最新美国发明专利第2017-05-23期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09659355B1	Applying corrections to regions of interest in image data A method, a system, and computer program product for correcting image artifacts in image data captured by a camera sensor in conjunction with a flash. The method includes extracting, from a buffer, an image data captured by at least one camera sensor. The method then includes determining, from a metadata of the image data, a face in the image data and a position of a first eye and a second eye. The method then includes selecting at least one region of interest around at least one of the first and the second eye based on a size of the face and a distance between the eyes. In response to selecting the at least one region of interest, at least one correction is applied to the at least one region of interest to reduce or eliminate the appearance of at least one image artifact in the image data.
US09659354B2	Color matching for imaging systems Techniques related to color matching and color conversion are discussed. Such techniques may include determining operators for converting input pixel values to output pixel values in a color space such that the operators may include a set of color conversion matrix operators, a chroma adaptation operator, and/or a luma adaptation operators determined based on one or more perceptual color space values associated with the input pixel values.
US09659350B2	Image processing device and image processing method for image correction, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium thereof The present disclosure is to generate a high-quality image by correcting a predetermined correction target image based on a plurality of input images. In an image processing device 3, an image correcting section 160 detects a user tap gesture on a touch panel 250. When the position of the tap gesture is within foreground candidate areas detected by a foreground candidate area detecting section 140, the image correcting section 160 corrects a base image set by a base image setting section 120 in the areas corresponding to the foreground candidate areas.
US09659345B2	System and method of providing real-time dynamic imagery of a medical procedure site using multiple modalities A system and method of providing composite real-time dynamic imagery of a medical procedure site from multiple modalities which continuously and immediately depicts the current state and condition of the medical procedure site synchronously with respect to each modality and without undue latency is disclosed. The composite real-time dynamic imagery may be provided by spatially registering multiple real-time dynamic video streams from the multiple modalities to each other. Spatially registering the multiple real-time dynamic video streams to each other may provide a continuous and immediate depiction of the medical procedure site with an unobstructed and detailed view of a region of interest at the medical procedure site at multiple depths. As such, a surgeon, or other medical practitioner, may view a single, accurate, and current composite real-time dynamic imagery of a region of interest at the medical procedure site as he/she performs a medical procedure, and thereby, may properly and effectively implement the medical procedure.
US09659344B2	Graphics processing apparatus, display apparatus for an aircraft cockpit, and method for displaying graphical data Graphics cards normally control the image display of data processing systems.A graphics processing apparatus 1 is proposed which comprises a control device 2 for accepting graphical data relating to first graphic objects from a first application App_1 and for accepting graphical data relating to second graphic objects from a second application App_2; a geometry module 5 for generating the geometry data of the graphic objects from the graphical data; a raster module 7 for rasterizing the graphic objects on the basis of the geometry data and for generating pixels of the graphic objects; the control device 2, the geometry module 5 and the raster module 7 forming a graphics pipeline which is designed to process one of the graphic objects in a serial pass through by generating pixels of the graphic object from the graphical data relating to the graphic object, wherein the graphics pipeline is designed to interrupt the processing of one of the first graphic objects of the first application App_1 in a first serial pass through so that a partially processed graphic object is present, to process at least one of the second graphic objects of the second application App_2 in a second serial pass through, and subsequently to continue the processing of the partially processed graphic object of the first application App_1.
US09659343B2	Transpose of image data between a linear and a Y-tiled storage format Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations to transpose image data between a linear-type storage format and a Y-tiled-type storage format.
US09659340B2	Silicon chip of a monolithic construction for use in implementing multiple graphic cores in a graphics processing and display subsystem A graphics processing chip includes multiple graphics pipeline cores and multi-pipeline core logic circuitry to process graphic data streams received from a processor and to drive multiple GPUs on the multiple graphics pipeline cores.
US09659339B2	Programmable graphics processor for multithreaded execution of programs A processing unit includes multiple execution pipelines, each of which is coupled to a first input section for receiving input data for pixel processing and a second input section for receiving input data for vertex processing and to a first output section for storing processed pixel data and a second output section for storing processed vertex data. The processed vertex data is rasterized and scan converted into pixel data that is used as the input data for pixel processing. The processed pixel data is output to a raster analyzer.
US09659338B2	Method and system for adaptive content protection Methods, systems, devices and applications for adaptive content protection for image data for use with interactive media display systems are disclosed. Initially, image data is obtained for display. A generated graphical obscuring element is then provided for the image data, the obscuring element generated for display overlaying the image data, wherein the obscuring element is generated to obscure, to a moderate degree, at least a portion of an underlying displayed image. On display of the image and the overlaying obscuring element, and in response to a prompt, the degree to which the obscuring element obscures the underlying displayed image is altered.
US09659337B2	Unified communication system and unified communication method using multi-login, terminal for controlling operation of unified communication tool, and communication method in terminal Provided are a unified communication system and a unified communication method using multi-login, a terminal for controlling an operation of a unified communication tool, and a communication method in a terminal. The unified communication system may include a communication tool provider to provide a communication tool for at least one communication server associated with a user; a login manager to manage login information of the user when the user is logged in to two or more terminals simultaneously through respective communication tools on the two or more terminals, respectively, the login manager storing the login information of the user in a storage unit; a terminal determining unit to determine, among the two or more terminals, at least one terminal to which data associated with the user is to be transmitted based on the login information; and a communication unit to transmit the data to the at least one determined terminal.
