling unit and configured to spray cooling water to at least the wet unit of the cooling unit; a plume generating unit for generating plume by contacting first air discharged from the wet unit with second air discharged from the dry unit; a plume collecting unit disposed inside or outside of the housing and configured to collect plume generated in the plume generating unit; and an exhausting means disposed in a front end or back end of the plume collecting unit. |
| US09599399B2 |
Material supply apparatus and process
A material supply apparatus and process for co-injecting heated solid metalliferous material and solid carbonaceous material via a solids injection lance into a direct smelting vessel are disclosed. |
| US09599397B2 |
Light curing apparatus having a modular lamp housing
A curing apparatus is disclosed. The curing apparatus includes a flash lamp and a lamp housing for containing the flash lamp with the flash lamp's longitudinal axis in parallel with the direction of motion of a moving substrate irradiated by the flash lamp. The lamp housing is capable of attaching to a second lamp housing to form a concatenated lamp housing having a common reflector cavity. The second lamp housing also holds a second flash lamp with the second flash lamp's longitudinal axis in parallel with the direction of the moving substrate under the second flash lamp. |
| US09599396B2 |
System and method for production of crude argon by cryogenic rectification of air
A system and method for producing argon that uses a higher pressure column, a lower pressure column, and an argon column collectively configured to produce nitrogen, oxygen and argon products through the cryogenic separation of air. The present system and method also employs a once through argon condensing assembly that is disposed entirely within the lower pressure column that is configured to condense an argon rich vapor stream from the argon column against the oxygen-enriched liquid from the higher pressure column to produce an argon liquid product. The control system is configured for optimizing the production of argon product by ensuring an even flow split of the oxygen-enriched liquid is distributed to the argon condenser cores and by adjusting the flow rate of the argon removed from the argon condensing assembly to maintain the liquid/vapor balance in the argon condensing assembly within appropriate limits. |
| US09599395B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus
A refrigerating apparatus includes a high temperature side first cycle; a high temperature side second cycle; a low temperature side cycle in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant; a first cascade condenser and a second cascade condenser, which each exchange heat between a high temperature side refrigerant and a low temperature side refrigerant; and a control unit lowering an evaporation temperature of a high temperature side evaporator in correspondence to the flow of the low temperature side refrigerant. |
| US09599392B2 |
Folding approach to create a 3D vacuum insulated door from 2D flat vacuum insulation panels
An appliance door includes a vacuum insulated structure having a plurality of core sections that are folded to form an ice and/or water dispensing cavity on an outer side of the appliance door. The vacuum insulated door structure may be positioned between an outer door member and a door liner. |
| US09599391B2 |
Cooling device comprising a pipe retainer
A cooling device (1) is describe having a refrigeration volume (3) wherein the foodstuffs to be cooled are placed, at least one cabinet (2) having an inner wall (4) surrounding the refrigeration volume (3) and an outer wall (5) with heat insulating material injected between itself and the inner wall (4), a compressor (6) providing compression of the refrigerant and circulation pipes (7) that extend at least between the inner wall (4) and the outer wall (5), providing the refrigeration volume (3) to be cooled by circulating the refrigerant leaving the compressor (6) therein. |
| US09599388B2 |
Clear ice maker with varied thermal conductivity
A clear ice maker assembly for an appliance includes an ice tray rotatably coupled with a housing and horizontally suspended within an interior volume of the housing. The ice tray includes a metallic ice forming plate with a bottom surface, a substantially planar top surface and an edge portion. A containment wall extends upward from the top surface along the edge portion. A grid having at least one dividing wall extends across the top surface between the containment walls. A fluid line extends into the housing and supplies water to the top surface of the ice tray to be retained by the containment wall and the grid. A cooling source is thermally coupled to the bottom surface of the ice forming plate. The containment wall and the grid have a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the ice forming plate. |
| US09599386B2 |
Method for forming ice cubes in an ice making device
A refrigerator includes an ice making device for producing ice cubes. The ice making device includes a mold body having a plurality of ice forming cavities adapted to hold fluid. In an ice making cycle, air is evacuated from the cavities by a vacuum system, thereby depressurizing the cavities. Then, liquid is delivered to the depressurized cavities by a liquid delivery system, whereby an initial portion of the liquid bubbles up within the respective cavities. Once ice cubes have been formed within the cavities, the cavities are heated by a heat transfer system, thereby partially melting the ice cubes and aiding in the expulsion of ice cubes from the cavities. |
| US09599385B2 |
Weirless ice tray
An ice tray may include a substantially planar body portion with a plurality of cavities that are not interconnected by weirs. The ice tray may include a body having raised portions between adjacent cavities to alleviate stress that may otherwise form in these areas. A water distribution system may be utilized to provide specified volumes of water in the cavities to prevent overflowing of the cavities. |
| US09599384B2 |
Compressor discharge control on a transport refrigeration system
In a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a controller for controlling an expansion valve, a process for controlling compressor discharge during a cooling cycle includes monitoring a compressor discharge temperature, operating the expansion valve in a base mode wherein the expansion valve is controlled in response to a difference between actual superheat and desired superheat of the evaporator; and controlling the expansion valve in response to a difference between a set point and a compressor discharge parameter when the ambient air temperature, the return air temperature and the compressor discharge temperature meet respective limits. |
| US09599383B2 |
Fan motor controller for use in an air conditioning system
One aspect provides an air conditioning system that includes a compressor housing, a motor having fan blades rotatably coupled thereto and located within the compressor housing. The motor has a rotation sensor associated with it that is configured to sense a rotation of the fan blades. This embodiment further comprises a controller coupled to the motor and is configured to increase a torque of the motor when the rotation sensor indicates that the fan blades are not rotating after an on command signal is received by the motor. |
| US09599381B2 |
Heat transfer fluid
Compositions which are based on tetrafluoropropene and more particularly relates to compositions including 60% to 90% by weight of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 10% to 40% by weight of at least one compound selected from difluoroethane and difluoromethane, which can be used as a heat transfer fluid. The compositions may include 60% to 79% by weight of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 21% to 40% by weight of a compound selected from difluoroethane and difluoromethane. |
| US09599380B2 |
Refrigerant charging method for air-conditioning apparatus and air-conditioning apparatus
When a first temperature difference is the difference between a saturated gas temperature of a first refrigerant at an inlet side and a saturated liquid temperature of the first refrigerant at an outlet side in a heat exchanger for heating, and when a second temperature difference is the difference between a saturated gas temperature of a second refrigerant at an outlet side and a temperature of the second refrigerant at an inlet side in the heat exchanger for heating, the difference between the first temperature difference and the second temperature difference is held in a predetermined value or less by charging the second refrigerant to the second refrigeration cycle so that a plurality of single refrigerants forming the second refrigerant have a predetermined mixing ratio. |
| US09599379B2 |
Integral air conditioning system for heating and cooling
An air conditioner includes a first compressor and a first indoor heat exchanger, and the air conditioner forming a first refrigeration cycle. A cooler includes a second compressor and a second indoor heat exchanger, and the cooler forming a second refrigeration cycle The cooler includes a sensing part to detect a pressure and/or temperature of a refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration cycle; and a branch part includes a plurality of branches for dividing the refrigerant to be introduced into the second heat exchange part. |
| US09599378B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
A heat pump hot-water supply apparatus controls a second expansion device during a heating operation so as to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing through an injection pipe, and controls a third expansion device during a cooling operation so as to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing through the injection pipe. |
| US09599377B2 |
Heat pump apparatus
Provided is a heat pump device configured to collect heat both from outside air and another heat source. A controller calculates heat exchange amounts with use of heat exchange performance of each of an air heat-source heat exchanger and an underground heat-source heat exchanger in addition to an outside air temperature and an underground temperature. Then, in switching between a simultaneous operation of causing refrigerant to flow through both of the air heat-source heat exchanger and the underground heat-source heat exchanger and a single operation of selecting the air heat-source heat exchanger or the underground heat-source heat exchanger to cause refrigerant to flow therethrough, the controller selects a heat source having a larger calculated heat exchange amount. In this manner, an appropriate heat source suitable for operation conditions can be selected. |
| US09599375B2 |
Magnetic cooling apparatus
A magnetic cooling apparatus includes first magnetic regenerators that pass a first heat transfer fluid and a first magnetocaloric material, second magnetic regenerators that pass a second heat transfer fluid having a relative lower freezing point than the first heat transfer fluid and a second magnetocaloric material having a relative lower Curie temperature than the first magnetocaloric material, a magnet that applies a magnetic field to the first magnetic regenerators and the second magnetic regenerators, a hot side heat exchanger allowing the first heat transfer fluid to emit heat, a cold side heat exchanger allowing the second heat transfer fluid to absorb heat, and an intermediate heat exchanger allowing the first heat transfer fluid flowing between cold sides of the first magnetic regenerators and the second heat transfer fluid passing through hot sides of the second magnetic regenerators to exchange heat with each other. |
| US09599370B2 |
Solar collector and method for producing a light-absorbing surface
A solar collector is provided that has a base material and a nanostructured layer integrated into the base material so as to form a light-absorbing surface. The nanostructured layer has nanoparticles of an inorganic material. |
| US09599367B1 |
Portable battery operated heater
A portable battery operated heater powered by a battery includes a housing having an air inlet formed at a rear wall and an air outlet formed at a front wall, the housing further comprising an interiorly concave portion extending from the rear wall to the front wall, the interiorly concave portion directing a flow of air from the air inlet to the air outlet; a fan electrically connectable to the battery, the fan being disposed within the housing for creating the flow of air; and a heating element electrically connectable to the battery, the heating element being interposed between the air inlet and the air outlet in such manner that the flow of air passes over the heating element and is heated thereby. |
| US09599366B2 |
Flameless heater
