| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09659179B1 |
Access control
A method and computing system for receiving, on a computing device, an access request from an application executing within an operating environment. The access request requests access to data associated with the operating environment. One or more temporal access options are presented to a user in response to the access request. A selected temporal access option is received from the user, chosen from the one or more temporal access options. Temporal access rights are granted to the application based, at least in part, upon the selected temporal access option. |
| US09659176B1 |
Systems and methods for generating repair scripts that facilitate remediation of malware side-effects
The disclosed computer-implemented method for generating repair scripts that facilitate remediation of malware side-effects may include (1) identifying a potentially malicious file located on a computing system, (2) determining at least one potential side-effect of the potentially malicious file, (3) generating, based at least in part on the potential side-effect of the potentially malicious file, a repair script that facilitates remediation of the potential side-effect, and then (4) remedying the potential side-effect by directing the computing system to execute the repair script. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09659175B2 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying and removing malicious applications
A system, method, and apparatus for identifying and removing malicious applications are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an analysis server configured to receive from an executable application operating on a client device a data structure including information identifying processes operating on the client device during a time period and analyze the data structure to identify a malicious application by determining which of the processes on the client device were triggered after an application server was accessed by the executable application and identifying processes associated with the malicious application by comparing the determined processes to records of processes of a device similarly configured as the client device. The apparatus also includes a remover configured to determine files on the client device that are associated with the identified malicious application and transmit instructions to the executable application causing the executable application to remove the malicious application from operation on the client device. |
| US09659173B2 |
Method for detecting a malware
System and method for determining, by a security application, whether an examined software code is a malware, according to which the system detects whenever the examined process code performs system calls and further detects a call site. Pieces of code in the surrounding area of the site and/or in branches related to the site are analyzed and the properties of the analyzed pieces of code are compared with a predefined software code patterns, for determining whether the examined process code corresponds to one of the predefined software code patterns. Then the examined process code is classified according to the comparison results. |
| US09659172B2 |
System and method of preventing execution of undesirable programs
Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling execution of programs on a computer. An exemplary method includes detecting an unknown program installed on a computer; identifying undesirable actions performed by the unknown program on the computer, wherein the undesirable actions include at least one of: actions performed by the program without knowledge of a user, actions for accessing personal user data on the computer, and actions effecting user's working with other programs or operating system of the computer determining whether the unknown program is undesirable or not based on the identified undesirable actions of the program; when the unknown program is determined be undesirable, prompting the user to select whether to allow or prohibit execution of the undesirable program on the computer; and when the unknown program is determined not to be undesirable, allowing execution of the unknown program on the computer. |
| US09659167B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method for entering password thereof
A handheld electronic device and a method for entering a password thereof are provided. The method includes following steps. Motion change information of the handheld electronic device in three-axis directions is detected. One current candidate password information in a plurality of candidate password information is provided to display on a display screen according to the motion change information. The current candidate password information is set as a selected password information according to a selection operation. |
| US09659166B2 |
Risk-based credential management
Risk-based credential management is provided. A request to checkout credentials is received. The credentials are associated with at least one managed resource. A risk value of the request is determined. The determination of the risk value is based, at least in part, on risk information of the requesting device. A determination is made whether to deny the request based, at least in part, on the risk value and a first predetermined threshold of a checkout policy. |
| US09659160B2 |
System and methods for authentication using multiple devices
A system and method of authentication using an authenticator computing device and at least two registered user devices is described. In operation, the authenticator computing device receives a request to access a resource from one of a plurality of user devices registered to a user. The authenticator computing device generates an authentication challenge in response to the request and the authentication challenge is then transmitted to a subset of the plurality of user devices. One or more of the user devices then subsequently generates and transmits a response to the authentication challenge to the authenticator computing device. The authenticator computing device then determines whether the responses received from the one or more user devices in the subset constitutes a valid response and then grants one or more of the user devices access to the resource if the responses received from the user devices constitutes a valid response to the authentication challenge. |
| US09659159B2 |
Sleep data chain of custody
A wearable device includes one or more biometric sensors, each of the one or more biometric sensors gathering biological data from a wearer of the wearable device, the wearable device further having a computer processor for receiving the biological data from the one or more biometric sensors and generating biometric information based on the biological data and according one or more biometrical algorithms, the biometric information including validation information to validate the wearer as a source of the biological data gathered by each of the one or more sensors, the biometric information further including sleep information to provide a sleep profile of the wearer. |
| US09659158B2 |
Technologies for determining confidence of user authentication
Technologies for determining a confidence of user authentication include authenticating a user of a computing device based on a set of authentication factors and a fusion function that fuses the set of authentication factors to generate an authentication result. A false accept rate and a false reject rate of the authentication result is determined, and an authentication confidence for the authentication result is determined. The authentication of the user is performed passively, without interruption or interruption of the user. If the authentication confidence is below a threshold value, an active authentication procedure may be performed. |
| US09659156B1 |
Systems and methods for protecting virtual machine program code
A computer-implemented method for protecting virtual machine program code may include (1) identifying one or more software program functions developed for execution in a virtual machine to be protected against reverse engineering, (2) converting one or more of the software program functions to native code for the computing device, (3) obtaining a memory address of one or more virtual machine functions, (4) generating one or more at least partially random alphanumeric values to identify the memory address of the virtual machine functions, (5) invoking the converted native code using a native code interface for the virtual machine, and (6) invoking one or more of the virtual machine functions from the converted native code using the alphanumeric value. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09659154B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, method of administrating license, and program
An information processing system that includes a service providing unit providing a service to an apparatus associated with a license; and a license administration unit administrating a provisionally registered license or a registered license, wherein the service providing unit includes a second memory storing a copy of license information, and an activation unit that receives a request to activate the license from the apparatus, activates the provisionally registered license or associates the registered license with the identification information of the apparatus, and requests a change of the license information stored in the second memory unit to be reflected on the license information stored in the first memory unit, wherein the activation unit adjusts a quantity of the identification information of the apparatus associated with the registered license based on the quantity of the apparatus by which a service included in the license information is made usable. |
| US09659153B2 |
System for tracking biological samples
Systems, methods, and apparatus are described for the handling of biological specimens for analysis. The systems, methods and apparatus are designed to reduce errors in misidentification, incorrect processing, and recordkeeping and reporting. The systems, methods, and apparatus can also provide real time tracking of samples at any stage, from collection to processing to analyzing to storage. |
| US09659150B2 |
Method for assessing cognitive function and predicting cognitive decline through quantitative assessment of the TUG test
Methods and systems may provide for cognitive decline prediction or assessment. Baseline and follow-up inertial sensor data may be received from one or more inertial sensors attached to a person. Baseline and follow-up data indicative of cognitive decline may be received from the person. An indication of cognitive decline may be determined based on the baseline and follow-up cognitive decline data. A classifier function for predicting cognitive decline may be trained with the baseline inertial sensor data and the indication of cognitive decline. A classifier function for assessing cognitive decline may be trained with the baseline inertial sensor data, a difference between the baseline inertial sensor data and follow-up inertial sensor data, and the indication of cognitive decline. |
| US09659147B2 |
Virtual physician office systems and methods
Electronic records are formatted according to recipient addresses. When an electronic database record is received by a server or other device, the electronic database record has any formatting, herein termed a legacy format. The electronic database record is destined for delivery to device identified by a recipient address. The recipient address is associated with a software agent that reformats the legacy format into a different format. The electronic database record is thus reformatted according to software agent associated with the recipient address. A reformatted database record is thus sent to the recipient address, and the reformatted database record has the different format. |
| US09659142B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for trace warping for electronic designs
Disclosed are techniques for implementing trace warping for electronic designs. These techniques identify a portion of an electronic design including a set of signals of interest corresponding to a plurality of simulation combinations over a range of clock cycles in a trace display. A pair of matching simulation combinations is identified from one or more pairs of matching simulation combinations for the set of signals of interest; and a first clock cycle and a second clock cycle corresponding to the pair of matching simulation combinations are identified in the range of clock cycles. A plurality of clock cycles between the first clock cycle and the second clock cycle can be compressed in the trace display. |
| US09659137B2 |
Method of verifying layout of mask ROM
A method of verifying a layout of a mask read only memory (ROM) includes: receiving source ROM code, bitmap data, and layout design data of the mask ROM; generating coordinate data of a bit determining unit based on the layout design data; and determining an error cell based on the coordinate data of the bit determining unit, the bitmap data, and the source ROM code. |
| US09659131B2 |
Copper feature design for warpage control of substrates
An approach is provided in which a laminate substrate includes top layers, bottom layers, and a core layer. The top layers are positioned between the core layer and a top surface metallurgy (TSM) layer and include at least one top conductive layer. The bottom layers are positioned between the core layer and a bottom surface metallurgy (BSM) layer and include at least one bottom conductive layer includes a material void pattern that is based upon the top conductive layer and reduces warpage of the laminate substrate. |
| US09659126B2 |
Modeling pattern dependent effects for a 3-D virtual semiconductor fabrication environment
Improving semiconductor device fabrication by enabling the identification and modeling of pattern dependent effects of fabrication processes is discussed. In one embodiment a local mask is generated from a 3-D model of a semiconductor device structure that was created in a 3-D virtual semiconductor fabrication environment from 2-D design layout data and a fabrication process sequence. The local mask is combined with a global mask based on the original design layout data to create a combined mask. The combined mask is convolved with at least one proximity function to generate a loading map which may be used to modify the behavior of one or more processes in the process sequence. This behavior modification enables the 3-D virtual semiconductor fabrication environment to deliver more accurate 3-D models that better predict the 3-D device structure when performing the virtual semiconductor device fabrication that serves as a prelude to physical fabrication. |
| US09659122B2 |
Aerodynamic design optimization using information extracted from analysis of unstructured surface meshes
A computer-implemented method of analyzing data representing the optimization of real-world designs of physical entities according to at least one criterion. Different modifications of the design are generated by a cyclic optimization algorithm. The design data is represented by unstructured triangular surface meshes. A displacement measure representing local differences between two design modifications of the different modifications is calculated. Performance difference between the two design modifications is calculated. The performance difference is represented by at least one criterion. Sensitivity information representing correlation between the displacement measure and the performance differences is outputted. |
| US09659120B2 |
Baseband equivalent volterra series for digital predistortion in multi-band power amplifiers
Methods, systems and apparatus for modelling a power amplifier and pre-distorter fed by a multi-band signal are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a multi-band signal and generating a discrete base band equivalent, BBE, Volterra series based on the received multi-band signal, where the series has distortion products grouped according to determined shared kernels. The shared kernels are determined based on a transformation of a real-valued continuous-time pass band Volterra series without pruning of kernels. |
| US09659117B2 |
Deformation state analysis method, resin molded article deformation improvement method, and resin molded article weight reduction method
There is provided an analysis method whereby, when a proposed plan for deforming a resin molded article is created, it is possible to create a more effective proposed plan in a short time. In an deformation state analysis method of analyzing, for a resin molded article to be deformed, a deformation state of the resin molded article by optimizing an objective function under a prescribed restraint condition and a prescribed limiting condition, using a topology optimization method dividing the resin molded article into micro regions, the restraint condition is a trend of the amount of deformation of the resin molded article, the prescribed limiting condition is a contribution rate expressing an extent to which deformation of each micro region contributes to deformation of the resin molded article, and in the optimization of the objective function optimization is performed so as to minimize rigidity of the resin molded article. |
| US09659114B2 |
Real time dynamic physics simulation device of flexible DC transmission system
The present invention relates to a real time dynamic physics simulation device of flexible DC transmission system. The device includes simulated converter transformer, simulated AC field, simulated DC field, simulated converter reactor, simulated converter, and measurement and control cabinet chassis; the simulated AC field includes the vacuum switch I, the contactor I, resistors and the vacuum switch II connected orderly; the simulated DC field includes successively connected the vacuum switch contactor III and II; the simulated AC field is connected with said measurement and control cabinet chassis; Said converter transformer is set between said resistors and said vacuum switch II; Said simulated converter reactors and said simulated converter connected are set between the vacuum switch II and the vacuum switch III. The present invention can accurately simulate different voltage level flexible DC transmission system based on modular multilevel converter (MMC-HVDC), able to accurately understand the operation characteristics of MMC-HVDC and the dynamic responds to the instruction of the control system. |
| US09659112B2 |
Pipeline structure and computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon program for pipeline structure
There are provided a pipeline structure and a computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that supports the design of the pipeline structure. The pipeline structure includes two collars and a plurality of short pipes. The plurality of short pipes are connected by joint structures. Two collars are arranged to sandwich a zone where a fault displacement is expected to occur, and thereby, a ground displacement in the pipe axis direction is dealt with (absorbed). The plurality of short pipes are connected by the larger number of joints than the number of joints in the case of arranging a long pipe. By increasing the number of joints, it becomes easier to deal with (absorb) a ground displacement in the direction perpendicular to a pipe axis. |
| US09659110B2 |
Associative memory technology for analysis of requests for proposal
A system for analyzing a request for proposal. The system includes an associative memory including a plurality of data having a plurality of associations. The system also includes an input device in communication with the associative memory. The input device is configured to provide the request for proposal to the associative memory in a format understandable to the associative memory. The associative memory is configured to digest the request for proposal to be included within the plurality of data, wherein a digested request for proposal is formed. The system also includes an analyzer in communication with the associative memory. The associative memory is configured to analyze the digested request for proposal by receiving a query comprising one or more terms, creating relationships among the plurality of data in the associative memory based on the query, and returning an output that includes requirements or other attributes presented in the digested request for proposal based on the query. |
| US09659108B2 |
Pluggable architecture for embedding analytics in clustered in-memory databases
Disclosed are pluggable, distributed computing-system architectures allowing for embedding analytics to be added or removed from nodes of a system hosting an in-memory database. The disclosed system includes an API that may be used to create customized, application specific analytics modules. The newly created analytics modules may be easily plugged into the in-memory database. Each user query submitted to the in-memory database may specify different analytics be applied with differing parameters. All analytics modules operate on the in-memory image of the data, inside the in-memory database platform. All the analytics modules, may be capable of performing on-the-fly analytics, which may allow a dynamic and comprehensive processing of search results. |
| US09659107B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An object including at least one element is moved on a document in which the object is arranged in response to an instruction from a user.In addition, if the object is moved to a boundary between two pages, at least one element that is included in the object and that corresponds to a break position of the two pages is detected.Then, a position where the at least one detected element is arranged in the document is determined so that the element is arranged in either of the documents of the two pages and an image corresponding to the document is output.In the above manner, it is possible to appropriately arranging elements in a document to output an image corresponding to the document having the elements appropriately arranged therein. |
| US09659105B2 |
Methods and apparatus to track web browsing sessions
Methods and apparatus to tracker web browsing sessions are disclosed. An example method includes computing a sequence of numbers to be generated by a random number generator during a first browsing session associated with a browser given a first seed value; and determining whether a web site visit is associated with the first browsing session based on a received number. |
| US09659103B2 |
Auto-aligning website elements by grouping elements based on a plurality of contextual indicators
Systems and methods provide online tools for helping a business improve its online presence. A contact importance score rates a contact's engagement with business via purchases and online contact, and may further gauge the contact's engagement with other contacts and potential contacts. An engagement score rates a business' engagement with online visitors with respect to industry best practices. A method of generating the engagement score may include providing recommendations to the business for improving the engagement score. A method for recommending online content can identify public and privately-created content that is likely to engage a business' users. A website builder can include a tool for aligning content on the website. The website builder can further include a tool for creating a video for promoting the business. |
| US09659101B2 |
Method and apparatus for abstracting internet content
A method and apparatus for abstracting Internet content is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device having a user interface element that links a graphical user interface element to each internet resource identifier of one or more subject matters of interest defined in a profile by an end user, and presents the one or more graphical user interface elements in a graphical user interface window without association to an Internet browser. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09659099B2 |
Translation of user requests into itinerary solutions
A method for translating user requests into itinerary solutions is disclosed. The method may commence with receiving an itinerary request associated with one or more passengers. The method may continue with parsing the itinerary request to create an itinerary network associated with the itinerary request. The itinerary network may include at least two or more nodes and dependencies between two or more nodes. Upon the parsing, a topology of the itinerary network may be created. The method may include processing the itinerary network using the topology to create a plurality of tuples. The plurality of tuples may be analyzed. The method may continue with determining feasible itinerary solutions based on the analysis. The feasible itinerary solutions may be ranked. The method may further include presenting, to the one or more passengers, at least one itinerary solution selected from the feasible itinerary solutions based on the ranking. |
| US09659098B2 |
Method, computer program and computer for detecting communities in social media
The present invention provides at least a method includes: extracting a plurality of partial communities from a plurality of users, based on the relationships of companion messages; computing a first degree of similarity for showing the similarity of the companion partial communities, based on the relationship of a user belonging to one partial community with a user belonging to the other partial community, from among the plurality of communities; computing a second degree of similarity for showing the similarity of companion partial communities, based on words within the messages sent by users belonging to both partial communities and under the condition that the first similarity be higher than a predetermined first threshold value; and creating an integrated community by integrating the companion partial communities under the condition that the second similarity be higher than a predetermined second threshold value. |
| US09659097B1 |
Propagating query classifications
In general, one aspect described can be embodied in a method for determining a classification for a query. The method can include receiving a request to determine whether to assign a classification to a first query, identifying a plurality of search entities that are associated with the first query based upon data associated with each of the plurality of search entities and the first query, and determining whether to assign the classification to the first query based upon classifications for the identified search entities. |
| US09659092B2 |
Music information searching method and apparatus thereof
A music information searching method includes extracting modulating spectrums from audio data, generating modulating spectrum peak point audio fingerprints by using position information which relates to preset peak points from the extracted modulating spectrums, converting the generated modulating spectrum peak point audio fingerprints into hash keys which indicate addresses of hash tables and hash values that are stored on the hash tables via hash functions, and searching music information by extracting hash keys which relate to audio query clips and comparing the extracted hash keys with the indicated addresses of the hash tables. |
| US09659091B2 |
Comparison of data signals using characteristic electronic thumbprints extracted therefrom
A characteristic thumbprint is extracted from a data signal, the thumbprint based on statistics relating to the data signal. The data signal can be compared indirectly by matching this thumbprint against one or more reference thumbprints. The data signal may be any type of signal, including streaming digitized audio or obtained from static files. A database may contain a number of these characteristic thumbprints, and the database can be searched for a particular thumbprint. |
| US09659087B2 |
Unsupervised prioritization and visualization of clusters
Techniques are disclosed that automatically identify and order the most differentiated clusters from a given collection of clusters within a dataset. A measure of dissimilarity is computed for each cluster from a defined reference cluster, and the clusters are ordered according to the chosen dissimilarity. At least N clusters are selected as the most differentiated clusters relative to the defined reference. Within each cluster, the top-M most distinguishing cluster attributes can be automatically identified by an analogous process that computes the dissimilarity of each cluster attribute to its corresponding attribute in the reference cluster, and orders the attributes by dissimilarity. This then allows for automatic surfacing of what it is about a cluster that differentiates its members relative to the population as a whole, and to provide insight on what action or treatment might be made to address that specific segment of the underlying population. |
| US09659083B2 |
Automating generation of messages in accordance with a standard
Arrangements described herein relate to automating generation of maps containing message formats and semantic validation rules. First unstructured data defining message formats for messages that conform to a particular standard and second unstructured data defining semantic validation rules to be applied to validate the messages can be scanned. First structured data corresponding to the first unstructured data defining the message formats and second structured data corresponding to the second unstructured data defining the semantic validation rules can be stored into a database. The first structured data and second structured data are configured to be processed to automatically generate a map comprising message formats and sematic validation rules for use in generating messages that conform to the particular standard and validating the messages. |
| US09659082B2 |
Semantic query language
Various technologies described herein pertain to executing a mixed query to search a database retained in a data repository. The mixed query includes a regular expression, which is a pattern of elements, and a semantic constraint. The elements in the regular expression include a first wildcard, where the semantic constraint restricts a meaning of the first wildcard. Moreover, the elements in the regular expression include explicit lexical constraint(s) and/or disparate wildcard(s). For instance, semantic constraint(s) can restrict meaning(s) of the disparate wildcard(s). The mixed query is executed to retrieve results that match the pattern of the elements in the regular expression and satisfy the semantic constraint(s). |
| US09659080B1 |
Categorization for constraint-based placement of object replicas in a distributed storage system
A location assignment daemon (LAD) manages placement of object replicas in a distributed storage system. The distributed storage system may include a plurality of instances, which may be at distinct geographic locations. The LAD determines placement categories for objects stored in the distributed storage system. A placement category for an object corresponds to the object's placement policy and current replica locations. There are substantially fewer placement categories than objects. The LAD determines an action plan for each placement category whose associated objects require either creation or removal of object replicas. Each action plan includes either creating or removing an object replica. The LAD prioritizes the action plans and implements at least a subset of the action plans in priority order in accordance with available resources in the distributed storage system. Each action plan is applied to objects in the placement category corresponding to the action plan. |
| US09659079B2 |
Shard determination logic for scalable order and inventory management architecture with a sharded transactional database
A store computer system is provided. The computer system includes a sharded store transactional database such as an order or inventory database. The database may include a first database shard which stores a first group of order or inventory data and a second database shard which stores a second group of order or inventory data which is different than the first group of data. The computer system may include a store order management computer system that implements a shard determination module which is programmed to receive a query regarding an order or item associated with the store, identify a database shard associated with the order or item from data in the query, and communicate data regarding the order or item to or from the identified database shard. |
| US09659078B2 |
System and method for supporting failover during synchronization between clusters in a distributed data grid
A system and method can support failover during synchronization between autonomous clusters in a distributed data grid. The system allows a cluster member in a source cluster to take over as an owner of a partition in a source cluster, when another cluster member in the source cluster becomes unavailable. Then, a cluster member in the destination cluster can receive one or more replication messages from said cluster member in the source cluster, wherein said one or more replication messages include one or more data changes. Furthermore, the cluster member in the destination cluster may ignore said one or more replication messages, if said one or more replication messages have already been received and successfully processed in the destination cluster. |
| US09659070B2 |
Methods, systems, products, and devices for processing DNS friendly identifiers
When a request having a keyword is received, a domain name having the keyword can be generated and a network resource corresponding to the domain name can be requested wherein the network resource is adapted to extract the keyword from the domain name. In turn, when a request having a first domain name is received, a second domain name having the first domain name can be generated and a network resource corresponding to the second domain name can be requested wherein the network resource is adapted to extract the first domain name from the second domain name. |
| US09659069B2 |
Highlighting items for search results
The present invention provides a search capability to allow a user to easily locate a preference control, file, folder, control, or other system resource or data item associated with a search result. In one embodiment, a user enters a search term (or a portion thereof) in a search field associated with one or more resource types that may be searched. The user may be presented with a pop-up menu containing a list of likely matches. The user selects the desired preference control from the pop-up menu, and the corresponding preference pane, or other container, containing the selected data item, control, or other resource is displayed. In one aspect, as the user enters the search term (or portion thereof), certain icons are highlighted. Specifically, those icons that represent containers containing matching data items (such as preference panes having controls that match the search term) are highlighted. Different types of highlighting can be used depending on the degree of certainty as to which container is likely to contain the correct match. |
| US09659067B2 |
Providing a search results document that includes a user interface for performing an action in connection with a web page identified in the search results document
A computer device is configured to identify a document; determine that the document includes an annotation, the annotation describing a user interface that is to be visually displayed in connection with information identifying the document when the information identifying the document is included in a search results document, the user interface including a user interface element that, when selected, causes an action to be performed in connection with the document, and the action being performed without obtaining the document after the user interface element is selected; determine information relating to the user interface based on the annotation; and store, in a search index, the information relating to the user interface in association with the information identifying the document. |
| US09659061B2 |
Method for efficient aggregation of numerous data using sparse bit sets
A data-processing technique for increasing data-size capacity and improving query speed on large datasets where fields within records are replaced by integers representing distinct values of those fields, the integers drawn from a densely-populated range, wherein a computer data storage structure is initialized and maintained to represent a large number of binary values (“bits”) within a smaller number of actual machine-memory bits of the computer. Representative structures and operations thereon, as well as applications of the data structure to support more-sophisticated data structures and operations, are described and claimed. |
| US09659058B2 |
Methods and systems for federation of results from search indexing
Systems and methods enable federation of search results. An identification of a first data source associated with a first schema is received by the system, the first data source comprising data of a first type. An identification of a second data source associated with a second schema is received, the second data source comprising data of a second type, the second type different than the first type. An identification of a plurality of fields for a results set user interface, a mapping of the data of the first type to a first field of the results set user interface, and a mapping of the data of the second type to the first field of the results set user interface, are accessed. Data of the first type and data of the second type are merged and provided for display in the first field on a user terminal. |
| US09659056B1 |
Providing an explanation of a missing fact estimate
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an explanation of an estimate for information missing from a data graph. An example method may include receiving a query that requests information for a first entity and receiving an estimate for the information, the estimate being based on a plurality of features of a joint distribution model. The method may include determining respective contribution scores for the plurality of features, selecting a quantity of the features with highest contribution scores, generating, using the selected quantity of features, an explanation for the estimate; and providing the explanation and the estimate as part of a search result for the query. |
| US09659053B2 |
Graphical user interface streamlining implementing a content space
A computer-implemented method for streamlined graphical user interface navigation includes collecting, by a processor, a plurality of requirements, creating, by the processor, a plurality of content space specification files that includes the plurality of requirements, processing, by the processor, the plurality of content space specification files to generate a plurality of user stories and mapping the user stories to a plurality of graphical user interface panels. |
| US09659049B2 |
Creating and managing granular relationships on an online social network
This disclosure provides some implementations of methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for creating and managing granular relationships on an online social network. In some implementations, a request to generate an information feed is associated with configuration information, which identifies a source of information updates. Each of the information updates can be of a certain type. The configuration information identifies one or more of these types. An information update can be selected from the identified information source. The selected information update has one or more of the types associated therewith. The requested information feed is generated to include the selected information update and displayed on a display device. |
| US09659047B2 |
Data deduplication utilizing extent ID database
An extent map (EMAP) database may include one or more extent map entries configured to map extent IDs to PVBNs. Each extent ID may be apportioned into a most significant bit (MSB) portion, i.e., checksum bits, and a least significant bit (LSB) portion, i.e., duplicate bits. A hash may be applied to the data of the extent to calculate the checksum bits, which illustratively represent a fingerprint of the data. The duplicate bits may be configured to denote any reoccurrence of the checksum bits in the EMAP database, i.e., whether there is an existing extent with potentially identical data in a volume of the aggregate. Each extent map entry may be inserted on a node having one or more key/value pairs, wherein the key is the extent ID and the value is the PVBN. The EMAP database may be scanned and utilized to perform data deduplication. |
| US09659044B2 |
Efficient searching of stationary datasets
A saliency function is computed to indicate the saliency of each of a plurality of data points in a dataset. For each local maximum in the saliency function, a segment of the dataset is inserted into an index. |
| US09659041B2 |
Model for capturing audit trail data with reduced probability of loss of critical data
An aspect of the present invention provides for capturing of audit trail data related to processing of requests. In an embodiment, the received requests are classified into a first category and a second category. For each request in the first category, the corresponding audit trail data is stored directly into non-volatile storage upon processing of the request. On the other hand, for each request in the second category, the audit trail data is first stored into a volatile memory upon processing of the request, and then later copied from the volatile memory to non-volatile storage. Thus, the audit trail data corresponding to both categories of requests is eventually available stored on non-volatile storage. |
| US09659039B2 |
Maintaining staleness information for aggregate data
Computer systems, machine-implemented methods, and stored instructions are provided herein for maintaining information that describes aggregate characteristics of data within zones. Stored data may be separated into defined zone(s). Data structure(s), such as zone map(s), may store, for each of the zone(s), aggregate characteristic(s) of data in the zone, and a stored indication of whether or not the zone is stale. When a change is made to data in a particular zone that was not stale, a zone manager causes the particular zone to become stale if the change can result in the particular zone having data that is not included in the particular zone's stored aggregate characteristic(s). On the other hand, if the change cannot result in the particular zone having data that is not included in the particular zone's stored aggregate characteristic(s), then the zone manager does not cause the particular zone to become stale. |
| US09659037B2 |
Management method and system for implementation, execution, data collection, and data analysis of a structured collection procedure which runs on a collection device
Embodiments related to a system and method managing the implementation, execution, data collection, and data analysis of a structured collection procedure running on a portable, hand-held collection device are disclosed. The collection device performing the structured collection procedure has program instructions that when executed by a processor causes the processor to initiate automatically a schedule of events of the structured collection procedure upon one or more entry criterions being met at some unknown time, store in memory patient data collected in accordance to the schedule of events, end automatically the structured collection procedure upon one or more exit criterions being met at some unknown time, and mark/indicate the structured collection procedure as completed if no exception occurred during performance of an event in the schedule of events. |
| US09659032B1 |
Building a palette of colors from a plurality of colors based on human color preferences
Systems and methods are described to generate a color palette with color combinations based on human color preferences. One or more input colors can be used to determine affiliated colors based on the presence of colors in color palettes that have been voted on and/or ranked by a community of users. Each affiliated color can be weighted, normalized, and ordered based at least in part on the level of preference for the color palette to which it belongs and the relative popularity of the input colors. A color from the ordered affiliated colors can be selected and added to the custom palette of colors. With the addition of a color, the ordered affiliated colors can be updated to further present colors for inclusion in the custom color palette. |
| US09659031B2 |
Systems and methods of simulating the state of a distributed storage system
A distributed storage system has a plurality of instances. A computer system simulates the state of the distributed storage system. The system obtains a current state of the distributed storage system and replication policies for objects in the distributed storage system. Each replication policy specifies criteria for placing copies of the relevant objects among the plurality of instances. The system receives proposed modifications to the state of the distributed storage system and simulates the state of the distributed storage system over time based on the current state of the distributed storage system, current statistical trends in the state of the distributed storage system, the replication policies for the objects in the distributed storage system, and the proposed modifications to the state of the distributed storage system. One or more reports are generated relating to time evolution of the state of the distributed storage system based on the simulation. |
| US09659029B2 |
File system implementing write once read many (WORM)
The embodiments deal with files that are already present in a storage when mounting the storage in a file system and files created after the mounting as different groups. (Metadata of) the files is classified. The files are each divided into metadata (index) and a file main body and are recorded on different storage areas, that is, an index partition (IP) and a data partition (DP), associated with each other. This file system is effective in a storage format in which a new file is merely written and an already written file is not updated or deleted (for example, a tape medium used in the LTFS). The embodiments implement a WORM file system by rejecting a request to update or delete a file that is present at mounting as a WORM file and permitting update or deletion of a file that is created after mounting until the storage is unmounted. |
| US09659027B2 |
Recurring calendar item master and instance synchronization
A synchronization window for synchronizing data for a calendar in a client calendar data store on a calendar data client computer system with data for the calendar in a server calendar data store on a calendar data server computer system can be calculated using a current time. A request for synchronization data for calendar items for the calendar with calendar times that are within the synchronization window can be sent to the calendar data server. One or more responses to the request can be received from the calendar data server. The response(s) can include received records for calendar items that are at least partially within the synchronization window. The received records can include a master record of a recurring calendar item and an instance record of an occurrence of the recurring calendar item. The received records for the calendar items can be incorporated in the client calendar data store. |
| US09659024B2 |
Systems and methods for fail-safe operations of storage devices
Techniques for enabling fail-safe operations of storage devices are described. A device may be configured to deallocate one or more clusters assigned to an inode by writing an end of chain terminator value into a new last cluster of a file allocation table entry. In one example, a device may update an allocation bitmap subsequent to writing an end of chain terminator value into a new last cluster of a file allocation table entry. In one example, a device may mark remain clusters as free subsequent to writing an end of chain terminator value into a new last cluster of a file allocation table entry. A device may be configured to allocate clusters to an inode by writing file access table entries for newly allocated clusters. |