US09659333B2	Dining experience management The present disclosure relates to a system configured to manage a dining experience for guests at a food service establishment. In some implementations, the system may comprise one or more guest identification devices, one or more sensors, one or more host systems, and one or more processors. The system may be configured such that real-time detailed information about the food service establishment, guests of the food service establishment, food orders placed by guests of the food service establishment, table states of the tables in the food service establishment, and tasks performed by staff members is provided to the staff members of the food service establishment. The information may facilitate a unique guest experience for guests of the food service establishment wherein the guests may place a food order remotely, arrive at the food service establishment and self-select a table, and receive delivery of their food order at their selected table.
US09659332B2	Grid controller for use in smart grid system, smart grid system including the same, and method of controlling smart grid system A grid controller is communicably connected to controllers of a plurality of power storage units. The grid controller: obtains transmission power transmitted from the smart grid system to an external power system, the transmission power being a sum of electric power generated by power generating units, electric power consumed by loads in the smart grid system, and electric power charged into and discharged from the power storage units; calculates differential power between the transmission power and a smoothing operation output, the smoothing operation output being obtained by performing smoothing operation on the transmission power by using a smoothing filter; and performs control of smoothing the transmission power by performing allocation of the differential power of the transmission power in accordance with a charge-discharge state of each of power storage parts of the plurality of power storage units.
US09659328B2	System and method for implementing a transaction A method for executing a trade is provided that includes communicating financial information to a handheld device via a network, the financial information being associated with a trade that can be initiated by the handheld device. The handheld device is connected to the network via a Push to Trade™ protocol. The method also includes executing the trade on behalf of the end user.
US09659326B2	System and method for debt presentment and resolution A system and method for debt presentment and resolution through an Intranet or Internet content provider is disclosed. Said system and method include a plurality of “transaction communities” which are electronic forums allowing interaction between a plurality of debtors and creditors through means of electronic mail (e-mail) or other electronic communication means. The Internet/Intranet based software application allows said debtors to access and input information related to a particular debt with any Internet browser software. Said debtors are provided with the URL (Universal Resource Locator) for said content provider along with a unique identification code from the collection agency(s) through mail correspondence or other communication means. Upon said user entering said URL and entering said identification code, said user may then proceed to choose from a variety of settlement options listed on the HTML (HyperText Markup Language) page.
US09659321B2	Real-time return of local search content based on global search key In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device, a search key from a global search initiated at a mobile device, the network device in communication with the mobile device via a proxy operable to retrieve the search key from a packet transmitted from the mobile device, performing a search at the network device for local content associated with the search key, and transmitting the local content from the network device for display on the mobile device. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.
US09659318B2	Purchaser centered, product driven world wide web searching and e-commerce system Aspects of this invention disclose a system for providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including providing storage circuitry comprising a database of products, storing product data in the database, receiving from a prospective product purchaser, product data of a desired product to purchase, accessing the database of products and comparing the product data to product data in the database, and determining a probability that the product data matches product data stored in the database. Other aspects may include a data processing apparatus providing a purchaser specified product search engine, including storage circuitry comprising a database of product data, processing circuitry configured to receive purchaser specified product search inquiry data, accessing the database of product data, and comparing the purchaser specified product search inquiry data to the product data; and determining a probability that the prospective purchaser product data matches the product data stored in the database.
US09659316B2	Providing navigation functionality in a retail location using local positioning technology Methods and systems for providing navigation functionality in a retail location using local positioning technology are presented. In some embodiments, a customer assistance computing platform may receive one or more attributes associated with a beacon signal received by a customer computing device and an identifier associated with the customer computing device. Subsequently, the computing platform may determine an identity of a customer using the customer computing device. The computing platform then may determine a location of the customer using the customer computing device based on the one or more attributes associated with the beacon signal. Thereafter, the computing platform may generate one or more navigation instructions to guide the customer to another location. Then, the computing platform may send the one or more navigation instructions to the customer computing device.
US09659307B2	Cookie derivatives Cookie derivatives and methods for generating cookie derivatives are provided. A cookie derivative comprises a transformation of at least one portion of data associated with a cookie (e.g., a name and/or data value). The cookie derivative may comprise a persistent or non-persistent cookie derivative that may be stored on a user's computing device (e.g., within a browser). The cookie derivative may alternatively comprise a virtual cookie derivative that is stored on a server (e.g., in a log file, a cache, or other data storage of the server).
US09659300B2	System and method for conducting a gift value transaction A system and method for conducting a gift value transaction is described herein. The method includes receiving a request for payment for a gift, wherein the request includes buyer-imposed conditions on use of the gift; notifying a gift recipient of the gift; and tracking the gift recipient's account balances at the different merchants with the buyer-imposed conditions.
US09659299B2	Computer system and method for interim transaction diagnosis for selective remediation and customer loyalty enhancement A customer feedback acquisition and processing system includes a data acquisition processor for receiving first and second customer feedback responses. The first customer feedback response is received by the data acquisition processor after notice of a claim is received and before the claim is resolved. The second customer feedback response is received by the data acquisition processor after it receives the first customer feedback response. The data acquisition processor may operate to classify the first customer feedback response in one of two categories. The two categories may be an attention-needed category and an attention-not-needed category. The system may also include a workflow router in communication with the data acquisition processor. The system may further include a supervisor terminal in communication with the workflow router.
US09659296B2	Method and system for presenting representations of payment accepting unit events After sending a request to a payment module, via a first communication capability (e.g., BLE), to initiate a transaction with a payment accepting unit associated with the payment module, a mobile device with one or more processors, memory, one or output devices, and two or more communication capabilities obtains a notification from the payment module via the first communication capability. The notification indicates an event at the payment accepting unit associated with the payment module. In response to obtaining the notification, mobile device provides a representation of the notification to a user of the mobile device via the one or more output devices of the mobile device. For example, a message is displayed on a display of the mobile device, a vibration alert is produced by a vibration mechanism of the mobile device, an aural alert is produced by a speaker of the mobile device, and/or the like.