A flameless heater produces hot dry air utilizing hydraulic heat-transfer fluid as a heat transfer medium. The heater is powered preferably by a natural gas engine. The process begins with the natural gas engine producing rotary power which drives a hydraulic pump which directs the heat-transferring fluid through a dynamic heat generator to heat the fluid via an internal friction process. The heated fluid is subsequently circulated through a heat exchanger where a hydraulically-powered fan blows ambient air through to be heated. The heat exchanger also extracts heat from the exhaust and coolant system portions of the engine to further heat the air. The produced dry hot air may be used for general heating. It is envisioned that engines which utilize other fuel sources such as diesel, gasoline, steam, or the like could be utilized with equal effectiveness. |
| US09599358B2 |
Hybrid ventilator
A ventilator having a ventilator stator for mounting to a structure and a ventilator rotor for mounting and rotation with respect to the stator. One or more wind-drivable elements are mounted to the ventilator. A motor is provided for operation between the ventilator rotor and ventilator stator for selective motor-driven rotation of the ventilation rotor. |
| US09599355B2 |
Dry air-water heat exchanger
A dry air-water heat exchanger, wherein a cooling fan, a main tube row, at least an air pre-cooling water tube row, a water evaporator and a catchment chamber are set in a housing, wherein the air pre-cooling water tube row is provided to pre-cool for the entering air, and the water evaporator is provided to evaporate water for heat exchanging after air pre-cooling to thereby lower the temperature of the entering air, and the circulating refrigerant (or the circulating water) inside the main the row is heat exchanged by the main tube row, to thereby perform the high-efficiency cooling process with minimum energy and water consumption, to thereby cool and lower the temperature of the circulating refrigerant (or circulating water), to improve the cooling efficiency of the circulating refrigerant (or circulating water), and achieve the purpose of reducing bacterial growth and scale formation. |
| US09599354B2 |
Evaporative HVAC apparatus
An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending therethrough. An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing, and a thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer. The housing also provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage. |
| US09599352B2 |
Radiator thermostat
A radiator thermostat (1) to be fitted onto a radiator valve (4) is provided. The radiator thermostat (1) has a transmission element (5, 105, 205) that transmits a compressive force to the valve pin (8) of the radiator valve. An electric motor (12) is provided to drive the transmission element (5, 105, 205). The transmission element (5, 105, 205) is preloaded with a counter force (F2) that acts in opposition to the valve force (F1) using a spring (18; 20; 32). Thus, when moving the transmission element (5, 105, 205), the motor (12) has only to overcome the differential force (df). |
| US09599350B2 |
Flame resistant filter apparatus and method
A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. In particular embodiments, the filter pad comprises wool fibers. The filter assembly also includes a bonding emulsion, wherein the bonding emulsion comprises casein resin. The filter assembly also includes a structural support. In particular embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers are treated with a solution that is fire resistant or fire retardant. |
| US09599348B2 |
Cooktop with deformable hook
An oven having a cabinet and a cooktop disposed above the cabinet is provided. The cooktop includes a top frame located at a top surface of the cabinet, the top frame including at least one heater installation opening and at least two heater support brackets adjacent the installation opening, a top plate located on a top surface of the top frame, and a heater located in the installation opening, the heater including at least two heater support holders, each support holder being elastically coupled to a corresponding support bracket to movably support the heater. |
| US09599344B2 |
Combustion chamber for a turbine engine
A combustion chamber (110) for a turbine engine, such as an airplane turboprop or turbojet, the combustion chamber comprising two coaxial annular walls, respectively an inner wall and an outer wall, that are connected together at their upstream ends by a chamber end wall (118) having an annular row of openings (119) for mounting fuel injection devices (120), the combustion chamber being characterized in that an annular metal sheet (130) is mounted upstream from the end wall and includes mounting orifices for receiving the above-mentioned injection devices, the sheet being substantially parallel to the end wall and co-operating therewith to define an annular air flow cavity (140). |
| US09599342B2 |
Annular combustion chamber for a turbine engine including improved dilution openings
An annular wall for an annular turbine engine combustion chamber, including one annular row of dilution orifices including larger area orifices and smaller area orifices, and a multi-perforation formed from micro-perforations distributed as an upstream row, a downstream row, and at least one intermediate row interrupted by the orifices, a geometric ratio being defined as the quotient obtained by dividing the maximum spacing L between any two points on the edge of the orifice measured along a direction parallel to an axis of the wall by the maximum spacing l between any two points on the edge of this orifice measured along a direction perpendicular to the axis, the geometric ratio of the larger area orifices being greater than or equal to 1, and the geometric ratio of the smaller area orifices being greater than the geometric ratio of the larger area orifices. |
| US09599339B2 |
Motor-driven chimney draft system and an impeller for use in the system
Impeller for a motor-driven chimney draft system, comprising a flue gas impeller (10) for creating, in a flue gas passage, a draft in a flue gas downstream direction. A flue gas deflector disk (20) is situated downstream relative to the flue gas impeller (10) and connected to the flue gas impeller (10); and a hub for connecting the impeller to an end portion of a driving shaft of a motor (100), wherein the hub and the end portion of the driving shaft, when connected, are both situated downstream relative to the flue gas deflector disk (20), the hub indirectly connected to the flue gas deflector disk (20) by means of intermediate members. Advantageously the intermediate members are impeller blades (40) connected to the downstream side of the flue gas deflector disk (20) and to a venting disk (30) with venting holes (31, 32) so as to form a turbine. |
| US09599338B2 |
Combustion apparatus
A combustion apparatus of this invention comprises: a heat-resistant container having an opening in its upper part; and a pot with a fire-extinguishing lid, provided with a fire-extinguishing lid which can open and close the opening in the upper part of the heat-resistance container, closes the opening with the fire-extinguishing lid by hand, vibration, or impact, and receives a fuel dropped from the heat-resistant container. |
| US09599334B2 |
Nozzle for power station burner and method for the use thereof
A burner nozzle for delivering fuel to a burner flame in a furnace includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder that are both hollow. The inner cylinder is at least partly disposed within the outer cylinder and axially aligned with it, and is movable in an axial direction relative to the outer cylinder. One end of the inner cylinder has at least one outward projection extending in a radial direction from the outer surface of the cylinder, this projection serving to decrease the free cross-sectional area between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder at that end of the inner cylinder. |
| US09599327B2 |
Switch for battery flashlight to change modes
A multi-mode portable lighting assembly, such as a flashlight, is disclosed. The portable lighting assembly may include a plurality of lighting elements controllable by a plurality of switches. A first switch may be disposed on an outside portion of the portable lighting assembly and may therefore be accessible to a user under normal operating conditions. A second switch may be disposed within a compartment of the portable lighting assembly and may therefore be inaccessible to the user under normal operating conditions. The second switch may also be disposed on the outside portion of the portable lighting assembly. The second switch may have a plurality of positions and dependent on the selected position, the second switch may dictate the operation of the first switch with respect to the plurality of lighting elements. |
| US09599325B2 |
Recessed luminaire vise-like mounting system and method
A mounting system for a recessed luminaire includes an upper frame 200 to fit within a cutout opening 141 in a ceiling 140, including pivotally mounted support levers 202 to overlap the upper surface of the ceiling. A lower frame 210 fits within the opening and has a trim face 220 that is configured to abut against the room-side surface of the ceiling. Clamping screws 212 fasten the lower frame to the upper frame and are adjustable to clamp varying thicknesses of ceilings between the support levers and the trim face when the screws are tightened. Fasteners 132 fasten a luminaire 100 to the lower frame, which is installed through the lower and upper frames, from the room-side of the ceiling. The mounting system and luminaire may be completely installed from below a ceiling that has limited space above the ceiling or when access above the ceiling is not available. |
| US09599314B2 |
Optical member and display device including the same
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device including the same. The optical member includes a wavelength conversion layer to convert a wavelength of an incident light, and an impact absorbing layer on the wavelength conversion layer. |
| US09599312B2 |
Portable lamp
A portable lamp, mainly includes a framework, reflecting seat, power box and positioning mechanism, where the reflecting seat is configured on the inner edge of one side of the framework, the power box is coupled pivotally inside the framework through the positioning mechanism and can be rotated relatively to the framework and positioned through the positioning mechanism, and the power box has a light emitting unit which can be rotated with the power box and illuminate toward the reflecting seat or in other directions, thereby allowing the present invention to form a lamp capable of the adjustment of an illumination direction. |
| US09599308B2 |
Hybrid taillight article
A taillight article (100) including an optically clear light guide (110) having an light emission front surface (112) and an opposing rear surface (114) and a side surface (118) separating the front surface (112) and the rear surface (114) is described. A first light source (120) is configured to direct light into the side surface (118) and indicate a first signal-function. A plurality of light extraction features (116) are on or within the optically clear light guide (110) and are configured to direct light from the first light source (120) out through the emission surface (112). A light reflection element (130) is spaced apart from the rear surface (114) and defines a cavity (135) that is observable by a viewer. |
| US09599307B2 |
Multi-colored vehicle rear lamp
A lamp for the rear of a vehicle is disclosed with a light transmissive cover having a red first illuminated surface area and a clear second illuminated surface area. It has a first LED light emitter located directly beneath the red first area, a second LED light emitter located directly beneath the clear second area, and a third LED light emitter, also located directly beneath said clear second area. The third red LED light emitter is for emitting red light through the clear second area simultaneously with light transmitted through the red first area, whereby the first and second areas are adapted to collectively form a contiguous red illuminated surface area. |
| US09599305B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device having matrix-arranged light-emitting elements
In a semiconductor light-emitting device including a semiconductor body including light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix, and a support body adapted to support the semiconductor body, the semiconductor body further includes a plurality of optical shield layers each provided at one of a first side face of a first one of the light-emitting elements and a second side face of a second one of the light-emitting elements opposing the first side face of the first light-emitting element. |
| US09599303B2 |
Vehicle headlight
An arrangement of headlight lenses for a vehicle headlight, each headlight lens having a monolithic body of transparent material, which monolithic body includes at least one light entry face, a light passage section, and at least one optically operative light exit face. |
| US09599300B2 |
Light emitting device and lighting device
An optical guide member (104) includes an optical guide section having an exit end surface (Rx1) including a side a, and an imaging lens (105) forms, on a front surface of a light emitting section (101), an image of the side a in an image of excitation light (L1) on the exit end surface (Rx1). |