| US09659023B2 |
Maintaining and using a cache of child-to-parent mappings in a content-addressable storage system
Techniques for maintaining and using cached child-to-parent mappings in a content-addressable storage system are provided. A cache of child-to-parent mappings is maintained. Each child-to-parent mapping corresponds to a particular chunk in a hierarchy of chunks stored in a content-addressable chunk store, and maps the particular chunk to a parent chunk in the hierarchy of chunks. The hierarchy of chunks includes a first root chunk associated with a file system volume. In response to a change to the file system volume that causes associating a new root chunk with the file system volume, the cache is updated by adding one or more first child-to-parent mappings based on traversing at least a portion of a current file system hierarchy from the new root chunk, and removing one or more second child-to-parent mappings based on traversing at least a portion of a prior file system hierarchy from the first root chunk. |
| US09659018B2 |
File name producing apparatus that produces file name of image
An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) is a file name producing apparatus that produces a file name of an image. The MFP selects a candidate character string, which is a file name candidate and in which a head character is a space, from the character strings extracted from the image. The MFP deletes the space that is the head character of the candidate character string, or changes all the characters constituting the candidate character string to other characters. The MFP produces the character string, which is corrected by the deletion or the change, as the file name of the image. Therefore, the proper file name can be produced. |
| US09659015B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a touchscreen configured to display a list including a plurality of categories and at least one content grouped for each of the plurality of categories, and a controller, if a command for a reduced display of the list is received, configured to generate summary information for each of the plurality of categories based on information of the grouped at least one content, to hide the grouped at least one content from the list, and then to control the touchscreen to display the plurality of categories and the generated summary information corresponding to the plurality of categories. |
| US09659013B2 |
System and method for indexing electronic discovery data
Systems and methods for efficiently processing electronically stored information (ESI) are described. The systems and methods describe processing ESI in preparation for, or association with, litigation. The invention preserves the contextual relationships among documents when processing and indexing data, allowing for increased precision and recall during data analytics. |
| US09659012B2 |
Debugging framework for distributed ETL process with multi-language support
In various embodiments, a data integration system is disclosed which enables users to debug distributed data integration scenarios which are platform and technology independent. A debugger client can connect to a plurality of local and/or remote hosts executing portions of a distributed data integration scenario. The debugger client can additionally enable line-by-line debugging of the portions of the distributed data integration scenario using a plurality of language-specific interfaces. The language-specific interfaces can further enable the user to dynamically update and debug changes to the code during debugging, reducing the time and resources required by multiple recompilations of the code. |
| US09659011B1 |
Method and system for interface presentation
Methods and systems for interface presentation are described. A user interface for the user may be selected among a plurality of available user interfaces in accordance with the personal characteristic information. A user access profile level for the user may be selected among a plurality of available user access profile levels in accordance with the personal characteristic information. Product information may be selected in accordance with the age data. |
| US09659010B1 |
Multiple language screen capture
In an approach for generating a composite of images in multiple languages when a request is made to capture an image of a screen, a processor receives a request to capture a first graphical user interface (GUI) display of an application in languages available to the application. A processor iterates over GUI elements of the first GUI display to locate language bundle keys. A processor generates a second GUI display for the languages available to the application, wherein the second GUI display is a recreation of original images within the first GUI display. |
| US09659007B2 |
Linguistic based determination of text location origin
A method includes receiving a text and identifying a set of linguistic characteristics contained in the text, where linguistic characteristics include grammatical, syntactic, and idiomatic features of the text. The method also includes determining a plurality of locations of origin in which the text was potentially written based on the set of linguistic characteristics. The method also includes retrieving a set of reference documents for each location of origin in the plurality of locations of origin and producing a set of proximity scores by performing a set of proximity checks using the set of linguistic characteristics, the set of reference documents, and the text, wherein the proximity checks analyze how often and how close linguistic characteristics are to one another. The method also includes ranking the plurality of locations of origin based on the set of proximity scores and returning a set of one or more ranked locations of origin. |
| US09659006B2 |
Disambiguation in concept identification
A method, a disambiguation decoder and a system is provided for disambiguation in concept identification. A set of candidate concepts of a surface form in a sequence of surface forms in a plaintext is obtained. First probabilities for the candidate concepts are then determined, wherein a first probability indicates likelihood that the surface form represents the respective candidate concept. One of the candidate concepts is selected for the surface form based on the first probabilities and adjacency of the surface forms in the sequence. |
| US09659001B2 |
Query evaluation using ancestor information
Provided are techniques for processing a query. A query is received, wherein the query is formed by one or more paths, and wherein each path includes one or more steps. A hierarchical document including one or more document nodes is received. While processing the query and traversing the hierarchical document, one or more extraction entries are constructed, wherein each extraction entry includes a step instance match candidate identifying a document node and a step instance ancestor path for the document node, and one or more tuples are constructed using the one or more extraction entries by associating the step instance match candidate from one of the one or more extraction entries with the step instance match candidate from at least one of the one or more other extraction entries. |
| US09658999B2 |
Language processing method and electronic device
A language processing method is provided comprising forming a feature from at least one word from an input sequence of words; generating an address of a memory cell storing a weight for the feature based on a hash function using the feature as argument; retrieving the weight for the feature from the memory cell with the address; and generating a dependency tree for the input sequence based on the weight and a second order dependency parsing algorithm. A corresponding electronic device is provided as well. |
| US09658996B2 |
Mapping account information to server authentication
An authorization prompt issued from a server is detected, and previously-entered account information, is accessed on a user device. A selectable display element corresponding to each set of entered account information is displayed. User selection or actuation of a given display element is received, and the corresponding account information is retrieved and used to log onto the server that issued the authentication prompt. |
| US09658994B2 |
Rendering supplemental information concerning a scheduled event based on an identified entity in media content
Supplemental information to a media content such as a video can be shown to the user. The supplemental information can be selected based upon a profile of the user and one or both of the identity of the media content and the identity of an entity of interest in the media content. The supplemental information can be customized to the user based on the content being viewed and an entity of interest to the user in the viewed content. |
| US09658989B2 |
Apparatus and method for extracting and manipulating the reading order of text to prepare a display document for analysis
A method for preparing a display document for analysis includes: extracting character data from the display document; determining a first order associated with processing of the character data and a second order associated with a logical order of the character data; determining whether the first order is different from the second order; and reversing at least a portion of the character data in response to the determination that the first order is different from the second order. |
| US09658987B2 |
Regression using M-estimators and polynomial kernel support vector machines and principal component regression
Embodiments of the invention relate to sketching for M-estimators for performing regression. One embodiment includes providing one or more sets of input data. A matrix A and a vector b are generated using the input data. A processor device is used for processing the matrix A and the vector b based on a randomized sketching matrix S. A vector x that minimizes a normalized measure function is determined based on the matrix A and the vector b. A relationship between the input data is determined based on the vector x. |
| US09658986B2 |
Advanced computational processes and methods of using the same
A data processing apparatus includes a computing unit that performs a matrix computation between data streams whose unit data is of a matrix format; a determining unit that for each matrix obtained by the matrix computation by the computing unit, determines based on the value of each element included in the matrix, an exponent value for expressing each element included in the matrix as a floating decimal point value; a converting unit that converts the value of each element into a significand value of the element, according to the exponent value determined by the determining unit; and an output unit that correlates and outputs the exponent value and each matrix after conversion in which the value of each element in the matrix has been converted by the converting unit. |
| US09658984B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing multiple MAC tables across multiple forwarding pipelines
Embodiments provide techniques for synchronizing forwarding tables across forwarding pipelines. One embodiment includes receiving, in a network switch comprising a plurality of forwarding pipelines, a plurality of data packets. Each of the plurality of data packets corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of forwarding pipelines. Each of the plurality of forwarding pipelines maintains a respective forwarding table corresponding to a respective plurality of ports managed by the forwarding pipeline. A plurality of update operations to be performed on the forwarding tables are determined, based on the received plurality of data packets. Embodiments further include performing the plurality of update operations on the forwarding tables, such that the forwarding tables across all forwarding pipelines of the plurality of forwarding pipelines are synchronized. |
| US09658983B1 |
Lifecycle support for storage objects having multiple durability levels specifying different numbers of versions
Methods and apparatus for lifecycle support for storage objects are disclosed. A storage medium stores program instructions that when executed on a processor implement a storage lifecycle manager of a multi-tenant storage service. The lifecycle manager determines a lifecycle policy to be implemented for a storage object. The policy indicates lifecycle transitions of the object, including a transition from a first service level to a second service level. The first service level and the second service level may each specify a maximum number of versions of the storage object. The lifecycle manager initiates modification operations corresponding to the storage object's data in accordance with the lifecycle policy, and verifies that the modification operations succeeded. The lifecycle manager provides, in response to a query, an indication of a current service level of the storage object. |
| US09658982B2 |
Data structure product and method for interface transmission
The present invention discloses an interface transmission method including: enabling a first command string including a first sub-command to be transmitted to a storage device from a processing device during a first period; enabling a second command string including a second sub-command to be transmitted to the storage device from the processing device during a second period, wherein the first sub-command and the second sub-command constitute a command; when the command is a write command, enabling a write data string to be transmitted to the storage device from the processing device during a third period, wherein the write data string includes write data; and when the command is a read command, enabling a read data string to be transmitted to the processing device from the storage device during the third period, wherein the read data string includes read data. |
| US09658978B2 |
Providing multiple decode options for a system-on-chip (SoC) fabric
In one embodiment, a system-on-chip (SoC) can be configured to receive a request from a master agent in a fabric coupled to the master agent, send a show command grant to the master agent responsive to selection of the request by the fabric, receive a command portion of a transaction corresponding to the request in the fabric and determine a target agent to receive the transaction based on the command portion, and thereafter send a transaction grant to the master agent for the transaction. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09658971B2 |
Universal SPI (serial peripheral interface)
A Universal SPI Interface is provided that is compatible, without the need for additional interface logic or software, with the SPI bus, existing DSA and other serial busses similar to (but not directly compatible with) the SPI bus, and parallel busses requiring compatibility with 74xx164-type signaling. In an additional aspect, a reduced-pincount Universal SPI Interface is provided that provides the same universal interface, but using fewer external output pins. The Universal SPI Interface includes multiple latches, buffers, and in an alternative embodiment, a multiplexer, configured together such that a Universal SPI interface is provided that can be readily reconfigured using only input signals to provide compatibility across multiple bus interfaces. |
| US09658970B1 |
Interconnection of peripheral devices on different electronic devices
A method and apparatus of performing a data transmission from an electronic device or a peripheral device of an electronic device to a peripheral device of a remote electronic device is disclosed. One example method of performing the data transmission may include transmitting data designated for the remote peripheral device to a local virtual device object. The data that is received by the local virtual device object is transmitted via at least one communication interface or peripheral device of the electronic device to at least one remote communication interface or peripheral device of the remote electronic device. The data arriving at the least one remote communication interface or peripheral device of the remote electronic device is received by a remote virtual device object and transmitted to the designated remote peripheral device. |
| US09658966B2 |
Systems and methods of write cache flushing
A data storage device includes a write cache, a non-volatile memory, and a controller coupled to the write cache and to the non-volatile memory. The controller is configured to, responsive to receiving a command to flush particular data from the write cache, attempt to fill a write block of data using the particular data and pending data obtained after receipt of the command. |
| US09658958B2 |
Control apparatus and control method with multiple flash memory card channels
A control apparatus with multiple flash memory card channels includes a host side port unit, an instruction data processing unit, and flash memory card port units. The host side port unit exchanges a host side instruction and host side read/write data with a high-speed serial communication protocol host side. The flash memory card port units respectively exchange flash memory card instructions and flash memory card read/write data with a plurality of flash memory cards. An instruction from the high-speed serial communication protocol host side is divided into multiple sub-instructions to be respectively transmitted to the flash memory card port units and exchange of instruction and data with a plurality of flash memory cards is carried out in a coincident period of time so as to achieve the purposes of expanding access capacity and increasing access speed, reducing the operation cost of products, and enhancing flexibility of use of flash memory cards. |
| US09658955B2 |
Data storage device and operating method thereof
A data storage device includes a plurality of memory apparatuses, a searching unit configured to search for “k” physical addresses mapped to “k” continuous logical addresses, and a processor configured to determine numerical consecutiveness of “i” logical addresses mapped to “i” continuous physical addresses consecutive to an Kth physical address of the “k” physical addresses, and transmit a first pre-read command with respect to a first pre-read memory area corresponding to the “i” continuous physical addresses and first read-estimated physical addresses consecutive to the “i” continuous physical addresses when the numerical consecutiveness is admitted. |
| US09658953B2 |
Single command, multiple column-operation memory device
A memory access command, column address and plurality of write data values are received within an integrated-circuit memory chip via external signaling links. In response to the memory access command, the integrated-circuit memory chip (i) decodes the column address to select address-specified sense amplifiers from among a plurality of sense amplifiers that constitute a sense amplifier bank, (ii) reads first data, constituted by a plurality of read data values, out of the address-specified sense amplifiers, and (iii) overwrites the first data within the address-specified sense amplifiers with second data constituted by one or more of the write data values and by one or more of the read data values. |
| US09658945B2 |
Constructing test-centric model of application
A test-centric model of an application is constructed. Each resource specified by each test governing an application is added to the test-centric model. The test or tests specifying an resource are linked to the resource within the test-centric model. A composition of the application is defined using the one or more tests, as the resources specified by the one or more tests, within the test-centric model of the application. |
| US09658940B2 |
Method to efficiently implement synchronization using software managed address translation
Software-managed resources are used to utilize effective-to-real memory address translation for synchronization among processes executing on processor cores in a multi-core computing system. A failure to find a pre-determined effective memory address translation in an effective-to-real memory address translation table on a first processor core triggers an address translation exception in a second processor core and causes an exception handler on the second processor core to start a new process, thereby acting as a means to achieve synchronization among processes on the first processor core and the second processor core. The specific functionality is implemented in the exception handler, which is tailored to respond to the exception based on the address that generated it. |
| US09658935B1 |
Processing file modifications in a networked storage system
Disclosed are various embodiments for processing file modifications in a networked storage system. A new version of a file is obtained from a client over a network. The new version of the file is stored in a file system maintained by a networked storage system. If a modification listener is associated with the file, a notification that the file has been modified is sent to the modification listener. |
| US09658930B2 |
Method and device for managing hardware errors in a multi-core environment
A method and device for managing hardware errors in a multi-core environment includes allocating processor cores to a main set and a spare set of processor cores. The main set of processor cores are used by an operating system, and the spare set of processor cores are dedicated to software applications. Should a processor core error occur, a processor core swap may be performed to swap a spare processor core for a failing main processor core without interrupting the execution of the operating system. |
| US09658929B1 |
Asynchronous splitting
A computer implemented method, system, and program product for asynchronous splitting in a virtual replication environment, the method comprising intercepting IO directed to one or more volumes, adding, at a splitter, ordering info to the IOs, and sending the IOs to an appliance. |
| US09658928B2 |
File-based cluster-to-cluster replication recovery
Resiliency in file replication scenarios via maintenance of multiple replication queues with differing susceptibility to various sources of data loss. A plurality of requests are received at a first file system location to write to one or more file system objects at the first file system location. Details about the plurality of requests are recorded in at least two replication queues which differ, at least in part, as to types of failures which will cause data loss. Responsive to detection of data loss in one of the replication queues, details about the plurality of requests are retrieved from another of the replication queues. |
| US09658926B1 |
Systems and methods for dynamic save streams
Systems and methods are provided for performing a backup operation in a computing system. The source data and associated hardware are assessed to determine an optimum read block size and an optimum number of backup streams. The source data is then backed up using the optimum number of backup streams at the optimum read block size. |
| US09658924B2 |
Event data merge system in an event historian
An event historian system merges stored event data snapshots into sorted event storage blocks. The system determines that a storage block contains a plurality of snapshots to be merged. A new snapshot is created into which the plurality of snapshots will be merged. The event data within the snapshots is combined and recorded into the new snapshot in a sorted order. The index files within the snapshots are combined and recorded into the new snapshot. |
| US09658923B2 |
Optimization of rebuilding in solid state drives
According to one embodiment, a method includes initiating a rebuild process in a storage system having at least one solid state drive, obtaining a bitmap indicating which blocks of data are in a garbage collection process, determining which blocks of data are in the garbage collection process using the bitmap, accessing the blocks of data that are not in the garbage collection process, not accessing the blocks of data that are in the garbage collection process, and performing the rebuild process using the blocks of data that are not in the garbage collection process. |
| US09658921B2 |
Maximal transition hamming codes
An encoder includes: an input configured to receive a plurality of data bits; a processor configured to encode the data bits utilizing a Hamming encoding operation to generate a plurality of coded bits; and an output configured to output the plurality of coded bits, wherein the processor is configured to reduce a maximum run length of the plurality of coded bits in comparison to coded bits corresponding to standard Hamming code. |
| US09658919B2 |
Malfunction escalation
A data processing apparatus includes error detection and correction circuitry with an associated hard-error memory buffer. When a correctable hard-error is detected associated with a memory access to a memory, if the hard-error memory buffer is already full, then this correctable hard-error is escalated to be handled as an uncorrectable hard-error. The escalated uncorrectable hard-error is then handled by uncorrectable error handling circuitry (fatal error circuitry) which may trigger an abort of corresponding processing operations by a processor core and force the relinquishing of resources within other circuit elements such as a store buffer. |
| US09658917B2 |
Server performance correction using remote server actions
Business transactions and the nodes processing the transactions may be monitored. Actions may be applied to one or more nodes when a performance issue is detected. A performance issue may relate to a metric associated with a transaction or node that processes the transaction. If a performance metric does not satisfy a health rule, the policy determines which action should be performed to correct the performance of the node. The corrective action may be applied to a node other than the node at which the performance metric is associated with. For example, if a performance metric for a first node does not satisfy a threshold, the corrective action may be applied to a second node. When a solution applied to a second node is found to correct the problem in first node, the solution may be applied to the other nodes experiencing the same problem. |
| US09658915B2 |
Enhanced restart of a core dumping application
A method for enhanced restart of a core dumping application is provided. The method includes stopping a plurality of threads in an address space, except for the thread performing the core dump. Computational segments are remapped to client segments. Each open file descriptor in the address space is closed. The application is terminated and the client segments are flushed to external storage. |
| US09658908B2 |
Failure symptom report device and method for detecting failure symptom
A failure symptom report device includes a processor configured to receive a message output from a system and related to configuration equipment of the system, and detect presence or absence of each of failure alerts. The failure alerts are generated in response to the received message on basis of detection conditions respectively. The detection conditions are respectively defined in accordance with different characteristics. The processor is configured to associate an actually occurred failure with a combination of the detected presence or absence of each of the failure alerts, count performance of failure prediction for each combination of the detected presence or absence of each of the failure alerts, and determine presence or absence of a failure symptom on basis of the counted performance of failure prediction and a combination of presence or absence of each of the failure alerts generated in response to a currently received message. |
| US09658907B2 |
Development tools for refactoring computer code
Methods of calculating a maintainability index are provided. The methods include, for each function in software code for an existing software product, locating errors related to the function in the software code in a common historical error database; filtering the located errors for the function based on developer experience; calculating a percentage of errors for the function based on the filtered located errors for the function and successful compiles for the function; and providing a maintainability index for the function based on the calculated percentage of errors. |
| US09658904B2 |
Methods and systems for inter plug-in communication
Methods and system for a storage environment are provided. The method generates a first discovery request for a first plug-in associated with a first application executed by a computing system having access to a networked storage system for a storage service operation; acquires metadata by the first plug-in for the storage service operation and storing the metadata at a first location and at a second location, where the second location is at a storage device managed by a storage interface module that co-ordinates completion of the storage service operation; generates a second discovery request for a second plug-in for a second application for the storage service operation; and acquires metadata by the second plug-in using the metadata acquired by the first plug-in for the storage service operation and updating metadata stored at the first location and the second location. |
| US09658902B2 |
Adaptive clock throttling for event processing
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for adaptive clock throttling for event processing are provided. Embodiments include an event processing system receiving a plurality of events from one or more components of the distributed processing system. Embodiments also include the event processing system determining that an arrival attribute of the plurality of events exceeds an arrival threshold. Embodiments also include the event processing system, adjusting, in response to determining that the arrival attribute of the plurality of events exceeds the arrival threshold, a clock speed of at least one of the event processing system and a component of the distributed processing system. |
| US09658901B2 |
Event-based orchestration in distributed order orchestration system
A distributed order orchestration system is provided that includes an event manager configured to generate and publish a set of events based on a process state and metadata stored in a database. A set of subscribers can consume the set of events, and each subscriber can execute a task based on the consumed event. |
| US09658900B2 |
Reentrant read-write lock algorithm
Access to a shareable resource between threads is controlled by a lock having shared, optimistic and exclusive modes and maintaining a list of threads requesting ownership of said lock. A shared optimistic mode is provided. A lock state descriptor is provided for each desired change of mode comprising a current mode in which a thread has already acquired the lock. When a thread acquires the lock in shared optimistic mode, other threads are allowed to acquire the lock in shared or optimistic mode. When a thread which acquired the lock in shared optimistic mode wants to acquire the lock in exclusive mode, other threads which have acquired the lock in shared or optimistic mode are prevented from acquiring the lock in exclusive mode until the thread which acquired the lock in shared optimistic mode and requested to acquire the lock in exclusive mode releases the lock. |
| US09658899B2 |
Distributed lock management in a cloud computing environment
A distributed lock manager (DLM) may be implemented in a distributed computing system that provides virtualized computing resources and/or virtual computing services to clients. Locks may be created and managed by the DLM in response to requests from clients to do so. The components of the DLM may communicate with each other over a network other than one over which client application components communicate with each other or access the shared resources protected by the locks. For example, DLM components may communicate over a control plane network of a cloud computing environment and application components may communicate over a data plane network of the cloud computing environment. The DLM may expose an API to clients, allowing them to make local calls to a DLM component on the same node to perform various lock management operations. The meanings of the lock values may be established by their use in client applications. |
| US09658886B2 |
System and method for isolating I/O execution via compiler and OS support
An embodiment includes a method includes designating a portion of a plurality of processing cores as an input/output (I/O) core and compiling a program source code to produce compiled program source code, including identifying an I/O operation region of the program source code, determining a number of I/O operations for the I/O operation region, and determining a number of system resources and system resource types for the I/O operation region. The method also includes executing the program source code using the plurality of processing cores, including scheduling the I/O operation region of the program source code on the I/O core of the plurality of processing cores. |
| US09658885B2 |
Asynchronous task multiplexing and chaining
The described technology is directed towards sharing asynchronous (async) tasks between task chains, including in a way that prevents cancellation of lower-level chain entity from cancelling a shared async task. A shared async task is wrapped in multiplexer code that maintains lower-level entity identities as a set of listeners of the shared async task, and when a listener cancels, only removes that listener from the set of listeners so that the shared async task does not cancel as long as one listener remains in the set. Also described is optimization to share an async task, and wrapping tasks in cancel-checking code that prevents the task from running its work if the task is intended to be cancelled but is queued to run before the cancel request is queued to run. |
| US09658884B2 |
Smart data staging based on scheduling policy
An embodiment includes selecting a job to upload to a remote system, uploading a portion of data for the job to the remote system, and receiving notice that the portion of data for the job has been staged at the remote system. The embodiment also includes, based on the portion of data being staged, instructing the remote system to begin performing operations for the job on the portion of the data, where after the remote system begins to perform the operations for the job on the portion of data prior to all data for the job being uploaded. From an alternate perspective an embodiment includes receiving a description of a job to be performed on data, receiving a portion of the data, receiving an instruction to begin performing computations on the portion of data, and beginning to perform identified computations on the portion of data before receiving all the data. |
| US09658877B2 |
Context switching using a context controller and on-chip context cache
The disclosure relates generally to techniques, methods and apparatus for controlling context switching at a central processing unit. Alternatively, methods and apparatus are provided for providing security to memory blocks. Alternatively, methods and apparatus are provided for enabling transactional processing using a multi-core device. |
| US09658874B2 |
Selecting optimal hypervisor platforms that satisfy application workload requirements
A method, system and computer program product for selecting hypervisor platforms that are best suited to process application workloads. Attribute requirements for an application workload, such as high CPU capacity, high power and low cost, are received. A ranking algorithm is then applied to a list of pools of compute nodes to identify an ordered list of pools of compute nodes that are best suited for satisfying the attribute requirements of the application workload by comparing hypervisor characteristics of the pools of compute nodes with the attribute requirements of the application workload. Each pool of compute nodes runs on a particular hypervisor platform which has a unique combination of characteristics that correspond to a combination of a set of attribute requirements (e.g., medium CPU/memory/disk capacity; high CPU and memory performance). In this manner, the hypervisor platforms that are best suited for satisfying the application workload requirements are identified. |
| US09658873B2 |
Switching between devices having a common host backend in a virtualized environment
Systems and methods are disclosed for switching between an assigned device and an emulated device. An example system includes a device-specific driver and a pass-through device driver included in a hypervisor. A common host backend is bound to at most one of the device-specific driver and pass-through device driver at a time. The assigned and emulated devices access the common host backend. The system also includes a switch module that sends one or more communications to a guest to cause the guest to switch from using at most one of the assigned device or the emulated device to the other of the at most one of the assigned device or the emulated device. |
| US09658870B2 |
In-process trapping for service substitution in hosted applications executing on mobile devices with multi-operating system environment
The invention provides in some aspects a computing device that includes a central processing unit that executes a native operating system including one or more native runtime environments within which native software applications are executing, where each such native software application has instructions for execution under the native operating system. One or more hosted runtime environments execute within the one or more native runtime environments, each of which hosted runtime environments executes hosted software applications that have instructions for execution under a hosted operating system that differs from the native operating system. A first hosted software application executing as a first process of the hosted runtime environments includes an instruction that references a member (hereinafter, “referenced member”) of an object defined by an object-oriented programming (OOP) class (“referenced class”). The process executes that instruction utilizing data and/or code (hereinafter, “substitute member”) other than that specified by the referenced class as the referenced member. As used here, a “member” of an object is any of a method member and a data member. |
| US09658869B2 |
Autonomously managed virtual machine anti-affinity rules in cloud computing environments
System, method, and computer program product to perform an operation comprising collecting performance metrics of a first virtual machine, and defining, based on the collected performance metrics, at least one rule to restrict collocation of the first virtual machine with other virtual machines on one or more host machines in a cloud computing environment. |
| US09658865B2 |
Method of editing content and electronic device for implementing the same
A display device having a screen and a touch panel, and methods of enabling a user to edit content displayed on the screen using the touch panel, are described. In one aspect, a method of editing content in a display device having a touch panel installed in a screen includes displaying target content on the screen, displaying a guide on top of the target content in response to a trigger gesture by a touch input means on the target content, zooming the guide in response to a zooming gesture by the touch input means on the guide, and terminating the display of the zoomed guide and displaying the target content at the same magnification with the zoomed guide, in response to a release of contact of the touch input means on the guide. |
| US09658863B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method therefor
When generating a suspend request for a system running on an apparatus, data is stored to a non-volatile memory as a hibernation image which represents a memory state of a volatile memory, register values of a peripheral, and register values of a processor. When generating a boot request of the system, it is determined whether a valid hibernation image is available in the non-volatile memory. When the valid hibernation image is available, a boot core of the processor initializes a part of slave cores of the processor, and the boot core and/or the initialized slave core initialize the peripheral to perform a kernel initialization of the system. After the kernel initialization is completed, the memory state, and the register values of the peripheral and processor are restored based on the valid hibernation image. |
| US09658860B2 |
System and method for optimizing bootup performance
A system and method of optimizing the performance of an information handling system is disclosed herein. One or more data samples are generated by rebooting an information handling system and identifying one or more files accessed during the bootup of the information handling system. An identifier and access frequency for each of the identified files are stored in a data sample. One or more data samples are merged into a merged data sample. A compression ratio is calculated for each of the identified files. One or more of the files identified in the merged data sample are selected for uncompression. The files selected for uncompression are uncompressed. |
| US09658858B2 |
Multi-threaded low-level startup for system boot efficiency
Methods, computer-readable media and devices for executing a plurality of startup instructions are disclosed. For example, a method includes a first processor of a device accessing a plurality of startup instructions in response to a startup of the device. The first processor then executes a first startup instruction of the plurality of startup instructions to perform a first task and executes a second startup instruction of the plurality of startup instructions. The executing the second startup instruction causes the first processor to send a further instruction to a second processor of the device to perform a second task. At least a portion of the first task and at least a portion of the second task are performed at a same time. |
| US09658857B2 |
Method and apparatus for processor to operate at its natural clock frequency in the system
A mechanism to generate a self-clock within a synchronous processing unit of an asynchronous digital device. The self-clock is designed to match the worst-case delay of pipeline processing unit in such a way that the pipeline processing unit is operate at its own natural clock frequency and shutting off when there is no valid data to process. The synchronization logic of the processing unit consists of self-clock that generates output clock to synchronize with the internal clock edge if the processing unit is active or synchronize with the input clock edge if the processing unit is inactive. |
| US09658856B2 |
Coalescing adjacent gather/scatter operations
According to one embodiment, a processor includes an instruction decoder to decode a first instruction to gather data elements from memory, the first instruction having a first operand specifying a first storage location and a second operand specifying a first memory address storing a plurality of data elements. The processor further includes an execution unit coupled to the instruction decoder, in response to the first instruction, to read contiguous a first and a second of the data elements from a memory location based on the first memory address indicated by the second operand, and to store the first data element in a first entry of the first storage location and a second data element in a second entry of a second storage location corresponding to the first entry of the first storage location. |
| US09658852B2 |
Updating of shadow registers in N:1 clock domain
A processing unit includes a first storage entity being updated at a first clock cycle (CLK1) for holding a master copy of processing unit state. The processing unit further includes at least two shadow storage entities being updated with update information of the first storage entity. A shadow storage entity running at a second clock cycle (CLK2) is slower than the first clock cycle (CLK1). The first storage entity is coupled with the shadow storage entities via an intermediate storage entity, and the intermediate storage entity provides multiple storage stages for buffering consecutive update information of the first storage entity. Selection circuitry is adapted to provide one update information contained in one storage stage to the shadow storage entity with the active clock edge of the second clock cycle (CLK2) in order to update said shadow storage entity. |
| US09658847B2 |
Managing change-set delivery
An approach that analyzes and manages unresolved (i.e., pending, outgoing) change-sets is provided. Specifically, this approach parses the change-set into a plurality (i.e., one or more) of changes to determine the impact each change may have. An alert may be provided to the user indicating whether the change-set should be checked-in based on the determined impact. Specifically, a change-set management tool provides this capability. The change-set management tool includes a parsing module configured to receive an outgoing change-set and to parse the change-set into a plurality of changes. The change-set management tool further comprises an evaluation module configured to evaluate an impact that each of the plurality of changes within the change-set has on source code external to the change-set and other changes of the plurality of changes within the change-set. |
| US09658845B2 |
Generating a where-used objects list for updating data
Methods and systems are described that involve creating a where-used objects list that contains a set of provider's objects to be adjusted or tested in a customized program after an upgrade of a program, import of projects, patches, and so on. A set of contracts is created that corresponds to the set of provider's objects used in the customer system. Each contract contains information about the provider's object it is created for and assigned to. This information is used by a lifecycle tool to detect if a provider's object has been changed by comparing the contract information of the provider's object with a new imported version of the same provider's object. The provider's object is modified according to the detected change and the assigned contract is recreated to represent the latest data. |
| US09658844B1 |
Encapsulation of software support tools
A system, method, and computer program product for facilitating troubleshooting of remote workstation issues reported by an end user to a technical support center analyst in an enterprise network. A plurality of remote workstation software support tools are encapsulated in a support center utility application. Upon receiving a call from an end user (also referred to as customer herein), the remote workstation name for the end user is entered into the support center utility application. This causes information for the remote workstation and end user to be presented to the analyst via a support center utility application interface. At least one encapsulated remote workstation software support tool is launched based on an issue reported by the end user, the tool being pre-populated with information for the remote workstation from the support center utility application interface. The launched remote workstation software support tool is utilized to perform at least one troubleshooting step to resolve the issue reported by the end user. |
| US09658842B2 |
Application runtime expert for deployment of an application on multiple computer systems