US09659279B2	Method and system for enhanced inferred mode user interface operations A method and system is provided for the input of user interface commands. Particularly, command initiation events including at least one of: (i) a mouse press event on mouse pointer hardware, and (ii) at least one of a pen touch event, a stylus touch event, and a finger touch event on touch pointer hardware, are accepted. Then gesture stroke input events including at least one of: (i) a mouse drag event on the mouse pointer hardware, and (ii) at least one of a pen drag event, a stylus drag event and a finger drag event on the touch pointer hardware, are accepted. Additionally, command termination events including at least one of (i) a mouse release event on the mouse pointer hardware, and (ii) at least one of a pen lift event, a stylus lift event and a finger lift event on the touch pointer hardware, are accepted. The events are then interpreted as at least one of object selection or digital ink input operations without prior selection of a user input mode.
US09659277B2	Systems and methods for identifying potentially inaccurate data based on patterns in previous submissions of data According to some embodiments, a system may receive, from a remote insurance submitter, insurance data submitted via an electronic quoting and submission system in connection with behavioral data associated with the submitter. A processor may then automatically analyze the submitted insurance data based at least in part on information stored in a historic underwriting analytics database and the behavioral data associated with the submitter. Potentially inaccurate insurance data submitted by the insurance submitter may then be identified based on the analysis. According to some embodiments, a plurality of potentially inaccurate insurance data values may be used to flag the submitted insurance data, the insurance submitter, one or more input portions of the electronic quoting and submission system, and/or an insurance class of business.
US09659276B2	Method and system for socializing events An example of a method includes determining, electronically, a social network associated with a user in response to the user visiting a web page. Further, the method includes determining, electronically, a first buddy of the user on the social network. Furthermore, the method includes identifying, electronically, a first event from events associated with the first buddy which matches an event associated with the web page. In addition, the method includes displaying the first event and information associated with the first buddy on the web page.
US09659273B2	System to identify and communicate irregular product types and related methods Some embodiments include a method. The method can include: identifying a first consumer location of a consumer; identifying a first limited irregular product group associated with the first consumer location; and receiving a selected limited irregular product type of one or more first limited irregular product types. The first limited irregular product group can have the first limited irregular product type(s). Further, an irregular product group can have multiple irregular product types, the multiple irregular product types can have the one or more first limited irregular product types, a master product group can have multiple product types, and the multiple product types can have multiple regular product types and the multiple irregular product types. The multiple irregular product types can satisfy at least one irregularity parameter distinguishing the multiple irregular product types from the multiple regular product types. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.
US09659272B2	Method and apparatus for managing product placement on store shelf A method and apparatus for attending to a supply of product at a position on a store shelf involves receiving an electronic image of the position on a store shelf and comparing the electronic image to a previous electronic image of the position on the store shelf. Depending of the difference, if any, between the two images, generating an indication to attend to the supply of product at the position on the store shelf.
US09659270B2	Supplemental system for business intelligence systems In various implementations, a supplemental system may be provided. The supplemental system may be coupled to business intelligence environment(s) to facilitate deployment, version control, testing, and/or other processes.
US09659268B2	Ticket approval system for and method of performing quality control in field service applications A ticket approval system and method of performing quality control in a field service application. The method includes obtaining a ticket, performing at least one task associated with the ticket, collecting data associated with at least one task, and transmitting the data to a work management server including database and approval applications. Also provided is a method of reviewing the data received by the approval application for quality control purposes.
US09659267B2	Cohort cost analysis and workload migration An approach is provided to analyze data center performance. The approach includes analyzing the data centers, with each of the data centers are represented by a plurality of data center records. Available capacity at each of the data centers is identified based on the selected data center's set of data center records. In addition, a current workload currently being performed by each of the data centers is identified. The approach compares the identified current workload of each data center with the identified available capacity at the other data centers. Data centers are added to a consolidation consideration list in response to the comparisons. The consolidation consideration list is further analyzed to select data centers for consolidation or elimination.
US09659263B2	Project management notification and updates using family tree A method and apparatus for automated project management notification using an update family tree. The system utilizes a set of subscription service managers and a set of message processing managers to automatically manage the inter-relationship between a set of systems belonging to different entities within the overall family tree of entities working on a project. Each subscription service manager tracks the other entities interested in the updates and events from the host of the subscription service manager. The message processing managers receive the update events from the subscription service manager and apply a set of host defined rules that govern the automated processing of the received messages. In turn, the entity hosting each message processing manager may have its own set of subscribers that are managed by their respective subscription service manager.
US09659261B2	User interface for portable device A user interface for a portable electronic device. In an example implementation, a first screen presents selections for launching applications executable by the portable device, the selections being presented in a plurality of horizontal screen regions, and a second screen presents selections related to stored contacts, these selections also being presented in a plurality of horizontal screen regions. Each of the first and second screens is accessible from the other by actuating a respective tab. A selection on the first screen may include an icon representing an application, and a textual description of the application, and the textual description may be prominent in relation to the icon. Actuating a selection on the second screen may access an individual contact screen that presents a chronological history of communications with the corresponding contact.
US09659259B2	Latency-efficient multi-stage tagging mechanism Functionality is described herein for analyzing an input linguistic item, such as a query, in a series of stages. The linguistic item includes one or more candidate items. In a first stage, a brand classifier component determines whether the linguistic item specifies at least one brand, to provide a classifier output result. In a second stage, a tagging component generates a set of tags for at least some of the candidate items in the linguistic item, based, in part, on the classifier output result, to generate a tagging output result. An action-taking component then generates at least one result item based on the tagging output result. Functionality is also described herein for producing the brand classifier component and the tagging component using machine-learning training techniques. The training techniques may include provisions to address the later appearance of new brands that do not appear in a brand dictionary.