| US09599299B2 |
Sun, rain and wind powered light
An outdoor light unit has plural self-contained mechanisms for producing electricity for powering the light unit, the light unit including a support, an electrical lamp, photovoltaic material at its top, an electrical generator, and water impingement blades and wind turbine blades to turn the generator to power the lamp. A rainwater collector collects rainwater running off of the photovoltaic material and directs it onto the water impingement blades. The generator and the rainwater collector are mounted to pivot with respect to the support, and fins cause the wind turbine blades to face into the wind. |
| US09599298B2 |
Retrofittable LED module with heat spreader
A light source includes one or more solid state light emitting devices, a heat spreader thermally coupled to the one or more light emitting devices, and a mounting carriage configured to mount the one or more solid state light emitting devices in a lighting fixture light and thermally couple the heat spreader to the lighting fixture. |
| US09599293B2 |
Full spectrum light emitting arrangement
A light emitting arrangement is provided, comprising:—a solid state light source (101) adapted to emit primary light (L1); and—a wavelength converting member (102) comprising a plurality of wavelength converting domains (102a, 102b, 102c, etc) for converting primary light into secondary light (L2), each wavelength converting domain thereby providing a sub-range of the total light output spectrum, wherein at least some of said wavelength converting domains are arranged as an array and comprise quantum dots, wherein different wavelength converting domains comprise quantum dots having different secondary light emission ranges providing different sub-ranges of the total light output spectrum, and wherein a sub-range provided by each wavelength converting domain overlaps or is contiguous with at least one other sub-range provided by another wavelength converting domain. By arranging materials having different wavelength conversion properties in different domains, preferably in a plane, re-absorption of secondary emission can be avoided. |
| US09599292B2 |
Light emitting module, a lamp, a luminaire and a display device
A light emitting module includes at least one LED mounted on a reflective base and surrounded by reflective walls to form a cavity. A partially diffusive layer containing a phosphor is mounted above the LED with a gap therebetween. Some of the light emitted by the phosphor is backscattered toward the LED, base, and walls. The LED absorbs a significant amount of the light, while the reflective base and walls efficiently reflect over 90% of the light back toward the phosphor layer for exiting the module. Various equations are provided that allow the designer to select an optimal gap between the LED and the partially diffusive layer to maximize light extraction efficiency out of the diffusive layer. The optimal gap range for maximizing light extraction efficiency is a product of LED largest linear length, LED surface area, base area, wall area, and reflective coefficients of the various elements. |
| US09599287B2 |
LED-based replacement for fluorescent light source
A light source that is adapted to replace existing fluorescent tubes in an existing fluorescent light fixture is disclosed. The light source includes a plurality of LEDs mounted on a heat-dissipating structure, first and second plug adapters that mate with the florescent tube connectors of the fluorescent tube the light source is to replace, and a power adapter that converts power from a fluorescent tube ballast presented on the first and second plug adapters to DC power that powers the LEDs. The light source is powered from the output of the existing fluorescent ballast. The light source can utilize the existing metallic enclosure as a heat-radiating surface and/or direct air heat transfer from the surface of the heat-dissipating structure. |
| US09599286B2 |
Fluid activated flow control apparatus
Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power. |
| US09599282B2 |
Maintenance system support apparatus and support systems
Support systems and apparatus that can be used to support maintenance systems usable on the internal side of the sidewall of external floating roof tanks are provided. The support systems can include at least one stanchion that is mounted on a carriage for moving the maintenance system around the sidewall of an external floating roof tank and two or more internal wall contact stabilizers that are adjustably positioned relative to the carriage for aligning the system in place. |
| US09599280B2 |
Pivot-fit frame, system and method for photovoltaic modules
A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether. |
| US09599279B2 |
Elastically deformable module installation assembly
Module installation assembly including a base structure having a base portion, a first and second bracket, the base portion disposed in a base plane, the first bracket extending perpendicularly from the base portion, the second bracket extending perpendicularly from the base portion, wherein the first bracket is a T-shaped member having a main portion, a pair of wing portions and a pair of recesses defined by the pair of wing portions and a segment of the main portion. Also included is a module to be mated with the base structure, the module including a first module end and a second module end, wherein the first module end includes a first pair of protrusions formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to be rotated into an interference condition with the first bracket. |
| US09599278B2 |
Adjustable support
An adjustable support, comprising a base, a first tubular member extending upwardly from the base, the first tubular member comprising a first friction lock, a second tubular member arranged in telescoping engagement with the first tubular member, the second tubular member comprising a second friction lock and, a non-abrasive transverse member pivotably arranged on the second tubular member, wherein the first friction lock telescopingly secures the second tubular member within the first tubular member and the second friction lock pivotably secures the transverse member to the second tubular member. |
| US09599275B1 |
Security light or other traffic control device with articulating bracket
An articulating clamp assembly for traffic control assemblies that include luminaires. The clamp assembly includes first and second clamp members. The first clamp member includes a male tubular fitting for telescopically engaging a female fitting on the luminaire. The second clamp member is attachable to the end of a luminaire arm by a tenon sleeve, to the side of a pole with saddle plate, or to a simplex fitting with a simplex mounting bracket. The front ends of the first and second clamp members have inter-engaging serrated faces that allow adjustable engagement of the two clamp members to adjust the position of the luminaire. Each clamp member defines a continuous end-to-end conductor path, and the articulating ends are formed to create a continuous concealed conductor path through the joint. The tenon sleeve may include a U-bolt to secure it to the luminaire arm. |
| US09599271B1 |
Internal pipe cutting system and method thereof
An internal pipe cutting system is disclosed. The internal pipe cutting system includes an internal pipe cutter which includes a motor, an upper shaft, and a cutting blade. The internal pipe cutting system further includes a hollow cylindrical support basket which includes an adjustable ring removably mounted to the exterior surface of the support basket. Further, the internal pipe cutting system includes a bearing assembly configured to be coupled between the internal pipe cutter and the support basket. |
| US09599266B2 |
Externally sealing connector
A connector, particularly for connecting pipes, includes a base body, a sealing element and a member for fixing a pipe inserted into the connector, wherein the base body has an insertion opening on one side for the insertion of a pipe and the sealing element is arranged in an essentially cylindrically symmetrical recess set embedded in the base body and wherein the essentially cylindrically symmetrical recess at least partly has a smaller depth in the region between the position of the inset sealing element and the side of the recess facing the insertion opening of the base body than in the region of the position of the sealing element. |
| US09599265B2 |
Multiple plate quick disconnect sandwich fitting
A fitting allowing a quick connection and disconnection of liquid color conduits includes a quick disconnect plate assembly having three plates layered on top of each other, the top plate including guides sized to receive projections extending off structure to which the fitting is to be connected, with the middle plate including stops engaging with the same projections upon rotation of the structure. |
| US09599263B2 |
Movable coupling for a pipeline, tank arrangement, and aircraft or spacecraft
A movable coupling for a pipeline, which can be applied in aviation and aerospace. The coupling includes a dip pipe, a counter piece and a displaceable component. The counter piece has a passage, into which the dip pipe is inserted. The counter piece has a holder extending from the passage. The component includes a clearance that the dip pipe extends through. A portion of the displaceable component is received in the holder so the displaceable component can be displaced relative to the counter piece in a direction not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dip pipe. When the dip pipe moves relative to the counter piece, the displaceable component is tight against the dip pipe and also against the counter piece. A tank arrangement includes a tank with a pipeline connected to the tank and including a movable coupling. |
| US09599261B2 |
Volumetric sealing system
An adjustable joint having an outer housing section and an inner housing section telescopically disposed within the outer housing section. The inner housing section has an exterior portion within the outer housing section and which defines a circumferentially extending shoulder. An annular seal is positioned on the shoulder to create a seal between the outer housing section and the inner housing section. A circumferentially extending heat insulating spacer is attached to the shoulder and abuts the seal to retain the seal in place. A circumferentially extending heat shield is rigidly connected to the shoulder and abuts the heat insulating spacer and is located such that the heat insulating spacer is positioned between the heat shield and the annular seal. A circumferentially extending retainer ring is connected to the shoulder and abuts the heat shield to retain the heat shield, heat insulating spacer and annular seal in place so that when outer housing section and inner housing section move axially or rotate with respect to each other, the sealing function of the annular, metallic seal is maintained. |
| US09599254B2 |
Apparatus and method for installation and protection of sub sea cables
An apparatus for installation and protection of subsea cables comprises at least a first tubular member (1) and at least a second tubular member (2). Both these are arranged to be installed subsea with a subsea foundation (3). This allows passage of cable (29) through it. The first tubular member (1) is arranged telescopically within the second tubular member (2) so as to extract outwardly towards seabed (5) from an end portion (7), with respect to the second tubular member (2), only up to a prefixed length. This ensures that a continuous conduit for the cable is obtained through the scour protection of the foundation (3). The present invention also includes a methodology for installation of the apparatus and a method for installing a cable through the scour protection of the foundation, by using the apparatus. |
| US09599240B2 |
Polymer bellows spring
A spring for use in a check valve is formed from a single piece of a polymeric material and includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a body positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The body includes a wall, a proximal opening on the wall and a distal opening on the wall, and a bellows between the proximal opening and the distal opening. Further included is a process of forming the spring. |
| US09599238B2 |
Valve having improved spool geometry
A spool is disclosed for use in a valve. The spool may have an elongated cylindrical body with a first end and a second end. The spool may also have a first land formed at the first end, a second land axially spaced apart from the first land, and a check element located between the first and second lands. The check element may have an outer diameter that is about 0.5-1% greater than an outer diameter of the second land. |
| US09599237B2 |
3-way inline air operated valve