An application Runtime Expert (ARE) manages deployment of application software on multiple computer systems. The ARE assists the user in verifying and fixing configuration and environment details of an application deployed on multiple computer systems. The ARE creates a user configurable XML template that contains configuration and environment details based on information collected from a master system that has a known good deployment. The ARE allows a user to edit the XML logic in the template and add plug-ins to the template. The XML template with the added plug-ins are sent to a target system and used to verify the deployment on the target system compared to the master system and to make fixes to the target system's configuration. |
| US09658841B2 |
System and method for efficient software replication
Systems and methods of efficient software replication are provided. This is accomplished by a first communication device that determines if a second communication device needs to have a software upgrade. In response to determining that the second communication device needs to have the software upgrade, the software upgrade is downloaded onto the second communication device. In response to downloading the software upgrade onto the second communication device, the second communication device determines if a third communication device needs to have the software upgrade. In response to determining that the third communication device needs to have the software upgrade, the second communication device downloads the software upgrade to the third communication device. This process can be repeated for any number of communication devices or the process may be completed in different orders. |
| US09658836B2 |
Automated generation of transformation chain compatible class
Automatically generating a software class that is compatible with a transformation chain class library. Such may be used to further populate the transformation chain class library with additional classes of software that was not originally generated as a transformation chain. In response to receiving a software representation, a dependency is identified in the software representation. It is then determined that the dependency corresponds to a dependency element of a transformation chain class of the transformation class library. Then, a software class is generated that corresponds to the software representation and that includes a dependency element that corresponds to the identified dependency, and that is recognized by a merging module as being compatible with the dependent element of the transformation chain class of the transformation chain class library. The software class may then be added to the transformation chain class library. |
| US09658835B1 |
Systems and methods for hardware resource sharing
A system and method optimizes hardware description generated from a graphical program or model having oversampling constraints automatically. The system may include a streaming optimizer, a resource sharing optimizer, a delay balancing engine, and a global scheduler. The streaming optimizer may transform vector data paths to scalar or smaller-sized vector data paths. The resource sharing optimizer may replace multiple, functionally equivalent blocks with a single shared block. The delay balancing may insert one or more elements to correct for data path misalignment. The global scheduler may place portions of the program or model into conditional execution sections and create control logic that controls the model sample times or steps that the portions are enabled. A validation model, a report, or hardware description code that utilizes fewer hardware resources may be generated from a modified version of the model that is created. |
| US09658831B2 |
Optical random number generator and method for generating a random number
An optical random number generator has: a light source (2) for randomly emitting photons (9); an array (3) of single photon avalanche diodes for detecting the photons (9) provided by the light source (2), wherein the array (3) of single photon avalanche diodes is positioned in a predefined distance (d) to the light source (2); and a control (10) coupled to the array (3) of single photon avalanche diodes and for determining an arrival time of the photons (9) detected by each of the single photon avalanche diodes of the array (3) of single photon avalanche diodes, and for generating a random number on the basis of the arrival time. |
| US09658823B2 |
Source-to-source compiler and run-time library to transparently accelerate stack or queue-based irregular applications on many-core architectures
Systems and methods for system for source-to-source transformation for optimizing stacks and/or queues in an application, including identifying usage of stacks and queues in the application and collecting the resource usage and thread block configurations for the application. If the usage of stacks is identified, optimized code is generated by determining appropriate storage, partitioning stacks based on determined storage, and caching tops of the stacks in a register. If the identifier identifies usage of queues, optimized code is generated by combining queue operations in all threads in a warp/thread block into one batch queue operation, converting control divergence of the application to data divergence to enable warp-level queue operations, determining whether at least one of the threads includes a queue operation, and combining queue operations into threads in a warp. |
| US09658819B2 |
Systems and methods for autonomously scheduling and playing audio files
Systems and methods for autonomously playing audio files at predeterminable times of a day, week, and/or year, including but not limited to astronomical events, for example, dusk or dawn. The systems and methods employ a computer program running on a standalone computer connected to an audio power amplifier and speaker system. The computer program includes an always-running service configured to execute a scheduling algorithm that causes selected audio files to be played according to one or more schedules. |
| US09658818B2 |
Adaptable audio systems
Sound-producing devices such as headphone sets or loudspeakers are disclosed that can removably mate with an external interface. The external interface may plug into a port on an exterior of the sound-producing device. The external interface includes conversion circuitry that is powered by a power source in the sound-producing device. The external interface receives a first audio-encoded signal from a source device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or the like, and converts such signal to a conditioned signal which is compatible with the sound-producing device. Connection between the source device and the external interface may be a first type of wired or wireless connection. The sound-producing device may operate with other source devices that produce different audio-encoded signals by replacing the external interface with a different external interface whose conversion circuitry converts the different audio-encoded signal to the same conditioned signal. Alternative sound-producing devices are also disclosed. |
| US09658817B2 |
Screen sharing terminal, method of screen sharing, and program for screen sharing terminal
The present invention is to provide a screen sharing terminal which easily authenticates and identifies the other terminals to share the screen, and enables to share a screen with the identified terminals and devices communicatively connected to the identified terminals. Between the screen sharing terminal and the communication terminal that share the screen, the terminals are easily identified by the authentication which is initiated by outgoing and incoming phone call between the terminals through the telephone network. In addition, the screen sharing can be done with the electronic devices communicatively connected to the communication terminal by transmitting the received screen data to the communication terminal. |
| US09658815B2 |
Display processing device and imaging apparatus
A display processing device includes: a first display processing unit that divides a display image into a first area and a second area and outputs a first output image obtained by performing display processing on display image data of the first area; a second display processing unit that outputs a second output image obtained by performing the display processing on display image data of the second area; a storage unit that temporarily stores the first and second output images; a memory writing control unit that controls writing of the first and second output images to the storage unit; an output selection unit that reads the first and second output images stored in the storage unit and outputs the read first and second output images to a first display device that displays a display image; and a clock control unit that supplies an operation clock to each element. |
| US09658813B2 |
Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and storage medium
An information processing device includes a communication unit that makes communication with a plurality of service providing devices; a receiving unit that receives information relating to use of a function, which is provided by the information processing device, from one service providing device among the plurality of service providing devices; and a notification unit that notifies the other service providing device about a state of the information processing device through the communication unit in response to the reception of the information by the receiving unit. |
| US09658810B2 |
Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, image forming method, and non-transitory computer readable medium that generate a list of users waiting for a job execution
An image forming apparatus includes a generating unit that generates a list of sequence of one or more users who wait for an execution of a job by the image forming apparatus or an operation of the image forming apparatus, and an output unit that outputs information of the list to a terminal apparatus of a user. |
| US09658808B2 |
Printing system, printing control method in cluster environment, and printing control program
A print job is submitted from a client terminal 100 to two print servers 200−1, 200−2, a print server taking main charge 200−1 instructs a printer 300 to print one page at a time in sequence, and status information indicating the printing state is shared by the two print servers 200−1, 200−2. If a failure occurs in the print server taking main charge 200−1, then, on the basis of the status information shared by the two print servers 200−1, 200−2, a print server taking sub charge 200−2 instructs the printer 300 to print in accordance with the submitted print job from the unprinted page. This makes it possible to immediately continue the print from the page indicated to be completely printed when the failure occurred. |
| US09658805B2 |
Information processing apparatus, system, storage medium, and information processing method for establishing communication path
An information processing apparatus includes a first receiving unit that receives authentication information from software that functions as a web client through a first communication path using a first communication protocol; a transmitting unit that, if authentication using the received authentication information is successful, permits communication through the first communication path, and transmits access permission information to the software through the first communication path; a second receiving unit that receives an establishment request for a second communication path using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, from the software; and an establishing unit that, if the transmitted access permission information is included in the received establishment request, establishes the second communication path to the software. |
| US09658804B2 |
Electronic device that displays degree-of-recommendation, image forming system, and recording medium
An electronic device includes: a display device; a toner color determining section configured to determine, from print data, one or more use toner colors as the colors of toners for use during printing based on the print data; a degree-of-recommendation determining section configured to determine a degree of recommendation of the image forming apparatus according to a probability of a situation preventing printing on the image forming apparatus; and a degree-of-recommendation display section configured to allow the display device to display the degree of recommendation determined by the degree-of-recommendation determining section, wherein the degree-of-recommendation determining section is configured to acquire apparatus information about the image forming apparatus from a server on a network and determine the probability according to whether information, included in the apparatus information, on the toners of the use toner colors determined by the toner color determining section meets a specified criterion. |
| US09658801B2 |
System having in-memory buffer service, temporary events file storage system and backup events file uploader service
Computer-implemented methods and systems are provided. The system includes a data store that is configured to store events in an event table, a temporary events file storage system (TEFSS), and a cluster of application servers. The cluster includes a first application server that generates events, and a second application server that includes an events file uploader service. When the first application server is unable to directly write events to the data store, an indirect events writer generates events file(s), and writes the events file(s) to the TEFSS. Each events file includes a plurality of events flushed from an in-memory buffer service at the first application server. When the events file uploader service determines that the first application server is inactive, it reads the events file(s) from the TEFSS, and writes the events from each of the events files to the data store. |
| US09658796B2 |
Storage control device and storage system
A storage control device includes a first storage device and a processor. The first storage device stores management information used for managing a variable area of storage regions of a second storage device in a storage apparatus. Each storage region is allocated to a main area or a spare area. The variable area includes storage regions allocated to the spare area and allocatable to the main area. The processor acquires, from the storage apparatus, information on numbers of times of Read processing on the second storage device and numbers of times of Write processing on the second storage device, and notifies the storage apparatus, when a number of times of Read processing on the second storage device within a predetermined time period is larger than a predetermined threshold, of a request for allocating a first portion of the variable area to the main area on basis of the management information. |
| US09658794B2 |
Two stage memory allocation using a cache
The presently claimed invention manages memory in a multi-processor system. The presently claimed invention may use a combination of global and local locks when allocating memory and de-allocating memory in a multi-processor system. A method consistent with the presently claimed invention may first receive an allocation of a first memory space in the system memory of a multi-core processing system. The allocation of the first memory space may globally locks the first memory space where the memory space may administered by a software module using one or more local locks. |
| US09658785B2 |
Dynamic configuration of data volumes
A storage system may implement dynamic configuration of data volumes. Client utilization of a data volume in a storage system may be tracked or monitored. Based on the utilization of the data volume, configuration recommendations to reconfigure the data volume according to data volume offerings may be determined. The data volume may be configured according to an authorized configuration recommendation. In some embodiments, these recommendations may be provided to a client and selection of the configuration recommendation to perform may be received. In some embodiments, a configuration recommendation may be automatically performed based on previously provided authorization to configure the data volume. |
| US09658783B2 |
DRAM having SDRAM interface and flash memory consolidated memory module
In methods connecting a memory module configured from DRAM, which is high-speed memory, and a memory module configured from flash memory which is slower than DRAM but is high-capacity memory, to a CPU memory bus, in the case of sequential reading, the busy rate of the CPU memory bus increases, and performance degradation occurs easily. In the present invention, an information processing device has a CPU, a CPU memory bus, and a primary storage device. The primary storage device has a first memory module and a second memory module. The first memory module has high-speed memory. The second memory module has memory having the same memory interface as that of the high-speed memory, high-capacity memory having a different memory interface from that of the high-speed memory, and a controller that controls same. The first memory module and second memory module are caused to be accessed by the memory interface of the high-speed memory. |
| US09658782B2 |
Scalable data using RDMA and MMIO
To improve upon some of the characteristics of current storage systems in general and block data storage systems in particular, exemplary embodiments combine state-of-the art networking techniques with state-of-the-art data storage elements in a novel way. To accomplish this combination in a highly effective way, it is proposed to combine networking remote direct memory access (RDMA) technique and storage-oriented memory mapped input output (MMIO) technique in a system to provide direct access from a remote storage client to a remote storage system with little to no central processing unit (CPU) intervention of the remote storage server. In some embodiments, this technique may reduce the required CPU intervention on the client side. These reductions of CPU intervention potentially reduce latency while providing performance improvements, and/or providing more data transfer bandwidth and/or throughput and/or more operations per second compared to other systems with equivalent hardware. |
| US09658780B2 |
Magnetic random access memory with dynamic random access memory (DRAM)-like interface
A memory device includes a magnetic memory unit for storing a burst of data during a burst write operation. Each burst of data includes sequential data units with each data unit being received at a clock cycle, and written during the burst write operation, wherein the burst write operation is performed during multiple clock cycles. Further, the memory device includes a mask register coupled to the magnetic memory unit that generates a write mask during the burst write operation to inhibit or enable data units of write data. Furthermore, the memory device allows a next burst write operation to begin while receiving data units of the burst of data to be written or providing read data. |
| US09658776B2 |
Compression of state information for data transfer over cloud-based networks
Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for compressing a set of RAM data that may have some portions duplicated in a set of ROM data. The ROM data may be divided into a plurality of data chunks and hashed to obtained unique key values. Then a second hash may be performed on the RAM to see if there are any RAM data chunks that match the ROM data chunks. RAM data chunks with matching key values are replaced with pointers to the location of the data in the ROM. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US09658773B2 |
Management of extents for space efficient storage volumes by reusing previously allocated extents
A storage controller maintains an allocation space for extent space efficient storage volumes, in response to a request from a host application for storage space, wherein an extent pool is configured to allocate available extents to the host application. In response to a request from the host application to delete data stored in selected extents that are already allocated to the host application, the storage controller deletes the data but continues to maintain the selected extents as being allocated to the host application. In response to a request to write new data, the storage controller writes the new data to the selected extents that are already allocated. |
| US09658770B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing inputting of character
Methods and electronic apparatuses for repeatedly inputting a character or number are described. The method includes identifying a predetermined gesture relating to a soft key on a soft keyboard displayed on a touch screen of an electronic apparatus, using the identified predetermined gesture to determine the number of times the at soft key was input, and processing input of the at soft key the determined number of times. |
| US09658768B2 |
Method of controlling mobile terminal
There is disclosed a method of controlling a mobile terminal including steps of implementing a first application; implementing a second application during the implementation of the first application; and overlay-displaying by displaying a screen of the second application or the first application on a screen of the other, wherein a screen of the front application has implementable input and output function in a semitransparent state, and a screen of the rear application has a restricted input function and an implementable output function. |
| US09658766B2 |
Edge gesture
This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling an edge gesture. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable selection of a user interface not currently exposed on a display through an edge gesture that is easy-to-use and remember. |
| US09658763B2 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An apparatus that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records includes at least one processor that is in operative connection with a card reader and a touch screen display. The at least one processor causes the machine to operate to read card data from a user card, and to cause a determination that the read card data corresponds to an authorized financial account. Data corresponding to a user input character is resolved by the at least one processor responsive to contact with the touch screen display input surface, which may not include any visible output indicia that corresponds to the input character. |
| US09658756B2 |
EMS decision support interface, event history, and related tools
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for display and navigation of a clinical decision support process with portions thereof on separate display screens, as well as systems and methods for dynamically changing visual characteristics of softkeys on a patient monitor/defibrillator user interface screen based on clinical decision support or differential diagnosis processes, as well as a code review interface configured to permit a user to see what was displayed on a patient monitor/defibrillator user interface screen at any time during a medical event, as well as to see snapshots of other recorded parameters over the course of the medical event for purposes of code review, patient transfer, and improved patient care. |
| US09658751B2 |
Mouse button function setting method and system thereof
A mouse button function setting method and a system thereof are applied to a mouse having multiple buttons. The method comprises following steps. A short cut function planning interface, which displays a function list and a short cut list, is provided. One of short cuts is selected form the short cut list. At least one of functions is selected from the function list and set to the selected short cut. A button setting interface, which displays the short cut list and multiple button icons, is provided. Multiple button icons correspond to multiple buttons respectively. One of short cuts is set to one of multiple button icons. |
| US09658750B2 |
Private messaging via content provider web sites and applications
A device provides content for display to a first user device associated with a user, and provides for display, to the first user device, an option to share the content. The device receives a selection of the option from the first user device, and causes a list of contacts, associated with the user, to be presented for display, on the first user device, based on the selection of the option. The device receives, from the first user device, a selection of a contact from the list of contacts, and receives, from the first user device, a message from the user for the selected contact. The device provides for display the message with the content, to the first user device and to a second user device, associated with the selected contact. The message is privately provided to only the first user device and the second user device. |
| US09658748B2 |
System and method of managing states of computer screen and controlling mobile communication terminal
Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal including a touch screen as an input and output means is controlled by a processor on a computer as a mobile station of a mobile communication network, and screen information is output through the display of the mobile communication terminal. A screen display unit of the computer switches to a sleep mode corresponding to the sleep mode of the mobile communication terminal, and the sleep mode of the mobile communication terminal is disabled by manipulating the computer. Accordingly, erroneous manipulation can be prevented in the control process. |
| US09658747B2 |
Virtual tabs supporting web content suspension
A Web application displays Web content in a user interface (UI) tab having multiple associated virtual tabs. The multiple associated virtual tabs can include a visible tab hosting Web content that is currently visible, one or more hidden tabs each hosting Web content that is not currently visible, and optionally one or more empty tabs each hosting no Web content or only primitive Web content. For each hidden tab, the Web content hosted in the hidden tab is suspended, which refers to ceasing execution of instructions in and/or other operations performed by the Web content. For example, audio/video playback is paused, execution of script instructions ceases, and so forth. |
| US09658744B1 |
Navigation paths for panorama
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to allowing users to create their own image navigation experiences. As an example, a set of panoramic images may be identified using manual and/or automated methods. One or more suggested potential paths connecting ones of the panoramic images may be determined. This information may be displayed to a user with an interface that allows the user to create and change relationships between the panoramic images. For example, users may activate the suggested paths and create connections between the panoramic images of the set. Users may also draw their own connecting paths between panoramic images. The panoramic images and the connections between them may be used to provide a navigation experience. |
| US09658743B2 |
User interface for displaying selectable software functionality controls that are relevant to a selected object
An improved user interface is provided for displaying selectable software functionality controls that are relevant to a selected object and that remain visibly available for use while the selected object is being edited. Upon selection of a particular object for editing, functionality available for editing the object is presented in a ribbon-shaped user interface above the software application workspace to allow the user ready and efficient access to functionality needed for editing the selected object. The display of relevant functionality controls is persisted until the user dismisses the display, selects another top-level functionality control or selects another object for editing. |
| US09658742B2 |
Generating and displaying supplemental information and user interactions on interface tiles of a user interface
Technologies for displaying supplemental interface tiles on a user interface of a computing device include determining supplemental information and/or available user interactions associated with a user interface tile displayed on the user interface. A supplemental interface tile is displayed in association with the user interface tile in response to a user selecting the user interface tile. The supplemental information and/or an interaction widget corresponding to the available user interactions may be displayed on the supplemental interface tile based on the selection gesture used by the user to select the user interface tile. |
| US09658734B2 |
Information processing method and electronic device
The present invention relates to communication technology and discloses an information processing method and an electronic device. The information processing method is applied in an electronic device. The touch display unit is capable of displaying at least one target object associated with the first application and displaying the first application in a small window or a full-screen window in response to the target object being touched. The full-screen window has a display area equal to an area where the touch display unit can accept a touch event and the small window has a display area smaller than the area where the touch display unit can accept a touch event. The small window is obtained by converting the full-screen window based on a first conversion parameter. The method comprises: receiving a first operation on the touch display unit for initiating and displaying the first application; and displaying the first application in the small window on the touch display unit when the first operation meets a first predetermined operation condition or the first application meets a first predetermined application condition. |
| US09658731B2 |
Touch window and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are a touch window and a manufacturing method thereof. The touch window includes conductive polymer. In the touch window, a light source and/or a connector are provided in a touch screen panel due to the conductive polymer. |
| US09658730B2 |
5-wire resistive touch screen pressure measurement circuit and method
A 5-wire touch screen system includes a touch screen (10) including a wiper (11) and a resistive layer (16) aligned with the wiper and first (UL), second (UR), third (LR), and fourth (LL) resistive layer contacts, wherein a touch on the screen presses a small portion of the wiper against the resistive layer, producing a touch resistance (RZ) between them at a touch point on the resistive layer. The wiper and various contacts are selectively coupled to first (VDD) and second (GND) reference voltages, respectively, to generate an analog touch voltage (VZ) at the touch point. The wiper and various contacts are selectively coupled to an analog input (56) and a reference voltage input of an ADC (48) for converting the touch voltage (VZ) to a digital representation. Analog voltages (VX) and (VY) at the touch point are converted to corresponding digital representations by the ADC. |
| US09658723B2 |
Method and system for detecting the presence of a finger or a hand in the proximity of a touchless screen, corresponding screen device, and corresponding computer program product
Detecting the presence of a finger in proximity of a screen that generates detection signals in the horizontal direction and vertical direction includes sampling the detection signals and generating raw-data vectors X and Y. The raw data have a maximum for elements of the vector that define the position of the finger on the screen in the directions X and Y, respectively. The vectors X and Y are divided into subsets defined as “macro-areas” and cumulative values computed of each macro-area by adding together all the elements of the vector X and of the vector Y that belong to the macro-area. The maximum values are selected from among horizontal cumulative values and vertical cumulative values. A value identifying the macro-area selected on the basis of the maximum values is supplied, or no value supplied in the presence of elements of disturbance in the proximity of the screen. |
| US09658720B2 |
Capacitive sense array for detecting passive touch objects and an active stylus
A system comprising a sensing device and a capacitive sense array configured to detect a presence of a passive touch object and a stylus where the capacitive sense array receives a transmit signal from the stylus via capacitive coupling. The system further comprising a processing device configured to determine the stylus location on the capacitive sense array based on the transmit signal and to synchronize the stylus to the capacitive sense array. A system further comprises a demodulation block to extract additional data that is modulated into the transmit signal by the stylus. The demodulation block is configured to extract the additional data by amplitude shift keying. The additional data comprises at least one of an applied force value of the stylus tip, a button status data, a battery status data, or a stylus acceleration data. |
| US09658719B2 |
Touch screen with acoustic mode reflective and conversion arrays
A touch panel includes a first plurality of echelons arranged on a substrate along a first centerline at a first angle and a second plurality of echelons arranged on a substrate along a second centerline at a second angle. A first wave generator on an end of the substrate is configured to transmit a first wave along the first centerline of the first plurality of echelons and a second wave generator on an end of the substrate is configured to transmit a second wave along the second centerline of the second plurality of echelons. First and second trapping slots are positioned parallel to their respective plurality of echelons. |
| US09658714B2 |
Electronic device, non-transitory storage medium, and control method for electronic device
An electronic device includes a position detection module configured to detect a touch position on a display surface of a display module touched by a user; a position data output module configured to output first position data and second position data based on position data on the touch positions detected by the position detection module; and a display control module configured to control the display module based on the first position data or the second position data output from the position data output module. The first position data is position data obtained by averaging position data on the touch positions respectively detected at detection timings. The second position data is position data on the touch position detected at individual detection timing. The display control module selects the first position data or the second position data to control the display module, based on a predetermined selection condition. |
| US09658711B2 |
Touch panel module, touch device and manufacturing method thereof
A touch panel module includes a substrate, a sensor layer disposed on the substrate, a first glue layer disposed on the sensor layer and an anti-electromagnetic interference layer disposed on the first glue layer. The touch panel module with anti-electromagnetic interference can be formed independently, and may be combined with other electronic device to form a touch device, thereby reducing the thickness of the touch device and simplifying the process steps. |
| US09658708B2 |
Touch panel and touch panel-equipped display device
An arrangement of a cover-integrated touch panel is provided that ensures that sensor electrodes are properly connected with wiring lines. The touch panel includes: a transparent substrate; a light-shielding film on a portion of the substrate; a planarizing film over the substrate and the light-shielding film; a barrier film over the planarizing film; a sensor electrode on the barrier film; a terminal in a region that overlaps the light-shielding film; and a wiring line to electrically connect the sensor electrode with the terminal. The barrier film includes a first inorganic film adjacent to the planarizing film and a second inorganic film on the first inorganic film with a smaller refractive index than the first inorganic film. |
| US09658707B2 |
Modular connector for touch sensitive device
Apparatus for providing modular connection means to electrodes in a touch-sensitive device. The modular connections may include electronics allowing controlling electronics to individually address electrodes associated with driving electrodes and sensing signals occurring on electrodes. |
| US09658705B2 |
Touch control apparatus, control method thereof and electronic device having touch control apparatus
A touch control apparatus, a control method thereof and an electronic device having the touch control apparatus are disclosed, which belong to the technical field of touch control. The touch control apparatus comprises: a panel (1); a transmitting antenna (2) arranged on the panel (1) and configured to transmit a detection wave for detecting whether the panel (1) is being touched; at least three resonant circuits arranged on the panel and configured to sense the detection wave and generate resonant waves; and a control processing unit (6) configured to control to process the resonant waves and position information of the resonant circuits to obtain corresponding touch information comprising at least a touch pressure and a touch position. The touch control apparatus, the control method thereof and the electronic device enable touch control of the panel by a general object through utilizing the resonant circuits. The present disclosure can be advantageously implemented by simple process at low cost and have wide usage prospect in the touch control field. |
| US09658704B2 |
Devices and methods for manipulating user interfaces with a stylus
An electronic device with a touch-sensitive display and one or more sensors to detect signals from a stylus associated with the device: detects a positional state of the stylus, the positional state of the stylus corresponding to a distance, a tilt, and/or an orientation of the stylus relative to the touch-sensitive display; determines a location on the touch-sensitive display that corresponds to the detected positional state of the stylus; displays, in accordance with the positional state of the stylus, an indication on the touch-sensitive display of the determined location prior to the stylus touching the touch-sensitive display; detects a change in the distance, the tilt, and/or the orientation of the stylus, prior to the stylus touching the touch-sensitive display; and in response to detecting the change, updates the displayed indication on the touch-sensitive display. |
| US09658699B2 |
System and method for using a side camera for free space gesture inputs
An information handling system including a camera mounted in the side edge surface for detecting gestures by a user on a detected working surface in a gesture detecting zone next to the system and including a gesture detection system for interpreting free space gestures and initializing cursor control commands. |
| US09658698B2 |
Using measurement of lateral force for a tracking input device
Systems and methods for using measurements of a lateral force applied to a motion-based input device are disclosed. The input device has a force detection module operable to detect lateral forces applied to the input device and generate force data representative of the applied lateral forces. The system also includes a processor coupled to the force detection module. The processor is operable to initiate an event based upon the force data. |
| US09658697B2 |
Active element display reorientation method and device
A method of repositioning of screen elements from a first orientation to a second orientation with rendering one or more active screen elements on the display area in the first orientation. In one embodiment, upon detection to a second orientation, the active screen elements are re-rendered on the display area to be displayed in the new orientation while the direction of movement of animation remains in the same direction relative to the display area. In another embodiment, the method may consist of maintaining a list of screen elements and a list of graphical features including a directionality indicator where the directionality indicator points in a first direction in a first orientation and the same first direction in a second orientation. Re-rendering may be accomplished using a subset of HTML5 and a subset of CSS3 or its successors without having to use code native to the device containing the display area. |
| US09658694B2 |
Touch-sensitive sheet member, input device and electronic apparatus
A touch-sensitive sheet member contains a body having predetermined hardness and a sheet shape and a sense-of-touch-representing unit that represents a sense of touch. The sense-of-touch-representing unit has a predetermined size and is arranged at positions of the body or at a predetermined position of the body. The touch-sensitive sheet member also contains a medium-supplying unit that supplies medium to the sense-of-touch-representing unit. |
| US09658693B2 |
Systems and methods for haptically-enabled interactions with objects
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; and determine a function based at least in part on the user interaction and the characteristic. The processor is also configured to determine a haptic effect associated with the function; 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. |
| US09658689B2 |
Interfacing via heads-up display using eye contact
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for device interaction via a heads-up display determines an area of sight of a first entity employing a first heads-up display, and establishes interaction between at least one first device and the first heads-up display in response to detecting at least an impact of the determined area of sight on at least one second device. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for interacting with a device via a heads-up display in substantially the same manners described above. |
| US09658685B2 |
Three-dimensional input device and input system
A three-dimensional input device, which comprises two optical measuring means as set at a predetermined interval from each other, and for measuring a three-dimensional position of an object to be measured at a real time based on a direction of an object to be measured as obtained individually by the two optical measuring means and the predetermined interval and also has a three-dimensional position detecting device which is capable of being mounted on a human body, and a control unit, wherein the control unit generates input information based on change and mode of change of three-dimensional position of the object to be measured. |
| US09658684B2 |
Method and system for automatically captioning actions in a recorded electronic demonstration
A system and method are disclosed for automatically captioning an electronic demonstration using object properties captured from the operating system. In response to an action that is initiated by a demonstrator, the operating system is queried to obtain the property information for the target object to which the action is directed as well as the parent object of the target object. This property information is then used to generate explanatory captions that are displayed to a user or trainee during the playback of the electronic demonstration. |
| US09658682B2 |
Reference voltage circuits in microcontroller systems
A microcontroller system includes a higher power reference voltage circuit and a lower power reference voltage circuit configured to draw less power than the higher power reference voltage circuit when enabled. The system includes a power state logic controller configured to enable the lower power reference voltage circuit to provide a first regulated voltage during a power saving mode, and, on exiting the power saving mode, enable the higher power reference voltage circuit to provide a second regulated voltage. |
| US09658679B2 |
Information processing apparatus that performs user authentication, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus that improves the convenience of a user who performs authentication using an authentication medium. A communication system module acquires authentication information from an IC card. A sensor system module detects proximity of the IC card. A main circuit element group authenticates a user using the acquired authentication information. A power supply controller supplies power to those modules and the group. A power supply destination is controlled such that the apparatus is shifted to a power saving state in which power is supplied only to the sensor system module. In the power saving state, when the sensor system module detects proximity of the IC card, the power supply destination is controlled to cause the apparatus to shift to a normal power state in which power is supplied to the communication system module and the main circuit element group. |
| US09658677B2 |
Wake-up signal generating device, and touch input device
A touch input device includes a touch sensor and a wake-up control unit. The touch sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor and a detection signal generating unit. The touch sensor outputs sensing signals corresponding to displacement amount of a push and relaxation of the push of an operation surface, and a displacement direction. The detection signal generating unit outputs a displacement detection signal from the sensing signal. The wake-up control unit detects a push from a change in a voltage of the displacement detection signal. The wake-up control unit starts clocking upon detection of the push, and generates and outputs a wake-up signal when detecting relaxation of the push based on the change in the voltage of the displacement detection signal within a detection time. |
| US09658675B1 |
Achieving power saving by a circuit including pluralities of processing cores based on status of the buffers used by the processing cores
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques that provide for sending messages among processing nodes over a network-on-chip (NoC). More particularly, the present disclosure provides an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that includes processing cores and co-processors. The processing cores and co-processors are coupled together with a NoC. Each processing core and co-processor includes two corresponding buffers. A first buffer is for sending messages and a second buffer is for receiving messages. If a processing core or co-processor needs to send a message and the corresponding first buffer is full, if the message includes a flag that indicates a WAIT function, then the processing core and/or co-processor enters a low power state until the first buffer is available; otherwise the message is ignored and not sent. Additionally, if a second buffer is empty, then the corresponding processing core and/or co-processor enters the low power state. |
| US09658669B2 |
Solid-state mass storage devices with capacitor-based power supply and methods of operation
Solid-state mass storage devices and methods of operation thereof include a solid-state mass storage device that may have a capacitor-based power supply module configured for providing power to the mass storage device. In one embodiment, the mass storage device has a first mode of operation wherein a primary power supply provided by a host system provides power to the mass storage device sufficient for its operation and provides power to the capacitor-based power supply module to recharge the module, and a second mode of operation wherein power is provided to the mass storage device from both the primary power supply and the capacitor-based power supply module. The mass storage device may be capable of providing power from the capacitor-based power supply module to the mass storage device after a voltage level of the capacitor-based power supply module falls below an under voltage lock out level. |
| US09658668B2 |
Systems and methods for programmable system ride-through and hold-up