US09659258B2	Generating a training model based on feedback A method and apparatus for generating a training model based on feedback are provided. The method for generating a training model based on feedback, includes calculating an eigenvector of a sample among a plurality of samples; obtaining scores granted by a user for one or more of the plurality of samples in a round, obtaining scores granted by the user for a first number of samples; obtaining scores granted by the user for a second number of samples in response to detecting, based on the eigenvector, an inconsistency between the scores granted by the user for the first number of samples; and generating a training model based on the scores granted by the user for the first and second numbers of samples. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
US09659255B2	Systems, methods, and apparatuses for solving stochastic problems using probability distribution samples Techniques described herein may be used to solve a stochastic problem by dividing the stochastic problem into multiple fragments. In some cases, each fragment may be related to a random variable that forms a part of the problem, such that each fragment may produce samples from a probability distribution for that variable. Each fragment of the stochastic problem may then be assigned to a configurable circuit to solve the stochastic fragment. Configurable circuits may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, including using stochastic circuitry. In some embodiments, stochastic circuitry may include a stochastic tile and/or a stochastic memory.
US09659252B2	Method to characterize heterogeneous anisotropic media A computer-implemented method for determining elastic properties for a heterogeneous anisotropic geological formation is described herein. The method includes grouping sonic velocity data from a borehole section (or borehole sections) into a number of clusters (e.g., one or more clusters). The sonic velocity data is grouped into clusters using petrophysical log data from the borehole section. The method also includes inverting the sonic velocity data for the clusters to determine elastic properties for each cluster. In some cases, the elastic properties for the clusters are combined to determine a relationship between the elastic properties and formation heterogeneity.
US09659249B1	Pre-programmed resistive cross-point array for neural network Technical solutions are described for forming a semiconductor device for a crosspoint array that implements a pre-programmed neural network. An example method includes sequentially depositing a semiconducting layer, a top insulating layer, and a shunting layer onto a base insulating layer. The method further includes etching selective portions of the top insulating layer corresponding to resistance values associated with weights of the crossbar that implements the neural network.
US09659248B1	Machine learning and training a computer-implemented neural network to retrieve semantically equivalent questions using hybrid in-memory representations Determining semantically equivalent text or questions using hybrid representations based on neural network learning. Weighted bag-of-words and convolutional neural networks (CNN) based distributed vector representations of questions or text may be generated to compute the semantic similarity between questions or text. Weighted bag-of-words and CNN based distributed vector representations may be jointly used to compute the semantic similarity. A pair-wise ranking loss function trains neural network. In one embodiment, the parameters of the system are trained by minimizing a pair-wise ranking loss function over a training set using stochastic gradient descent (SGD).
US09659247B2	System and method for employing the use of neural networks for the purpose of real-time business intelligence and automation control A system and integration infrastructure to provide a distributed matrix or neural network of connected real-time decision support modules designed to perform business intelligence evaluations in real time. The system and integration infrastructure provide a network of intelligence superimposed upon any company's existing IT data centers, and cloud computing connections. The system is highly customizable to the unique business model deployed by the client company within the best practices of the client company's industry. Whether or not the client company has integrated their diverse enterprise systems, the elements of the matrix are annealed to the various data sources, transaction logs and client software installations currently deployed. These matrix elements or neurons are designed to house critical operational data, determined by the operational model of the client company to be of critical importance. When combined with monitor neurons, they automatically assess the gap between the desired state of a critical element and the current condition in real time. Trigger conditions are pre-established, but modified by an executive controller in real-time, and the system is pre programmed to automatically respond in a prescribed manner to critical conditions having been met even when these conditions come from otherwise stove-piped enterprise applications.
US09659245B1	Bar code copy prevention method and device therefor The present invention relates to a bar code copy prevention method and a device therefor. In detail, when a terminal provides a one-time bar code for an electronic payment, the one-time bar code is provided to a user in a state which a bar code scanner cannot recognize by changing the one-time bar code for the electronic payment, and when the bar code scanner exposes a light source in order to recognize the one-time bar code for the electronic payment, a light source recognition module installed in the terminal recognizes the light source of the bar code scanner, a payment may be performed by recovering an original bar code which the bar code scanner can recognize from the changed bar code, and thus an illegal use of the bar code may be prevented since the payment is not performed using the captured bar code.
US09659244B2	Custom functional patterns for optical barcodes Systems and methods for custom functional patterns for optical barcodes are provided. In example embodiments, image data of an image is received from a user device. A candidate shape feature of the image is extracted from the image data. A determination is made that the shape feature satisfies a shape feature rule. In response to the candidate shape feature satisfying the shape feature rule, a custom graphic in the image is identified by comparing the candidate shape feature with a reference shape feature of the custom graphic. In response to identifying the custom graphic, data encoded in a portion of the image is decoded.
US09659239B2	Machine learning device and classification device for accurately classifying into category to which content belongs An image acquisition unit of a machine learning device acquires n learning images assigned with labels to be used for categorization (n is a natural number larger than or equal to 2). A feature vector acquisition unit acquires a feature vector representing a feature from each of the n learning images. A vector conversion unit converts the feature vector for each of the n learning images to a similarity feature vector based on a similarity degree between the learning images. A classification condition learning unit learns a classification condition for categorizing the n learning images, based on the similarity feature vector converted by the vector conversion unit and the label assigned to each of the n learning images. A classification unit categorizes unlabeled testing images in accordance with the classification condition learned by the classification condition learning unit.