A control valve includes a body, a first end cap, a second end cap, an insert, and a piston. The first end cap, second end cap, and insert are removably secured to the body and define a first port, second port, and third port of the control valve, respectively. The piston is positioned within the bore of the body and is movable between a first position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the second port and not with the third port and a second position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the third port and not with the second port. |
| US09599235B2 |
Gate valves and airlocks for a transportation system
A high-speed transportation system, the system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube; a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube, and at least one tube sealer arranged along the at least one tube and configured to create an airlock in the at least one tube. In embodiments, the tube sealer may include a gate valve and/or an airbag. |
| US09599225B2 |
Blocking configuration of oil pressure circuit hole
A blocking configuration of an oil pressure circuit hole includes a plug screwed together with an aperture end portion of the oil pressure circuit hole provided to a main body. The plug includes: a shaft portion; an external thread portion disposed on a leading end of the shaft portion; an O-ring mounted on an outer periphery of a base end portion of the shaft portion and pressed between the outer periphery of the shaft portion and an inner periphery of the oil pressure circuit hole to seal them; a flange portion having an external diameter larger than that of the shaft portion and disposed on a part of a base end side of a storage groove on which the O-ring is mounted; and a polygonal column-shaped head portion on which a tightening tool is mounted and disposed on a part of a base end side of the flange portion. |
| US09599223B2 |
Compression ring and its production method
To provide a price-competitive compression ring having excellent thermal conductivity and thermal sag resistance, which can be used in a high-thermal-load environment of high-compression-ratio engines, steel identified by the material number of SKS93 in JIS G 4404 is used, and a piston ring wire is annealed before an oil-tempering treatment such that spheroidal cementite having an average particle size of 0.1-1.5 μm is dispersed in a tempered martensite matrix. |
| US09599222B2 |
Diaphragm pump
In a diaphragm pump having a fluorine resin-made rolling diaphragm including: an inner circumferential portion that elongates along an outer circumferential surface of a piston; an outer circumferential portion that elongates along the inner circumferential surface of a cylinder; and a folded portion that is formed by folding back in a tubular space between the cylinder and the piston; and a pump chamber is separated by the rolling diaphragm in the cylinder, the rolling diaphragm is produced in an extended attitude corresponding to an attitude obtained when, by a projective movement of the piston, the outer circumferential portion is eliminated, and the folding of the folded portion is opened. |
| US09599221B2 |
Connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor and process for assembling connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor
The present invention refers to a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor, comprising using at least an intermediate element capable of associating said connecting rod with the piston, wherein both do not radially contact with one another. A process for assembling said connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor is also disclosed. The connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor comprises at least a piston (1), at least an intermediate element (2) and at least a connecting rod (3), wherein said piston (1) comprises at least a non-through axial channel (11); said intermediate element (2) comprises at least a through axial channel (21); and said connecting rod (3) comprises at least a connection end (31). In this regard, the intermediate element (2) is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel (11) of piston (1); and said connection end (31) of connecting rod (3) is securely housed inside the through axial channel (21) of intermediate element (2). |
| US09599218B2 |
Modulated clamping force generator for Toroidal CVT
A toroidal variable speed traction drive is provided. The drive comprises a driving toroidal disc assembly (4) and a driven toroidal disc assembly (3). The toroidal disc assemblies (3, 4) have a common axis of rotation. A plurality of roller assemblies are interposed between the toroidal discs (3, 4). Each roller assembly comprises at least one roller (16). The toroidal discs (3, 4) are urged together against the interposed roller assemblies by an axially directed clamping force. Each roller (16) of each roller assembly contacts each toroidal disc (3, 4) at contact points. The driving toroidal disc assembly (4) is driven by an input drive shaft (14) which provides an input torque. The driven toroidal disc (3) drives an output structure (5), that rotates around the common axis of rotation, the output structure (5, 12) driving an output shaft (13). An interposed clamping arrangement (1, 5) is provided between the driven toroidal disc (3) and the output structure (5, 12), the interposed clamping arrangement (1, 5) provides the axially directed clamping force which is proportional to an output torque experienced by the output shaft (13). |
| US09599217B2 |
Transmission unit
A transmission unit of a motor vehicle, with a transmission having a transmission shaft and with an electric motor that is coupled thereto in an axial direction and that has a stator and that has a rotor arranged on a motor shaft and that is bearingless on the A-side. The electric motor includes an end plate on the B-side, and the stator is located at least partly inside a housing of the transmission. |
| US09599214B2 |
Hydraulic control system with ETRS and multiplexed clutch control for a transmission
An electronic transmission range selection hydraulic control system includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a first mode valve assembly in fluid communication downstream of the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a drive clutch actuator connected to a drive clutch and in fluid communication directly downstream of the first mode valve assembly, a reverse clutch actuator connected to a reverse clutch and in fluid communication directly downstream of the first mode valve assembly, a second mode valve assembly in fluid communication directly downstream of the first mode valve assembly, and a park servo connected to the park mechanism and in fluid communication directly downstream of the first mode valve assembly and the second mode valve assembly. |
| US09599212B2 |
Emergency subsystem for a fluid system
A fluid system includes an emergency subsystem and a main subsystem in fluid communication with a working element. The main subsystem is in fluid communication with the emergency subsystem. The system operates in a standard mode and an emergency mode. During standard mode, both the main and emergency subsystems jointly provide fluid to the working element. During emergency mode, the emergency subsystem is configured for independently providing fluid to the working element. |
| US09599204B2 |
Ball type CVT with output coupled powerpaths
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power can be transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner, with smaller and even less mechanical components, by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A power transmission apparatus comprises a power input shaft, a planetary gear set coupled to the power input shaft, and a variator, such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT), coupled to the gear set. The various components of the planetary gear set and the variator are arranged such that torque is split between two or more torque paths and then recombined before power is output to a gear box and a differential of the motor vehicle. |
| US09599203B2 |
Continuously variable transmission for vehicle
A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, a first power delivery shaft disposed in parallel with and apart from the input shaft, a variable shift apparatus configured to change rotation speed of the input shaft and transmit the changed rotation speed to the first power delivery shaft, a second power delivery shaft selectively receiving torque of the first power delivery shaft, a third power delivery shaft disposed apart from the second power delivery shaft, a planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, and an idle gear set operably connecting the input shaft with the first rotation element of the planetary gear set in which the second rotation element is directly connected to the third power delivery shaft and the third rotation element is directly connected to the second power delivery shaft. |
| US09599200B2 |
Overrunning alternator decoupling pulley design
A pulley assembly for an automobile auxiliary apparatus, such as an alternator, that dampens torsional impacts and reduces the stress on the auxiliary apparatus, the belt drive system and other apparatuses, by use of both a torsion spring and a one-way overrunning clutch mechanism allowing for the free run of the pulley shaft. |
| US09599198B2 |
Device for transmitting mechanical torque between a driving member and a driven member, and air-compression system for supplying power to an engine using such a device
The invention relates to a device for transmitting mechanical torque between a driving member and a driven member, in particular between a heat engine and an air compressor (2) for supplying power to the engine. Said transmission device includes at least one pulley (10, 11, 12, 13), for transmitting the torque between the driving member and the driven member, and a release means (17) controlling at least one of said pulleys (10, 11, 12, 13) so as to enable the transmission of the torque between the driving member and the driven member when the latter are in an engaged state, or so as to restrict the transmission when the latter are in a disengaged state. The invention also relates to an air-compression system for supplying power to a heat engine, in particular for a motor vehicle, said system including a compressor (2) and a torque-transmitting device (3) enabling torque to be taken up on a belt (9) of the engine and said torque to be transmitted to the compressor, said transmission device (3) being capable of transmitting said torque at a first transmission ratio up to a certain engine speed threshold and of no longer transmitting said torque when said threshold is exceeded, or of transmitting said torque at a lower transmission ratio when the engine speed is above said threshold. |
| US09599197B1 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft; an output shaft; a first to fourth planetary gear sets; and six friction elements disposed between at least one rotation element among the twelve rotation elements and another rotation element or a transmission housing, wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the fourth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is continuously connected to the eighth rotation element, the sixth rotation element is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the ninth rotation element is continuously connected to the tenth rotation element, the second rotation element is selectively connected to the third rotation element, three friction elements among the six friction elements are operated at each speed stage. |
| US09599196B2 |
Transmission for a motor vehicle
A transmission includes a drive shaft (1), an output shaft (2), a housing (G), a first planetary gear set (PR1), a second planetary gear set (PR2) and a third planetary gear set (PR3), and six shift elements, including a first brake (B1), a second brake (B2) along with a first clutch (K1), a second clutch (K2), a third clutch (K3, K3′, K3″, K3′″) and a fourth clutch (K4, K4′). The shift elements are selectively actuated, by which nine forward gears and one reverse gear can be realized through different transmission ratios between the drive shaft (1) and the output shaft (2). Each planetary gear set (PR1, PR2, PR3) has a sun gear (S1, S2, S3), one planetary gear, one planetary carrier (PT1, PT2, PT3) and one ring gear (H1, H2, H3). The drive shaft (1) and the output shaft (2) are arranged in a manner axially offset to each other, and the drive shaft is (1), through the second clutch (K2), connectable to the ring gear (H2) of the second planetary gear set (PR2) and the sun gear (S3) of the third planetary gear set (PR3). The drive shaft (1) is, through the first clutch (K1), connectable to the second brake (B2) and the sun gear (S2) of the second planetary gear set (PR2). The sun gear (S2) of the second planetary gear set (PR2) and the second brake (B2) are also connected to each other. |
| US09599194B2 |
Vehicle transmission in group construction