An information handling system may include a power management system comprising a power supply unit having an input for receiving an alternating current input waveform from a bulk capacitor for storing charge. The power management system may be configured to calculate an energy budget associated with an amount of energy stored in the bulk capacitor that may be used to power at least one information handling resource in response to a loss of the alternating current input waveform. The power management system may further be configured to determine a portion of the energy budget required to satisfy a requirement, the requirement comprising one of a hold-up time requirement and a ride-through requirement of the information handling system. The power management system may further be configured to allocate the energy budget between hold-up and ride-through of the information handling system in a manner that satisfies the requirement. |
| US09658666B1 |
Dynamic capacitor modulated voltage regulator
Some embodiments include apparatuses and method using a first node to receive an input voltage, a second node to provide an output voltage, circuit lanes coupled to the first and second nodes, each of the circuit lanes including switches coupled between the first and second nodes, and a controller to selectively place at least one circuit lane among the circuit lanes in an activated state to cause the at least one circuit lane to control the switches in order to adjust an amount of charge provided from a capacitor network to the output node based on a toggling frequency of a comparator output signal generated based on a comparison between a value of a reference voltage and a value of a feedback voltage generated from a value of the output voltage. |
| US09658663B2 |
Thermally-aware throttling in a three-dimensional processor stack
A three-dimensional (3-D) processor stack includes a plurality of processor cores implemented in a plurality of layers. A controller is to selectively throttle one or more of a plurality of processor cores in response to detecting a thermal event. The controller selectively throttles the one or more of the plurality of processor cores based on values of thermal couplings between the plurality of layers and based on measures of criticality of threads executing on the plurality of processor cores. |
| US09658661B2 |
Climate regulator control for device enclosures
Climate regulation within an enclosure (e.g., a case of a workstation or a rack or cabinet of servers) may be achieved through a climate regulator featuring several selectable climate regulator settings (e.g., a variable-speed fan array). Controllers of such climate regulators often select climate regulator settings based on current conditions inside the enclosure, such as the temperature of one or more processors operating within the enclosure. However, such control fails to account for the climate of air outside the enclosure that is drawn in to provide climate regulation, even though the climate properties of inlet air may significantly affect the effectiveness of climate regulation. Accordingly, a controller of a climate regulator may be configured to detect inlet climate properties of air directed into the enclosure, and to map the inlet climate properties (alone or in combination with other factors) to a selected climate regulator setting for the climate regulator. |
| US09658659B2 |
Display device
A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display module, and a heat dissipation unit which is coupled to a rear side of the display module. The heat dissipation unit includes a core part including a plurality of hollow polygonal columns extending in a front/back direction, a front sheet which is coupled to a front portion of the core part, and a rear sheet which is coupled to a rear portion of the core part. The core part has a thickness of about 40% to about 60% in the front/back direction with respect to a total thickness of the heat dissipation unit in the front/back direction. |
| US09658656B2 |
Cover for electronic device and method for manufacturing the same
A cover for an electronic device includes a main portion and a border portion beside the main portion. The border portion includes a transparent substrate and a adhesive layer. The transparent substrate defines at least one through hole. The adhesive layer is adhered to an inner wall of the at least one through hole. |
| US09658655B2 |
Electronic apparatus and cover structure thereof
A cover structure for an electronic apparatus is disclosed. The cover structure includes a bezel, a first bracket and a first handle. The bezel includes two long sides, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The first bracket is fixed on the first lateral side and includes a first protruding portion. The first handle moveably combines with the bezel, and the first handle is moved substantially parallel to each long side of the bezel. The first handle includes a first recess and at least one first fixed portion, and the first protruding portion is disposed in the first recess. The at least one first fixed portion is used for combining with a housing of the electronic apparatus. |
| US09658651B2 |
Expanding capabilities of mobile computing devices
A rim for protecting a handheld computing device, such as a smartphone, has left, right, top, and bottom edges sized to engage the corresponding edges of the handheld device. An electronic processor is disposed within at least one of the rim edges, and is able to communicatively connect to the handheld computing device when the handheld computing device is engaged by the rim. The rim resiliently stretches over the handheld device to engage the device, the resilient material further operative to protect the device from damage due to dropping. Sensors are communicatively coupled to the electronic processor, the sensors operable to detect a health parameter of the body of the user when the user grasps the rim engaged with the handheld computing device, and uses the handheld computing device in a normal manner. Electronic backplates having differing features can be attached to the rim and communicate with the rim. |
| US09658649B2 |
Display device and laptop computer
A display device and a laptop computer including the same are disclosed. The display device includes a display module, a front cover including a front horizontal part, which covers an edge of a front surface of the display module and extends in a horizontal direction, and a front vertical part, which extends from the front horizontal part in a vertical direction and is positioned on the side of the display module, and a back cover including a back horizontal part, which is positioned in the rear of the display module and extends in the horizontal direction, and a back vertical part, which extends from the back horizontal part in the vertical direction and corresponds to the front vertical part of the front cover. |
| US09658647B1 |
Expandable screen display device
The present invention relates to a novel expandable screen display device, which is an add-on device adapted to encase a wearable communication device such as a smart phone or a smart watch. The expandable screen display device comprises a first enclosure with a first control module, a second enclosure with a second control module, such that the first control module and the second control module are in wireless communication for selective expansion of the expandable screen display device according to user input received via a mobile software application residing on the wearable communication device. |
| US09658645B2 |
Control circuits for generating output enable signals, and related systems and methods
Control circuits for generating output enable signals are disclosed. In one aspect, a control circuit is provided that employs combinatorial logic to generate an output enable signal that meets timing constraints using a standard clock signal, a feedback clock signal based on the standard clock signal, and a single data rate (SDR) data output stream. The control circuit includes a double data rate (DDR) conversion circuit configured to generate a DDR output stream based on a received SDR output stream. The control circuit includes an output enable circuit configured to receive the standard clock signal, feedback clock signal, and DDR output stream, and to generate the output enable signal that is asserted and de-asserted according to the defined timing constraints. The control circuit is configured to generate an accurately timed output enable signal without the need for a fast clock signal in addition to the standard clock signal. |
| US09658642B2 |
Timing control for unmatched signal receiver
A device with an I/O interface includes a replica clock distribution path matched to a clock distribution path of an unmatched receiver circuit. The device can monitor changes in delay in the replica path, and adjust delay in the real clock distribution path in response to the delay changes detected in the replica path. The receiver circuit includes a data path and a clock distribution network in an unmatched configuration. A ring oscillator circuit includes a replica clock distribution network matched to the real clock distribution network. Thus, delay changes detected for the replica clock distribution network indicates a change in delay in the real clock distribution network, which can be compensated accordingly. |
| US09658641B2 |
Cosmetically self-centering removable module tray
This application relates to methods and apparatus pertaining to a SIM tray that includes a deformable portion. When the SIM tray is subjected to stresses that result from tolerance stacking, the deformable portion accommodates the differences tolerance errors by allowing the non-deformable portion of the SIM tray to move substantially independently from one another. Creating the deformable portion can be accomplished by utilizing materials with lower relative moduli of elasticity, dovetails, magnets, or other means. |
| US09658640B2 |
Electronic device control button of vehicle
An electronic device control button of a vehicle includes: i) a jog-shuttle configured to control an electronic device including a navigation device for the vehicle; ii) a base part configured to rotatably support the jog-shuttle and slidably move in upward and downward directions from a reference position on a center fascia panel; iii) a return spring provided on the center fascia panel, configured to limit movement of the jog-shuttle, and to recover the jog-shuttle to the reference position; and iv) a terminal part provided at the jog-shuttle and configured to make contact with or be separated from a slot of a circuit board to apply and block different electrical signals to and from the electronic device. |
| US09658639B2 |
Inceptor apparatus
An inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine, the operation of the machine providing an output from at least one inertial sensor. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a base portion, and a grip portion extending from the base portion in only one direction. The apparatus further comprises at least one sensor for generating actual stick member position data, and a control unit configured to receive an inertial force signal from the or each inertial sensor and the actual stick member position data. The control unit is operable generate a first stick member position compensation signal in dependence upon the inertial force signal and actual stick member position data. |
| US09658637B2 |
Low power proportional to absolute temperature current and voltage generator
A proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) circuit is provided. By judiciously combining circuit elements into two or more cell it is possible to effectively dump bias current into impedance resistive element of a first cell from other cells of the circuit. As a result the circuit as a whole can operate with smaller resistive elements and therefore occupy less area when implemented in silicon. It is also possible to reduce the supply current that is required for providing specific output currents or voltages. |
| US09658636B2 |
Apparatus and methods for variable capacitor arrays
Apparatus and methods for variable capacitor arrays are provided herein. In certain configurations, an apparatus includes a variable capacitor array and a bias voltage generation circuit. The variable capacitor array includes a plurality of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) variable capacitor cells, which include one or more pairs of MOS capacitors implemented in anti-parallel and/or anti-series configurations. In certain implementations, the MOS variable capacitor cells are electrically connected in parallel with one another between a radio frequency (RF) input and an RF output of the variable capacitor array. The bias voltage generation circuit generates bias voltages for biasing the MOS capacitors of the MOS variable capacitor cells. |
| US09658635B2 |
Charge pump with temporally-varying adiabaticity
Operation of a charge pump is controlled to optimize power conversion efficiency by using an adiabatic mode with some operating characteristics and a non-adiabatic mode with other characteristics. The control is implemented by controlling a configurable circuit at the output of the charge pump. |
| US09658633B2 |
Power monitoring system and a reduced impedance method for the power monitoring system
A power monitoring system comprises an input module, a plurality of switches, a plurality of power supply ports, a detecting module, a control module, and a wireless transmission module. The each switch was set in between the input module, and each switch has an address. The detecting module generates a power loading value by set in between the input module and each power supply port. The control module connects to switches, the detecting module and the wireless transmission module, thus, the control module can read the power loading values from the detecting module, and control each switch which corresponds to the address by a preset rule or a command from the wireless transmission module. It will not only save energy but also improve the electricity security for the household. |
| US09658628B2 |
Advanced valve actuator with true flow feedback
A valve and actuator assembly that includes a valve configured to control a flow of liquid into a coil or heat exchanger. The valve and actuator assembly further includes a valve actuator configured to control opening and closing of the valve via positioning of a valve closure member. The valve actuator is further configured to provide both a maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate of the liquid through the valve. In an embodiment, the valve actuator includes a valve closure member position sensor configured to determine the position of the valve closure member based on a flow rate of the liquid through the valve. |
| US09658623B2 |
Aircraft intent processor
Example aircraft intent processors are described herein that can be used both for the prediction of an aircraft's trajectory from aircraft intent, and the execution of aircraft intent for controlling the aircraft. An example aircraft intent processor includes an aircraft intent input to receive aircraft intent data representative of aircraft intent instructions, an aircraft state input to receive state data representative of a state of the aircraft, and a residual output. The aircraft intent processor is to calculate residual data representative of an error between a state of the aircraft commanded by the received aircraft intent data and the state of the aircraft expressed by received state data, and output the residual data via the residual output. |
| US09658622B2 |
Industrial vehicle for identifying malfunctioning sequenced tag and tag layout for use therewith
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrial vehicle is provided comprising industrial vehicle hardware, tag reader, reader module, user interface, and vehicle controller. The tag reader and reader module cooperate to identify individual sequenced tags along an aisle path of a tag layout in accordance with a sequence list accessible to the reader module. The reader module compares a succession of sequenced tags with at least a portion of the accessible sequence list to determine if the succession of sequenced tags is in sequence along the aisle path in accordance with the sequence list and generates a missing tag signal for a malfunctioning sequenced tag when the comparison of the succession of sequenced tags with the sequence list indicates a sequence irregularity in the plurality of sequenced tags. The reader module then correlates vehicle functionality with the malfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tag signal is generated. |
| US09658620B1 |
System and method of providing recommendations to users of vehicles
A system and method is provided of providing recommendations to a user of a vehicle. In one aspect, the vehicle navigates autonomously and the sensors provide information that is based on the location of the vehicle and output from sensors directed to the environment surrounding the vehicle. In further aspects, both current and previous sensor data is used to make the recommendation, as well as data based on the sensors of other vehicles. |
| US09658619B1 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle modular command priority determination and filtering system
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle modular command priority determination and filtering system. One of the methods includes enabling control of the UAV by a first control source that provides modular commands to the UAV, each modular command being a command associated with performance of one or more actions by the UAV. Modular commands from a second control source requesting control of the UAV are received. The second control source is determined to be in control of the UAV based on priority information associated with each control source. Control of the UAV is enabled by the second control source, and modular commands are implemented. |
| US09658612B2 |
Automatic monitoring of the alignment and wear of vibration welding equipment
A vibration welding system includes vibration welding equipment having a welding horn and anvil, a host machine, a check station, and a welding robot. At least one displacement sensor is positioned with respect to one of the welding equipment and the check station. The robot moves the horn and anvil via an arm to the check station, when a threshold condition is met, i.e., a predetermined amount of time has elapsed or a predetermined number of welds have been completed. The robot moves the horn and anvil to the check station, activates the at least one displacement sensor, at the check station, and determines a status condition of the welding equipment by processing the received signals. The status condition may be one of the alignment of the vibration welding equipment and the wear or degradation of the vibration welding equipment. |
| US09658610B2 |
Displacement and position measurement in machine tool
A machine tool includes a displacement measuring unit to measure the displacement of a workpiece center-to-blade tip distance which is the distance between a center equivalent position of a workpiece support surface of a workpiece support unit and a blade tip equivalent position of a tool support unit in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a spindle axis. The displacement measuring unit measures the displacement by measuring the displacement of a continuous path between the center equivalent position of the workpiece support unit and the blade tip equivalent position and excluding a processing movement region. The displacement measuring unit includes workpiece side and tool side linear position detecting units. A measured value of the displacement measuring unit is used in correcting an X-axis command value. |
| US09658609B2 |
Device assisted settings adjustment for HVAC controllers
In an embodiment, a method for device-assisted adjustment of a HVAC unit controller is provided. A HVAC unit controller receives a geographical location from a device over a data connection. The HVAC unit controller obtains location-specific setting information. The location-specific setting information is specific to the geographical location. The HVAC unit controller adjusts one or more settings of the HVAC unit controller in accordance with the location-specific setting information. |
| US09658608B2 |
Servo control apparatus
A servo control apparatus includes: a model-response calculating unit; a motor-end-movement-amount-during-stopping measuring unit that measures a motor end movement amount during stopping, which is a displacement amount of a detection value of a motor end position in a period from when the calculated value of the machine end position changes to zero until the calculated value changes to a value other than zero; and an error-correction-amount calculating unit that calculates an error correction amount on the basis of a parameter in which a maximum change amount of a deviation between the machine end position and the motor end position during moving direction reversal is set in advance, the calculated value of the machine end position, and the motor end movement amount. The servo control unit sets the detection value of the machine end position and the detection value of the motor end position. |
| US09658597B2 |
Timepiece mechanism having a contact pair with no lubrication
A timepiece mechanism including a pair of components with a first component including a material taken from a first group including solid monocrystalline, natural diamond, micro- or nano-crystalline CVD diamond, solid monocrystalline diamond, and amorphous carbon “DLC”, and having a first friction surface arranged to cooperate with a second friction surface included in a second opposing component and the second component includes, at least in its second friction surface, a material with a high concentration of boron, greater than 10 atomic percent, and, in a particular embodiment, this second opposing component includes at least one ceramic containing boron. Method for manufacturing such a mechanism. Method for transforming such a mechanism. |
| US09658593B2 |
Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit
A drum unit usable in the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum having an axis L1 and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes a first end portion connected with the photosensitive drum, a second end portion having an outermost surface, an axle portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion to each other, and at least one projection extending from the second end portion. For at least part of the outermost surface of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the axle portion increases. |
| US09658590B2 |
Toner cartridge for use in an image forming device
A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing toner. An exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A first alignment guide is positioned on the first side of the housing and a second alignment guide positioned on the second side of the housing. A toner delivery system for transferring toner from the reservoir out of the exit port includes a main interface gear. A portion of the main interface gear is exposed on the front of the housing at a second side of the housing above the second alignment guide. A connector on the first side of the housing has a forward facing opening positioned above the first alignment guide. Electrical contacts are positioned within the connector and are accessible through the forward facing opening. |
| US09658588B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image adjustment method for the image forming apparatus, and adjustment pattern image
A set of adjustment pattern images includes first adjustment pattern images and second adjustment pattern images to be formed on a first side and a second side of a recording sheet, respectively, by an image forming apparatus. The set of adjustment pattern images is employed to adjust an image forming position by the image forming apparatus such that an image forming position of the first adjustment pattern images is aligned with an image forming position of the second adjustment pattern images. The set of adjustment pattern images includes at least two first adjustment pattern images that are spaced from each other and at least two second adjustment pattern images that are spaced from each other, and the first adjustment pattern images on the first side and the second adjustment pattern images on the second side are arranged alternately with each other. |
| US09658585B2 |
Film and image heating device using film
A cylindrical film used in an image heating device heating a recording material, on which an image has been formed, has a resin layer, this resin layer being made from a resin in which a crystalline resin and an amorphous resin having a higher glass transition temperature than the crystalline resin are blended, wherein a volume ratio of the crystalline resin with respect to the amorphous resin in the resin layer is 70/30 to 99/1. |
| US09658578B2 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus
A transfer device includes a belt image bearer; a driving roller that rotates the belt image bearer; a transfer member; first and second driving motors that respectively rotate the driving roller and the transfer member; first and second speed detecting units that respectively detect rotational speeds of the belt image bearer and the transfer member; and a control unit that implements control such that the belt image bearer and the transfer member are rotated at rotational speeds corresponding to a relative speed at which a variation amount is less than a predetermined variation amount, the variation amount being the variation of values of driving torques of the first and second driving motors in a state where the belt image bearer and the transfer member are in contact, with respect to these values in a state where the belt image bearer and the transfer member are separated. |
| US09658577B2 |
Image forming apparatus having transfer belt rollers of specific shapes
An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing member; a toner image forming unit; an endless transfer belt; a transfer roller urged from an inner peripheral surface of the transfer belt toward the image bearing member via the transfer belt; a feeding surface forming roller, provided downstream of the transfer roller with respect to a traveling direction of the transfer belt, having such a shape that a diameter at each of end portions is smaller than a diameter at a central portion with respect to a rotational axis direction; and a stretching roller, downstream of the feeding surface forming roller with respect to the traveling direction of the transfer belt, having such a shape that a diameter at each of end portions is larger than a diameter at a central portion with respect to the rotational axis direction. |
| US09658576B2 |
Developing device, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A developing device includes a developer bearer, a developer regulator, a casing including an opposing face to oppose the developer bearer upstream from a developing range in a direction of rotation of the developer bearer, and first, second, and third seals. The first seal includes a first end secured to the casing and a second end to contact a latent image bearer upstream from the developing range in a direction of rotation of the latent image bearer. The second seal includes a first end secured to the opposing face of the casing, and a second end to contact the first seal upstream from the developing range. The third seal includes a first end secured to the opposing face of the casing, and a second end to contact developer on the developer bearer between the developer regulator and the developing range in the direction of rotation of the developer bearer. |
| US09658571B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
A developing device includes: a photosensitive body on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a development chamber; a development roller that faces the photosensitive body and transfers toner to the electrostatic latent image; a supply roller that supplies toner from the development chamber to the development roller; and an agitating member that is disposed under the supply roller in the development chamber and agitates the toner that is in the development chamber. |
| US09658567B2 |
Developer cartridge
In a developer cartridge, a base portion may be fixed to a surface of one side of a frame, and extend from one end thereof to another end thereof in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A first portion may extend from one end thereof to another end thereof in the first direction. The one end of the first portion is connected to the other end of the base portion. A second portion may extend from one end thereof to another end thereof in a direction opposite to the second direction. The one end of the second portion is connected to the other end of the first portion. An electrode for the cartridge is deformable such that a distance between the base portion and the second portion can be decreased. |
| US09658565B2 |
Developing device, image forming apparatus, method of detecting developer amount, and non-transitory recording medium storing program
A developing device includes a development unit, a developer amount detector, an accuracy requirement determiner, and a detection count setting unit. The development unit includes a developer container configured to store a developer. The development unit is configured to supply the developer from the developer container to a latent image bearer, on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed according to image data, to form a developer image. The developer amount detector is configured to detect a developer amount in the toner container of the development unit in every detection period. The accuracy requirement determiner is configured to a determine accuracy requirement required as a detection accuracy of the developer amount by the developer amount detector. The detection count setting unit is configured to set a number of times of detection of the developer amount by the developer amount detector based on the accuracy requirement. |
| US09658561B2 |
Image forming device and method for correcting scanning position of luminous flux
An image forming device scans and exposes a photoreceptor with a luminous flux by a light scanning device, which includes a polygon mirror that deflects the luminous flux and scans the photoreceptor in a main scanning direction, a correction unit that corrects a scanning position of the luminous flux in the main scanning direction such that the scanning position of the luminous flux coincides with each reference position, and a position deviation detection unit that detects the deviation amount of the scanning position of the luminous flux in a sub scanning direction. The correction unit corrects the scanning position of the luminous flux in the main scanning direction such that a screen line with an aimed screen angle is formed by scanning with the luminous flux whose scanning position in the sub scanning direction has deviated by the deviation amount detected by the position deviation detection unit. |
| US09658557B2 |
Semiconductive roller
A semiconductive roller is provided, which is capable of uniformly electrically charging a surface of a photoreceptor body particularly when being used as a charging roller, substantially free from defective image formation due to adhesion and accumulation of external additives even if repeatedly performing a charging operation, and less liable to contaminate the photoreceptor body, and has a lower roller resistance to make it possible to form higher-definition images at a higher process speed. The semiconductive roller (1) is formed from a semiconductive rubber composition which contains a rubber component including 15 to 80 mass % of an epichlorohydrin rubber, 5 to 50 parts by mass of titanium oxide based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, and a potassium salt as an electrically conductive agent. The semiconductive roller (1) has an oxide film (5) provided in an outer peripheral surface (4) thereof. |
| US09658555B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a moving mechanism to move a developing roller to a retracted position and a transmission mechanism to cut off transmission to the developing roller
An image forming apparatus includes first and second photosensitive drums, first and second developing rollers configured to supply developers to the first and second photosensitive drums, respectively, an electric motor configured to generate a driving force to rotate the second developing roller, a moving mechanism configured to move the second developing roller between a development position and a retracted position, a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the driving force to the second developing roller, a drive mechanism configured to drive the moving mechanism and the transmission mechanism simultaneously, and a connecting mechanism configured to, when the second developing roller is in the development position, bring the transmission mechanism into a transmission state that allows transmission of the driving force to the second developing roller, and to, when the second developing roller is in the retracted position, bring the transmission mechanism into a cut-off state the cuts off the transmission. |
| US09658554B2 |
Method of producing toner and method of producing resin particle
A method of producing a toner containing a toner particle having a core-shell structure that has a core containing a resin and has a shell phase on a surface of the core, the shell phase being derived from a resin fine particle containing a resin A, and the resin A being a resin containing a segment derived from a crystalline polymer D, the method including steps (i), (ii) and (iii). |
| US09658552B1 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, electrostatic charge image developer, and toner cartridge
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles including a binder resin, a cyano pigment containing cyano group (—CN) in a molecular structure, and a benzonitrile compound which has a structure in which at least one cyano group (—CN) is present on a benzene ring as a substituent and has a molecular weight equal to or smaller than 300, wherein a content of the benzonitrile compound is from 1 ppm to 500 ppm with respect to the total amount of the toner particles. |
| US09658547B2 |
Brilliant toner, electrostatic charge image developer, and toner cartridge
A brilliant toner includes a toner particle that includes a binder resin, a flake-shaped brilliant pigment, and a layered inorganic substance, wherein a content of the layered inorganic substance is from 0.005% by weight to 2.0% by weight with respect to the toner particles, and 80% by weight or more of the layered inorganic substance is present in a portion being in a range of 5 nm to 20 nm from a surface of the toner particle. |
| US09658543B2 |
Method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
Provided is a method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member including an undercoat layer, the method including preparing a coating liquid for an undercoat layer containing: a titanium oxide particle; a polyol resin; a blocked isocyanate compound in which a structure represented by the formula (1) or the formula (2) is bonded to an isocyanate group; and a monohydric alcohol represented by the formula (3): where R11 and R12 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and * represents a bonding site capable of being bonded to the isocyanate group; where R21 and R22 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and * represents a bonding site capable of being bonded to the isocyanate group; and HO—R3 (3) where R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. |
| US09658537B2 |
Environmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatus
A liquid immersion lithography apparatus includes an optical assembly having a last optical element, a first outlet facing downward, via which an immersion liquid is released, a first inlet via which the immersion liquid is drawn, and a containment member arranged to surround a last portion of the optical assembly. The containment member has (i) a second inlet facing downward, which is arranged radially-outwardly from the first outlet with respect to a space under the last optical element and via which fluid is removed from a gap formed under the containment member, and (ii) a second outlet facing downward, via which gas is supplied to the gap formed under the containment member, the second outlet being arranged radially-outwardly from the second inlet with respect to the space. |
| US09658536B2 |
In-line inspection and clean for immersion lithography
An immersion lithography apparatus includes a lens system, an immersion hood, a wafer stage, an inspection system and a cleaning fluid supplier. The lens system is configured to project a pattern onto a wafer. The immersion hood is configured to confine an immersion fluid between the lens system and the wafer, and includes a peripheral hole configured to suck up the immersion fluid. The wafer stage is configured to position the wafer under the lens system. The inspection system is configured to detect whether there is contamination in the peripheral hole. The cleaning fluid supplier is coupled to the inspection system and configured to supply a cleaning fluid through the peripheral hole to remove the contamination, in which the inspection system and the cleaning fluid supplier are coupled to the wafer stage. |
| US09658533B2 |
Arrangement of a mirror
A mirror for EUV radiation comprises a total reflection surface, which has a first EUV-radiation-reflecting region and at least one second EUV-radiation-reflecting region, wherein the EUV-radiation-reflecting regions are structurally delimited from one another, wherein the first region comprises at least one first partial reflection surface which is surrounded along a circumference in each case by the at least one second region, and wherein the at least one second EUV-radiation-reflecting region comprises at least one second partial reflection surface which is embodied in a path-connected fashion and which is embodied in a continuous fashion. |
| US09658527B2 |
Correction of errors of a photolithographic mask using a joint optimization process
A method for correcting a plurality of errors of a photolithographic mask is provided. First parameters of a imaging transformation of the photolithographic mask and second parameters of a laser beam locally directed onto the photolithographic mask are optimized, and the plurality of errors are corrected by applying an imaging transformation using optimized first parameters and locally directing the laser beam onto the photolithographic mask using optimized second parameters. The first and the second parameters are simultaneously optimized in a joint optimization process. |
| US09658523B2 |
Interconnect structure having large self-aligned vias
A wavy line interconnect structure that accommodates small metal lines and large vias is disclosed. A lithography mask design used to pattern metal line trenches uses optical proximity correction (OPC) techniques to approximate wavy lines using rectangular opaque features. The large vias can be formed using a self-aligned dual damascene process without the need for a separate via lithography mask. Instead, a sacrificial layer allows etching of an underlying thick dielectric block, while protecting narrow features of the trenches that correspond to the metal line interconnects. The resulting vias have an aspect ratio that is relatively easy to fill, while the larger via footprint provides low via resistance. By lifting the shrink constraint for vias, thereby allowing the via footprint to exceed the minimum size of the metal line width, a path is cleared for further process generations to continue shrinking metal lines to dimensions below 10 nm. |
| US09658520B2 |
Wavelength converting element comprising ceramic capsule
A wavelength converting member is provided, comprising a sealed capsule at least partly made of sintered polycrystalline ceramic, for example sintered polycrystalline alumina, said capsule defining at least one sealed cavity; and—a wavelength converting material contained within said sealed cavity. The wavelength converting member has high total forward transmission of light, high thermal conductivity, high strength and provides excellent protection for the wavelength converting member against oxygen and water. The wavelength converting member can advantageously be applied in a light emitting arrangement or as a color wheel for a digital image projector. |
| US09658510B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for ultrafast optical applications
An optical device capable of an ultrafast and large change of its reflection or absorption coefficient upon being excited by an ultrafast optical pulse with wavelength in the visible, near-infrared, or infrared spectral regions. The optical device includes, in sequential order, a first thick metallic layer, a first dielectric layer, a second thin metallic layer, and a second dielectric layer. The optical device acts as a nonlinear mirror that presents a large reflectance at low irradiance and a low reflectance at large irradiance. The optical device can further act as a nonlinear mirror that presents a linear and nonlinear reflectance with a large angular bandwidth. |
| US09658504B2 |
Display panel having a light shielding layer overlapped even number of source lines and a gate line
A display panel comprising a substrate, a plurality of gate lines, source lines, semiconductor layers and light shielding layers is provided. The gate lines are disposed on the substrate in parallel. The source lines are disposed on the substrate in parallel. The gate lines and the source lines are intercrossed to define a plurality of pixel areas. The semiconductor layers are disposed on the corresponding pixel areas, and each semiconductor layer includes at least one channel region overlapping each gate line. The slight shielding layers are located between the channel regions and the substrate. In a normal direction of the substrate, one of the gate lines is overlapped by two of the light shielding layers, and one of the light shielding layers overlaps even number of the source lines. |
| US09658503B2 |
Method of manufacturing input device
A method of manufacturing an input device includes a step of bonding a translucent first optical adhesive layer to one surface of a first transparent base so that a part of first lead electrodes is exposed to the outside; a step of disposing a FPC so that a predetermined gap is formed between the FPC and the first optical adhesive layer in plan view, and electrically connecting the FPC to the first lead electrodes exposed to one surface of the first transparent base; a step of bonding a surface member, which forms an input surface, to the first transparent base with the first optical adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and a step of sealing the exposed lead electrodes by injecting a resin into a space between the first transparent base and the surface member facing each other. |
| US09658497B2 |
Liquid crystal display and display device
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display panel and a display device. A capacitance compensation portion is arranged using a shading region, and the capacitance compensation portion is arranged opposite to a portion of a common electrode located within the shading region. Compared to the case where a common electrodes and a pixel electrode are overlapped only in a light transmitting region, the present invention enlarges the overlap area of the pixel electrode and the common electrode in the shading region, compensates the storage capacitance between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, and reduces the voltage difference before and after jump of the voltage of the pixel electrode, and improves the flicker of a liquid crystal display panel. Moreover, as the capacitance compensation portions additionally provided in the pixel electrodes are located within the shading region, the aperture rate of pixel regions will not be influenced. |
| US09658492B2 |
Display panel
A display panel is disclosed, which comprises: a first substrate with plural sub-pixel units disposed thereon; a first photo-alignment layer disposed on the first substrate and having at least two different alignment directions corresponding to one sub-pixel unit; and plural metal pads respectively corresponding to the sub-pixel units. When light passes through each sub-pixel, a dark line pattern is exhibited, comprising: a first main dark line disposed at an interface between two different alignment directions of the first photo-alignment layer; and a metal pad pattern corresponding to the metal pad and the first main dark line. Herein, a distance difference between an edge of the first dark line and an edge of the metal pad pattern at the same side is not identical to that between another edge of the first dark line and another edge of the metal pad pattern at another same side. |
| US09658491B2 |
Optical apparatus and display apparatus provided with same
An optical device (100) includes a first substrate (10) and a second substrate (20), and an optical layer (30) interposed therebetween. The first substrate includes a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12), to which respectively different potentials can be applied. The optical layer (30) contains a medium (31P) and anisotropically-shaped particles (32) whose alignment direction changes in accordance with the direction of an electric field applied to the optical layer. The medium is a liquid crystal material. When no electric field is applied to the optical layer, the anisotropically-shaped particles are aligned substantially vertically with respect to the substrate plane. |
| US09658483B2 |
Liquid crystal lens and display including the same
A liquid crystal lens includes a first substrate, a second substrate which faces the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer which is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and a lens polarizer which is disposed on the outside of the second substrate. The lens polarizer includes a first polarization region having a first polarization direction and a second polarization region having a second polarization direction which is different from the first polarization direction. |
| US09658480B2 |
Display device with compact integrated structural design
A display device with compact integrated structural design in a portable information handling system may have a narrow or no border. The display device with compact integrated structural design may include a combined display assembly that is fixed to an A-cover using selected means of attachment. The combined display assembly may internally integrate a backplate, a backlight, a liquid crystal display (LCD) cell, and a cover glass. The cover glass may be direct bonded to the LCD cell without direct attachment to the A-frame. |
| US09658477B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for photonic to radio frequency upconversion
A system, method, and device for RF upconversion is provided. The system can include a laser, a local oscillator, and an RF mixer, an EAM, a photonic filter, and a photodiode. The mixer can receive an LO signal from the local oscillator. The mixer can be configured to mix LO with an IF signal and output a mixed signal. The EAM can receive an optical signal from the laser, receive the mixed signal from the mixer, and be configured to convert the mixed signal into the photonic domain by modulating the optical signal based on the mixed signal to output a modulated optical signal. The photonic filter can receive the modulated optical signal and can be configured to output a filtered optical signal. The photodiode can receive the filtered optical signal and can be configured to convert the filtered optical signal into the RF domain to output upconverted RF output. |
| US09658475B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device including the same
A backlight assembly includes a light source portion including a plurality of light sources. The light sources are configured to emit light. A wavelength conversion member is disposed on the light source portion. The wavelength conversion member is configured to convert a wavelength of light emitted from the light source portion. The wavelength conversion member includes a first substrate disposed on the light source portion, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, and a plurality of wavelength conversion layers interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Each of the plurality of wavelength conversion layers correspond to a light source of the plurality of light sources. |