US09659238B2	Video object classification A system comprises an input component, a feature extractor, an object classifier, an adaptation component and a calibration tool. The input component is configured to receive one or more images, and the feature extractor is configured to extract features for one or more objects in the one or more images, the extracted features comprising at least one view-independent feature. The object classifier is configured to classify the one or more objects based at least in part on the extracted features and one or more object classification parameters, and the adaptation component is configured to adjust the classification of at least one of the objects based on one or more contextual parameters. The calibration tool is configured to adjust one or more of the object classification parameters based on likelihoods for characteristics associated with one or more object classes.
US09659236B2	Semi-supervised method for training multiple pattern recognition and registration tool models A system and method for training multiple pattern recognition and registration models commences with a first pattern model. The model is trained from multiple images. Composite models can be used to improve robustness or model small differences in appearance of a target region. Composite models combine data from noisy training images showing instances of underlying patterns to build a single model. A pattern recognition and registration model is generated that spans the entire range of appearances of the target pattern in the set of training images. The set of pattern models can be implemented as either separate instances of pattern finding models or as a pattern multi-model. The underlying models can be standard pattern finding models or pattern finding composite models, or a combination of both.
US09659234B1	Adaptive selection of scale invariant image feature keypoints Techniques are provided for adaptive selection of feature keypoints of an image. An example system may include a contrast statistics calculation circuit configured to generate contrast measurements of regions of the image associated with each of the feature keypoints, and to calculate a mean and variance of the contrast measurements. The system may also include an edge statistics calculation circuit configured to generate ratios of principal curvatures of regions of the image associated with each of the feature keypoints, and to calculate a mean and variance of the ratios of principal curvatures. The system may further include a threshold calculation circuit configured to calculate thresholds based on the mean and variance of the contrast measurements and on the mean and variance of the ratios of principal curvatures; and a keypoint filter circuit configured to filter the set of feature keypoints based on the those thresholds.
US09659228B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing system, non-transitory computer readable medium, and image processing method An image processing apparatus includes an image information obtaining unit that obtains image information regarding a process target image on which image processing for adjusting an impression of an image to that of a sample image is performed, and image information regarding the sample image, a feature value extraction unit that extracts feature values of the process target image and those of the sample image, an image adjustment unit that adjusts the feature values of the process target image to those of the sample image, and an image display unit that temporarily displays, on the process target image, an image obtained by adjusting the feature values of the process target image to those of the sample image, within a predetermined area in response to a first operation, and thereafter displays an entire image obtained after image processing in response to a second operation.
US09659225B2	Restaurant-specific food logging from images A “Food Logger” provides various approaches for learning or training one or more image-based models (referred to herein as “meal models”) of nutritional content of meals. This training is based on one or more datasets of images of meals in combination with “meal features” that describe various parameters of the meal. Examples of meal features include, but are not limited to, food type, meal contents, portion size, nutritional content (e.g., calories, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, salt, etc.), food source (e.g., specific restaurants or restaurant chains, grocery stores, particular pre-packaged foods, school meals, meals prepared at home, etc.). Given the trained models, the Food Logger automatically provides estimates of nutritional information based on automated recognition of new images of meals provided by (or for) the user. This nutritional information is then used to enable a wide range of user-centric interactions relating to food consumed by individual users.
US09659224B1	Merging optical character recognized text from frames of image data Disclosed are techniques for merging optical character recognized (OCR'd) text from frames of image data. In some implementations, a device sends frames of image data to a server, where each frame includes at least a portion of a captured textual item. The server performs optical character recognition (OCR) on the image data of each frame. When OCR'd text from respective frames is returned to the device from the server, the device can perform matching operations on the text, for instance, using bounding boxes and/or edit distance processing. The device can merge any identified matches of OCR'd text from different frames. The device can then display the merged text with any corrections.
US09659221B2	Video stream evaluation The invention relates to a method for recognizing activities detected in video streams. In this case, it is intended that data relating to frame differences are accumulated for frame sequences in fields, gradients and/or value difference intervals are determined in the accumulator fields, and activity is concluded from the gradients.
US09659218B1	Predicting video start times for maximizing user engagement Implementations disclose predicting video start times for maximizing user engagement. A method includes applying a machine-learned model to audio-visual content features of segments of a target content item, the machine-learned model trained based on user interaction signals and audio-visual content features of a training set of content item segments, calculating, based on applying the machine-learned model, a salience score for each of the segments of the target content item, and selecting, based on the calculated salience scores, one of the segments of the target content item as a starting point for playback of the target content item.
US09659215B2	Raster image processing method A raster image processing method and a raster image processor validate content objects in a document based on similarity, especially on continuity, to convert the similar objects with one or more same parameters of an image manipulation method to achieve a correct reproduction of the document.
US09659212B2	Methods, systems, and products for gesture-activation Methods, systems, and products recognize a gesture in a video signal. A camera generates the video signal as an output. An image comparison is then performed between frames in the video signal to images stored in memory of different gestures. When a frame matches an image, the gesture is determined. A corresponding controller operation may then be selected.
US09659210B1	System and method for detecting and tracking facial features in images The present invention relates to a system for detecting and tracking facial features in images and can be used in conjunction with a camera. Given a camera, the system will detect facial landmarks in images. The present invention includes software for real time, accurate facial feature detection and tracking in unconstrained images and videos. The present invention is better, more robust and faster than existing approaches and can be implemented very efficiently allowing real-time processing, even on low-power devices, such as mobile phones.
US09659209B2	Electronic device including blurred finger image deblurring circuitry and related methods An electronic device may include a finger biometric sensor that may include an array of electric field sensing pixels and image data output circuitry coupled thereto. The electronic device may also include a dielectric layer over the array of electric field sensing pixels and causing electric field diffusion so that the image data output circuitry generates image data corresponding to a blurred finger image. The electronic device may also include deblurring circuitry coupled to the image data output circuitry and capable of processing the image data to produce processed image data representative of a deblurred finger image.