A motor vehicle transmission having main group and a range group that is connected downstream from the main group which has a planetary stage with transmission components. A first component couples an output shaft of the range group and a second component couples an output shaft of the main group. A third component can couple a housing and the first or the second components. For carrying out a range shift of the range group, which cannot be shifted under load, and to enable an arrangement of gear steps of the upstream main group, the drive output shaft passes axially through the planetary stage to the main group. The output shaft is a central shaft with which the input shaft of the main group can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner, and over which the output shaft of the main group is positioned as a coaxially extending hollow shaft. |
| US09599191B2 |
Ferrule configuration
A ferrule 10 for attachment to an end of a wire rope R is disclosed. The ferrule comprises an open end 12 into which the end of the wire rope can be received for securement in the ferrule. The ferrule also comprises an end 14 that opposes the open end. The ferrule further comprises an axis Ax extending between the open and opposing ends. The ferrule is configured at or around at least one of the open and opposing ends such that the ferrule is able to mate with a corresponding formation of a socket 50 into which the ferrule can be received in use. Also disclosed is a socket 50 adapted to the ferrule, and a mechanism for axially locking the ferrule in the socket. |
| US09599190B2 |
Conveyor belt or drive belt
A belt, configured as a conveyor belt or drive belt, includes at least one traction member having an outer side. The traction member includes at least one of a renewable raw material or a biologically degradable raw material. A coating is disposed on the outer side of the at least one traction member and includes at least one of a renewable raw material, a biologically degradable raw material, or a synthetically produced and biologically degradable raw material. |
| US09599186B2 |
Damper device
A flywheel assembly includes a first rotary member, a second rotary member, a first coil spring, a second coil spring, an intermediate plate, a first stopper mechanism and a first contact relief member. The first coil spring is configured to be compressed between the first rotary member and the second rotary member. The second coil spring is configured to be compressed between the first rotary member and the second rotary member and has a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the first coil spring. The intermediate member is engaged with the first coil spring and the second coil spring and couples the first coil spring and the second coil spring in series. The first stopper mechanism is configured to deactivate the first coil spring. The first contact relief member is movably disposed inside the first coil spring and is capable of relieving the contact in the first stopper mechanism during activation of the first coil spring. |
| US09599185B2 |
Vibration control apparatus, lithography apparatus, and article manufacturing method
A vibration control apparatus is provided that controls the vibration of a first object supported by a base, the apparatus including: a first control system including a first compensator for outputting a first operation signal representing an input to a first driving unit based on a first detection signal output by a first detector; a second control system including a second compensator for outputting a second operation signal representing an input to a second driving unit based on a second detection signal output by a second detector; and a third control system including a third compensator for outputting a third operation signal representing an input to the first driving unit based on a signal relating to the second control system so as to compensate the vibration of the base. |
| US09599183B2 |
Damping valve
A damping valve includes a valve seat member having a port and a first valve seat surrounding the port, a main valve body seated on or unseated from the first valve seat, the main valve body having a second valve seat oppositely to the valve seat member, a subsidiary valve body seated on or unseated from the second valve seat, a valve-body intermediate chamber provided between the main valve body and the subsidiary valve body in an inner circumferential side of the second valve seat, a restrictive passage that causes the port and the valve-body intermediate chamber to communicate with each other, the restrictive passage being configured to apply resistance to a flow of fluid passing therethrough, and a subsidiary valve body biasing means configured to bias the subsidiary valve body toward the main valve body. |
| US09599180B2 |
Beam-based nonlinear spring
Nonlinear spring. In one embodiment, the spring includes two opposed curved surfaces curving away from one another. A flexible cantilever member is disposed between the two opposed curved surfaces and a mass is attached to a free end of the cantilever member wherein the flexible cantilever member wraps around one of the curved surfaces as the cantilever member deflects to form a nonlinear spring. Energy harvesting devices and a load cell are also disclosed. |
| US09599179B2 |
Brake lining monitoring system displaying a measured thickness of brake lining
A brake lining monitoring system comprising primarily for automobiles. The monitoring system comprises a sensor for continuously measuring the thickness of a brake lining disposed at each wheel of an automobile, a memory including a plurality of predefined successive thickness value ranges wherein, each thickness value range is associated with a brake lining status message, and a display monitor for displaying the measured thickness value along with the status message associated with the thickness value range to which the measured thickness value corresponds. |
| US09599178B2 |
Brake camshaft and method of manufacture
A brake camshaft and a method of manufacture. The brake camshaft may include a tube portion, a cam portion, and an end portion. The tube portion may have a first tube end, a second tube end, and a tube cavity that extends from the first tube end to the second tube end. The cam portion may be disposed on the first tube end. The end portion may be disposed on the second tube end. |
| US09599171B2 |
One-way clutch and sheet feeding roller
A one-way clutch includes: an inner ring provided with an inserting opening for permitting insertion of a rotation shaft and rotatable integrally with the rotation shaft by being engaged with the rotation shaft; an outer ring engaged with an outer peripheral surface of the inner ring and rotatable in one direction relative to the inner ring and non-rotatable in a direction opposite to the one direction; and an elastic metal plate member, engaged with the inner ring, for limiting movement of the inner ring relative to the outer ring in a rotational axis direction of the outer ring. When the rotation shaft is mounted in the inner ring, the elastic metal plate member includes a leaf spring portion positioned and elastically deformable in a gap between the rotation shaft and the inner ring. |
| US09599165B2 |
Retainer for a rolling bearing
A fastening device for a rolling bearing includes a bearing mounting portion disposed at an end of a motor housing, a rolling bearing received in the mounting portion, and a retainer ring disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion and a peripheral surface of an outer ring of the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing is fastened to the motor housing by the retainer ring. The retainer ring is resiliently deformable in the radial direction of the rolling bearing. |
| US09599164B1 |
Systems and methods for preloading a bearing
A tool for use in preloading a bearing includes a plurality of arms pivotable relative to each other and a pin extending from each arm of a plurality of arms. The pin is configured to engage an opening of a plurality of openings in a retaining ring. A resilient member biases the plurality of arms away from each other. A first arm of the plurality of arms includes a cavity. A second arm of the plurality of arms is received in the cavity such that an extending portion of the second arm extends outside the cavity and the second arm is moveable in the cavity. |
| US09599163B2 |
External bearing seal arrangement
An external bearing seal may have an annular support disk concentric about an axis and an annular seal body. The annular seal body may be supported by the support disk one of radially inward and outward of the support disk with respect to the axis. The seal body may have a plurality of concentric seal rings extending at least partially in the axial direction. |
| US09599159B2 |
Noise reducing structure of speed reduction device for electric CVVT
A noise reducing apparatus of a speed reduction device for electric continuous variable valve timing (CVVT), may include the speed reduction device having an inner tooth portion formed to be faced opposing an external wheel of a ball bearing in an interior diameter surface of a housing that may be integrally formed with a sprocket and rollers arranged through a cage between an inner tooth of the inner tooth portion and the external wheel of the ball bearing, wherein a coating layer may be formed to ease impact in exterior circumference portions of the rollers. |
| US09599155B2 |
Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and related methods of manufacture
In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring to which one or more superhard bearing elements may be mounted. The support ring may include one or more relief features configured to reduce residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements that are induced by brazing the superhard bearing elements to the support ring, operational loads, other processes, or combinations of the foregoing. Reducing the residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements may help prevent damage to the superhard bearing elements. The bearing assembly may be used in subterranean drilling systems and/or other types of systems. |
| US09599154B2 |
Linear bearing with nested bearing tracks
A linear motion bearing assembly comprising a load bearing plate structure having at least a portion of a plurality of open axial ball tracks formed therein, each of said plurality of open axial ball tracks comprised of at least two concentric ball tracks. The ball tracks including an open load bearing portion, an open return portion and turnarounds interconnecting the load bearing and return portions. A plurality of bearing balls are disposed in the ball tracks. At lease one load bearing plate is axially positioned adjacent said load bearing plate structure for receiving load from the balls disposed in the load bearing portion of the ball tracks. Various outer housing sleeves are disclosed including a structure split axially and a monolithic structure. |
| US09599153B2 |
Bearing assembly and method
A bearing assembly can comprise: a base member including at least one base ramp; a carriage member including: a first surface defining a bearing channel, the bearing channel configured to receive a plurality of ball bearings and allow recirculating movement of the ball bearings, the bearing channel having a variable depth, wherein the bearing channel having a variable depth is configured to allow the plurality of ball bearings to extend beyond the first surface at a first portion of the bearing channel and extend below the first surface at a second portion of the bearing channel; a second surface opposing the first surface, the second surface including at least one carriage ramp, the carriage ramp configured to engage the at least one base ramp; and a retaining member configured to cover a least a portion of the first surface and retain the ball bearings in the carriage member. |
| US09599152B2 |
Compact squeeze film damper bearing
A bearing assembly for a rotary machine is disclosed herein. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, a squeeze film cylinder, a damper spring, and a journal bearing. The squeeze film cylinder is located within the bearing housing. The damper spring includes a first portion, a second portion, and a spring portion. The first portion is located proximal the first end. The second portion is located proximal the second end. The spring portion extends axially between the first portion and the second portion and is located within the bearing housing. |
| US09599148B2 |
Thermal spray coating for connecting rod small end
A connecting rod having a small end and a large end, the small end including a pin bore defined by a pin bore surface. A thermal spray coating applied to at least a portion of the pin bore surface and a method of applying the thermal spray coating to the pin bore surface using a thermal spray technique. |
| US09599145B2 |
Magnetic clasp animal leash assembly
A magnetic clasp animal leash assembly for connecting to an animal collar having at least one metallic leash attachment ring defining an aperture. The assembly having a first member and a second member moveable with respect to one another between a closed position and an open position. The two members have an internal surface creating an aperture in a closed state. Outer ends of the two members are spaced from one another creating a clear passage with respect to the internal surface defining the aperture in an opened state. A magnet is located opposite from the clear passage proximate to the internal surface of the aperture. An actuator assembly is engageable with the two members to drive the two members toward the open position. |