| US09658471B2 |
Multifocal ophthalmic lens having a focal point formation region and a cancellation region and manufacturing method thereof
In order to reduce halos that occur in multifocal ophthalmic lenses, the mechanism of the phenomenon was elucidated and a solution was found based on the results. Thus provided are a multifocal ophthalmic lens having a structure and a manufacturing method for the same which can effectively reduce halos. A multifocal ophthalmic lens having a focal point formation region provided to an optical portion of a lens, which forms at least two focal points, wherein a cancellation region is provided to the optical portion, the cancellation region providing diffracted light of an amplitude distribution that reduces, on the image plane of the first focal point among the focal points, the amplitudes of light other than the light that forms the first focal point. |
| US09658469B2 |
Ophthalmic devices incorporating metasurface elements
This invention describes Ophthalmic Devices with media inserts that have nanostructured Metasurface elements upon or within them. In some embodiments passive ophthalmic devices of various kinds may be formed. Methods and devices for active ophthalmic devices based on Metasurface structures may also be formed. |
| US09658468B2 |
Zone extension systems and methods
Wavefront measurements of eyes are often taken when the pupil is in a first configuration in an evaluation context. The results can be represented by a set of basis function coefficients. Prescriptive treatments are often applied in a treatment context, which is different from the evaluation context. Hence, the patient pupil can be in a different, second configuration, during treatment. Systems and methods are provided for determining a transformed set of basis function coefficients, based on a difference between the first and second configurations, which can be used to establish the vision treatment. |
| US09658467B2 |
Ophthalmic lens that can be edged, comprising a hydrophobic bilayer and a temporary metal fluoride layer
An ophthalmic lens that can be edged, includes a main front surface and a main rear surface, obtained by successive deposition on at least one of the main surfaces of the lens, of a first hydrophobic layer that has a thickness of between 6 and 16 nm and is obtained by deposition of a composition including a constituent A selected from fluorosilanes having a number average molar mass that is higher than, or equal to, 2000 g/mol, of a second hydrophobic layer that has a thickness of between 3 and 20 nm and is obtained by the deposition of a composition including a constituent B selected from the fluorosilanes having a number average molar mass than is lower than, or equal to, 900 g/mol, and of a layer including a metal fluoride having a thickness of between 22 and 50 nm. |
| US09658465B2 |
Projector and screen
This projector includes a laser light generation portion, a projection portion scanning laser light, and a projection screen. The projection screen includes a lens member including a plurality of lens portions splitting the laser light and a diffusion member arranged to be opposed to the lens member, having an incident surface and a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion of the diffusion member is arranged at a position apart by a distance larger than the focal length of the lens member along an optical axis with respect to the optical principal surface of the lens member. |
| US09658463B2 |
Imaging device and imaging system
An imaging apparatus disclosed in the present application includes a lens optical system L, an imaging device N including a plurality of first and second pixels P1 and P2, and an arrayed optical device K, wherein: the lens optical system L includes a first optical region D1 which primarily passes therethrough light oscillating in a direction of a first polarization axis and a second optical region D2 which passes therethrough light oscillating in every direction; and the arrayed optical device K makes light having passed through the first optical region D1 incident on the first pixels P1 and makes light having passed through the second optical region D2 incident on the second pixels P2. |
| US09658462B1 |
Methods and systems for manufacturing a rear projection screen and a setup for displaying a simulated 3D hologram
A method and structure for displaying a simulated 3D image which may be projected utilizing front projectors and two screens, where the front screen may be a rear-projecting screen with a linear polarization film attached and a background screen which may contain a further image which varies in a programmed manner in keeping with the actions being portrayed by images on the front screen. |
| US09658461B2 |
Optical alignment systems and methods for wavelength beam combining laser systems
In various embodiments, wavelength beam combining laser systems incorporate fast-axis collimation lenses and slow-axis collimation lenses (either separately or as portions of a single hybrid lens) optically upstream of an optical rotation system to thereby reduce or minimize cross-talk in the combined output beam. |
| US09658455B2 |
Optical device having a diffraction region
An optical device that is capable of producing an image in the air includes a substrate having a reflective diffraction region formed into a net structure, and a light radiation unit which radiates a light beam onto one surface of the substrate. The diffraction region is capable of collecting light beams that are diffracted in the upper space of one surface of the substrate by diffracting the light beam which is incident on one surface of the substrate. Here, the light radiation unit may have a display source that generates the light beams which form the image, and a lens portion that radiates the generated light beams onto the substrate. |
| US09658454B2 |
Eyewear display system providing vision enhancement
An eyewear display system includes a camera coupled to capture an image of an object in a surrounding environment. A projector is coupled to receive the captured image to output a projected image. A polarizing beam splitter optically coupled to receive the projected image and an actual view of the surrounding environment. The polarizing beam splitter is optically coupled to output a combined view of the projected image combined with the actual view of the surrounding environment. The combined image is to be directed to an eye of a user. An intensity controller is optically coupled between the surrounding environment and the polarizing beam splitter to controlling an intensity of the actual view of the surrounding environment received by the polarizing beam splitter. |
| US09658449B2 |
Light scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
There is provided a light scanning apparatus that is free from main scanning jitter and allows size reduction of a deflector. The light scanning apparatus has a plurality of light sources, a deflector that deflects a plurality of light fluxes emitted from a plurality of light sources to scan a plurality of scanned surfaces along a main scanning direction, and a first stop arranged between the plurality of light sources and the deflector and provided with an aperture that regulates the width of the plurality of light fluxes with respect to the main scanning direction. The number of apertures of the first stop is smaller than the number of light sources. |
| US09658446B2 |
Sealing structure, interference filter, optical module, and electronic apparatus
An interference filter includes a first substrate on which a fixed reflection film is provided, a second substrate which faces the first substrate and on which a movable reflection film is provided, a first bonding film that bonds the first substrate and the second substrate to each other, and a sealer that is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in a first interspace that allows a first internal space sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate to communicate with a space outside the interference filter, the sealer sealing the first internal space, and an inter-substrate distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the first interspace decreases in a direction from outer circumferential edges of the substrates toward an inner portion of the first interspace in a plan view viewed in a substrate thickness direction. |
| US09658445B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus includes: an endoscope including at least an elongated insertion section having flexibility and an image pickup device, the insertion section including, at a distal end portion, an observation window forming an observation optical system and an illumination window forming an illumination optical system and the image pickup device including an image pickup surface on which an optical image passing through the observation window is formed; and an apparatus body incorporating a display section that displays an image picked up by the image pickup device, the apparatus body including the display section on one surface having a largest area of the apparatus body and including a holding member that holds the insertion section on a rear surface of the one surface in a wound state. |
| US09658444B2 |
Autofocus system and autofocus method for focusing on a surface
An autofocus system includes an imaging device, a lens system and a focus control actuator that is configured to change a focus position of the imaging device in relation to a stage. The electronic control unit is configured to control the focus control actuator to a plurality of predetermined focus positions, and activate the imaging device to obtain an image at predetermined positions and then apply a spatial filter to the obtained images. This generates a filtered image for the obtained images. The control unit determines a focus score for the filtered images such that the focus score corresponds to a degree of focus in the obtained images. The control unit identifies a best focus position by comparing the focus score of the filtered images, and controls the focus control actuator to the best focus position corresponding to the highest focus score. |
| US09658441B2 |
System and method for mounting a specimen on a slide
A system and method for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, a transducer, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and includes at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The transducer is configured to induce a wave in the liquid in the immersion chamber such that the wave alters the motion of the specimen. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide. |
| US09658440B2 |
Optical probe for measuring light signals in vivo
An optical probe for measuring light signals includes a first optical fiber guiding incoming light, a lens focusing incoming light towards a sample and collecting altered light from the sample, a second optical fiber guiding altered light, a light logging device measuring intensity fluctuations in the incoming light, wherein the light logging device is positioned after the first optical fiber, whereby the light logging device receives a part of the incoming light from the first fiber. The optical probe is normally applied for measuring light signals in vivo, and finds its primary applications within the field of optical spectroscopic measurements, where the light signals measured by the probe are applied in combination with an apparatus wherein light signals are analyzed against its spectral components for instance in Raman, fluorescence, phosphorescence absorption, diffusion and transmission studies. |
| US09658436B2 |
Liquid optics in a zoom lens system and imaging apparatus
A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems includes a movable lens group and a variable power stationary lens group employing liquid optics to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides relatively high quality imaging capability over a wide range of focal lengths and zoom settings. |
| US09658435B2 |
Imaging lens
A compact low-profile low-cost imaging lens which provides brightness with an F-value of 2.5 or less and a wide field of view and corrects aberrations properly. The elements are arranged from an object side as follows: a positive first lens having a convex object-side surface; a meniscus negative second lens having a concave object-side surface; a double-sided aspheric third lens; a double-sided aspheric fourth lens; a positive fifth lens having a convex image-side surface near an optical axis; and a double-sided aspheric negative sixth lens having a concave image-side surface near the axis. Each element is arranged with an air gap from a neighboring element. The sixth lens image-side surface has an off-axial pole-change point. The imaging lens satisfies conditional expressions below: 20<νd1−νd2<50 (1) 20<νd1−νd3<50 (2) where νd1: First lens Abbe number at d-ray νd2: Second lens Abbe number at d-ray νd3: Third lens Abbe number at d-ray. |
| US09658430B2 |
Optical imaging lens and electronic device comprising the same
An optical imaging lens includes: a first, second, third and fourth lens element, the first lens element has negative refractive power, the second lens element has an image-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of the optical axis, the third lens element has positive refractive power, and has an object-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of the optical axis, the fourth lens element has an image-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of the optical axis, where the optical imaging lens set does not include any lens element with refractive power other than said first, second, third and fourth lens elements. |
| US09658426B2 |
Objective lens mount
The invention relates to an objective lens mount (39) with specimen protection and crush protection for objective lenses (4) on a microscope, consisting of an outer objective lens collar (1) having a unit (15) for mounting on an interface of the microscope, preferably on a microscope stand, and a safety element (22) arranged spring mounted and axially movable in the objective lens collar (1), which safety element contains the objective lens (4). According to the invention, in order to maintain a definable stand-off distance between the front lens (5) of the objective lens (4) and the safety element (22) in the objective lens mount (39), a sensor (6) is provided, coupled to a control unit. |
| US09658425B2 |
Voice coil motor
A VCM (voice coil motor) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a cylindrical bobbin for accommodating a lens and protruded at a bottom end with a boss, and a coil block arranged at a periphery of the bobbin; a stator including a magnet facing the coil block and a yoke fixing the magnet; and an elastic member including a first elastic member formed with a through hole coupled to the boss of the bobbin and a second elastic member coupled to an upper end facing the bottom end of the bobbin; wherein the boss is formed with a disengagement prevention unit preventing the first elastic member from being disengaged from the boss, and the first elastic member is formed with a coupling unit contacting a joint where the disengagement prevention unit and the coupling unit meet. |
| US09658421B2 |
Armor element for a flexible line intended to be placed in an expanse of water, and associated flexible line, method and process
This element includes a plurality of longitudinal carbon fiber filaments (52) and a polymeric matrix (50) receiving the filaments (52) for binding them together, the matrix (50) forming a ribbon intended to be wound around a longitudinal body of the flexible line. The armor element (42) includes at least one optical fiber (54) received in the matrix (50), the optical fiber (54) having an elongation at break of more than 2%, as measured with the ASTM-D 885-03 standard. |
| US09658418B2 |
Flame-retardant optical cable for air-blown installation
An optical cable has a cable core including at least one tube loosely accommodating optical fibers, the at least one tube being accommodated within a jacket embedding at least two strength members, the cable core and the jacket comprising combustible material. A ratio of core combustible material/jacket combustible material is lower than 60 vol %. The jacket is made of a composition having hardness of at least 60 Shore D and a LOI higher than 35%. |
| US09658417B2 |
Conductive water blocking material including metallic particles and an optical cable and method of constructing an optical cable including the same
A conductive water blocking material and an optical fiber cable and method of constructing an optical fiber cable including the same. The cable includes at least one optical fiber and strength members disposed around the fiber. A conductor is disposed around the strength members. The conductive water blocking material includes a carrier material and conductive metallic particles and is provided in strength member interstices defined by the strength members. |
| US09658416B2 |
Photoelectric converter and photoelectric connection device
A photoelectric converter and a photoelectric connection device are provided. The photoelectric converter comprises a housing, wherein a driving controller, at least one information transmitting chip and at least one information receiving chip are provided on a substrate in the housing. The information transmitting chip, under the control of the driving controller, converts an electrical signal to be transmitted to an optical signal and transmits the optical signal through an optical fiber corresponding to the information transmitting chip. The information receiving chip, under the control of the driving controller, converts an external input optical signal that has reached a receiving surface of the information receiving chip to an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal, wherein the external input optical signal is transmitted through an optical fiber corresponding to the information receiving chip. Information transmitting chips and information receiving chips are provided in the same photoelectric converter, each information transmitting chip transmitting information through a corresponding optical fiber and each information receiving chip receiving information through a corresponding optical fiber, thus multichannel optical fiber transmission can be integrally achieved. |
| US09658413B2 |
Optical connector and optical coupling assembly
An optical connector includes a main body, a ribbon fiber and a ribbon fiber holder. The main body includes a bottom surface, and a mounting surface facing away from the bottom surface. The bottom surface arranged with a plurality of first lenses, the mounting surface is arranged with a number of second lenses corresponding with each second lens. The ribbon fiber includes a number of optical fibers arranged in an array, each optical fibers is corresponded with one of second lenses. Each optical fiber includes an incident surface, an angle between the incident surface and a horizontal surface is about 45 degrees. The ribbon fiber holder is matched with the main body and configured for clamping the ribbon fiber to make each second optical lens being located under the optical fiber and aligned with the incident surface of each optical fiber. |
| US09658409B2 |
Optical fiber connector with changeable polarity
A multi-fiber, fiber optic connector may include a reversible keying arrangement for determining the orientation for plugging the connector into an adapter to thereby allow for a change in polarity of the connection to be made on site. The connector housing may be configured to engage with a removable key that may be engaged with the housing in at least two different locations to provide the plug-in orientation, or the housing may have slidably displaceable keys movable between multiple positions on the housing. |
| US09658408B2 |
Reinforced optical fiber cable
An optical fiber cable may include an optical fiber that extends from a first end to a second end. The optical fiber may include a core that extends from the first end to the second end, a cladding that surrounds the core and extends from the first end to the second end, and a coating that surrounds the cladding and extends from the first end to the second end. A first length of flexible epoxy may surround a length of the coating from the first end to a first intermediate point of the optical fiber. |
| US09658407B2 |
Optical connector assembly
An optical connector assembly (1) includes a plug (2) and a socket (3) which are interconnectable to each other in an axial direction (x). The plug (2) comprises a plug housing (5) in which a first ferrule (7) is arranged and the socket (3) comprises a socket housing (20), in which a second ferrule (23) is arranged. |
| US09658405B2 |
Connector for collimated optical fiber
A single-channel or multiple-channel connector for collimated optical fibers. A female part body of connector includes a receiving cavity with a guide bush and a lensed socket. The lensed socket includes an optical fiber contained in a ferrule and held in a tubular casing guided and fitted in the guide bush. The optical fiber is held axially in the guide bush in the free position flush with the front face of the female part by a spring acting axially on the lensed socket, thereby permitting the lens can be cleaned easily. A male part of the connector includes a lensed pin with an optical fiber contained in a ferrule held in a tubular casing. The lensed pin is flush with the front face of the male part. |
| US09658399B2 |
Apparatus and method for a waveguide polarizer comprising a series of bends
Embodiments are provided for a waveguide polarizer comprising a series of bends. The waveguide polarizer is suitable for used in optical waveguide devices or circuits, where a polarized light is required, such as for single polarization output. The polarizer design is independent of the function of the optical devices. In an embodiment, an optical polarizer comprises an optical waveguide configured to propagate light at a designated polarization mode, and comprising a bend in a same plane of the propagated light. The bend has a geometry configured to contain in the optical waveguide the designated polarization mode of the propagated light and radiate outside the optical waveguide a second polarization mode of the propagated light. |
| US09658395B2 |
Low loss optical fiber and method of making the same
The core region of an optical fiber is doped with chlorine in a concentration that allows for the viscosity of the core region to be lowered, approaching the viscosity of the surrounding cladding. An annular interface region is disposed between the core and cladding and contains a concentration of fluorine dopant sufficient to match the viscosity of the core. By including this annular stress accommodation region, the cladding layer can be formed to include the relatively high concentration of fluorine required to provide the desired degree of optical signal confinement (i.e., forming a “low loss” optical fiber). |
| US09658385B2 |
Lighting system with improved illumination distribution
Optically patterned waveguides and systems employing optically patterned waveguides are provided. The optically patterned waveguide is configured for use in a lighting system and arranged perpendicular to an overhead structure, such as a ceiling. The optically patterned waveguide includes major surfaces that are patterned with a plurality of elongated facets formed into the major surfaces and extending in a direction parallel to the length of the waveguide. The optically patterned waveguide provides illumination patterns having increased uniformity. |
| US09658384B2 |
Lighting device for button of audio-visual system
The present invention relates to a lighting device for a button, in which light incident into a light guide is prevented from leaking to a spacing clearance between a button unit and a light guide by a reflection layer, thereby enabling a lighting through the light guide to shine cleanly and uniformly to the outside. |
| US09658383B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed, which comprises: a display panel; and a backlight module corresponding to the display panel. The backlight module comprises: a light source; and a light guide plate adjacent to the light source and having a surface, wherein at least one light guide dot with an embossment and a cavity is disposed on the surface of the light guide plate, and the cavity surrounds the embossment. |
| US09658382B2 |
Luminaire module having a light guide with redirecting interfaces
A solid-state luminaire module includes one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs) and a light guide. The light guide includes a receiving end and an opposing end, the receiving end being arranged to receive the light provided by the LEEs; a pair of opposing side surfaces, extending along a length of the light guide between the receiving end and the opposing end, to guide the received light in a forward direction; and a plurality of redirecting interfaces spaced apart from each other and distributed along a portion of the length of the light guide adjacent the opposing end. The redirecting interfaces are configured to reflect a portion of the guided light in a backward direction as return light, such that the return light can transmit through the pair of opposing side surfaces into the ambient as output light of the luminaire module, the output light to propagate in backward directions. |
| US09658379B2 |
Fiber optic display apparatus and methods of osillating illuminated optical fibers
A fiber optic display device reciprocates fiber optics to create decorative optical fiber light displays. The device can include one or more optical fibers contained at one end by a holding member and left suspended freely at the other end. The holding member and optical fibers are functionally attached about a pivot point axis that is across the longitudinal axis of the fibers and the holding member, to a housing. A light source can be affixed to either the holding member or the housing, opposite the freely suspended optical fiber ends, and is oriented to expose and illuminate the optical fibers. A drive means causes the holding member and optical fibers to reciprocate back and forth about the pivot point axis of the holding member. |
| US09658376B2 |
Polarizing article and method for making the same
A method of manufacturing a polarizing article including the steps of depositing a dichroic dye on a first surface of a substrate and fixing the dichroic dye to form a polarizing layer. The polarizing layer is impregnated with at least one silane compound to form an impregnated polarizing layer. A light curable primer is applied over the impregnated polarizing layer, and is cured using an irradiating light to form a cured primer layer. An abrasion resistant protective composition is applied to the cured primer layer, and the protective composition is cured to form a cured abrasion resistant protective coating. The light curable primer includes at least one (meth)acrylate reactive diluent, at least one unsaturated oligomer, and at least one photoinitiator for free radical-initiated polymerizations. The polarizing article includes a polarizing article made according to the method disclosed herein. |
| US09658375B2 |
Omnidirectional high chroma red structural color with combination metal absorber and dielectric absorber layers
A high-chroma omnidirectional red structural color pigment. The omnidirectional structural color pigment is in the form of a multilayer stack that has a reflective core layer, a metal absorber layer extending across the reflective core layer and a dielectric absorber layer extending across the metal absorber layer. The multilayer stack reflects a single band of visible light with a hue between 0-40°, and preferably between 10-30°, on an a*b* Lab color map. The single band of visible light has a hue shift of less than 30° on the a*b* Lab color map when viewed from all angles between 0-45° normal to an outer surface of the multilayer stack. |
| US09658374B2 |
Polarization member and display apparatus including the same
A first polarizing member includes a polarizing layer, a phase difference layer and an infrared reflective layer. The polarizing layer linearly polarizes light and emits polarized light. The phase difference layer changes a polarization state of the polarized light. The infrared reflective layer is interposed between the polarization layer and the phase difference layer, wherein the polarized light passes through the infrared reflective layer and infrared rays are reflected from the infrared reflective layer. |
| US09658372B2 |
Optical filtering structure in the visible and/or infrared domain
An optical filtering structure comprising a stack of layers forming a first filter letting pass a first spectral band, and a second filter adjacent to the first filter and which lets pass a second spectral band comprising: a plurality of dielectric layers common to the two filters and of different refractive indices, n first metal layers common to the two filters, m second metal layers arranged only in the second filter, and wherein at least one of said dielectric layers comprises, in the first filter, a thickness different to that in the second filter, and/or wherein at least one dielectric layer is arranged only in the second filter, n being an integer greater than or equal to 0, and m being an integer greater than or equal to 1. |
| US09658371B2 |
Metalized microprismatic retroreflective film with improved observation angularity
One aspect of the present disclosure provides microprismatic retroreflective film that includes a substrate and metalized microprisms located on the substrate. At least a portion of the metalized microprisms are forward-tilted microprisms, and at least a portion of the forward-tilted microprisms are arranged in matched pairs and are aligned with the plane of optical axis tilting aligned at an angle ranging from about 10 to 80 degrees with an edge of the microprismatic retroreflective film. |
| US09658369B2 |
Geometric transformation lens
Provided is a geometric transformation lens which can transform a target image geometrically as desired, achieving downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Even if another target to be observed more in detail is inside the field of view, the geometric transformation lenses (20a, 20b, 20c and 20d) can magnify optically the desired region within the target projection image by supplying the magnification instruction voltage (V2,mn) to the corresponding magnifying/demagnifying electrodes (EL2,mn) simply without moving the lens itself using heavy mechanical parts motorized. This can achieve downsizing because a space for setting the existing mechanical part to control the direction of the lens and its motion can be disregarded. This also can achieve reducing energy consumption because no space is needed to move the lenses with the heavy mechanical parts. |
| US09658367B2 |
Image acquisition apparatus
An image acquisition apparatus includes: an image acquisition lens that focuses light from a subject; an imaging device that detects an image signal by capturing the light focused by the image acquisition lens; and a microlens array that is provided between the imaging device and the image acquisition lens so that there is a space, in the direction of the optical axis, between the microlens array and a focal plane of the image acquisition lens, in which the microlens array is formed by setting, in an array in a direction intersecting the optical axis, a plurality of microlenses that each focus incident light to form an image in an imaging plane of the imaging device and that are of two or more types having an identical focal distance and different effective diameters. |
| US09658362B2 |
Pressure equalized packaging for electronic sensors
The present disclosure introduces pressure-equalized packaging for electronic sensors utilized in conjunction with downhole tools and/or other extreme environments. Such sensors may be operable to detect, sense, and/or measure a parameter, such as may be associated with the downhole tool, or pressurized fluid in which the downhole tool is at least partially submerged, or a subterranean formation adjacent the downhole tool. A housing couples the sensor to a component of the downhole tool. The housing includes an equalizer operable to substantially equalize a first pressure internal to the housing with a second pressure external to the housing. |
| US09658356B2 |
Dynamically-adjusted variable-depth seismic source and method
Method and dynamically-adjusted marine acoustic source array for generating an acoustic wave in a body of water. The acoustic source array includes a float; plural actuation devices, each actuation device having corresponding cables; and plural source points connected to the float through the corresponding cables. The plural actuation devices dynamically adjust corresponding lengths of the corresponding cables to achieve a desired variable-depth profile for the plural source points. |
| US09658354B2 |
Seismic imaging systems and methods employing correlation-based stacking
Disclosed systems and methods provide enhanced seismic images through the use of partial image stacking weights that are based on the resemblance between the local partial image and a reference image. At least some method embodiments include obtaining partial images of a survey region and stacking the partial images to produce a reference image. The partial images are then recombined to form an enhanced image, wherein the recombining includes: measuring at each point the reference image's similitude with each of the partial images; and determining at each point an enhanced image value from a weighted combination of corresponding values in the partial images, the weighted combination using weights derived from the reference images' similitude at that point to each partial image. |
| US09658353B2 |
Regulating coherent boundary reflections during generation of a modeled wavefield
A technique includes receiving data indicative of a wavefield in a processor-based system and processing the data on the processor-based system to generate a modeled wavefield. The processing includes varying boundary conditions of the modeled wavefield with respect to time to regulate coherent boundary reflections in the modeled wavefield. |
| US09658345B2 |
Radiation detector and detection method having reduced polarization
A radiation-sensitive detector array (100) including a first side (120), a second side (110) in opposed relation to the first side, and a detector substrate (130) positioned between the first and second sides is presented. The first side is constructed as a non-planar or uneven shape. The first side is a cathode and the second side is an anode. The cathode may be a field emission cathode (FEC) and the detector substrate may be a Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector substrate. The non-planar or uneven shape may be a series of equally spaced apart protrusions, each of the protrusions being a pyramidal construction including a peak, the peak adapted and dimensioned to cause electric field lines to focus or converge thereon. |
| US09658343B2 |
Spectral discrimination using wavelength-shifting fiber-coupled scintillation detectors
Methods for discriminating among x-ray beams of distinct energy content. A first volume of scintillation medium converts energy of incident penetrating radiation into scintillation light which is extracted from a scintillation light extraction region by a plurality of optical waveguides that convert the scintillation light to light of a longer wavelength. An x-ray beam initially incident upon the first volume of scintillation medium and traversing the first volume is then incident on a second volume of scintillation medium. The first and second scintillation media may be separated by an absorber or one or more further volumes of scintillation medium, and may also have differential spectral sensitivities. Scintillation light from the first and second scintillation volumes is detected in respective detectors and processed to yield a measure of respective low energy and high-energy components of the incident x-ray beam. |
| US09658341B2 |
GNSS long-code acquisition, ambiguity resolution, and signal validation
The present invention relates to a system and method using hybrid spectral compression and cross correlation signal processing of signals of opportunity, which may include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as well as other wideband energy emissions in GNSS obstructed environments. Combining spectral compression with spread spectrum cross correlation provides unique advantages for positioning and navigation applications including carrier phase observable ambiguity resolution and direct, long-code spread spectrum signal acquisition. Alternatively, the present invention also provides unique advantages for establishing the validity of navigation signals in order to counter the possibilities of electronic attack using spoofing and/or denial methods. |
| US09658340B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring synthetic reception pattern of adaptive array antenna
A method and apparatus for measuring the synthetic reception pattern of an adaptive array antenna, which are divided into a hardware apparatus and a measurement method. The hardware apparatus includes a wavefront simulator, a GNSS simulator, an external controller, a signal measurement unit, and a GNSS receiver. The measurement method using the hardware apparatus includes setting a direction of arrival of jamming and calculating a weight vector, fixing weight vectors at the calculated weight vector and collecting outputs of an array antenna system for all test signals, and displaying the collected data on a grid of a 2D plane. In accordance with the present invention, a weight vector calculated under a specific jamming situation is maintained for all test signals, so that the synthetic reception pattern of the array antenna system can be measured. |
| US09658339B2 |
Method for integrity monitoring of satellite measurements
The invention relates to a method for integrity monitoring of a primary set of measurements obtained from navigation signals sent by satellites and provided to an integrity control device comprising a plurality of Kalman filters, the method comprising the steps definition, for each Kalman filter, of a secondary set of measurements contained in the primary set, calculation by each Kalman filter of a navigation solution from a respective secondary set of measurements, wherein definition of the secondary sets respects the following principles: each measurement contained in the primary set is present in at least one of the secondary sets, for each p-uplet of measurements of the primary set, p being a predetermined integer greater than 1, at least one of the secondary sets does not contain said p-uplet of measurements, for each secondary set, at least one of the p-uplets is excluded from said secondary set, the method further comprising the steps of: detection, for each navigation solution, of at most p faulty measurements not present in the secondary set from which the navigation solution is prepared, and signalling of at most p faulty satellites in the primary set from respective results of detections. |
| US09658337B2 |
Large droplet detection by statistical fluctuations in lidar backscatter
A method of optically detecting the presence of a bimodal droplet size distribution in the atmosphere. The method comprising monitoring statistical fluctuations in a backscattered signal received from a series of pulsed laser light beams directed into a cloud and analyzing the statistics of the fluctuations of the backscattered signals to identify the presence of larger diameter droplets. |
| US09658336B2 |
Programmable current source for a time of flight 3D image sensor
A programmable current source for use with a time of flight pixel cell includes a first transistor. A current through the first transistor is responsive to a gate-source voltage of the first transistor. A current control circuit is coupled to the first transistor and coupled to a reference current source to selectively couple a reference current of the reference current source through the first transistor during a sample operation. A sample and hold circuit is coupled to the first transistor to sample a gate-source voltage of the first transistor during the sample operation. The sample and hold circuit is coupled to hold the gate-source voltage during a hold operation after the sample operation substantially equal to the gate-source voltage during the sample operation. A hold current through the first transistor during the hold operation is substantially equal to the reference current. |
| US09658335B2 |
Measurement system with a measuring device and a scanning module
The present invention relates to a measurement system 50 having a measuring device 20 and a scanning module 10 which has: a fastening means for fastening the scanning module 10 onto a holder; a beam deflection element 11 that is rotatable by a motor about an axis of rotation 12 to deflect a scanning laser beam 60, wherein the axis of rotation 12 is arranged at a defined angle relative to the pivoting axis 22; and a second angle measurement functionality 13 for determining an angle of rotation from an angle position of the beam deflection element 11. In addition, the measuring device 20 has a holder designed such that the scanning module 10 can be fastened by means of the fastening means in a module-like manner in a defined position on the measuring device 20. |
| US09658323B2 |
Method for measuring a transmission path by means of compensating amplitude measurement and delta-sigma method, and device for implementing the method
A method for measuring transmission characteristics of a transmission path between a transmitter and a receiver. A first transmitter sends a first signal into a first transmission path. The first signal is detected by the receiver. A second transmitter sends a second signal into a second transmission path having known characteristics or characteristics that can be predetermined. The second signal is superimposed with the first signal. A transmission signal is intermittently distributed between the first and second transmitters in a controlled manner. The signal received by the receiver comprises first and second signal components to be assigned to the first and second transmitters, respectively. The first signal component averaged over a predefined time period essentially is exactly as large as the averaged second signal component and the deviation between the averaged signal components is at least intermittently used as control signal for the switching between the first and second transmitters. |
| US09658317B2 |
Method for distance measurement between moving objects
A method, device, system and use for determining a distance, location and/or orientation including the at least relative determination of a position of at least one object using at least two active anchors. A first signal is emitted by a first of the two anchors and is received at the object and by a second of said two anchors. A phase measurement is performed at said second anchor and wherein a distance determination with respect to said first anchor is performed and/or the distance from said first anchor to said second anchor is known. A second, particularly electromagnetic, signal is emitted from said second anchor, and information on phase measurement and distance between said first and second anchors is made available to a computation unit and at least one phase measurement respectively of said first and second signal is performed at said object and made available to said computation unit. |
| US09658315B2 |
Location estimation for wireless devices
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein, an apparatus comprising an interface and location determination logic coupled with the interface. The location determination logic receives data representative of measured signal strengths for a wireless device from a plurality of receiving devices at known locations via the interface. The location determination logic determines an estimated location based on the measured signal strengths and a first transmit power for the wireless device. The location determination logic determines a revised transmit power for the wireless device based on the measured signal strengths from the plurality of devices at known locations and the estimated location. The location determination logic determines a revised estimated location based on the measured signal strengths and the revised transmit power for the wireless device. |
| US09658312B2 |
Location detection system and method
A system and method for detecting the location of a mobile device within an area, uses a plurality of wireless signals sent to or received by the device to derive a first estimate of the position of the device. This position estimate is then adjusted using a probabilistic model of the area, where the area is divided into zones or regions, and where each region is assigned a weighting according to the probability of the device being located in that region taking account of the prior position of the device. By using the weightings to adjust the position estimate, false or ambiguous position estimates are discounted and the true position of the device is more reliably detected. The method also includes techniques to take account of different wireless characteristics of different devices when each is supplied with the same model. |
| US09658306B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method and apparatus are provided including a signal acquirer, a resonance frequency acquirer, and an RF driver. The signal acquirer is configured to acquire a free induction decay (FID) signal or an echo signal to generate a magnetic resonance image of a portion of an area of a subject. The resonance frequency acquirer is configured to acquire a resonance frequency of the portion of the area from the acquired FID signal. The RF driver is configured to generate a refocusing RF pulse having the acquired resonance frequency. The signal acquirer, the resonance frequency acquirer and the RF driver are configured to acquire and generate in each of sections of an RF pulse sequence. |
| US09658304B2 |
MRI method for retrospective motion correction with interleaved radial acquisition
A motion-corrected magnetic resonance imaging method comprises: sequentially acquiring a plurality of interleaved magnetic resonance radial acquisition datasets using a magnetic resonance scanner; reconstructing each magnetic resonance radial acquisition dataset into a corresponding image to generate a set of images, the reconstructing including expanding radial k-space lines of the magnetic resonance radial acquisition dataset into corresponding radial bands in k-space using a generalized auto-calibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) operator; selecting a reference image from the set of images; performing three-dimensional spatial registration of each image of the set of images except the reference image with respect to the reference image to generate a spatially registered set of images; and combining the spatially registered set of images to generate a motion corrected image. |
| US09658300B1 |
Method and apparatus for preparation of spin polarized reagents
Hyperpolarized samples (i.e., samples having fractional spin polarization P of at least 0.1) of a target molecular species are created through spin transfer from hyperpolarized xenon atoms or other source isotopes. Reversible nanoscale solid state contact is achieved between the hyperpolarized xenon atoms and molecules of a target species. The resulting solid state mixture is exposed to conditions of magnetic field and temperature designed to allow or even facilitate transfer of spin polarization from the xenon to the target molecules. The xenon and the target species are then separated under conditions that substantially preserve the polarization of the target species. The hyperpolarized target species can then be introduced into a subject of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment. |