US09659208B2	Biometric image sensing An novel sensor is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel drive lines configured to transmit a signal into a surface of a proximally located object, and also a plurality of substantially parallel pickup lines oriented proximate the drive lines and electrically separated from the pickup lines to form intrinsic electrode pairs that are impedance sensitive at each of the drive and pickup proximal locations.
US09659196B2	Method, apparatus and system for verifying data A method for data verification may include: receiving by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag a write command including data to be written; writing by said RFID tag said data to be written into a local storage; reading by said RFID tag data from said local storage; and carrying out by said RFID tag a data verification according to said data read out. Further, a data verification apparatus may include a receiving module for receiving a write command including data to be written; a writing module for writing said data to be written into a first storage module configured for storing said data to be written; a reading module for reading data from said first storage module; and a verifying module for carrying out verification according to the data read out by said reading module. Such method and apparatus may reduce the time of data verification by an RFID tag.
US09659194B2	Dividing tagged items into subsets A method and system for dividing a set of tagged items into subsets. Each tagged item is tagged with a passive RFID tag. A RFID reader is instructed to poll the RFID tags of all tagged items in a specified region having fixed boundaries to generate information including, for each tagged item, a spatial location of each tagged item and a list of all other tagged items in the region which are adjacent to each tagged item. The region is split into non-overlapping subregions. For each subregion, a central tagged item having more adjacent tagged items in each subregion than any other tagged item in each subregion is determined, utilizing the generated information. A virtual boundary is outlined around the central tagged item to enclose the central tagged item and a portion of the tagged items in each subregion which are adjacent to the central tagged item.
US09659184B2	Multi-identity graphical user interface for secure file sharing In the approaches described herein, a data file storage service may control access to file system objects using corresponding “personal” or organization-related “work” identity information which may include encryption keys or passwords. To assist the user with identifying respective file system objects, the user is presented with a corresponding graphical user interface (GUI) which displays a corresponding personal or work identity icon next to a visual rendering of the file system objects. Keys that control access to work identity files and folders are purged from a local key store as soon as user authorization changes are detected. In this way, even a user who originated a data file will not be able to decrypt files stored in a folder shared using a work identity once that identity is canceled by the organization, while at the same time, the user's access to their personal files may continue.
US09659183B2	Pattern for secure store A computer system, computer product, and method for accessing a secure store, which includes receiving a request to access a secure store, checking the file path of the request to make sure it exists in the secure store, verifying security parameters from the process at the file system filter layer, saving the PID of the process by the file system filter layer, comparing the saved PID to the process's PID, and allowing the process to access the path in the secure store specified in the request.
US09659182B1	Systems and methods for protecting data files A method for protecting data files may include (1) identifying a data file to be protected against data loss, (2) identifying a set of software programs permitted to open the data file by (a) identifying a format of the data file and (b) identifying at least one software program capable of opening files of the format of the data file, (3) detecting an attempt to open the data file by a software program not included in the set of software programs, and (4) performing a security action in response to detecting the attempt to open the data file. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09659181B2	System, apparatus and method for license key permutation A system and method of dynamically altering the encoding, structure or other attribute of a cryptographic key, typically a license activation key, to render useless keys that have been created by illegal key generation “cracks”. An encoding/decoding engine provides a plurality of key obfuscation algorithms that may alter the structure, encoding or any other attribute of a given key. A changeable combination code is supplied to the encoding/decoding engine that specifies a subset of the algorithms to apply during the encoding or decoding phase. The encoding engine is used during key generation and the decoding engine used during key usage. The same combination code must be used during decoding as was used during encoding to recover the original key or a valid key will not be recovered. Thus, a system can be rapidly re-keyed by selecting a new combination of encoding/decoding algorithms. The selection of algorithms comprises a combination code. The new combination code will result in keys that are incompatible with any existing illegal key generators.
US09659180B2	Personalized website theme A personalized website theme for a website is received. The personalized website theme is distinct from a standard theme of the website. Further, a set of data is sent to the computing device. The set of data includes an indicium indicating the personalized website theme so that the computing device displays the website according to the personalized website theme at least prior to a request for identifying data associated with access to an account on the website.
US09659178B1	Device blanking A method and apparatus is disclosed for protecting electronic devices from security breaches (e.g., in the form of DPA attacks) by managing input/output (I/O) pin states. The technique is particularly useful in financial applications in which data security related operations, such as those involving cryptography, are performed by payment card readers, and the power supplied to drive the operations are measured and analyzed by attackers to extract sensitive information. The technique prevents any external device from measuring the operation power by disabling the I/O pins. The I/O pins are set to a logic low at any given time a data security related operation is performed. As a result, no communication with the external environment is possible during the data security operation, and external power measurements by DPAs are prevented.
US09659174B2	Apparatus, system, and method for protecting against keylogging malware and anti-phishing An apparatus, system, and method is disclosed for protecting against key logger malware. The protection includes protection form grabbing keylogger malware. In response to detecting a form submission event from a browser associated with a user entering data into a form, confidential data is cleared to prevent it being captured by malware. Additional protection of data inputs, entered at a driver level, may be provided as an additional level of protection against hook based malware operating at a virtual keyboard level or operating system level. Data inputs received at a physical driver level may be protected as they pass through a virtual keyboard level and an operating system level. The projection against malware may be provided as a preventive measure that does not require detection of the key logger malware itself.