| US09599136B2 |
Fastening system
Disclosed is a fastening system (10) for fastening two first and second profile bars (16, 18) which have a first and second groove (12, 14) respectively, comprising a fastening body (20) that has feather-key-like first and second projections (30, 32) which extend into first and second groove openings (34, 36) in the assembled state, the projections (30, 32) being provided with first and second screw bores respectively which extend into one of the respective groove openings (34, 36) in jaw-like manner, the respective first and second hammer heads each being freeform heads which impart a twist, the first and second shafts being located partially within the groove openings (34, 36) in the assembled state and first and second noses being arranged approximately diagonally to each other at each hammer head screw (22, 24) at the transition between hammer head and shaft, which noses lie against the jaw-like screw bores (38, 40) in the assembled state so as to inhibit rotation. |
| US09599135B1 |
Fastening apparatus and method for fastening a component to a material of an accessory
A fastening apparatus includes a first part comprising a plurality of first projections and a plurality of first holes. A washer part comprises a plurality of second holes corresponding to the plurality of first projections and a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of first holes. The washer part and the first part are positioned on a first side of a first material of a product. A second part having a plurality of second projections is positioned on a second side of the first material. Each of the plurality of second projections penetrates a respective opening of the washer part, wherein penetration by each second projection of the corresponding opening causes a deformation of a portion of a second material of the washer part proximate to the corresponding opening. |
| US09599134B2 |
Profile clamp
A profile clamp is disclosed having an annular clamping band that comprises two circumferential ends having respectively one tensioning head (6) and, at its axial ends, flanks sloped radially inwards, wherein the tensioning heads (6) are connected to one another by a tensioning device and at least one tensioning head (6) comprises a head contact tab (10).The object is to reduce the requirements for precision during installation.For this purpose, it is provided that the head contact tab (10) projects past the tensioning head (6) on at least one side in an axial direction. |
| US09599133B2 |
Jewelry clasp
A jewelry clasp comprises a male member having prong. A distal groove of the prong is configured to glide into a bore slot of a female member. A barrier wall within the bore slot is configured to stop the prong. One or more safety pegs are configured to retract a spring held in place by a housing beam peg and support beam peg as the prong glides into the bore slot. |
| US09599129B2 |
Automatic transmission for vehicle
A vehicle automatic transmission of a multistage type includes multiple engagement elements having an engagement state switched by an oil pressure to selectively establish a plurality of shift stages based on a combination of engagement and release of the multiple engagement elements according to an oil pressure supplied from a hydraulic circuit, each of the shift stages being established by engagement of two or more engagement elements of the multiple engagement elements, at least one of the multiple engagement elements being a normally closed engagement element engaged when no oil pressure is supplied from the hydraulic circuit, and the normally closed engagement element being a meshing engagement element. |
| US09599122B2 |
Blower fan
In a blower fan according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a side wall portion includes a tongue portion arranged to project between an air outlet and an impeller. A side surface of the tongue portion includes a tongue portion tip arranged to touch a first imaginary plane including a central axis; a first tongue portion side surface arranged to extend from the tongue portion tip along an outer envelope of the impeller; and a second tongue portion side surface arranged to extend from the tongue portion tip toward a side edge, the side edge being a line of intersection of the air outlet and the side wall portion. The second tongue portion side surface is arranged to cross a second imaginary plane including the central axis and touching the side edge. |
| US09599120B2 |
Impeller for centrifugal pump and centrifugal pump of vehicle washer device
An impeller for a centrifugal pump comprising a boss supported by a rotation shaft of a motor so as to be rotatable as a unit with the rotation shaft; and a plurality of blades that extend from the boss towards a radial direction outside of the boss, and that discharge liquid towards a leading end side thereof by rotating; wherein each blade comprises one side face that is a face on a first side in a rotation direction of the impeller and includes a projecting face that projects from a base end portion at a boss side of the one side face towards the first side in the rotation direction with respect to a line that connects the base end portion and a center of rotation of the blades. |
| US09599119B2 |
Bearing device for turbocharger
A bearing for a turbocharger includes a bearing housing having a bearing portion of the turbocharger, a rotor shaft penetrating the interior of the bearing housing, a floating bush interposed between the bearing portion and the rotor shaft and configured to supply lubricating oil to an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface via an oil supply hole interconnecting the outer and inner peripheral surfaces, and a pressure receiving part for generating pressure by catching the flow of the lubricating oil, which is provided at a position on the inner peripheral surface of the floating bush not communicating with the oil supply hole. |
| US09599116B1 |
Air particle collection pad adhered to fan blade
A ceiling fan has a plurality of blades with upper and lower surfaces. Each blade has side edges and arcuate convex interior and exterior edges forming a blade periphery. A plurality of similarly configured pads have upper and lower surfaces. Each pad has side and interior and exterior edges forming a pad periphery. The pads are fabricated of a synthetic microfiber material. Each peel strip of a plurality of peel strips has a size and shape of an associated pad. An adhesive is in contact with the lower surface of each pad removably coupling the lower surface of each pad to a peel strip. The peel strips are adapted to be removed from the pads and the pads removably coupled to the upper surfaces of the blades. |
| US09599115B2 |
Series fan
A series fan includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan has a first frame, a second frame and a first flow passage. The second fan has a third frame, a fourth frame and a second flow passage. A first static blade is disposed at the first frame, while a second static blade is disposed at the fourth frame. A first dynamic blade assembly is disposed in the first flow passage, while a second dynamic blade assembly is disposed in the second flow passage. The second frame is assembled with the third frame. The first and second static blades serve to enhance the support strength and protection effect for the series fan. In addition, the first and second dynamic blade assemblies can be designed with an increased aerodynamic volume. |
| US09599114B2 |
Modular cross flow fan and air conditioning device
A modular cross flow fan comprises a housing, a cross flow fan and a motor. The housing has an upper wall, a lower wall and two side boards. The housing is formed with an accommodating space, an inflow opening and an outflow opening. The direction of inflow and the direction of outflow lie in a line. The cross flow fan is disposed in the accommodating space. The motor is disposed at the housing and connected to the cross flow fan. Furthermore, an air conditioning device is provided, comprising modular cross flow fan, a flow channel and a heat exchanger. The flow channel is joined to the inflow opening. The heat exchanger is disposed in the flow channel proximal to the inflow opening. Ambient air can flow horizontally through the flow channel, the inflow opening, and into the housing. |
| US09599110B2 |
Gas pumping and treatment device
A device for pumping and treating gases is disclosed. The device features a stator having a plurality of pumping stages connected in series one after another between a suction side and a delivery side by the inter-stage ducts. The device also includes an inner tube and a blind outer tube, the tubes inserted one inside the other and made of ceramic material, the inner tube connected to the delivery side of the rotor housing of a pumping stage and the outer tube connected to the stator and communicating with at least one inter-stage duct formed in the stator, the tubes defining a path for the pumped gases. The device also includes a plasma source located outside the stator to generate a plasma in the path of the pumped gases. |
| US09599107B2 |
System and method for controlling a hydrostatic drive unit of a work vehicle using a combination of closed-loop and open-loop control
A method for controlling a hydrostatic drive unit of a work vehicle may generally include determining a reference swashplate position of a hydraulic pump of the hydrostatic drive unit, wherein the reference swashplate position is associated with an uncompensated current command, and determining an actual swashplate position of the hydraulic pump, wherein the actual swashplate position differs from the reference swashplate position due to a loading condition of the work vehicle. The method may also include determining a closed-loop current command based a on the actual and reference swashplate positions and generating a modified current command based on the uncompensated current command and/or the closed-loop current command. The modified current command may differ from the closed-loop current command when an operator input is within a predetermined control input range and may be equal to the closed-Loop current command when the operator input is outside the predetermined control input range. |
| US09599105B2 |
Oil supply system
An oil supply system may include a first hydraulic pump pumping oil to a low pressure portion through a first main line, a second hydraulic pump pumping oil to a high pressure portion through a second main line, first and second check valves that are respectively disposed at one side of the first and second main lines, a first convert valve supply the oil flowing the second main line to the low pressure portion depending on the pressure of oil that is transferred from a front side of the first check valve of the first main line, and a second convert valve supplying oil flowing the first main line to the high pressure portion depending on the pressure of oil that is transferred from a front side of the second check valve of the second main line. |
| US09599099B2 |
Thermal-powered device using memory alloy sheets
The present invention discloses a device capable of converting thermal energy into kinetic energy, in particular a thermal-powered device, including a housing (1) and a transmission device (2) disposed in the housing (1). Alloy sheets (3) are disposed at the transmission device (2). The housing (1) is formed with a heat source interface (6). In the present invention, thermal energy or other energy in the automobile exhaust gas is converted into kinetic energy output by virtue of the memory function of memory alloys, thus reducing emission of greenhouse gas, protecting the atmosphere environment, and conforming to the strategies and policies of economy of energy, environmental protection, and harmonious development between man and nature. |
| US09599096B2 |
Over-rating control of wind turbines and power plants
A wind turbine power plant comprises a plurality of wind turbines, each having a rated output and under the control of a power plant controller. The power plant also has a rated output which may be over-rated in response to one or more electricity pricing data, power plant age and operator demand. This may comprise a schedule of output set point changes which effect seasonal or intraday changes in electricity prices or which reflect aging of the power plant. It may also reflect the price of electricity on spot or futures markets. Once the over-rating of the power plant has been set, the output may be increased by over-rating individual turbines or operating turbines at rated power if the sum of the rated outputs of the turbines exceeds or is equal to the new power plant output set point. |
| US09599095B2 |
Wind turbine