| US09658299B2 |
Method for determining a position-dependent attenuation map of high-frequency coils of a magnetic resonance pet device
A method is disclosed for determining a position-dependent attenuation map of at least one high frequency coil of a combined magnetic resonance PET device. A magnetic resonance PET device and a computer program product are also disclosed. The method includes determining at least one first signal frequency for at least one coil element during a magnetic resonance PET examination; determining at least one second signal frequency, wherein at least one gradient field is applied during determination thereof; reconstructing the position of the at least one coil element using the at least one first and second signal frequency; reconstructing the position of the at least one high frequency coil using the reconstructed position of the at least one coil element; and determining a position-dependent attenuation map of the at least one high frequency coil using the reconstructed position of the at least one high frequency coil. |
| US09658296B2 |
Current sensor device
A current sensor device includes a casing having a cavity and a conductor fixedly mounted to the casing. A semiconductor chip configured to sense a magnetic field is arranged in the cavity. An electrically insulating medium is configured to at least partially fill the cavity of the casing. |
| US09658295B2 |
Offset compensation for zero-crossing detection
There is described a device for removing an offset from a signal, the device comprising (a) a frequency estimation unit (260) for estimating a frequency of the signal, (b) an offset estimation unit (222) for estimating the offset in the signal by applying an adaptive low pass filter to the signal, wherein a cut-off frequency of the adaptive low pass filter is determined based on the frequency of the signal estimated by the frequency estimation unit (260), and (c) a subtraction unit (230) adapted to subtract the offset estimated by the offset estimation unit (222) from the signal. There is also described a filter unit comprising the device. Furthermore, there is described a corresponding method of removing an offset from a signal as well as a computer program and a computer program product for performing the method by means of a computer. |
| US09658289B2 |
Power storage module state estimation apparatus, battery pack, and method for estimating the state of a power storage module
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a power storage module state estimation apparatus comprises a parameter calculator configured to calculate a parameter based on a current value of a power storage module, wherein the parameter includes at least one of a direction having a high frequency of current flowing in the power storage module, an average current value of the power storage module, and a charge and discharge capacity after the direction having the high frequency of current flowing in the power storage module is switched; and a hysteresis compensator configured to use the parameter to compensate an open circuit voltage of the power storage module. |
| US09658285B2 |
Probe apparatus
A probe apparatus includes a movable mounting table for holding a test object provided with a plurality of power devices including diodes; a probe card arranged above the mounting table with probes; a measuring unit for measuring electrical characteristics of the power devices by bringing the probes into electrical contact with the test object in a state that a conductive film electrode formed on at least a mounting surface of the mounting table is electrically connected to a conductive layer formed on a rear surface of the test object; and a conduction member for electrically interconnecting the conductive film electrode and the measuring unit when measuring the electrical characteristics. The conduction member is interposed between an outer peripheral portion of the probe card and an outer peripheral portion of the mounting table. |
| US09658283B2 |
Radiator module system for automatic test equipment
A radiator module system for automatic test equipment, including a test arm and a closed-loop circulating cooling device disposed on the test arm. The test arm includes a test head, and an internal channel is formed within and passing through the test head. The closed-loop circulating cooling device includes an inlet and an outlet, respectively connected to the internal channel; a conduit connecting the inlet and the outlet, such that the conduit and the internal channel form a closed-loop circulating channel in which a working fluid flows; a cooling device in contact with the conduit, configured to perform heat dissipation to the working fluid flowing within the conduit; and a driving source configured to drive the working fluid to flow within the closed-loop circulating channel. The working fluid is driven by the driving source to flow within the closed-loop circulating channel to perform heat dissipation. |
| US09658278B2 |
Method and apparatus for high voltage device crystal defect detection
A semiconductor device comprises a first layer, a second layer configured to overlap with the first layer at a plurality of positions, a plurality of first layer contacts configured to be selectively activated to test the first layer for a first layer leakage current, and a plurality of second layer contacts configured to be selectively activated to test the second layer for a second layer leakage current. The first layer contacts are arranged on the first layer on a first side and a second side of the plurality of positions at which the second layer overlaps with the first layer. The second layer contacts are arranged on the second layer on a third side and a fourth side of the plurality of positions at which the second layer overlaps with the first layer. A determined first layer leakage current or second layer leakage current is indicative of the presence of a crystal defect in the semiconductor device. |
| US09658276B2 |
Circuit and method for detecting short circuit failure of a switching transistor
A circuit and method are provided detecting a persistent short circuit in a power MOSFET for the purpose of protecting a load from over-current. |
| US09658275B2 |
De-embedding on-wafer devices
An apparatus includes three components. The first component includes a first transmission line; the second component is coupled with the first component and includes a second transmission line; and the third component electrically coupled with the first component and/or the second component. The transmission lines each include a substrate with a p-well or n-well within the substrate and a shielding layer over the p-well or n-well. The transmission lines also each include a plurality of intermediate conducting layers over the shielding layer, the plurality of intermediate conducting layers coupled by a plurality of vias. The transmission lines further each include a top conducting layer over the plurality of intermediate conducting layers. |
| US09658274B2 |
Light-emitting element failure detector and method for detecting light-emitting element failure
A light emitting element failure detector (4) includes a light emitting element (1), a constant current circuit (2) which supplies an electric current to the light emitting element (1), and an electric discharge path which discharges an electric charge such as the light emitting element (1). A light emitting element failure detector (4) further includes an instantaneous current interruption circuit (5) which instantaneously interrupts an electric current to the light emitting element (1) by a current supply path different from the electric discharge path, a diode (60), a DC power supply (61), and a current detector (62). The DC power supply (61) generates a direct-current reference voltage having a positive value lower than a voltage between the anode and cathode of the light emitting element (1) in a normal state. The DC power supply (61), the diode (60), and the current detector (62) which are connected in series constitute a parallel electric path of the light emitting element (1). An anode of the DC power supply (61) and a cathode of the diode (60) are arranged on the anode side of the light emitting element (1). The current detector (62) detects an electric current which flows in the parallel electric path when an electric current is instantaneously interrupted. |
| US09658266B2 |
Capacitive detection device
A capacitive detection device (20) for a vehicle comprises a sensing electrode (26) for generating an oscillatory electric field in a detection space and a shielding electrode (28) arranged on a side of the sensing electrode turned away from the detection space. The capacitive detection device comprises a circuit ground and a ground connector for connecting the circuit ground to chassis ground of the vehicle. At least one shunt capacitor is connected between circuit ground and the shielding electrode. The at least one shunt capacitor has a capacitance at least 25 times higher than the capacitance between the shielding electrode and the chassis ground of the vehicle. |
| US09658259B2 |
System frequency measurement method, synchrophasor measurement method and device thereof
Provided are a system frequency measurement method, synchrophasor measurement method and device. The synchrophasor measurement method comprises: sampling voltage and current signals based on an absolute time reference; removing out-of-band interference in the sampled voltage and current signals; first-resampling at least one of the voltage and current signals with the out-of-band interference being removed based on an estimated system frequency; calculating phasor for the signals obtained from the first resampling and updating the estimated system frequency; for a reporting timing, second-resampling the voltage and current signals with the out-of-band interference being removed based on the updated estimated system frequency; and calculating synchrophasor of the voltage and current signals obtained from the second resampling. The system frequency measurement method, synchrophasor measurement method and device are not only applicable to the stable operation of power systems but also to the dynamic operation thereof, and provide measurement result with high precision. |
| US09658258B2 |
Power conversion system and voltage sampling device thereof
A voltage sampling system is provided. The voltage sampling system includes a first and a second input paths and a signal-processing module. The first input path includes a first input voltage-dividing resistor unit, a second input voltage-dividing resistor unit and a first DC voltage-dividing resistor unit to generate a first input divided voltage and a first DC bias voltage to further generate a first sampled voltage signal according to a first input voltage and a DC voltage source. The second input path includes a third input voltage-dividing resistor unit, a fourth input voltage-dividing resistor unit and a second DC voltage-dividing resistor unit to generate a second input divided voltage and a second DC bias voltage to further generate a second sampled voltage signal according to a second input voltage and the DC voltage source. The signal-processing module receives the first and the second sampled voltage signals to perform signal processing. |
| US09658255B2 |
Signal monitoring of through-wafer vias using a multi-layer inductor
According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device. |
| US09658252B2 |
Probe insertion auxiliary and method of probe insertion
A probe insertion auxiliary and a method of probe insertion are provided. A light source illuminates holes on a lower die to make the position of the holes clear for an operator. The probe insertion auxiliary includes a bottom and a clamp pair disposed on the bottom. The clamp pair has two clamp parts. The two clamp parts define a slit for disposing a probe chassis. Furthermore, the two clamp parts and the bottom form a space. A light source is disposed inside the space for illuminating the holes. |
| US09658244B2 |
Reducing hysteresis effects in accelerometer
Techniques of manufacturing an accelerometer as disclosed herein include positioning an accelerometer between a first stator and a second stator, and the accelerometer comprises a plurality of features. In some examples, the plurality of features include a proof mass, a support structure defining a plane and configured to support the proof mass, a flexure configured to flexibly connect the proof mass to the support structure, and a plurality of raised pads, the plurality comprising at least one raised pad positioned between the flexure and an exterior of the support structure, wherein the at least one raised pad is configured to be isolatable. Techniques of manufacturing the accelerometer as disclosed herein further include compressing the first stator and the second stator onto the accelerometer, attaching a bellyband to the first stator and the second stator, and isolating the at least one raised pad. |
| US09658243B2 |
System for alarming a driver using a driver state estimation device
In a first arousal level estimation device according to this invention, an initial residual setup unit sets a residual to be a reference of a driver, i.e., a residual with a smallest value during an initialization period as an initial residual among residuals calculated by a residual calculation unit during the initialization period from timing of starting an operation of a vehicle or timing of a change in a traveling scene including a condition of traveling road of the vehicle as a starting point till a predetermined period of time elapses. An arousal level estimation unit estimates a driver's arousal level based on a result of comparison between the initial residual set by the residual setup unit and the residual calculated by the residual calculation unit after the initialization period has elapsed. In this way, an estimation accuracy relating to a driver's state including a driver's arousal level is improved. |
| US09658239B2 |
Laboratory product transport element and path arrangement
The invention concerns a laboratory product transport element for a laboratory transport system with an energy receiver and/or energy accumulator to provide drive power, at least one signal receiver to receive control signals, a control unit to generate drive signals as a function of at least one control signal obtained from the at least one signal receiver, movement devices for independent movement of the laboratory product transport element on a transfer path as a function of the drive signals of the control unit, in which the drive devices are driven by the drive power and at least one holder to hold a laboratory product being transported. The invention also concerns a laboratory transport system with at least one laboratory product transport element according to an embodiment of the invention and a transfer path arrangement. The invention also concerns methods for operation of laboratory transport systems according to an embodiment of the invention. |
| US09658238B2 |
Apparatus for processing biological material
The invention relates to an apparatus for purification, respectively processing and/or analysis of biological target molecules with a detection device for detecting at least one object, which includes at least one detection area, wherein the detection device is adapted to detect at least one height value of the detection area and is adapted to determine, from the at least one height value, a spatial position and/or orientation and/or a type and/or a presence and/or a number and/or a state of the at least one object. Further, the invention relates to a receiving device for receiving material for the processing, purification and/or analysis of biological target molecules with at least one identification element, wherein the at least one identification element defines a height profile for identifying the receiving device, wherein the height profile is provided for at least one height measurement and extends at least in sections along a line, preferably a straight line. Finally, the invention relates to a method for inventorying, position determining and/or orientation determining of objects, which are needed for the automatic processing of a material, which contains biological target molecules, on a corresponding apparatus, in which at least one height value of a detection area of the respective object is detected, and, from the height value, a spatial position and/or an orientation and/or a type and/or a presence and/or a number and/or a state of the respective object is determined on the apparatus. |
| US09658232B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating and diagnosing diseases
Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating diseases, particularly cancer, associated with differential expression of cancer-associated targets (CAT) in disease cells compared to healthy cells are provided. Also provided are antagonists and agonists of CAT, and methods for screening agents that modulate CAT level or activity in vivo or in vitro. |
| US09658226B2 |
Automated immunoanalyzer system for performing diagnostic assays for autoimmune and infectious diseases
A quantitative method for diagnosing an autoimmune disease or an infectious disease comprising performing an automated diagnostic assay, comprising: incubating a capture reagent with a streptavidin-coated medium to form a solid phase complex, wherein the capture reagent is a biotinylated autoantigen or infectious disease antigen; washing the solid phase complex to remove excess capture reagent; incubating the solid phase complex with a serum sample to form an immune complex; washing the immune complex to remove any unbound sample; incubating the immune complex with a conjugate to create an immune-conjugate complex; washing the immune-conjugate complex to remove any unbound conjugate; introducing a substrate capable of generating a quantifiable response; and calibrating the response generated from introducing the substrate. |
| US09658225B2 |
Automated immunoanalyzer system for performing diagnostic assays for allergies and autoimmune diseases
A quantitative method for performing an automated diagnostic assay, comprising: incubating a capture reagent with a streptavidin-coated medium to form a solid phase complex; washing the solid phase complex to remove excess capture reagent; incubating the solid phase complex with a serum sample to form an immune complex; washing the immune complex to remove any unbound sample; incubating the immune complex with a conjugate to create an immune-conjugate complex; washing the immune-conjugate complex to remove any unbound conjugate; introducing a substrate capable of generating a quantifiable response; and calibrating the response generated from introducing the substrate. |
| US09658221B2 |
Methods and devices for detection of analytes using bloch surface wave-enhanced diffraction-based sensors
The invention features methods and diffraction-based devices for the detection of specific analytes. The devices of the invention contain a periodic dielectric multilayer, which allows for the propagation of Bloch surface waves (BSWs) at the surface of the multilayer, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the device. |
| US09658220B2 |
Human factor XIII as a normalization control for immunoassays
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for normalizing the amount of signal detected in an assay, such as an immunoassay. The compositions and methods are useful for improving the accuracy of immunoassays, such as immunoassays that detect whether a subject is infected with a retrovirus such as HIV. |
| US09658218B2 |
Determination of total analyte concentration
Methods and reagents are disclosed for determining a total amount of an analyte in an unknown sample suspected of containing the analyte in the presence of endogeneous interfering substances. The methods involve measuring an amount [Y] of the portion of the analyte in the unknown sample that is bound by endogeneous binding substances employing an assay for the analyte. An amount [Z] of analyte in the unknown sample that is not bound by endogeneous binding substances is determined by the formula: [Z]=a[Y]+b, wherein “a” and “b” are predetermined by conducting the assay on samples containing known amounts of the analyte but substantially free from endogeneous interfering substances. Adding [Y] and [Z] yields the total amount [X] of the analyte in the unknown sample. |
| US09658216B2 |
Methods of selecting retinal pigmented epithelial cells
A method of selecting retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells from a mixed population of cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) analyzing the cells of the mixed population of cells for at least one of the following parameters: (i) cells which autofluorescence above a predetermined threshold; (ii) cells which express CD81 above a predetermined threshold; and (iii) cells which scatter light perpendicular to a laser beam above a predetermined threshold; and (b) selecting cells which are positive for at least one of the parameters, thereby sorting RPE cells from a mixed population of cells. |
| US09658215B2 |
Identifying and enumerating early granulated cells (EGCs)
Methods and systems for automatically identifying and enumerating early granulated cells (EGC) in blood samples are disclosed. In one embodiment a method for identifying EGC in a blood sample includes analyzing white blood cells of the blood sample using a low angle light scatter (LALS) parameter, separating the EGCs from the other white blood cells using the LALS parameter, and enumerating the separated EGCs. |
| US09658214B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing cells
A method of analyzing cells, the method comprising: measuring a number of cells which are nuclear stained, in a to-be-determined tissue, and acquiring a histogram showing a fluorescence intensity based on a result of the measurement; analyzing the histogram, and acquiring data of predetermined parameters; comparing the data of the parameters with first thresholds predetermined for the parameters, to perform a first cancer determination for each of the parameters on the to-be-determined tissue; performing a scoring process for each of the parameters, on a result of the first cancer determination for each of the parameters, to calculate scores of the parameters; and combining the scores of the parameters with one another, thereby performing a second cancer determination on the to-be-determined tissue. |
| US09658212B2 |
Process for evaluating active agent(s) capable of preserving the functionality of epithelial stem cells
The present invention relates to a process for evaluating in vitro at least one active agent capable of preserving the functionality of epithelial stem cells, in particular of maintaining or stimulating the growth and/or the density and/or the renewal of a keratin material, consisting in determining the ability of the active agent(s) to mimic a hypoxic state in the keratin material, the active agent(s) being capable of increasing the expression of at least carbonic anhydrase IX as biological marker of hypoxia, in the keratin material treated with the active agent(s) compared with the keratin material not treated with the active agent(s). It also relates to the use of such a process. |
| US09658203B2 |
Metal collection solution and method of analyzing substrate contamination
A metal collection solution according to an embodiment contains 48 wt % or more of HNO3, 6 wt % or less of HCl, and 5 wt % or less of HF. The metal collection solution can collect noble metals and can scan on a substrate. The metal collection solution can be used to collect the noble metals adhered to a surface of the substrate. |
| US09658197B2 |
Standard material for a particle analyzer
A standard material that is used for judging an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer is described. The standard material comprises first standard particles to be fluorescence-stained by a fluorescence-staining treatment and second standard particles that have preliminarily contained a fluorescence dye. A method and an analyzer that can judge an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer by using such a standard material are also described. |
| US09658196B2 |
Gas collection and analysis system with front-end and back-end pre-concentrators and moisture removal
Embodiments of an apparatus including a front-end pre-concentrator module including an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve to control flow through the inlet, the outlet, or both. The apparatus includes a back-end pre-concentrator module including an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve to control flow through the inlet, the outlet, or both, and also includes a gas analysis module having an inlet and an outlet and including a gas chromatograph having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the front-end pre-concentrator and the outlet of the back-end pre-concentrator are coupled to the inlet of the gas analysis module. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09658195B2 |
Electronic control of pH and ionic strength
Apparatuses and methods for controlling ionic strength and/or pH of a solution are provided. |
| US09658194B2 |
Controlling interdetector band broadening
Methods and apparatus for controlling interdetector band broadening during the analysis of a sample injected into a chromatography system. A column flow is diluted with a dilution flow after the sample exits the chromatography system, and the diluted sample is analyzed by one or a combination of analysis instruments such as a light scattering detector, refractive index detector, an ultraviolet absorption detector. |
| US09658192B2 |
Insulation defect detection of high voltage generator stator core
In a general methodology for insulation defect identification in a generator core, a Chattock coil is used to measure magnetic potential difference between teeth. Physical knowledge and empirical knowledge is combined in a model to predict insulation damage location and severity. Measurements are taken at multiple excitation frequencies to solve for multiple characteristics of the defect. |
| US09658187B2 |
Underfill recognition biosensor
A biosensor with an underfill recognition system assesses whether to analyze a sample for one or more analytes in response to the volume of the sample. The underfill recognition system applies polling and test excitation signals to the sample. The polling signals generate one or more polling output signals, which maybe used to detect when a sample is present and to determine whether the sample has sufficient volume for analysis. The test excitation signal generates one or more test output signals, which may be used to determine one or more analyte concentrations in the sample. |
| US09658174B2 |
X-ray topography apparatus
Disclosed is an X-ray topography apparatus including an X-ray source, a multilayer film mirror, a slit, a two-dimensional X-ray detector, and a sample moving device that sequentially moves the sample to a plurality of step positions. The X-ray source is a minute focal spot. The multilayer film mirror forms monochromatic, collimated, high-intensity X-rays. The direction in which the multilayer film mirror collimates the X-rays coincides with the width direction of the slit. The step size by which the sample is moved is smaller than the width of the slit. The combination of the size of the minute focal spot, the width of the slit, and the intensity of the X-rays that exit out of the multilayer film mirror allows the contrast of an X-ray image produced when the detector receives X-rays for a predetermined period of 1 minute or shorter to be high enough for observation of the X-ray image. |
| US09658173B2 |
Portable x-ray backscattering imaging system including a radioactive source
A portable x-ray backscattering imaging system for creating a backscatter image representing an object is disclosed. The portable x-ray backscattering imaging system may include a drum, a radioactive source, a plurality of backscatter detectors, and a portable exterior shield. The drum may be rotatable about an axis of rotation at a rotational speed. The radioactive source may be connected to the drum and configured to generate x-rays. The plurality of backscatter detectors may be configured to detect backscattering radiation created as the x-rays generated by the radioactive source scatter back from the object. The portable exterior shield may enclose the drum. The exterior shield may be constructed of a material that substantially blocks the x-rays and defines a window that allows for the x-rays to pass through. |
| US09658170B2 |
TDI imaging system with variable voltage readout clock signals
A Time Delay and Integration (TDI) imaging system utilizing variable voltage readout clock signals having progressively increasing amplitudes defined as a function of pixel row location, where pixel rows positioned to receive/collect/transfer image-related charges at the start of the TDI imaging process are controlled using lower amplitude readout clock signals than pixel rows positioned to receive/collect/transfer image-related charges near the end of the TDI process. The clock signal amplitude for each pixel row is determined by the expected maximum amplitude needed to hold and transfer image charges by the pixels of that row. Multiple (e.g., three) primary phase signals are generated that are passed through splitters to provide multiple identical secondary phase signals, and then drivers having gain control circuitry are utilized to produce voltage readout clock signals having the same phases as the primary phase signals, but having two or more different voltage amplitudes. |
| US09658164B2 |
Optical sensing chip having three-dimensional nanostructure array
The present invention relates to an optical sensing chip, which has various applications and may be used repetitively. The optical sensing chip can qualitatively identify different types of molecules and quantitatively analyze small molecules in minute amounts. Regarding a conventional optical sensing chip, an additional sample of known concentration is required as a reference in signal comparison for quantitative determination. In the disclosure, it is unnecessary to add the additional sample of known concentration, but the optical sensing chip itself provides a fixed optical signal that is not varied along with environmental changes to serve as a reference for quantitative determination. In addition, the optical sensing chip also possesses the ability to concentrate or filter sample in real-time. |
| US09658161B2 |
Arrays of integrated analytical devices and methods for production
Arrays of integrated analytical devices and their methods for production are provided. The arrays are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The integrated devices allow the highly sensitive discrimination of optical signals using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The arrays and methods of the invention make use of silicon chip fabrication and manufacturing techniques developed for the electronics industry and highly suited for miniaturization and high throughput. |
| US09658157B2 |
Sensor using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)
The invention concerns an arrangement comprising at least one sensor nanoparticle supporting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR), at least one sensing material and at least one separating layer which separates the at least one sensor nanoparticle from the at least one sensing material. The arrangement allows for indirect sensing studies of change in and on the surface of a sensing material or environment by the sensor nanoparticle. The arrangement may also be used for optical temperature measurements and calorimetry, optical differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), to study hydrogen storage, catalytic reactions or for NOx sensing. |
| US09658156B2 |
Method of characterizing interactions and screening for effectors
This invention enables high throughput detection of small molecule effectors of particle association, as well as quantification of association constants, stoichiometry, and conformation. Given a set of particle solutions having different concentrations, dynamic light scattering measurements are used to determine the average hydrodynamic radius, as a function of concentration. The series of average hydrodynamic radii as a function of concentration are fitted with stoichiometric association models containing the parameters of molar mass, modeled concentrations, and modeled hydrodynamic radii of the associated complexes. In addition to the average hydrodynamic radii value analysis, the experimental data may be fit/analyzed in alternate ways. This method may be applied to a single species that is self-associating or to multiple species that are hetero-associating. This method may also be used to characterize and quantify the association between a modulator and the associating species. |
| US09658155B2 |
System and method for identifying materials using a THz spectral fingerprint in a media with high water content
A material detector includes a pulse generator to generate pulses to excite molecules in the material and a detector to detect a signal generated from excited molecules in the terahertz region. Spectral features in the material are analyzed to identify the material. Detection can be performed using a nanoantenna array structure having antennas tuned to detect the expected spectral emission. The nanoantenna array can include antennas having MIM or MIIM diodes. Signal processing and statistical analysis is use to reduce false positives and false negative in identifying the material. |
| US09658154B2 |
Spectrometer and gas analyzer
A spectrometer has an entry aperture for coupling in electromagnetic radiation to be spectroscope, a refractive or diffractive optical element arranged such that electromagnetic radiation which is coupled in through the entry aperture is incident on the refractive or diffractive optical element to be spectrally split there, and at least two individual detectors which, for the detection of different spectral ranges of the split electromagnetic radiation, are arranged next to one another in the direction of the spectral splitting of the electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation from a predetermined ultraviolet wavelength range is directed onto one of the individual detectors by the optical element and electromagnetic radiation from a predetermined blue wavelength range is directed onto another of the detectors by the optical element. Electromagnetic radiation from the intermediate wavelength range between the predetermined ultraviolet wavelength range and the predetermined blue wavelength range are not detected. |
| US09658152B2 |
Optical interpretation of assay results
The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to the use of a hand-held mobile computing device, such a smartphone or tablet, to interpret the results of a medical assay device. By controlling conditions like image placement and illumination and correcting for imperfect illumination, accurate results can be obtained with hand-held mobile computing device. |
| US09658151B2 |
System for viewing samples that are undergoing ellipsometric investigation in real time
In the context of an ellipsometer or the like, positioning a camera other than directly above a sample being investigated by an electromagnetic beam, while said camera provides an optical view of a surface of said sample which is in focus over the entire viewed extent of the sample, and wherein a contrast improving system involving two beams provided by a beam splitting system is utilized. |
| US09658145B2 |
Display device and a method of measuring a strain of the display device
A measurement pigment composition including pigment particles may be coated on a surrounding area of a display panel to form a strain measuring part. A strain of the display device may be measured by using 3D images of the strain measuring part. |
| US09658144B1 |
Systems and methods for chemically testing a sample and sampling probes therefor
Systems, methods, and sampling probes for chemically testing a liquid sample are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system generally includes a sample container for containing a liquid, wherein the liquid includes a chemical compound of interest and a reducing agent, and a non-corrosive sampling probe comprising a first channel for delivering a flow of gas to the liquid sample, and a second channel for purging sample fluid from the sample container, wherein at least a portion of the sampling probe is in contact with the liquid. |
| US09658142B2 |
Method and apparatus for extracting and collecting single cells from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues
Methods and apparatuses are provided for extraction and collection of sets of one or more cells from a formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue sample. A laser is used to remove sets of one or more cells from an immobilized sample within a microfluidic device, and a fluid flow element washes the removed set of one or more cells away from the immobilized sample, preferably to be collected in a downstream sample collection device. Morphological and/or positional information may be preserved to permit at least one technique (e.g., amplification, sequencing, and/or analytical, optionally performed after cells are lysed downstream of the microfluidic device) to be related to the original spatial location of the set of one or more cells in the immobilized sample. |
| US09658138B2 |
Container fixing holder of time-series sediment trapping device
Disclosed is a container fixing holder of a time-series sediment trapping device. With respect to the container fixing holder of the time-series sediment trapping device, the time-series sediment trapping device includes a funnel; a frame disposed to support and surround the funnel, a frame having at least one rod vertically disposed and a fixing plate coupled to the at least one rod forming the frame on a horizontal plane defined by a lower portion of the funnel, wherein a rotation plate, to which a plurality of time-series sediment trapping containers to trap the time-series sediment collected through the funnel are fixedly attached, is formed under the fixing plate. The container fixing holder includes a circular holder for fixing the plurality of time-series sediment trapping containers fixedly attached to the rotation plate without shaking. |
| US09658133B2 |
Multigas sensor and multigas sensor device
A multigas sensor (200A) includes a multigas sensor element portion (100A) having: a NOx sensor portion (30A) which detects the concentration of NOx; and first and second ammonia sensor portions (42x, 42y) having different ratios between a sensitivity of ammonia and a sensitivity of NOx. The multigas sensor element portion has a plate-like shape which extends in the direction of the axis O. A temperature detecting portion (6) used for controlling the temperature of the NOx sensor portion is disposed in the multigas sensor element portion. The first and second ammonia sensor portions are disposed on the outer surface of the NOx sensor portion so that at least parts of the first and second ammonia sensor portions overlap with a first region (6s) which is defined in the width direction by ends in the axial direction of the temperature detecting portion. |
| US09658132B2 |
Bearing arrangement and method
A method of determining the axial load on load-sharing thrust bearings including: providing first and second thrust bearings, each including an inner race and an outer race supported by at least one resilient element; applying a test axial load to each of the first and second thrust bearings to elastically deform the at least one resilient element so as to axially displace the outer race; determining the test axial displacement of each outer race to obtain calibration data comprising values of axial load versus axial displacement; applying an in-service axial load to the first and second thrust bearings to elastically deform the resilient elements so as to axially displace the respective outer races; measuring the in-service axial displacement of each outer race; and based on the measured in-service axial displacements, inferring from the calibration data the values of the in-service axial loads on the first and second thrust bearings. |
| US09658131B2 |
Testing apparatus for auxiliary belt system and testing system provided with the same
The present disclosure provides a testing apparatus of an auxiliary belt system. The testing apparatus of the auxiliary belt system includes: a tester bracket, a torque pulse simulation motor mounted to the tester bracket, a crankshaft pulley mounted to the tester bracket and rotated by operations of the torque pulse simulation motor, an auxiliary system mounted to the tester bracket, connected to the crankshaft pulley through a belt and rotated by rotation of the crankshaft pulley and a controller controlling operations of the torque pulse simulation motor. |
| US09658130B2 |
Blowout preventer monitoring system and method of using same
A monitoring system for a subsea blowout preventer is provided. The monitoring system includes a fiber optic cable (435) wrapped around preventer portions to be monitored such as rams, pistons, cylinders, housing, connector, to capture acoustic emissions from those portions during operation. The preventer is tested to determine a baseline or fingerprint of normal operation. The acoustic emissions captured during operation are compared with the baseline to detect potential anomalies that may indicate a problem. |
| US09658129B2 |
Method and system for determining information about a transparent optical element comprising a lens portion and a plane parallel portion
A method for determining information about a transparent optical element including a lens portion and a plane parallel portion, the lens portion having at least one curved surface and the plane parallel portion having opposing first and second surfaces, includes: directing measurement light to the transparent optical element; detecting measurement light reflected from at least one location on the first surface of the plane parallel portion; detecting measurement light reflected from the second surface of the plane parallel portion at a location corresponding to the at least one location on the first surface; determining, based on the detected light, information about the plane parallel portion; and evaluating the transparent optical element based on the information about the plane parallel portion. |
| US09658127B2 |
Measurement amplifying circuit for piezoelectric sensor positioned in an internal combustion engine
A measurement amplifying circuit (400) for a piezo-electric sensor (100) positioned in an internal combustion engine supplying a signal to be measured, includes: a module (420) for generating a common mode voltage; a differential amplifier (410); and a subtraction module (430). The module (420) for generating a common mode voltage is to be connected to a wall (111) of the engine, the module (420) for generating a common mode voltage being suitable for supplying a common mode voltage signal (Vcm) reproducing the variations of an engine signal (Sb) received from the wall (111) of the engine. |
| US09658125B2 |
Fluid characteristic indicator
A fluid characteristic indicator for measuring and indicating a characteristic of body fluid from a medical or veterinary patient has a tubular housing with suction and fluid inlet ports at opposite ends and a fluid characteristic indicating element disposed within. A diffuser supports the indicating element and has at least one fluid channel to direct fluid toward the indicating element. The fluid channel may be formed as a spiral or helix, or as a plurality of longitudinal fluid channels. The housing and the diffuser may have additional structures forming channels that cooperatively direct fluid toward the indicating element. The diffuser may occupy nearly all the interior volume of the housing. Control of the fluid flow may make exposure and saturation of the indicator more accurate, avoid spurious indications due to the color of the fluid itself, and reduce the amount of fluid sample needed to obtain an indication or measurement. |
| US09658124B2 |
System and method for wind turbine operation
A method for determining a flow condition includes disposing a plurality of sensors on a surface and receiving a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The method further includes determining at least one correlation parameter based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. The method also includes receiving a plurality of stored parameters from a database, wherein each of the plurality of stored parameters is representative of a corresponding flow condition. The method also includes comparing the at least one correlation parameter with the plurality of stored parameters and selecting at least one matching stored parameter and determining a matching flow condition based on the at least one matching stored parameter. |
| US09658123B2 |
All-optical pressure sensor
The present invention relates to an all-optical pressure sensor comprising a waveguide accommodating a distributed Bragg reflector. Pressure sensing can then be provided by utilizing effective index modulation of the waveguide and detection of a wavelength shift of light reflected from the Bragg reflector. Sound sensing may also be provided thereby having an all-optical microphone. One embodiment of the invention relates to an optical pressure sensor comprising at least one outer membrane and a waveguide, the waveguide comprising at least one core for confining and guiding light, at least one distributed Bragg reflector located in said at least one core, and at least one inner deflecting element forming at least a part of the core, wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that the geometry and/or dimension of the at least one core is changed when the at least one outer membrane is submitted to pressure. |
| US09658117B2 |
Total air temperature probes for reducing deicing heater error
A total air temperature probe includes a probe head having an airflow inlet, a main airflow outlet, a main probe head wall extending from the airflow inlet to the main airflow outlet, and a flow separation bend wall positioned between the airflow inlet and the main airflow outlet. The flow separation bend wall is opposite the main probe head wall across a primary flow passage defined through the probe head from the airflow inlet to the main airflow outlet. A flow separation trip feature is defined on an interior surface of the main probe head wall for tripping a boundary layer flow separation in flow in the primary flow passage, e.g., for reduction of deicing heater error. |
| US09658114B1 |
Device for measuring point diffraction interferometric wavefront aberration and method for detecting wave aberration
A device for measuring point diffraction interferometric wavefront aberration having an optical source, an optical splitter, a first light intensity and polarization regulator, a phase shifter, a second light intensity and polarization regulator, an ideal wavefront generator, an object precision adjusting stage, a measured optical system, an image wavefront detection unit, an image precision adjusting stage, and a data processing unit. A method for detecting wavefront aberration of the optical system by using the device is also disclosed. |
| US09658113B2 |
Resetting and hilbert filtering of self-mixing interferometric signal
An optical device (10) for determining a physical parameter includes: a laser diode (11) for emitting a beam toward a target; an element for detecting (13) an interferometric signal SM(t) which includes the information on the physical parameter to be determined, and which is generated by an interference between the emitted beam and a light beam reflected by the target; element for converting (15) the signal SM(t) obtained by the detection element (13) into a measurement of the physical parameter, the conversion element (15) including: first element (17) for suppressing a continuous component Off(t) of the interferometric signal SM(t); second element (18) for determining interferometric peaks in the interferometric signal SM(t) obtained from the signal obtained at the output of the first element (17). An associated method, particularly suitable for speckle interferometric signals is also described. |