US09659170B2	Securing data on untrusted devices One example method for securing data on untrusted devices includes the steps of identifying, by a first process, a command in a command queue, the command from a second process and comprising an action on secure data; determining whether the command is permitted based on the action and a user credential; and responsive to determining the command is not permitted, removing, by the first process, the command from the command queue.
US09659165B2	Method and apparatus for accessing corporate data from a mobile device A computer-implemented communication method performed by a computerized device and a computerized communication apparatus, the method comprising: receiving by a buffer server a first communication request and a device key from a mobile device; verifying the device key and a buffer server key; sending a request with details associated with the device key and the buffer server key, to a corporate server; receiving a response from the corporate server; removing data from the response, and sending a reduced response to the mobile device; receiving a user identification and a second communication request from the mobile device, for the data that has been removed; and sending the data that has been removed to the mobile device, upon verifying the user identification.
US09659164B2	Method and apparatus for using a multi-factor password or a dynamic password for enhanced security on a device Techniques for improving security on a device are disclosed. In an aspect, a multi-factor password comprising a plurality of factors may be used to improve security. Each factor may correspond to a different type of information that may be used for authentication and/or other purposes. For example, the plurality of factors may include an alpha-numeric string, a fingerprint of a user, a voice clip, a picture, a video, etc. The device may authenticate the user based on the multi-factor password. In another aspect, a dynamic password that varies with at least one parameter (e.g., time, location, etc.) may be used to improve security. The dynamic password may have a plurality of values for a plurality of scenarios defined by at least one parameter. The device may authenticate a user in a given scenario based on a value of the dynamic password applicable for that scenario.
US09659157B2	Systems and methods for watermarking software and other media Systems and methods are disclosed for embedding information in software and/or other electronic content such that the information is difficult for an unauthorized party to detect, remove, insert, forge, and/or corrupt. The embedded information can be used to protect electronic content by identifying the content's source, thus enabling unauthorized copies or derivatives to be reliably traced, and thus facilitating effective legal recourse by the content owner. Systems and methods are also disclosed for protecting, detecting, removing, and decoding information embedded in electronic content, and for using the embedded information to protect software or other media from unauthorized analysis, attack, and/or modification.
US09659155B2	System and method for software activation and license tracking System and method for software activation and further tracking of its states on an end-user computing device (computer) was developed to provide software developers a flexible and secure tool for software distribution and gathering statistics of usage of software activation. The method consists of the following logical steps: (a) obtaining an acquisition confirmation; (b) requesting for a license; (c) issuing and delivering the license to End User; (d) verification of license on the User's computer; (e) storing the license on the User's computer; (f) periodic tracking of activation state, (g) another action with the User's license.
US09659152B2	Computer-implemented technique for defining a bone cut A technique for generating a data set that geometrically defines a bone cut configuration for transverse maxillary distraction is using a computer-implemented method. An aspect of the technique comprises creating a numeric model of a maxilla based on patient-specific data of the maxilla. The numeric model is representative of mechanical properties of the maxilla. Based on the numeric model thus generated, one or more cut configurations for one or more bone cuts on at least one of a left hand side and a right hand side of the maxilla are determined. Each cut configuration has been determined to compensate for asymmetric mechanical properties of the maxilla. In a further step, a data set indicative of the one or more cut configurations thus determined is generated. The data set may be used to create a surgical template or jig, for computer-assisted surgery or a surgical navigation system.
US09659151B2	Systems and methods for treatment target deconvolution Deconvolution systems and methods based on cornea smoothing can be used to obtain an ablation target or treatment shape that does not induce significant high-order aberrations such as spherical aberration. Exemplary ablation targets or treatment shapes can provide a post-operative spherical aberration that is equal to or below a naturally occurring amount of spherical aberration.
US09659148B2	Caregiver rounding communication system An information technology system for a healthcare facility is provided. The system includes a first computer device to keep track of rounding intervals for caregivers and to determine whether the caregivers successfully complete their rounds in a timely manner for their assigned patients. The system also has a real time locating system (RTLS) that tracks locations of the plurality of caregivers and that is in communication with the first computer device. The system further has a number of graphical displays in communication with the first computer device. Each graphical display is operable to display a list of patients for whom rounds are due and to display reminder messages to the plurality of caregivers relating to rounding.
US09659146B2	Method for quantitative analysis of complex proteomic data This invention is a novel method for analysis of data that is produced by test equipment. The preferred embodiment is data produced by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) equipment, using industry standard methods to generate the initial data from the test equipment. The invention is a method for processing of the data to promptly produce accurate, reliable, and meaningful data that can be used for critical decisions. The unique benefit of the method is to correct the multiple measurement and calculation errors that are inherent in the operation of laboratory equipment. Prior methods result in errors based on circumstances that are difficult to control, accuracy-related errors in machine measurements, and fundamental mathematical errors in the data processing software that is used with the laboratory equipment. As an added benefit, this novel method allows comprehensive simultaneous measurement and calculation of correlation of any and all peptide pairs in a single measurement, with the capability to support repeated measurements with changed conditions over time. This novel method allows robust, detailed, and comprehensive measurements of peptide activity and function, which results in substantial improvements over prior methods in accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
US09659143B2	Method for analyzing the robustness of components within a vehicular mechanical system to calculate out-of-specification robustness A method for increasing the robustness of a mechanism for a vehicle including the steps of determining a primary function of the mechanism, identifying components of the mechanism used during the primary function, analyzing each component under in-specification conditions, analyzing each component under decreasing out-of-specification conditions during performance of the primary function to determine a lower failure value for each component, analyzing each component during performance of the primary function under increasing out-of-specification conditions to determine an upper failure value for each component, determining a modified robustness value for each component, wherein the modified robustness value is between the lower and upper failure values and modifying each component in the vehicular mechanism to have a robustness that is approximately the modified robustness value of the respective component.