A wind turbine includes a turbine housing, a turbine wheel system housed in the turbine housing, and a wind power converting system for converting kinetic energy generated by the turbine wheel system into electrical energy. The turbine wheel system includes a turbine rotor being driven to rotate circumferentially around an interior of the turbine housing, and a rail frame guiding a rotational movement of a turbine rotor. The wind turbine not only allows airflow to move across and through the turbine wheel system but also allows airflow to be directed and exhausted to maximize and control energy generation. The wind turbine is able to efficiently convert wind power to electrical power via a turbine wheel system which allows for the load generated to be distributed across the circumference of the turbine wheel system instead of localized in the center as the traditional wind turbine. |
| US09599092B2 |
Wind generator system with multiple turbines
A system for generating wind energy or wind power through multiple wind turbines. Each wind turbine can be smaller than a single conventional wind turbine. A series of wind turbines are mechanically connected by a chain, cable, or similar mechanical linkage to each other and to a single generator, which is located elsewhere (i.e., not in the nacelle or on the turbine tower). This permits the size and weight of each turbine to be reduced, resulting in the ability to generate electricity at lower wind speeds (e.g., where the wind speed is below the cut-in wind speed of 4 m/s or 9 mph for conventional wind turbines). The reduction in size and weight also reduces the inertia of each turbine, increasing its efficiency. |
| US09599091B2 |
Hydraulic actuation unit, particularly for controlling the starting and stopping of hydraulic motors
A hydraulic actuation unit for controlling the starting and stopping of hydraulic motors includes a first main circuit and a second main circuit, a first recirculation circuit and a second recirculation circuit, a counterbalancing valve, which includes a shuttle, and a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel. The shuttle includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve includes at least one first flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The second check valve includes at least one second flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The first and second check valves respectively are provided with first damping means and second damping means in order to slow down the passage movement respectively of the first flow control element and of the second flow control element. |
| US09599086B2 |
Fuel system control
A method of controlling a fuel system includes determining the opening of a pressure relief valve and initiating a reseat strategy for the valve. The fuel system comprises a source of high pressure fuel and a pressure relief valve having at least one inlet fluidly coupled to the source of high pressure fuel and at least one outlet. The pressure relief valve has a closed position and at least one open position in which fuel is able to pass from the inlet to the outlet. The method comprises the steps of continuously measuring the pressure of the fuel in the fuel source, determining whether the pressure relief valve is in an open position, and generating an open signal if it is determined that the pressure relief valve is in an open position. |
| US09599085B2 |
Engine fuel injection device
A fuel injection device injects fuel per each cylinder in an engine having a plurality of cylinders #1 and #2. At a time of engine actuation, start timings of fuel injections are shifted per each cylinder and times within one rotation of a crankshaft is set as the injection start timings for all cylinders. At least the initial fuel injection is performed before cylinder discrimination. |
| US09599083B2 |
Fuel injection valve
In a fuel injection valve used in an internal combustion engine, fuel spray travel distance is shortened.There is provided a fuel injection valve including a seat member, in which the seat member includes a conical seat surface that seats fuel by coming in contact with a valve body, and inlet opening portions of a plurality of fuel injection holes on the conical seat surface, and is configured such that an axis of the injection hole connecting the centers of an inlet and an outlet of the fuel injection hole is along a plurality of different conical surfaces, and in which, in an outlet section that is configured of a plane parallel to an inlet section of the inlet opening portion of the fuel injection hole and is positioned at the outlet of the fuel injection hole, the seat member includes the injection hole in which a major axis direction of an ellipse of the outlet section has an inclination angle of greater than 0 degrees with respect to a straight line in a fuel injection direction, which is obtained by projecting the axis of the injection hole on the outlet section, and an inclination angle of a degree before being perpendicular to the straight line in the fuel injection direction. |
| US09599079B2 |
Motor vehicle assembly unit and method for the production of the motor vehicle assembly unit
A motor vehicle assembly unit having a connector, in particular a quick connector, and having a motor vehicle fluid line, wherein the connector includes an insertion end for inserting the fluid line, wherein there is a securing spike on the insertion end, which is encompassed by an outer sleeve. An annular insertion space for the fluid line or a fluid line end of the fluid line is disposed between the securing spike and the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is connected to the securing spike by means of at least one break-away element, that breaks when the fluid line is inserted in the annular insertion space, such that the outer sleeve can be slid onto the securing spike, or further slid onto the securing spike from, or with, the fluid line. |
| US09599075B2 |
Bidirectional valved aspirator for surge control and vacuum generation
An aspirator coupled between an inlet of a compressor and an engine intake manifold may include sonic/supersonic expansion curves for both forward and reverse flow through the aspirator. Suction flow may enter a first entraining port coupling an ambient side of the aspirator with a vacuum source during reverse flow through the aspirator, whereas suction flow may enter a second entraining port coupling a manifold side of the aspirator with the vacuum source, the first entraining port counter sunk relative to a nominal slope of the aspirator to reduce flow disruption caused by the port during forward flow through the aspirator. A radial-flow aspirator shut-off valve arranged in series with the aspirator may be controlled to enable or disable motive flow through the aspirator, and motive flow may enter the valve in a direction perpendicular to a motive flow axis of the aspirator when the valve is open. |
| US09599071B2 |
Systems and methods for canister filter diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a filter integrated within a fuel vapor canister. In one example, a method may include diagnosing restriction of a canister filter based on a duration to reduce a pressure in an evaporative emissions control system including the canister to a reference pressure, and further based on an initial pressure difference across the canister when a canister purge valve is opened when the evaporative emissions control system is at the reference pressure. |
| US09599070B2 |
System and method for oxidant compression in a stoichiometric exhaust gas recirculation gas turbine system
A system includes a gas turbine system having a turbine combustor, a turbine driven by combustion products from the turbine combustor, and an exhaust gas compressor driven by the turbine. The exhaust gas compressor is configured to compress and supply an exhaust gas to the turbine combustor. The gas turbine system also has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system is configured to recirculate the exhaust gas along an exhaust recirculation path from the turbine to the exhaust gas compressor. The system further includes a main oxidant compression system having one or more oxidant compressors. The one or more oxidant compressors are separate from the exhaust gas compressor, and the one or more oxidant compressors are configured to supply all compressed oxidant utilized by the turbine combustor in generating the combustion products. |
| US09599067B2 |
Attachment structure for solenoid valve to carburetor unit
An attachment structure for a solenoid valve which can be stably attached to and removed from a carburetor unit with a single movement and without increasing the number of parts. A rod-like supporting portion is disposed a predetermined distance away from a surface of a carburetor unit and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of and installed near an opening in the surface of the carburetor unit. A cylindrical engaging portion extends from a circumferential face of a cylindrical body fitted on the solenoid valve substantially perpendicular to an axial line of the rod-like supporting portion, and forms a groove-like engagement portion which is narrower in diameter than the rod-like supporting portion, whereby the engaging portion, via the groove-like engagement portion, is coupled to and supported by rod-like supporting portion when an insertion portion of the solenoid valve is inserted into the opening. |
| US09599065B2 |
Continuous detonation wave engine and aircraft provided with such an engine
The invention relates to a continuous detonation wave engine and aircraft provided with such an engine. The continuous detonation wave engine (1) operates with a detonation mixture of fuel and oxidant and includes, in particular, a detonation chamber (3) comprising an injection base (10), the length of which is defined along an open line (17), such as to form a detonation chamber (3) having an elongate form in a transverse plane, as well as an injection system (4) arranged such as to inject the fuel/oxidant mixture into the detonation chamber (3) at at least one segment of the injection base (10). |
| US09599062B2 |
Method of pilot injection control
Various methods and systems are provided for adjusting a pilot injection during initial engine operation from vehicle manufacture. In one example, a method comprises delivering a first proportion of fuel as the pilot injection, and only decreasing the first proportion of fuel responsive to learning an injector flow characteristic. |
| US09599059B2 |
Fuel pressure control for engine fuel systems
An apparatus includes an input module structured to interpret a fuel pressure command indicative of a target fuel pressure within an accumulator and a target fuel injection characteristic, a pump module structured to control a pump assembly to provide fuel to the accumulator to maintain the target fuel pressure within the accumulator, an injector module structured to control a plurality of fuel injectors to inject fuel into an engine based on the target fuel injection characteristic, a pressure module structured to interpret pressure data regarding an actual fuel pressure within the accumulator and to determine a pressure difference between the target fuel pressure and the actual fuel pressure, and a modulation module structured to determine a final fuel injection command responsive to the pressure difference exceeding a first magnitude threshold where the final fuel injection command is based on the pressure difference and the target fuel injection characteristic. |
| US09599058B2 |
Control device of gasoline direct-injection engine
A control device of a gasoline direct-injection engine is provided. The control device includes an engine body, an injector, and a controller. Within a high load operating range, the controller causes the injector to perform a pre-injection and a post injection. In the pre-injection, the fuel is injected to cause a fuel concentration within an in-cylinder radially peripheral section to be higher than a fuel concentration within an in-cylinder radially central section at a timing for the fuel to ignite. In the post injection, the fuel is injected to cause the fuel concentration within the radially central section to be higher than the fuel concentration within the radially peripheral section at a timing for the fuel to ignite. The timing for the fuel injected in the post injection to ignite is after an oxidative reaction of the fuel injected in the pre-injection occurs and after a compression top dead center. |
| US09599055B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine
The sulfur poisoning of a three-way catalyst is intended to be detected with a high degree of accuracy. It is determined whether the sulfur poisoning of the three-way catalyst is made to be recovered, or a determination is made that the degree of sulfur poisoning of the three-way catalyst is higher when the concentration of NOx detected by an NOx sensor is high than when it is low, based on the concentration of NOx downstream of the three-way catalyst after the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the three-way catalyst has been made to change from a rich air fuel ratio to a lean air fuel ratio and before the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing out of the three-way catalyst changes to a lean air fuel ratio. |
| US09599053B2 |
Model predictive control systems and methods for internal combustion engines