| US09658106B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus and measurement method
There is provided a plasma processing apparatus, which includes: a processing chamber into which a target substrate is loaded and in which a dopant is implanted into the target substrate using a plasma of a gas which contains an element used as the dopant; a wall probe configured to measure a change in voltage corresponding to a density of charged particles in the plasma generated within the processing chamber; an OES (Optical Emission Spectrometer) configured to measure a light emission intensity of the dopant existing in the plasma; and a calculation unit configured to calculate a dose amount of the dopant implanted into the target substrate, based on a measurement result obtained at the wall probe and a measurement result obtained at the OES. |
| US09658098B2 |
Apparatus for weighing slaughterhouse products and method for using the same
The invention provides a device for weighing slaughter products. The device comprises conveying means for conveying the slaughter products, the conveying means comprising a frame, two pulley means which are connected to the frame a fixed distance apart, being rotatable about two respective first vertical axes of rotation, an endless flexible conveying element which is passed over the two pulley means, which conveying element extends along a rectilinear weighing path between the two pulley means, a guide extending along a conveying path, hooks for the slaughter products, which hooks are connected to the conveying element at regular intervals and which are each provided with a guide elements for guiding cooperation with the guide. The device further comprises weighing means for weighing slaughter products that are present within the weighing section and reducing means for reducing tensile stress in the conveying element insofar as it extends in the weighing section, said reducing means comprising transmission means that are operative between the two pulley means. The transmission means comprise a gear transmission with at least two meshing gears which are rotatable about respective second vertical axes of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation of one of the at least two gears is in line with a first vertical axis of rotation, and wherein the second axis of rotation of another of the at least two gears is in line with the other first vertical axis of rotation. |
| US09658096B2 |
Radar level gauge inclination system
A radar level gauge arrangement for determining the fill level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed, which arrangement is mounted on a hatch of a tank and/or on a support which is adapted to be mounted on a hatch of a tank. The arrangement comprises a transmitter for transmitting measuring signals at least along a first axis for determining the fill level of the tank; a receiver for receiving echo signals corresponding to the distance to the surface; a first processing circuitry for receiving the echo signals and to determine a fill level of the tank based on the echo signal; an inclinometer attached to the support and adapted to generate an inclination output corresponding to the inclination relative the surface normal; a second processing circuitry for generating, based on the inclination output, an angular output when there is an angular difference between the first axis and the surface normal. The arrangement also comprises a presenter for communicating information about the angular difference externally of said system, or a communication path for communicating the angular output to said first processing circuitry. |
| US09658095B2 |
Capacitive fill level sensor
A capacitive fill level sensor for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container has an electrode unit, which contains a strip-shaped measurement electrode, a strip-shaped counter electrode and a strip-shaped shielding electrode, the shielding electrode at least partially surrounding the measurement electrode. A first AC voltage source having a predefined frequency and amplitude is provided, to which the shielding electrode is connected such that a shielding capacitor formed between the shielding electrode and the measurement electrode has a shielding capacitance that is proportional to the length of the shielding electrode. A second AC voltage source of equal frequency and a predefined second amplitude is provided, the second amplitude being in phase opposition to the first amplitude, to which AC voltage source the counter electrode is connected, such that a measurement capacitor formed between the counter electrode and the measurement electrode has a measurement capacitance that is proportional to the fill level. The measurement electrode voltage present at the measurement electrode is used to determine the fill level. |
| US09658086B1 |
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. |
| US09658078B2 |
System and method for processing of tactical information in combat vehicles
The invention pertains to a system, a method, a computer program and a combat vehicle with an integrated system, for processing of tactical information. The system comprises at least one sensor for registration of at least one image sequence display at least a portion of the surroundings of the combat vehicle. The system further comprises a navigation module arranged to register a current position of the vehicle. The system further comprises a tactical data module for storage of tactical information and an information processing unit arranged to process said image sequence to superimpose the tactical information onto said image sequence. |
| US09658076B2 |
Vehicle and electric bicycle charge monitoring interface
A vehicle system includes a charging interface that is configured to connect to a bicycle battery and a processing device programmed to determine a state of charge of the bicycle battery. The processing device further estimates traveling ranges of a vehicle and a bicycle. The vehicle system further includes a navigation module programmed to generate a route to a selected destination based on the estimated traveling ranges of the vehicle and the bicycle. |
| US09658075B2 |
Travel assist system, travel assist method, and computer program
A travel assist system, a travel assist method, and a computer program that prevent frequent corrections of a travel plan due to variations in congestion information are provided. Congestion information is acquired from a VICS center. The current state of a vehicle is acquired. It is determined whether or not the congestion status of an expected travel route for the vehicle has been varied from the congestion information using a criterion based on the state of the vehicle. In the case where it is determined that the congestion status of the expected travel route has been varied, the travel plan 48 is corrected using the congestion status after the variation. |
| US09658072B1 |
Directional feedback
This disclosure is directed to providing directional feedback to a user. For example, this disclosure describes techniques for determining at least one characteristic of a device in space. For example, a device may be configured to determine, using one or more sensors, one or more characteristics of the device in space. For example, the device may be configured to determine one or more of a direction, and/or geographical position of the device as pointed by a user in space. The device may compare one or more of the determined one or more characteristics of the device in space to a desired destination or path specified by the user, and provide the user with directional feedback if the determined one or more characteristics of the device in space are consistent with the desired destination or path. |
| US09658068B2 |
Position and proximity detection systems and methods
Position and proximity detection systems and methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device may include a processor configured to determine a position coordinate of a first movable device. Further, the processor is configured to determine whether the position coordinate of the first movable device is a predetermined distance from a second movable device. The processor is also configured to signal the second movable device in response to determining that the position coordinate of the first movable device is a predetermined distance from a second movable device. |
| US09658067B2 |
Velocity calculation device, velocity calculation method, and navigation device
A velocity calculation device includes: a vertical direction acceleration detection portion that is mounted on a vehicle and detects an acceleration in a vertical direction generated correspondingly to undulation of a road surface; a horizontal direction angular velocity detection portion that is mounted on the vehicle and detects an angular velocity about a horizontal axis orthogonal to a travel direction of the vehicle generated correspondingly to the undulation of the road surface; and a velocity calculation portion that calculates a velocity in the travel direction of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration in the vertical direction and the angular velocity about the horizontal axis. |
| US09658066B2 |
Methods and systems for geo-location optimized tracking and updating for events having combined activity and location information
A method includes obtaining a first geo-location and a second geo-location. The first and second geo-locations are associated with a monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to be used by a user. The first geo-location is determined at a first time and the second geo-location is determined at a second time. The first time and the second time are associated with a rate of obtaining geo-location data. The method includes calculating a difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations and changing the rate of obtaining a third geo-location associated with the monitoring device based on the difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations. |
| US09658050B2 |
Rotation angle detection device
In a rotation angle detection device, when a condition that two sensors among three magnetic sensors sense one and the same magnetic pole for three consecutive sampling periods is satisfied, a rotation angle is computed based on output signals from the two sensors, sampled at three sampling timings. When the output signals sampled at the three sampling timings satisfy a prescribed requirement, an angular width error correction value corresponding to the magnetic pole sensed by the two sensors and amplitudes are computed, and stored in association with the magnetic pole. If the condition is not satisfied, the rotation angle is computed based on the information stored in a memory and the output signals from two sensors among the three magnetic sensors, the two magnetic sensors including one of the three magnetic sensors, which detects the magnetic pole of which the angular width error correction value is stored in the memory. |
| US09658044B2 |
Method and apparatus for executing a weapon safety system utilizing explosive flux compression
There is a firing and arming system, such as an activation system, of a munition for quickly and accurately activating a warhead or a propulsion system of the activation system. An initiator interface of the activation system activates the warhead or propulsion system. At least one power source is included in the activation system to provide the initial power for activation of the initiator interface and subsequent activating of the respective warhead or propulsion system. Logic elements are communicatively disposed between the at least one power source and a flux compression generator circuit to control activation of the generator. The flux compression generator circuit is at least partially detonated to transform current received from the at least one power source into sufficient current for activating the initiator interface. |
| US09658041B2 |
Rear-deploying mechanical broadhead
Rear-deploying mechanical broadheads may be provided having stationary blades that open only through movement of a drive pin/key secured within a slot or chamber in the body of the broadhead. The drive pin/key may act as bleeder blades, thereby forming a mechanical broadhead with bleeder blades. The stationary blades may be pinned to the tip of the broadhead through blade pins, thereby keeping the blades stationary during flight toward a target and lessening the likelihood that the broadhead may be errant in its movement toward a target. |
| US09658040B1 |
Methods for extended-range, enhanced-precision gun-fired rounds using g-hardened flow control systems
Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics. |
| US09658035B2 |
Target stand
A target stand is disclosed and described. The target stand can include a first side member and a second side member. Each side member can have a base portion, and an upright portion extending from the base portion. The upright portion can have a lower engagement feature and an upper engagement feature. The target support can also include a lower transverse member and an upper transverse member. Each transverse member can have a main body portion with a target support portion for interfacing with a target support, and complimentary engagement features extending from opposite ends of the main body portion. The complimentary engagement features of the lower transverse member can be securable to the lower engagement features of the first and second side members to secure the lower transverse member to the first and second side members. The complimentary engagement features of the upper transverse member can be securable to the upper engagement features of the first and second side members to secure the upper transverse member to the first and second side members. A distance between the complimentary engagement features of the upper transverse member can be different than a distance between the complimentary engagement features of the lower transverse member such that the lower and upper transverse members bind with the first and second side members and cause the first and second side members to be disposed at an angle relative to one another when assembled. |
| US09658034B2 |
Method and device for optimising a resource allocation plan
The optimisation device (1) comprises means (4) for inputting data, means (2) for defining, on the basis of input data, time windows of availability and efficiency, relative to resources in consideration, an element (6) for expressing a space of solutions, i.e. said time windows, as probabilities, generating time-continuous functions in compliance with said time windows, an element (8) for optimising the resource allocation plan from the solutions space expressed as probabilities in this way, and user means (11) for using an optimal allocation plan defined in this way. |
| US09658032B2 |
Interlocking turret system
A turret system for use with a firearm scope is provided, wherein the turret system comprises a plurality of turrets connected in an interlocked and telescoping orientation. The system may include a first turret having a hollow body and a second turret that may be at least partially received within the hollow body of the first turret. The first turret can be selectively axially movable relative to the second turret such that the second turret may be at least partially exposed when the first turret is in a raised position and the second turret may be substantially covered when the first turret is in a lowered position. The first turret may include a first set of calibration data thereon tailored to a first set of shooting conditions and the second turret may include a second set of calibration data thereon tailored to a second set of shooting conditions. |
| US09658030B1 |
Gun sight
A gun sight is provided having a rear sight including at least two apertures which are offset horizontally. A forward sight is also provided with sight features which correspond to the at least first and second apertures of the rear sight. The user or shooter may learn to accurately fire the weapon and more easily acquire a target with less extensive training. |
| US09658029B1 |
Tactical attachment system for firearms
A system for mounting a plurality of tactical attachments to firearms is disclosed. Tactical attachments such as laser illumination sights, flashlights, bayonets, and breaching tools are interchangeable and attached with a single adapter mounted to the end of a magazine ammunition tubes and auxiliary accessory rails such as Picatinny rails. Adapters of varying lengths provide increased ammunition capacity. The tactical attachments have a common mounting structure for mating to the adapter, which includes a optional locking ring to assure the tactical device cannot become dislodged from the adapter during firearm usage. The adapter/tactical device interface allows rapid swapping of tactical devices without the need of tools. Tactical attachment lighting devices such as flashlights and laser sights are provided with wireless remote turn on/off and lighting mode switching capability. |
| US09658027B2 |
Compressed gas gun having built-in, internal projectile feed mechanism
A compressed gas gun is provided, wherein the body houses a firing assembly and an internal, built-in projectile feed mechanism. The projectile feed mechanism is preferably formed as a rear or butt stock of the compressed gas gun. The projectile feed mechanism preferably feeds projectiles to the firing assembly via a feed ramp having an S-shaped transition portion. The compressed gas gun preferably includes a removable top feed rail assembly that can be removed to expose the interior of the compressed gas gun body for field stripping. Central control circuitry is preferably provided for controlling both the firing assembly and the projectile feed mechanism. |
| US09658025B2 |
Bullpup crossbow
In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock and a bow portion comprising at least one limb and a string. A riser attaches said bow portion to the stock. A latch is located in proximity to a butt of the stock. The latch is configured to retain the string in a drawn condition. A trigger is arranged to release the latch. An extension member extends from the butt of the stock to the latch. The extension member and the stock define a cavity, and the latch assembly is oriented within the cavity. |
| US09658024B1 |
Sling bow
Embodiments include a sling bow designed to shoot a projectile. The sling bow can include a handle; a first limb comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the handle; a second limb comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the handle; a drawstring comprising a first elastic portion, a second elastic portion, and a non-elastic portion between the first and second elastic portions, wherein a first end of the first elastic portion is coupled to the distal end of the first limb and a first end of the second elastic portion is coupled to the distal end of the second limb; a first drawstring guide, the first drawstring guide defines a first drawstring void; and a second drawstring guide, the second drawstring guide defines a second drawstring void. Other embodiments are also included herein. |
| US09658023B1 |
Hand held throwing apparatus and method
A hand held throwing apparatus and method includes of a U-shaped body with two sides and a bottom forming an open interior, the U-shaped body having an open front and an open back. A combination throwing-cocking arm with a first end and a second end is provided where the second end is rotatably connected with the U-shaped body in proximity to the open front in between the two sides. A spring is provided with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the spring is attached to the second end of the combination throwing-cocking arm and the second end of the spring is connected with the U-shaped body. A stop device is attached to the combination throwing-cocking arm between the first end and the second end and a handle is connected to the U-shaped body. |
| US09658022B1 |
Firearm training system including integrated electronic module and featuring enhanced optical detection of trigger incursion
Optical sensing of trigger region incursion in the context of a firearm training system may be enhanced or otherwise improved through selective use of light absorbent materials within an optical detection range of one or more optical sensors. Surfaces located within a field of view of the optical sensor(s), such as interior facing surfaces of the trigger guard, surfaces of the trigger, and other surfaces located along the optical signal path may include light absorbent materials, such as dark surface colors, matte finishes, surface textures, and/or thin-film coatings that filter and/or absorb light of a particular wavelength or wavelength range. |
| US09658021B2 |
Mandrel based helical pull through gun cleaning device
A pull through gun cleaning device includes a mandrel with a spiral or helical trough disposed in an outer cylindrical surface of the mandrel. A pull cord includes a cable member covered by a tubular woven sheath. The pull cord is threaded through a tunnel at the first end of the mandrel, wrapped around the mandrel in the spiral or helical trough disposed in an outer cylindrical surface of the mandrel and threaded through a tunnel at the second end of the mandrel to form a mandrel cleaning section. An outside diameter of the mandrel cleaning section is configured such that where the mandrel cleaning section is inserted into one end of the barrel the mandrel compresses to provide a radial force pressing the tubular woven sheath of the pull cord against an inside surface or a rifling of the barrel. |
| US09658017B2 |
Operating mode selection mechanism and method for a firearm
There is disclosed herein systems, methods and apparatus relating to a selective fire firearm. A firing mechanism is provided for mechanically and electronically firing a firearm depending on the operating mode selected by the user. A selector mechanism allows for selection of a safety mode of operation, a semi-automatic firing mode of operation, an automatic firing mode of operation, and an electronic firing mode of operation. |
| US09658016B2 |
Firearm hammer spring removal and installation kit
The present invention is related to hammer and hammer spring assembly from firearms especially but, not limited to, Stoner Automatic Rifle (SAR) variants, other firearms and other non-firearm mechanisms. The system and method is intended to relieve the hammer spring pressure during removal and installation the hammer. This is accomplished by capturing the hammer and spring legs onto a retainer which holds the spring legs in a position that does not engage any of the nearby features and allows the hammer, spring and retainer to float freely as one assembly on the hammer rotating pin. The system may utilize different shape retainers for other spring shapes and the spring spoon may have other cavity shapes to facilitate manipulating spring legs that are formed to engage on or over pins or other features for use in other firearms or non-firearm assemblies. |
| US09658015B2 |
Trigger blocking system for a firearm
There is disclosed herein systems, methods and apparatus relating to a trigger block for mechanically blocking the trigger of a firearm and preventing the trigger from being pulled to actuate the firing mechanism when the trigger block is in a blocking position. The trigger block is secured in the blocking position and can only be moved to an unblocked position by an authorized user via operation of a security device, such as a key, sensor, and/or keypad. |
| US09658012B2 |
Methods and systems for enhancing firearm safety through wireless network monitoring
A firearm includes a firing mechanism and a sensor. The sensor is configured for wireless communication over s short range RF network with a hub worn or carried by a user of the firearm. The hub includes a subscriber identity module configured to communicate with a server over a signaling channel of a wireless telecommunications network. The sensor device is configured to control a enable/disable mechanism in the firearm in accordance with instructions received from the hub. |
| US09658004B2 |
Layered thermal store with selectively alterable gas flow path
Heat storage apparatus comprising at least one thermal store (300) comprising a chamber (301) having a gas inlet (306), a gas outlet (307), and a gas-permeable thermal storage media (303) disposed therebetween, the apparatus being configured such that, during operation, the flow path of a gas flowing through the chamber (301) from inlet (306) to outlet (307) for transfer of thermal energy to or from the storage media (303) can be selectively altered in response to the progress of the thermal transfer, thereby enabling the flow path to bypass inactive upstream or downstream regions of the storage media where thermal transfer is complete or minimal, so as to minimize the pressure drop across the storage media. A baffle system (305) in a main flow passageway (312) may be used to control the gas flow path. |
| US09658001B2 |
Stuffing box cooling system
A system for cooling packing material utilized for sealing a shaft moving therethrough is described. The packing material held in place by at least one packing cup, wherein a coolant is directed axially through a significant volume of each packing cup close to the packing material. The present system finds use for compressors and pumps where pressure requirements of the fluids acted upon demand the use of packing materials in close contact with the moving shafts. |
| US09658000B2 |
Flexible metallic heat connector
A thermal connector configured to be placed within a recess of a heat sink between the heat sink and a heat generating component and transfer heat from the component to the heat sink, including a heat spreader configured to fit within the recess of the heat sink, a spring configured to sit between the heat spreader and with the heat sink and bias the heat spreader towards and away from the heat sink, a flexible membrane attached to the heat sink and the heat spreader and seal off the recess, and a phase change material that fills the recess, wherein the flexible membrane contains the phase change material and allows it to contract or expand in response to the movement of the heat spreader towards or away from the heat sink. |
| US09657997B2 |
Cooling device with cooling passage for liquid refrigerant and juxtaposed fin assembly
A cooling device includes a mounting surface, a cooling fin on a rear surface side of the mounting surface, and a cooling passage for cooling the cooling fin with a liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant flows from a flow inlet to the cooling passage and discharges from a discharge outlet. The cooling passage comprises a first surface provided with the cooling fin, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a wall portion between the first surface and the second surface, and is longer than a channel connecting the flow inlet and the discharge outlet. The wall portion has a first wall portion extending from the second surface to the first surface, and a second wall portion extending in parallel with the first wall portion from the first surface to a height exceeding a top portion of the first wall. |
| US09657994B2 |
Arc furnace
An arc furnace having a furnace vessel for melting steel, a cover for closing the furnace vessel and a pivot unit with which the cover can be moved away from the furnace vessel in which the furnace vessel is mounted so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the pivot unit, and the pivot unit has a holder for releasably fixing the cover in the vertical direction. |
| US09657992B2 |
System for maintaining interior volume integrity in an induction vacuum furnace and method of making same
An induction furnace for heating a workpiece includes a chamber and an insulation cylinder positioned therein, with the insulation cylinder including a base cover movable between first and second positions, and the first position positioning the workpiece within a heating zone and the second position positioning the workpiece within a cooling zone. A translation system in the furnace includes a first member coupled to the base cover of the insulation cylinder and extending through a wall of the chamber, an actuator coupled to the first member, the actuator configured to translate the first member to move the base cover of the insulation cylinder between the first and second positions, and an expansion member encircling a portion of the first member and configured to hermetically seal an interior volume of the chamber from an environment volume external to the chamber. |
| US09657990B2 |
Apparatus for thermal degradation of feedstock
An apparatus (100) is provided for thermal or thermal-catalytic degradation of feedstock. The apparatus includes a retort vessel (102). The retort vessel (102) is configured to receive feedstock. Further, the retort vessel includes at least one partition structure (106), wherein the partition structure (106) divides the retort vessel into volumetric zones and extends from an input end (122) of the retort vessel (102) to an output end (124) of the retort vessel (102). The retort vessel (102) is declined to facilitate movement of the feedstock from an input end (122) of the retort vessel (102) towards output end (124) of the retort vessel (102). Further, the retort vessel (102) is configured to rotate angularly and heated to facilitate thermal or thermal-catalytic degradation of the feedstock. |
| US09657988B1 |
Drying system for protective eyewear
A system is provided for drying precipitation from protective eyewear of the type worn by a motorcyclist or other person operating a vehicle when the operator is exposed to the elements. A compressor delivers compressed air to an air tank which is, in turn, connected through a conduit to the eyewear. An activation switch is operated to open a solenoid valve, which allows air to be transmitted through the conduit from the air tank to the glasses. One or more discharge openings of the conduit are directed at the lens(es) of the eyewear such that when the activation switch is closed, compressed air is delivered through the discharge opening(s) and directed toward the lens(es) to dry the eyewear. |
| US09657985B2 |
Crisper assembly for refrigerators
A refrigerator has a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment. A crisper assembly is configured to be stowed in the refrigeration compartment, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The crisper assembly includes a support structure and one or more bins that are configured to hold items for storage. The bin is movable relative to the support structure between a first position in which items within the bin are not accessible, and a second position in which items within the bin are accessible. The crisper assembly moves in a first direction relative to the refrigeration compartment, and the bin moves relative to the support structure in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. |
| US09657976B2 |
Vehicular HVAC system with modified air recirculation for start-stop engine
A method and apparatus controls a recirculation position of a return vent in an HVAC system for a vehicle with a compressor driven by a start/stop engine. A partial recirculation position is set according to a basic recirculation strategy while the engine is operating. An auto stop event is entered at a time with the compressor operating. A full recirculation position is set during the stop event by an HVAC controller if a plurality of low fogging probability indicators are true. The low fogging probability indicators include a sensed ambient temperature being above a predetermined temperature, a sensed state of a windshield wiper being an off state, and a sensed sunload being above a predetermined sunload. The return vent is set at other than the full recirculation position by the HVAC controller according to the basic recirculation strategy if the low fogging probability indicators are not true. |
| US09657974B2 |
Multiple linked appliance with auxiliary outlet
A combination microwave and refrigerator system is constructed having a single plug input supply. The microwave oven is adapted to provide power to a refrigerator, and to auxiliary receptacles adapted for low power operation. The current to the low power receptacles and the refrigerator is controlled by the controller for the microwave oven according to the duty cycles of the connected appliances to avoid overload conditions. |
| US09657970B2 |
Cryogenic refrigerator
A cryogenic refrigerator includes a compressor, an expansion space where a high-pressure working gas discharged from a discharge side of the compressor is caused to expand, and a valve. The valve includes a first member including a first channel connecting to the discharge side and a second member including a second channel connecting to the expansion space. The first and second members are configured to rotate relative to and in contact with each other to connect or disconnect the first and second channels. In a plane where the first and second members are in contact, a first distance that is a distance of closest approach between the first channel and a valve circumference defined by a circumference of one of the first and second members having a smaller diameter is greater than a second distance that is a distance of closest approach between the second channel and the valve circumference. |
| US09657969B2 |
Multi-evaporator trans-critical cooling systems
A multi-evaporator cooling system includes a compressor circuit that generates multiple levels of evaporating pressures, the circuit comprising at least one compressor configured to compress a refrigerant to a first pressure, a heat exchanger configured to receive the compressed refrigerant from the at least one compressor and cool the compressed refrigerant, a first evaporator circuit configured to receive the compressed refrigerant from the heat exchanger, expand the compressed refrigerant to a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, and return the refrigerant to the compressor circuit, and a second evaporator circuit configured to receive the compressed refrigerant from the heat exchanger, expand the compressed refrigerant to a third pressure that is lower than the second pressure, and return the refrigerant to the compressor circuit. |
| US09657960B2 |
Systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications
A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. |
| US09657959B2 |
Fan coil thermostat with fan ramping
Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, operating a fan coil system more efficiently. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil that is configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil and a fan that blows air across the fan coil. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that calculates an error percentage value relating to a temperature difference between the current temperature and the temperature set point. The error percentage value may include a proportional term related to the temperature difference and an integral term related to the temperature difference. The controller may regulate the fan speed in accordance with the calculated error percentage. |
| US09657956B2 |
Multi-stage door sealing and airflow release
A temperature door for an air handling system of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system includes a first surface defining a sealing perimeter and a pivoting structure coupled to the first surface and defining an axis. The first surface is configured to pivot about the axis in the housing of the air handling system. A sealing lip is disposed about the sealing perimeter of the first surface and is adapted to engage a corresponding sealing surface of the housing of the air handling system. A pivoting of the first surface about the axis from a sealed position causes a progressive disengagement of the sealing lip from the sealing surface beginning in a location proximate the axis while at least a portion of the sealing lip remains engaged with the sealing surface at a location spaced from the axis. |
| US09657955B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
To obtain an air-conditioning apparatus that does not make a refrigerant circulate up to an indoor unit and further can achieve energy-saving. A refrigeration cycle is configured by connecting a compressor that pressurizes a refrigerant, a four-way valve that switches a circulation path of the refrigerant, a heat source side heat exchanger that performs heat exchange, expansion valves for pressure-adjusting the refrigerant, and a plurality of intermediate heat exchangers that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium to heat and cool the heat medium, with piping. A heat medium circuit is configured by connecting intermediate heat exchangers, pumps that pressurize the heat medium, and a plurality of use side heat exchangers that perform heat exchange between the heat medium and the air in the indoor space, with piping. |
| US09657953B2 |
Vessel attachment system for a portable stove
The present invention is directed to a vessel attachment system (1) for a portable stove comprising a vessel (2) and a vessel support (3), wherein the vessel (2) comprises a first attaching means and the vessel support (3) comprises a second attaching means. The first attaching means and the second attaching means are configured to provide for a positive locking between the vessel (2) and the vessel support (3). The invention is characterized in that the first attaching means is a polygonal opening (4) in a bottom area of the vessel (2) and the second attaching means is a polygonal supporting means (5), wherein the polygonal supporting means (5) is insertable into the polygonal opening (4). Subsequent relative rotational movement between the vessel (2) and the vessel support (3) after insertion of the polygonal supporting means (5) in to the polygonal opening (4) provides for the positive locking between the vessel (2) and the vessel support (3). |
| US09657949B2 |
Combustor skin assembly for gas turbine engine
A combustor assembly includes a hot skin of a combustion chamber wall having an inner face exposed to the combustion chamber and an opposite outer face, a receiving skin having a securing portion affixed to the hot skin outer face in an air-tight manner and a receiving flange, extending from the securing portion, that is offset from the hot skin outer face to form a female recess, a cold skin having a cold wall portion spaced from the hot skin and forming a cooling cavity therebetween, a securing portion extending from a first end of the cold wall portion affixed to the hot skin outer face in an air-tight manner and a male flange extending from a second end of the cold wall portion opposite the first end, the male flange snugly received in the female recess and forming a sliding engagement therebetween. |
| US09657945B2 |
Selective oxy-fuel boost burner system and method for a regenerative furnace
An oxy-fuel boost burner for a regenerative furnace having a pair of regenerator ports configured to alternately fire into and exhaust from the furnace, including at least one burner element corresponding to each of the regenerator ports by being positioned to fire into a complimentary region of the furnace, each burner element including a selective distribution nozzle configured to flow a first reactant and a proportional distribution nozzle configured to flow a second reactant, and a controller programmed to identify which regenerator port is currently firing and which is currently exhausting and to independently control the first reactant flow to each selective distribution nozzle such that the at least one burner element corresponding to the currently firing regenerator port has a greater than average first reactant flow and the at least one burner element corresponding to the currently exhausting regenerator port as a less than average first reactant flow. |
| US09657941B2 |
Method and apparatus for gasification of organic waste
The gasifier operates to mix a start up heat source with crude syngas combustion for driving gasification of waste. Combustion flue gas can be maintained above 650° C. until reaching a quench to prevent formation of dioxins. Excess heat is liberated through a heat recovery unit. The gasifier can operate in a batch mode to process small batches of waste efficiently for small installations, such as ships, apartment buildings, hospitals and residences. |
| US09657939B2 |
Fluidic control burner for pulverous feed
A burner is provided for a pulverous feed material. The burner has a structure that integrates the burner with a reaction vessel, and has an opening that communicates with the interior of the reaction vessel. The burner also has a gas supply channel to supply reaction gas through the opening into the reaction vessel, and a feed supply for delivering pulverous material to the reaction vessel. The burner also has a fluidic control system having at least one port capable of directing a stream of fluid at an angle to the direction of flow of the reaction gas so as to modify the flow of the reaction gas. In addition, components are provided to modify the swirl intensity and turbulence intensity of the reaction gas independently of the exit velocity. |
| US09657937B2 |
Steam generation system having multiple combustion chambers and dry flue gas cleaning
A method for producing steam while concurrently reducing emissions. The method includes combusting fuel and an oxidant stream having a high concentration of oxygen in a combustion zone having multiple combustion chambers and heat exchangers to produce a flue gas. The flue gas is subsequently cleaned in a dry flue gas cleaning chamber by contacting it with a dry adsorbent. In one embodiment, the method advantageously regenerates the dry adsorbent so that the dry adsorbent can be subsequently recycled back into the dry gas flue chamber. |
| US09657933B2 |
Interlaced heat sink for recessed light
A recessed light fixture can include a movably adjustable light source and a thermal management system that includes a movable first heat sink, and a second heat sink. The first heat sink is thermally coupled to the adjustable light source, and is connected to move with the adjustable light source. The first heat sink includes a plurality of spaced apart first thermally conductive elements, such as fins. The second heat sink includes a plurality of spaced apart second thermally conductive elements, such as fins, which are interlaced between the first thermally conductive elements of the first heat sink. The interlaced thermally conductive elements increase surface area and heat transfer pathway(s) between the two heat sinks, while reducing physical contact, and thus friction, therebetween when movably adjusting the light source. |
| US09657925B2 |
Twist and lock mounting bracket
A twist-and-lock mounting bracket may secure a lighting fixture to a mounting surface. The twist-and-lock mounting bracket may define an aperture having features corresponding to the shape of a twist-and-lock element disposed on a housing of a lighting fixture. Accordingly, the twist-and-lock element may be configured to extend through the aperture while the corresponding features of the twist-and-lock element and the aperture are aligned. The housing may then be rotated such that the tabs do not align with the corresponding features of the aperture, and the twist-and-lock element is thereby prevented from sliding through the aperture. The mounting bracket may be secured to a junction box positioned within a mounting surface, or it may be secured to a biasing bracket having one or more second resilient members configured to engage the interior of a recessed can light, such that the lighting fixture may be secured to the recessed can light. |
| US09657923B2 |
Light emitting module
A light emitting module includes a module body, a light source unit disposed at one side of the module body, an air hole formed through the module body from one side of the module body to the other side of the module body for allowing air to flow therethrough, and an optical cover for covering the light source unit. The optical cover has a cover hole at a location corresponding to the air hole. The optical cover includes a partition wall protruding downward from a bottom of the optical cover such that the partition wall is inserted into one side of the module body to seal the light source unit, and a pair of fitting wings protruding outward from opposite ends of the optical cover such that the fitting wings are inserted into the module body. |
| US09657916B2 |
Lighting device including multiple diffusers for blending light
A lighting device is disclosed, and includes at least one lighting element for emitting light, an inner diffuser, and an outer diffuser. The inner diffuser defines a lighting cavity and an outer surface, where the at least one lighting element is located within the lighting cavity. The outer diffuser surrounds the inner diffuser. The outer diffuser defines an inner surface. The outer surface of the inner diffuser and the inner surface of the outer diffuser cooperate together to define a space between the inner diffuser and the outer diffuser. The inner diffuser and the outer diffuser spread and blend the light emitted by the at least one lighting element. |
| US09657911B2 |
Spotlight for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a spotlight (2) for a motor vehicle that has a light source (4) producing a beam of light which is directed along a first axis (X) intended to be oriented towards the front of the vehicle and a lens (6), wherein the light source (4) projects all of the beam directly onto the lens (6) without reflection nor obturation, and the lens (6) is arranged to move in rotation about a second axis (Z) intended to be oriented towards the top of the vehicle. |
| US09657910B2 |
Electric lighting devices having a movable flame-shaped piece with a hollow interior
Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame piece or element that extends upwardly from a body of the device. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame piece such that the flame piece is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame piece with respect to the body or housing. The flame piece can be coupled to a body or housing of the device using various components to suspend at least a portion of the flame piece within the body or housing. |
| US09657909B2 |
Self-contained, solar-powered LED illuminator modules and applications thereof
A light source causes hollow objects to glow in the dark (GID), thereby extending the operating period of light-activated materials in gazing globes and other decorative or ornamental objects. The light source may be provided as part of a conversion kit, enabling objects from different manufacturers to be converted to GID objects following purchase. A base unit includes the light emitter supported to illuminate the object from the inside out. The base unit further includes at least one solar panel facing into the interior of the object, and one or more batteries charged by the solar panel to power the light emitter. A device is used to couple the base unit to the rim of the object. In the preferred embodiment, the device for coupling the base unit to the rim of the object is an elastomeric ring that stretches over the rim of the object, thereby forming a seal. |
| US09657908B2 |
System, components and method of a gradually colour shifted traffic control system
A new and useful system, method and system components are provided, for helping a vehicle operator to ease his/her driving, when is driving at certain speed and is approaching from at a substantial distance to a street intersection so that the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be made at convenient time. By providing with anticipated information relative to an imminent light change, a vehicle operator will have the sufficient time to react calmly to any situation that could put at risk his/her own integrity and/or the integrity of some others. This new and improved traffic control system is designed in a manner that is efficient and effective, in a manner that is useful and helpful, in a manner that is designed in a compact and low profile design; It is designed the best and the most simple way to provide and give to a vehicle operator a better, safely, relaxing and a pleasant driving. |
| US09657902B2 |
Peristaltic infusion pump with locking mechanism
A medical device includes an interface unit body, which is configured to hold a portion of a flexible infusion tube. A hinge insert is fixed to the interface unit body and is configured to engage a hinge receptacle, which defines a hinge axis, on an infusion pump. A catch insert is fixed to the interface unit body and is configured to lock onto a catch receptacle on the infusion pump upon rotation of the mechanical interface unit about the hinge axis while the hinge insert engages the hinge receptacle, so as to bring the tube into engagement with a peristaltic mechanism of the infusion pump in order to enable the peristaltic mechanism to propel a fluid through the tube. |
| US09657896B2 |
Mounting device
A mounting device includes a securing clamp (101), a mounting plate (102), an adapter plate (103) and connectors (104), wherein the securing clamp (101) is provided with at least one mounting hole (1014) at each of two ends of the securing clamp (101) respectively, the connectors (104) mount the securing clamp (101) to a fixed surface through the mounting holes (1014), an equipment mounting surface of the securing clamp (101) is provided with a mounting plate connection device (1011), the mounting plate (102) is connected to the securing clamp (101) through the mounting plate connection device (1011), an equipment connection device (1022) used for securing equipment is provided on the mounting plate (102), the securing clamp (101) is provided with an adapter plate mounting device (1012), used for securing an adapter plate (103), at each of two lateral sides of the securing clamp (101). The mounting device can be expanded to accommodate the mounting of a plurality of devices. |
| US09657891B1 |
Bracket for mounting a user receiving device
A mounting bracket mounting to a mounting surface includes a back plate having a first side and second side. The second side is adjacent to the mounting surface. A shelf portion extends outward from the first surface of the back plate. A retainer portion extends from the shelf portion. |
| US09657890B2 |
Cooperatively coupled holding system and method
A holder comprising a connecting portion, an extension portion, and a receptacle; the connecting portion comprising a generally rectangular piece of material generally conforming to the shape of a channel; the connecting portion comprising an upper portion comprising a spring element biased in an expanded position such that connecting portion vertical dimensions may be reduced to fit within the channel, and upon insertion within the channel expanded to fill the space; a lower portion of the connecting portion being angled to permit easier insertion with the channel; the extension portion is pivotally attached to the connecting portion; and the receptacle comprising a base portion may be cooperatively coupled to a lower surface of the extension portion such that the holder may be collapsed when not in use. |
| US09657886B2 |
Rotation range-limiting device-equipped apparatus
A rotation range-limiting device 10 is provided with a rotation body 20 provided with a first surface and a carrying surface, and a stationary body 30 supporting the rotation body such that the rotation body is rotatable about a center point thereof. The stationary body has a second surface opposed to the first surface. One 212 of the first surface and the second surface is provided with an arc-shaped slide-guiding portion 24 whose center corresponds to the center point of the rotation body, and a slider 26 movable along the slide-guiding portion. The other 301 of the first surface and the second surface is provided with a locking portion 36, which projects toward the slide-guiding portion at a location on a circle having the same diameter as the slide-guiding portion such that it can abut against the slider. |
| US09657885B2 |
Hot hole charge system
An apparatus, method and insulation medium for inserting and insulating a charge medium within a borehole includes a charge tube comprised of an elongate tube having a length and diameter sufficient for containing a desired quantity of a charge medium. A charge medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially filling the charge tube. An insulation medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially encapsulating the charge tube and substantially filling an annular space between the charge tube and the borehole for insulating the charge tube from a downhole environment in which the charge tube is to be inserted. A detonator is inserted within the charge medium proximate a distal end of the charge tube and a charge cable extends from the detonator through the charge tube and exits from the charge tube. |
| US09657882B2 |
Tubular film and the use thereof
A tubular film with one or more layers is provided, wherein at least one of the two external sides of the tubular film has a coating at least in sections with at least one polysiloxane and/or a coating and/or covering with at least one migrating compound. |
| US09657881B2 |
Fluid conduit safety system with separable coupling
The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for high-pressure fluid delivery systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a breakaway device which prevents uncontrolled “whipping” of the conduit ends upon a rupture. A heat dissipating coupling, permitting operation of the conduit system at desired temperatures, is also included, as is a breakaway device provided with such a heat dissipation feature. |
| US09657880B2 |
Heating device
A heating device which transfers heat isothermally to an object to be heated. The heating device includes: a block and a base plate which surround a pipe; a first heat insulating cover which covers an outer periphery of the block and the base plate and forms a first heat insulating layer; and a second heat insulating cover which covers an outer periphery of the first heat insulating cover and forms a second heat insulating layer. The first heat insulating cover includes first heat insulating covers fixed to the block and the base plate respectively. The second heat insulating cover includes second heat insulating covers fixed to each of the first heat insulating covers respectively. The heating device further includes snap locks which detachably fixes the second heat insulating covers. |
| US09657878B2 |
Plug connection for connecting lines for pressurized liquids or gases
A plug connection includes a first plug connector, a second plug connector which can be inserted in the first plug connector, and a detent spring fastened to the first plug connector. The detent spring engages in a groove of the second plug connector when a second plug connector is inserted. The detent spring can be moved from a locked position into an unlocked position. In the locked position the detent spring is prevented from effecting a movement radially outwards into an unlocked position. In the unlocked position the movement of the detent spring radially outwards is unblocked. A release device which can be selectively activated is provided on the first plug connector. The activated release device holds the detent spring in the unlocked position. |
| US09657876B2 |
Screw connection device for connecting two pipes
A screw connection device for connecting two pipes, comprising two pipes with flanged pipe ends, a screw, a nut, and a spacer, wherein the nut includes a receiving space, wherein the spacer is securely received in the receiving space. The spacer retains the first pipe securely in the nut, wherein the second pipe is retained in the screw and can be fastened in the nut by means of the screw. An exterior surface of the spacer has at least one cylindrical section, wherein the spacer has a first end surface and a second end surface. A first projection is provided on the spacer, which engages with the nut in the region of the receiving space such that it is securely accommodated therein. The nut includes an exterior surface with flat sub-surfaces. At least one flat sub-surface includes an indentation to form a detent in the retaining space to secure the spacer in the nut. In one form the exterior of the nut has six flat sub-surfaces and every other flat sub-surface has a detent. |
| US09657874B2 |
Plumbing fitting adapter
A coupling system for interconnecting a tube to a valve body is provided. The valve body has a body portion and a nipple extending from the body portion, and the nipple has a threaded external surface and an internal wall defining a bore. The coupling system further includes an adapter having opposing first and second ends, a nut defining a hole through which the first end passes, and a compression fitting located between the nipple, the adapter, and the nut such that when the nut is tightened onto the nipple, the compression fitting inhibits removal of the adapter from the valve body. The adapter defines a passageway extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is received in the bore and the second end is configured to couple to the tube. The nut has an internally threaded surface configured to engage the threaded external surface. |
| US09657872B2 |
Pipeline unit
The ends of two pipeline units are joined together at a pipe joint. Each pipeline unit has a pipe member and a pipe coating surrounding the pipe member. The pipe coating extends along a length of the pipe member. A joint coating surrounds the pipe joint and is made from a material comprising a silicone. |
| US09657871B2 |
High pressure hose
Provided is a high pressure hose having a new structure capable of withstanding a high pressure and being easy to use. The high pressure hose has an advantage in that it has a much higher strength than a conventional high pressure hose having one reinforcing layer while preventing the elasticity or the flexibility thereof from being decreased compared to high pressure hoses having several reinforcing layers constituted by weaving fibers, by forming the second reinforcing layer (40) constituted by winding the cable (41) around a circumferential surface of the first coating in a helical direction. |
| US09657870B1 |
Wire reinforced thermoplastic laminated hose and method of manufacturing same
A high pressure hose has an inner tube comprised of a thermoplastic material that defines a fluid carrying passageway. A reinforcing layer is formed by a plurality of steel wires helically wound in opposite directions over the inner tube along its longitudinal axis. An outer layer of thermoplastic material extends over the reinforcing layer and fills the voids in and under the wires of the reinforcing layer so that the thermoplastic outer layer permanently fills the voids in the wires of the reinforcing layer and is fused to the outer surface of the inner tube. |
| US09657869B2 |
Optical fiber cable installation in a pressure sewerage
A house connection for a cable in a medium conduit comprises a cable passage with which the cable is taken out of the medium conduit. The cable passage is provided with a cable tensioner with which a portion of the cable can be tensioned in the medium conduit. The cable passage is preferably part of a rotatable manifold. |
| US09657865B2 |
Two-stage valve actuation system
A two-stage valve system includes a safety latch configured to at least partially cover an actuation lever, such as a foot pedal, to prevent inadvertent operation of the actuation lever. The safety latch needs to be lifted to a certain level to gain access to the actuation lever in a first stage, and then the actuation lever is operated to actuate a valve assembly in a second stage. |
| US09657863B2 |
Sample valve systems and methods
The present disclosure relates to a valve system that includes a valve having a spool moveable from an un-actuated position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the valve. The valve system also includes a wire to secure the valve in the un-actuated position, a first resistor electrically coupled with the wire and configured to release the wire to actuate the valve and move a first component coupled to the wire toward a second component, and a second resistor electrically coupled with the wire to detect connection of the first component with the second component. |
| US09657862B1 |
Protective cover for valve
A metering device with a protective sleeve or cover is described. The metering device adjusts a flow of a fluid. The metering device includes a valve, a neck, and a stem. The neck includes an opening to receive the stem in a rotational engagement. The stem is engaged to the valve to adjust the valve. The sleeve or cover encloses or covers the opening. The sleeve includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening attaches to the neck. A knob inserts through the second opening of the sleeve. The knob attaches to the stem, and rotating the knob adjusts the valve. |
| US09657861B2 |
Flow passage switching unit
A flow passage switching unit includes side-by-side arranged rotary valve parts. The valve part includes a casing, side walls, a peripheral wall, first fluid ports, a second fluid port, a rotary shaft, and a valving element. A flow passage, through which the first fluid ports and the second fluid port selectively communicate, is formed by rotation of the valving element. The unit includes a driving mechanism driving each valving element by its corresponding predetermined rotation angle. The driving mechanism includes one driving source, and a motive power transmission member transmitting rotation motive power of the driving source respectively to the valve parts. Motive power of the driving source is transmitted to each rotary shaft of the valve parts to drive each valving element to a position, which position of the valving element relative to the first and second fluid ports is different from one another among the valve parts. |
| US09657860B2 |
Valve element and fluid control valve
The present invention is directed a valve element which is intended to improve a sealing property at a time of closing a fluid control valve and to improve stability while maintaining durability for a long time period, wherein the valve element constitutes one of a valve seat surface or a seating surface and the valve element includes a concave portion formed in an opposing surface facing the valve seat surface and a resin coating film which is formed in the concave portion and contacts the valve seat surface. |
| US09657857B2 |
Pressure relief module
A paint circulating system 10 and a pressure relief module 40 utilised therein are described. The paint circulating system 10 comprises a pressurised paint supply pipeline 22, a tank return pipeline 34 and a pressure relief module 40. The pressure relief module 40 comprises: a first flow chamber 65 through which pressurised paint is provided to said supply pipeline 22; a second flow chamber 69 through which paint returns to said tank return pipeline 34; an orifice 42 interconnecting said first and second flow chambers; and a valve member 46 biased towards the orifice so as to block said orifice. The valve member 46 is moveable in response to a pressure in said first flow chamber 65 exceeding a predetermined relief pressure so as to displace said valve member 46 to open said orifice 42. This allows paint to flow from said first flow chamber 65 into said second flow chamber 69, preventing failure occurring in the paint circulating system 10. |
| US09657852B2 |
Flow through isolation valve for high pressure fluids
A flow through isolation valve having a stationary member; a movable member, with a surface of the stationary member interfacing with a surface of the movable member; and at least one pin isolation valve. The pin isolation valve has a flow through internal conduit and is movable so that the internal conduit can fluidically communicate with at least one blank opening in the movable member and with a flow through internal conduit in the movable member. Movement is by rotation, linear or curvilinear translation. At least one pin isolation valve is fluidically coupled typically to a sample loop of a face seal valve, or to a pump supplying high pressure liquid to or to a column discharging liquid from a face seal valve of a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system or directly to the face seal valve. |
| US09657847B2 |
Pressure relief valve
A pressure relief valve for pressure equalization between an essentially closed space and the surrounding atmosphere is disclosed. The pressure relief valve includes a valve housing with:—a wall defining a flow passage with an upwardly oriented outflow,—a valve body arranged to cooperate with a valve seat arranged in the outflow,—a stem configured for axial guidance of the valve body,—a damper arranged to dampen axial movement of the stem, wherein the damper is configured such that force curves of compression and expansion respectively diverge due to hysteresis loss or pronounced hysteresis loss. |
| US09657846B2 |
Die casting mold evacuation valve assembly
A die casting mold evacuation valve assembly features a two-part valve casing. Machined in the front casing part is an evacuation duct closable by an evacuation valve. Housed in the casing is an actuator for actuating a valve piston of the evacuation valve. The actuator includes a casting material actuated force transducer and a force transmission member for transmitting the closing movement of the force transducer to the valve piston of the evacuation valve. The actuator features in addition a stacked spring assembly for returning the actuator and/or force ejecting the riser. The front casing part is provided with a sleeve surrounding at least a head part of the valve piston and/or a further sleeve surrounding at least the head part of the force transducer. Both sleeves are harder than the front casing part. |
| US09657844B2 |
High temperature aluminum valve components
A valve unit for an aircraft is provided. The valve unit includes valve assembly; and a servo controller coupled to the valve assembly and configured to control operation of the valve assembly. At least a portion of at least one of the valve assembly or servo controller is formed by a high temperature aluminum alloy. |
| US09657843B2 |
Valve for controlling a flow of fluid, including a rotary closure means
The valve comprises: a body (2) through which the fluid flows; and a controllable rotary closure means (3) disposed in the body, which can be rotated in relation to the body in order to occupy different angular positions. Advantageously, the body (2) comprises an inner cylindrical housing (4) having a circular cross-section, and the closure means (3) comprises one portion (14) arranged on a plane inclined in relation to the cylindrical housing (4) and co-operating with the side wall (5) of the housing by means of a peripheral generatrix, such as to provide a sealed contact between the closure means (3) and the body (2) in at least one angular position. |
| US09657842B2 |
Shaft seal arrangement
A shaft seal arrangement with a shaft extending along an axis and with a stator, wherein a rotating sealing ring is arranged on the shaft and a static sealing ring is arranged on the stator, wherein the rotating sealing ring has a rotating sealing surface and the stationary sealing ring has a stationary sealing surface, wherein these sealing surfaces are arranged in such a way that they are located opposite one another in a sealing manner in a substantially radial sealing plane, wherein the shaft seal arrangement forms a contactless gas seal, wherein at least one of the sealing surfaces has a nonrotationally symmetrical surface contouring the rotating sealing ring is provided. |
| US09657841B2 |
Loading mechanism for fluid seals
A loading mechanism for a fluid seal that allows an installer to change or adjust the axial bias applied to a stacked set of sealing elements. The loading mechanism includes a bolt-like adjusting element that has a foot portion attached to one end and a rail element that is threadingly coupled at an opposite end. By rotating the adjusting element, the rail element can travel axially along the adjusting element. The axial displacement of the rail element allows the installer to select the amount of axial force or bias applied by the loading mechanism to the sealing elements. |
| US09657835B2 |
Gear moving assembly and transmission comprising same
A gear moving assembly includes: a tubular shaft having a hollow portion formed therein; a sliding unit including: a base disposed in the hollow portion of the shaft, and a plurality of sliders including respective rods that are disposed in the respective sliding channels to be slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction; a plurality of movable gears disposed around a circumferential surface of the shaft to be movable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction, and provided to correspond to the respective sliders; and a plurality of interlocking units configured to connect the sliders to the corresponding movable gears so that sliding of each of the sliders is independently interlocked with movement of the corresponding movable gear. A transmission includes the gear moving assembly. |
| US09657833B2 |
System and method for selecting a driveline gear ratio
A method for selecting a gear ratio for a driveline of vehicle is provided. The method comprises gathering information relating to one or more parameters associated with the vehicle and anticipating, based on the gathered information, an occurrence of an event relating to the vehicle for which a change in driveline gear ratio is needed. The method further comprises identifying a suitable driveline gear ratio for the anticipated event, generating a command signal representative of a request to change the gear ratio of the driveline to the identified gear ratio, and communicating the command signal to a driveline subsystem of the vehicle. A system comprising an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also provided. |
| US09657832B2 |
Steering rack wear compensator assembly
A wear compensator assembly configured for exerting a predetermined biasing force on a rack and a pinion shaft of a steering gear assembly is disclosed. The wear compensator assembly includes a cam member having a seating surface and a biasing member seated against the seating surface of the cam member. The biasing member is configured to be compressed by a predetermined amount and to exert the predetermined biasing force. |
| US09657826B1 |
Electric motor with coaxial clutch packs that provide differential and torque vectoring
An electric drive system for a vehicle includes an electric motor with a stator disposed circumferentially around a rotor. The rotor connects to a support frame that extends radially inwards to couple the rotor to a first planetary gear assembly and a second planetary gear assembly. The stator, rotor and the first and second planetary gear assemblies are disposed within a stationary housing. The first and second planetary gear assemblies couple to first and second clutch packs respectively, that are disposed outside of the stationary housing. |
| US09657824B2 |
Method of fabricating a torque converter with an etched clutch surface and a torque converter with an etched clutch surface
A method of fabricating a torque converter, including: forming a turbine shell including a first annular portion with a first surface having a first roughness and forming a radially outermost portion of the turbine shell; fixing a first plurality of blades to the turbine shell; forming an impeller shell including a second annular portion with a second surface having a second roughness; fixing a second plurality of blades to the impeller shell; removing at least a portion the first or second surface without the use of particulate matter or a liquid; increasing the first or second roughness of the first or second surface from which the at least a portion is removed; applying an adhesive to the first or second surface from which the at least a portion is removed; and bonding, with the adhesive, friction material to the first or second surface. |
| US09657822B2 |
Input synthesis gear system
A gear system for combining inputs is provided. The gear system can includes: a first power source that generates a rotational force; a second power source that generates a rotational force identical to or different from the rotational force of the first power source; a third power source that generates a rotational force identical or different from the rotational forces of the first power source and the second power source; and a gear unit that generates a resultant output by combining the rotational forces from the first power source to the third power source, in which the gear unit generates a resultant output by combining torque of any two of the first power source to the third power source and combining a speed of the other power source. According to this configuration, it is possible to generate various outputs from various power sources having the same or different characteristics. |
| US09657820B1 |
Ball screw with maintenance device
A ball screw with maintenance device includes a screw shaft including a helical rolling groove; a nut having an outer circumferential surface in which at least two mounting holes is formed; two recirculation elements, which are mounted to the nut and each having a through hole having an open end set in a spacing distance from the rolling groove; a fixing cover mounted to the outer circumferential surface of the nut and includes a concentration trough formed therein. The through hole has an end communicating with the concentration trough. The concentration trough is connectable to a suction tube or an oil/grease supply tube. The suction tube can remove contamination from the interior of the nut through the through hole, and the part that has been cleaned up with the suction tube can be replenished with fresh oil/grease with the oil/great supply tube to achieve complete maintenance of the ball screw. |
| US09657818B2 |
Swash plate and production method of the same
A swash plate 3 includes a substrate 11 made of an iron-based material, a hard first resin layer 12 provided to coat an end surface of the substrate 11, and a soft second resin layer 13 provided to coat the first resin layer 12. A spiral annular groove 12A is formed in a surface of the first resin layer 12, and the second resin layer 13 is provided to match the sectional shape of the first resin layer 12. With the soft second resin layer 13 on a sliding surface 3A of the swash plate 3, a swash plate 3 having a good fit in an initial stage of sliding can be provided. When the second resin layer 13 partially wears, a protrusion 12 of the first resin layer 12 of the hard resin is exposed to provide good wear resistance and good sliding properties. |
| US09657817B2 |
Deflection mechanism
A steering mechanism may comprise an actuation system for one-fingered operation by a user, the system configured to move at least a distal portion of the medical device such that 360 degree articulation is achievable, and a housing coupled to the system, the housing having proximal and distal ends. The system may comprise a first lever rotatable about a first axis, the first lever coupled to a first cam and configured to move the first cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the first axis to deflect the distal portion; and a second lever rotatable about a second axis, the second lever coupled to a second cam and configured to move the second cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the second axis to deflect the distal portion, wherein the first lever is coupled to the second lever. |
| US09657813B2 |
Modified parallel eccentric rotary actuator
A rotary actuator is provided which includes a crankshaft, a first eccentric gear disposed on a first end of the crankshaft, a second eccentric gear disposed on a second end of the crankshaft, first and second end plates, a first crosslink disposed between the first eccentric gear and the first end plate, and a second crosslink disposed between the second eccentric gear and the second end plate. The first crosslink has a first set of surface features on a surface thereof which engage a second set of surface features on the first eccentric gear, and at least one of the first and second eccentric gears is equipped with circular arc gear teeth. |
| US09657812B2 |
Planetary gearing
A planetary gearing which includes a predetermined number of planet gears and a planet gear carrier with two walls on which the planet gears are mounted, supported by supporting pins defining a respective axis and the ends of which are fixed to a respective wall of the planet gear carrier, wherein each supporting pin is provided with, at an end thereof, an annular groove obtained in the thickness thereof, and wherein the groove has an extension along the axis lower than the extension of the meshing band of the planet gear along the axis. A ring may be provided partly inserted in the groove and having a profile equal to that of the portion of groove in which it is inserted. Such a ring acts as a mechanical stop for the yielding part of the pin which yields, under a predetermined load, up to a contact with the ring. |
| US09657809B2 |
Pendulum-absorber brake
A crankshaft comprising a cheek, a torsion-absorbing pendulum pivotally coupled to the cheek, and a rotational speed actuated brake to oppose motion of the pendulum relative to the cheek. The brake is configured to provide greater opposition to the motion at lower rotational speeds than at higher rotational speeds. |
| US09657807B2 |
System for elastically averaging assembly of components
An elastic averaging system for mated components comprises an inner panel and an outer panel disposed in a spaced configuration. An elastically deformable stand is fixed to and extends from the first panel towards the second panel. The elastically deformable stand comprises a side wall that forms a partial enclosure having a closure surface defining a top surface that faces the outer panel. A flexible wing extends outwardly from the sidewall. A receiver member extends outwardly from the outer panel towards the corresponding inner panel and comprises side walls extending forming a partial enclosure that is configured to receive the elastically deformable stand. The elastically deformable stand is configured to elastically deform as said stand enters the partial enclosure of the receiver member and moves toward a fully engaged position. |
| US09657806B2 |
Electromagnetic damper
An electromagnetic damper includes a torque detection unit that detects a torsional torque of an output shaft of an electric motor or a torsional torque of a transmission shaft, which transmits an external vibration to the electric motor, and a control device that controls the electric motor. The control device controls the electric motor so as to cancel the torsional torque detected by the torque detection unit. |
| US09657805B2 |
Frequency sensitive shock absorber
A shock absorber is disclosed herein with a frequency sensitive damping force that includes a cylinder containing a damping medium, a piston rod which is axially movable in the cylinder, and a piston assembly arranged for axial movement in the damping medium. The piston assembly is connected to the piston rod and divides the cylinder in a working space on each side of the piston. The piston assembly includes a flow path fluidly coupled to a frequency sensitive element movable relative to the piston assembly. |
| US09657802B2 |
Electronically controlled internal damper
An electronically controlled internal damper is provided. Due to a structure in which a valve unit is mounted on a spool rod along which a driven spool reciprocates and a damping unit is provided in an outer peripheral surface of the driven spool and the spool rod, it is possible to improve ride comfort by reducing a low-speed damping force of a soft mode in the driven spool and the spool rod without increasing their sizes. |
| US09657799B2 |
Suspension sub-assembly
A suspension sub-assembly includes a fiber reinforced polymeric (FRP) thermoplastic composite upper control arm/spring assembly having a control arm portion and a spring member portion. The suspension sub-assembly can tune roll stiffness of a vehicle during cornering. The FRP thermoplastic composite upper control arm/spring assembly comprises a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded and aligned in the matrix of the assembly. |
| US09657796B2 |
Frequency-variable hand rubbed-type motor speed reduction clutch apparatus, and washing machine
A frequency-variable hand rubbed-type motor speed reduction clutch apparatus, and a washing machine. The clutch apparatus includes: an input shaft (5) connected to a motor rotor (1); a dehydration shaft (18); and a clutch apparatus housing (8) in which the input shaft (5) and the dehydration shaft (18) are mounted. A braking wheel (12) and a braking belt (15) fitted to the braking wheel (12) are disposed on the dehydration shaft (18). A dehydration shaft sleeve (20) rotating together with the input shaft (5) is mounted on the input shaft (5). A clutch shaft sleeve (3) sliding up and down, and engaging with or separated from the dehydration shaft sleeve (20) is mounted on the dehydration shaft (18). The braking belt (15) and the clutch shaft sleeve (3) are separately connected to a traction motor (11) by means of a control apparatus. |
| US09657792B2 |
Wheel cylinder adjuster
A caliper piston adjuster includes a body defining a passage, a push rod, a resilient member, a holding rod, a positioning stop plate, and a positioning member. The push rod is fixedly connected with a positioning cart, and mounted with the resilient member, and inserted through the passage of the body, such that one end of the resilient member contacts the positioning part fixed at the push rod. The push rod is connected with a connector and an activating disc respectively at two ends thereof. The connector is connected with the holding rod. The positioning member is inserted through an opening of the positioning stop plate to be connected to the body. With the aid of the resilient member, the caliper piston adjuster can adjust the piston of a caliper cylinder more easily by rotating the holding rod. |
| US09657791B2 |
Ultra-low-loss transmission brake utilizing a dual-solenoid electro-mechanical actuator
An actuator is provided for preventing rotation of a rotary component and includes a first pawl pivotable about a first pivot axis and engageable with the rotary component for preventing rotation of the rotary component in a first rotary direction. A second pawl is pivotable about a second pivot axis and engageable with the rotary component for preventing rotation of the rotary component in a second rotary direction opposite the first rotary direction. The pawls are each biased toward an engaged position with the rotary component by a pawl spring. A first and a second solenoid each include an electrically activated solenoid and an armature movable from a first position for holding the pawls out of engagement with the rotary component to a second position for allowing the pawls to be engaged with the rotary component. |
| US09657790B2 |
Viscous rotational speed control device
A rotational speed control device includes a housing containing a viscous fluid, a shaft disposed in the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, a hub assembly secured to the shaft for rotation with the shaft, and a rotor coupled with the shaft by a frictional engagement with the hub assembly. A spring is disposed in the housing and acts on the rotor to bias the rotor axially on the shaft in a low torque direction. A braking torque between the rotor and the housing is varied according to an axial position of the rotor on the shaft. |
| US09657784B2 |
Double clutch mounting assembly
A double clutch mounting assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The double clutch mounting assembly includes a double clutch; a damper configured for connecting the double clutch to an engine crankshaft; and a clutch actuator for actuating the double clutch fixed to the double clutch. One of the double clutch and the damper includes a pilot configured for insertion into an engine crankshaft to center the double clutch, damper and clutch actuator with respect to the engine crankshaft. A method of forming a double clutch mounting assembly is also provided. The method includes forming a subassembly by axially fixing a dual mass flywheel and a double clutch together and axially fixing a concentric slave cylinder to the double clutch. |
| US09657782B2 |
Method and apparatus for assembling a driveshaft flange to a transmission flange
A drivetrain assembly includes a transmission and a driveshaft that are joined together by a transmission flange and a driveshaft flange that has a plurality of pre-assembled bolts. The driveshaft flange defines a plurality of holes and countersink recesses and the bolts are secured to the driveshaft flange by a bolt retainer disposed in each of the countersink recesses between the transmission flange and the driveshaft flange. A method is disclosed for assembling a transmission flange and a driveshaft flange that defines a plurality of holes and countersink recesses. A bolt is assembled into each of the holes and countersink recesses and a bolt retainer is attached to each of the bolts and nested inside the countersink recesses to retain the bolts on the driveshaft flange. The bolts on the driveshaft flange are then installed into the threaded holes of the transmission flange. |
| US09657778B1 |
Convertible cage for ball bearing and associated bearing
A convertible bearing cage is provided including a first cage part having a first rim with a plurality of first projections extending axially therefrom that form open, snap-in pockets for receiving bearing balls. Connection holes are located in the projections. A second cage part having a second rim with a plurality of second projections extending axially therefrom that form partial pockets is also provided. The plurality of second projections are aligned with the first projections. A ring guide extends circumferentially around the second rim. The second cage part is connectable to the first cage part with the second plurality of projections contacting the first priority of projections using connection elements that engage in or through the connection holes to form closed pockets. The first cage part is used alone as an open pocket, ball guided cage, or connected to the second cage part as a closed pocket, ring guided cage. |
| US09657775B2 |
Bearing component comprising an inner diamond coating
The invention relates to a bearing component, comprising a base body (2) and an opening (3) which is formed in the base body (2) and on which an internal bearing face is formed, the internal bearing face having a diamond coating (4), and the diamond coating (4) having elongate depressions (42) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (X-X) of the opening. |
| US09657774B2 |
Magnetic bearing device and vacuum pump
A magnetic bearing device includes a first carrier generation section which generates a first carrier signal, and a second carrier generation section which generates a second carrier signal whose phase differs by (π/2+θ) radian from the phase of the first carrier signal. In addition, the magnetic bearing device includes a first demodulation section which performs demodulation by sampling the first modulated signal at sampling timing shifted by a phase θ from timing at which the first carrier signal becomes a peak. A second demodulation section performs demodulation by sampling the second modulated signal at sampling timing shifted by a phase (−θ) from timing at which the second carrier signal becomes a peak. A controller controls current in each of the first radial electromagnet and the second radial electromagnet, based on a result of the demodulation by each of the first demodulation section and the second demodulation section. |
| US09657772B2 |
Mechanism for vehicle interior component
A system for a motor vehicle with a first assembly having a first substrate and a rail extending outwardly from the first substrate. The system also includes a second assembly having a second substrate and a clamp extending outwardly from the second substrate. The clamp is slidably coupled to the rail and configured to apply a lateral force to the rail to dampen longitudinal motion of the second assembly relative to the first assembly. |
| US09657768B2 |
Engine crankshaft
A crankshaft in an engine is provided. The crankshaft includes only two outer bearing journals configured to attach to two outer crankshaft bearings, only a single inner bearing journal positioned axially between the two outer bearing journals configured to attach to an inner crankshaft bearing, an unsupported section positioned axially between the inner bearing journal and one of the outer bearing journals, and only three rod journals each configured to attach to a separate piston rod. |
| US09657761B2 |
Double-pin nail assembly
The present invention relates to a nail assembly having one or more double-pin nails. Each nail includes a nail body and two nail pins extending from the nail body. Each nail pin has a tail end having at least one inclined face formed as a nail edge, where the inclined face is provided with at least one of a concave structure and a convex structure. The concave structure includes one or more grooves, and the convex structure includes one or more tenons. The assembly of double-pin nails having nail pin inclined faces provided with at least one of the concave and convex structures enables, after entering an object, the two nail pins of a double-pin nail are staggered to interlock with each other, thereby effectively connecting the object firmly with a strong anti-pull capability, and having desirable economic and technical benefits. |
| US09657754B2 |
Hydraulic circuit
There is provided a hydraulic circuit which can further improve a responsive characteristic in a pressure reducing operation and a reliability in the pressure reducing operation of a relief valve device, when a main circuit pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. A relief valve device for reducing the main circuit pressure in the hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic pump includes a first valve unit having a pilot spool and a pilot spring, a position of the pilot spool being determined by a balance between a throttle pressure supplied from the main circuit via a throttle oil passage and the control pressure and a biasing force of the pilot spring, and releasing the main circuit pressure outward via the throttle oil passage, and includes a second valve unit having a valve piston and a valve spring, a position of the valve piston being determined by a balance between the main circuit pressure and the throttle pressure and the biasing force of the valve spring, and releasing the main circuit pressure outward. |
| US09657752B2 |
Master cylinder for a regulated braking system
A master cylinder for a regulated braking system having at least one piston, which is movable in a housing and which is sealed from a pressure chamber by a sealing element arranged in a ring groove of the housing, which can be connected to an unpressurized supply chamber by control passages designed in the pistons. In order to reduce the flow resistance of the control passages at the same dead stroke, the control passages have a control edge designed parallel to a piston end face of at least one of the pistons. |
| US09657750B1 |
Fluid power device, method and system
A fluid power device, method and system, the device including a passive, latent, integrally formed fluid reservoir member designed for operable communication with a transmission system, the reservoir member capable of at least absorbing any pressure increases in the transmission system and providing fluid back into the transmission system. |
| US09657749B2 |
Hydraulic suspension for vehicle and multi-functional proportional control valve for the same
A hydraulic suspension system includes a suspension cylinder, a pump, and a control valve therebetween. The control valve includes a spool reciprocally movable between a pump flow position and a tank flow position in which a control port of the control valve is in communication with a pump and a tank, respectively. A piloted logic element in fluid communication with and interposed between the control valve and the suspension cylinder is selectively movable between a through-flow position in which fluid can flow in either direction between a chamber of the suspension cylinder and the control port of the control valve and a blocked position in which fluid is prevented from flowing in or out of the chamber of the suspension cylinder. The logic element is biased to the blocking position, moving to the through-flow position when subjected to a crack pressure delivered from the control port of the control valve. |
| US09657747B2 |
Motor rotor and air gap cooling
A motor cooling system for a simply supported compressor includes a rotor shaft 24 having a first end 26 and a second end 28. The rotor shaft 24 includes an axial bore 60 and a plurality of shaft radial holes 64 extending from a first end of the axial bore 60, wherein a cooling medium is supplied to the axial bore 60. The cooling system further includes a rotor 22 coupled to the rotor shaft 24 and having a plurality of rotor axial holes 25 and a plurality of rotor radial holes 27. The plurality of rotor radial holes 27 extends from the plurality of rotor axial holes 25. A refrigerant dam 70 is arranged adjacent a first end of the rotor 22 and includes a plurality of dam axial holes 74 fluidly coupled to an interior cavity 72. The dam axial holes 74 align with the rotor axial holes 25 and the interior cavity 72 aligns with the shaft radial holes 64 to form a flow path between the rotor shaft 24 and the rotor 22. |
| US09657740B2 |
Powder supplying device for a powder coating installation
The invention relates to a powder supplying device for a powder coating installation with at least one powder container, which has a powder chamber for coating powder, and with at least one powder injector, which is connected or can be connected to a powder discharge channel opening out via a powder discharge opening in the powder chamber, in order to suck coating powder out of the powder chamber in the powder coating operation of the powder coating installation with the aid of conveying compressed air fed by the powder injector. In order to make it possible for the powder to be changed quickly in an easy manner, it is provided according to the invention that the powder discharge channel has a reduced length of at most 300 mm, preferably a length of 160 mm to 240 mm and more preferably a length of 200 mm. |
| US09657735B2 |
Screw fluid machine, including male and female rotors
The objective of the present invention is to reduce a meshing seal line length and further reduce a blowhole area. A compression side blowhole B2 is generated in a region surrounded by a male rotor side blowhole contour R1, a female rotor side blowhole contour R2, and a lower cusp line k2. By configuring a female rotor side blowhole contour R3 with a curve including at least two arcs C1 and C2, an area of the compression side blowhole B2 may be reduced. At a connection point between arcs, by making tangents of the arcs on both sides across the connection point to be the same gradient, the arcs may be smoothly connected. |
| US09657731B2 |
Micropump
A micropump including a tube unit and a control unit. The control unit has a plurality of fingers. A cam sequentially presses the plurality of fingers from an inlet side to an outlet side of the tube. A drive unit gives rotation force to the cam, a control circuit unit controls operation of the drive unit, and a device frame holds the plurality of fingers, the cam, the drive unit, and the control circuit unit. A reservoir communicates with an inlet port of the tube; and a power source supplies power to the control circuit unit, wherein the tube unit is detachably attached to the control unit substantially in the horizontal direction with respect to the rotation surface of the cam and attached to the inside of a space produced by the device frame. |