A torque requesting module generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input. A torque conversion module converts the first torque request into a second torque request. A model predictive control (MPC) module determines a set of target values based on the second torque request, a model of the engine, and a matrix having dimensions of (m+n) by (m+n). n is an integer greater than zero that is equal to a number of lower boundary constraints used in the determination of the set of target values. m is an integer greater than zero that is equal to a number of constraints used in the determination of the set of target values other than the lower boundary constraints. An actuator module controls opening of an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values. |
| US09599049B2 |
Engine speed control systems and methods
A target engine speed module selectively sets M target engine speeds for M future times, respectively, based on one of increasing and decreasing an engine speed. A prediction module, based on a set of possible target values for the M future times and a model of an engine, determines M predicted engine speeds for the M future times, respectively. A cost module determines a cost for the set of possible target values based on comparisons of the M predicted engine speeds for the M future times with the M target engine speeds for the M future times, respectively. A selection module, based on the cost, selects the set of possible target values from a group including the set of possible target values and N other sets of possible target values, and sets target values based on the selected set of possible target values. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values. |
| US09599048B2 |
Methods and systems for cylinder bank misfire detection and reactivation
Various systems and methods are described for deactivation and reactivation of a cylinder bank in a V-engine. In one example, the cylinder bank is deactivated responsive to an indication of misfire based on crankshaft acceleration and exhaust air fuel ratio. The cylinder bank is reactivated sequentially based on exhaust catalyst temperature. |
| US09599047B2 |
Combination cylinder state and transmission gear control systems and methods
A firing module determines a target number of activated cylinders of an engine based on a torque request and a present gear ratio of a transmission. A combination identification module, based on the torque request, identifies a combination including a possible number of activated cylinders and a possible transmission gear ratio, wherein at least one of: the possible number of activated cylinders is different than the target number of activated cylinders; and the possible transmission gear ratio is different than the present gear ratio of the transmission. A transitioning module, when a second fuel consumption for the possible number of activated cylinders and the possible transmission gear ratio is less than a first fuel consumption for the target number of activated cylinders and the present gear ratio, selectively: transitions the target number of activated cylinders to the possible number of activated cylinders; and transitions a target gear ratio of the transmission to the possible transmission gear ratio. An activation/deactivation module controls cylinder activation and deactivation based on the target number of activated cylinders. |
| US09599044B2 |
Control apparatus for engine having turbocharger and method thereof
An control apparatus and method for an engine having a turbocharger may include determining a load condition of the engine by a controller, and opening and closing an intake valve, a throttle valve, and a wastegate valve by the controller according to the load condition of the engine, where a combustion chamber generates power by combusting a fuel, an intake valve adjusts an air/fuel mixed gas flowed into the combustion chamber, a continuously variable valve timing apparatus advances or retards an opening/closing timing of the intake valve, a turbocharger having a turbine and a compressor compressing air flowed into the combustion chamber, a throttle valve adjusting air supplied to the combustion chamber, a wastegate valve adjusting the exhaust gas flowed into the turbine, and a controller controlling the intake valve, the throttle valve, and the wastegate valve according to a load region of the engine. |
| US09599040B2 |
Fuel apportionment for multi fuel engine system
A method for controlling fuel flow in a multi fuel engine is disclosed. An input power for operating the multi fuel engine at a desired engine speed is determined and a fuel flow rate based on the input power, one or more fuel properties and a specified fuel substitution ratio for apportioning the plurality of fuels is determined. Also, a correction factor for the fuel flow rate based on a desired charge density, wherein the desired charge density is based at least on a relationship between an engine load and charge density is determined and a corrected fuel flow rate, based on the determined correction factor, is output to a corresponding actuator of a fluid flow control device for the one of the fuels to cause the corresponding actuator to provide the one of the plurality of fuels at the corrected fuel flow rate. |
| US09599039B2 |
Control device for a flow of intake gas and/or recirculated exhaust gases in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine and corresponding intake module
A control device for a flow of intake gas and/or recirculated exhaust gases in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and for an intake module comprising at least one pipe which is arranged so as to supply the cylinder is disclosed. The control device comprises a means for sealing, and a means for deactivating at least one pipe which is able to be controlled between a first position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the intake gases (F) and a second position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the recirculated exhaust gases. The means for sealing is configured so as to be displaced as a result of the difference in pressure between the intake and the exhaust on both sides of the means for sealing between a locked position of the means for deactivating in the first position, and a position of release of the means for deactivating. |
| US09599037B2 |
Control apparatus of internal combustion engine
A control apparatus of an internal combustion engine which is capable of a lean burn operation and which includes a catalyst which is provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and which has an oxidizing ability, a supercharger; an in-passage injection valve which injects fuel into an intake passage; an in-cylinder injection valve which injects fuel into a cylinder, and a variable valve apparatus which changes at least one of an opening timing of an intake valve and a closing timing of an exhaust valve. The control apparatus performs creating a valve overlap that is a state where the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine are opened, completing an injection of fuel from the in-passage injection valve during a period in which the intake valve is closed, and completing an injection of fuel from the in-cylinder injection valve during an intake stroke when intake air pressure of the internal combustion engine is higher than atmospheric pressure. |
| US09599033B2 |
Application of probabilistic control in gas turbine tuning for fuel flow-exhaust energy parameters, related control systems, computer program products and methods
Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective fuel flow value to match a nominal fuel flow value, and subsequently measuring an actual exhaust energy value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual exhaust energy value and a nominal exhaust energy value at the ambient condition. |
| US09599032B2 |
Application of probabilistic control in gas turbine tuning for emissions-fuel flow parameters, related control systems, computer program products and methods
Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective emissions value to match a nominal emissions value, and subsequently measuring an actual fuel flow value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual fuel flow value and a nominal fuel flow value at the ambient condition. |
| US09599029B2 |
Application of probabilistic control in gas turbine tuning for fuel flow-emissions parameters, related control systems, computer program products and methods
Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective fuel flow to match a nominal fuel flow value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition. |
| US09599028B2 |
Bulk flame temperature regulator for dry low emission engines
Systems and methods for regulating a bulk flame temperature in a dry low emission (DLE) engine are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method may include measuring an exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and determining a target EGT. The target EGT is determined based at least in part on a compressor bleed air flow percentage and a combustor burning mode. The method may include calculating a bias based at least in part on the EGT and the target EGT and applying the bias to a bulk flame temperature schedule. The method may include regulating one or more staging valves and compressor bleeds of the DLE engine based at least in part on the bulk flame temperature schedule. The bulk flame temperature schedule is mapped to parameters of the staging valves and compressor bleeds to reduce nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions. |
| US09599027B2 |
Application of probabilistic control in gas turbine tuning for emissions-exhaust energy parameters, related control systems, computer program products and methods
Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective emissions value to match a nominal emissions value, and subsequently measuring an actual exhaust energy value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual exhaust energy value and a nominal exhaust energy value at the ambient condition. |
| US09599021B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling stoichiometric combustion in low emission turbine systems
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for controlling the oxidant feed in low emission turbine systems to maintain stoichiometric or substantially stoichiometric combustion conditions. In one or more embodiments, such control is achieved by diverting a portion of the recirculating exhaust gas and combining it with the oxidant feed to maintain a constant oxygen level in the combined oxidant-exhaust stream fed to the combustion chamber. |
| US09599012B2 |
Charge air cooler cover and turbocharger bracket
A charge air cooler cover includes a nozzle configured for connection to an outlet of a compressor for receiving charge air, a tray configured for connection to an inlet of a charge air cooler, and a plenum leading from the nozzle to a plurality of passages defined by a plurality of ribs. The plurality of passages connects the plenum to the tray. The ribs and the tray are arranged to achieve substantially uniform charge air velocity across the inlet of the charge air cooler, in at least one mode of operation. |
| US09599011B2 |
Electric coolant pump diagnostic systems and methods
A pump current module determines a first current flowing through an electric engine coolant pump based on a coolant valve position. A current error module receives a second current flowing through the electric engine coolant pump measured using a current sensor and determines a current error based on a difference between the first current and the second current. A fault module indicates whether a fault is present based on the current error. |
| US09599008B2 |
Thermal isolation disc for silencer
A thermal isolation disc for an exhaust silencer includes a first ring configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe defining a center axis, a second ring configured for attachment to a composite outer housing of a silencer, and a gasket sandwiched between the first and second rings. |
| US09599006B2 |
Catalyst oxygen storage capacity adjustment systems and methods
A system for a vehicle includes an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) determination module, a delay determination module, a correction module, and a fault detection module. The OSC determination module determines an OSC period of a catalyst of an exhaust system based on first and second amounts of oxygen measured using first and second oxygen sensors located upstream and downstream of the catalyst, respectively. The delay determination module determines a delay period of the second oxygen sensor. The correction module sets a corrected OSC period for the catalyst based on a difference between the OSC period and the delay period. The fault detection module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the catalyst based on the corrected OSC period. |
| US09599005B2 |
Systems and methods for on-board diagnostics of a particulate matter filter
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining a health value of a catalyzed diesel particulate filter using a midbed temperature of the catalyzed diesel particulate filter and a reference temperature. |