US09659141B2	EDA tool and method for conflict detection during multi-patterning lithography A method includes accessing data representing a layout of a layer of an integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of polygons defining circuit patterns to be divided among a number (N) of photomasks over a single layer of a semiconductor substrate, where N is greater than two. The method further includes inputting a conflict graph having a plurality of vertices, identifying a first and second vertex, each of which is connected to a third and fourth vertex where the third and fourth vertices are connected to a same edge of a conflict graph, and merging the first and second vertices to form a reduced graph. The method further includes detecting at least one or more vertex in the reduced having a conflict. In one aspect, the method resolves the detected conflict by performing one of pattern shifting, stitch inserting, or re-routing.
US09659139B2	Approach for performing improved timing analysis with improved accuracy One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for updating timing parameters after a circuit design change. The method includes, prior to the circuit design change, deriving a value for a first timing parameter based on a signoff timing analysis of a timing arc, and a value for a second timing parameter based on a quick timing analysis of the timing arc; and obtaining a first transition time based on the quick timing analysis. The method further includes, after the circuit design change, deriving a value for a third timing parameter based on the quick timing analysis, obtaining a second transition time based on the quick timing analysis, and deriving a fourth value for a fourth parameter based on the quick timing analysis, wherein the fourth parameter is based on the first, second, and third parameters and on the first and second transition times.
US09659138B1	Methods, systems, and computer program product for a bottom-up electronic design implementation flow and track pattern definition for multiple-patterning lithographic techniques Disclosed are techniques for implementing parallel fills for bottom-up electronic design implementation flow and track pattern definition for multiple-patterning lithographic processing. These techniques identify a canvas in a layout and design rules for track patterns and multiple-patterning, where the canvas is not yet associated with any base track patterns. A first shape having the first width is inserted along a first track in the canvas based on the design rules. A custom, legal track pattern is generated by arranging multiple tracks in an order and further by associating the first width with the first track in the custom, legal track pattern. The layout may then be further modified by guiding the insertion of one or more additional shapes with the custom, legal track pattern.
US09659136B2	Suspect logical region synthesis from device design and test information Various embodiments related to identifying a candidate defect region in a semiconductor device are disclosed. For example, one embodiment includes receiving an electrical test mismatch reported for a scan chain; generating a physical representation of portion of a logical design of the semiconductor device, the physical representation including location information for physical instantiations of logical cells and logical interconnections included in the portion of the logical design; identifying a suspect logical region in the physical representation, the suspect logical region including a portion of the logical cells and the logical interconnections electrically connected with the scan chain; generating a candidate defect region within the semiconductor device, the candidate defect region being defined, via the physical representation, to include the physical instantiations of logical cells and logical interconnections included in the suspect logical region; and displaying the candidate defect region.
US09659135B2	Logic structure aware circuit routing A method, executed by a computer, for routing a circuit includes receiving a logic structure for a circuit, retrieving a logic template, determining whether the logic structure for the circuit matches the logic template, and routing the circuit using a routing recipe corresponding to the logic template in response to determining that the logic structure matches the logic template. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed herein.
US09659134B2	Computing device and method for determining wiring paths on printed circuit board A printed circuit board (PCB) layout method executed in a computing device obtains pins of a first electronic component that are connected to a second electronic component or third electronic components included in a T topology circuit. A model of the first electronic component is created according to the obtained pins and is modified to form extended nets of the first electronic component. Pin pairs and match groups are set. Wiring paths of the T topology circuit are determined according to the match groups. The wiring paths are output to an output device.
US09659132B2	Method of generating a target layout on the basis of a source layout Generating a target layout of an integrated circuit includes providing a source layout comprising one or more source pcells having one or more shapes; providing a set of connectivity constraints for connecting each shape of each source pcell to none, one, or more other components of the integrated circuit; for each shape of each source pcell, determining a corresponding target shape having a contour composed of edges with defined lengths, inserting none, one, or more edges into the contour of the shape, or into the contour of the corresponding target shape, determining a corresponding edge of the corresponding target shape; for each edge, defining an edge length constraint for constraining the edge to have the length of the edge of the corresponding target shape; applying a legalization procedure to the source layout based on the connectivity constraints, the target design constraints, and the edge length constraints.
US09659130B2	Layout design system for generating layout design of semiconductor device According to example embodiments, a layout design system includes a processor, a storage module configured to store a standard cell design, and a generation module. The standard cell design includes an active area and a normal gate area on the active area. The generation module is configured to receive the standard cell design, to adjust a width of an active cut design crossing the active area of the standard cell design, and to output a chip design including a design element using the processor. The design element includes the active cut design having the width adjusted.
US09659129B2	Standard cell having cell height being non-integral multiple of nominal minimum pitch An integrated circuit, manufactured by a process having a nominal minimum pitch of metal lines, includes a plurality of metal lines and a plurality of standard cells under the plurality of metal lines. The plurality of metal lines extends along a first direction, and the plurality of metal lines are separated, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, by integral multiples of the nominal minimum pitch. At least one of the plurality of standard cells has a cell height along the second direction, and the cell height is a non-integral multiple of the nominal minimum pitch.
US09659128B2	Semiconductor overlay production system and method Disclosed herein is a system and method for producing semiconductor devices using overlays, the method comprising associating one or more patterned overlays with respective ones of reserved regions in a layer template, receiving a layer design based on the layer template, identifying the reserved regions in the layer design, generating a production layer design based on the layer design, the production layer design describing at least one production overlay in one of the reserved regions, and fabricating one or more devices based on the production layer design.
US09659127B2	Electronic apparatus, method of optimizing de-coupling capacitor and computer-readable recording medium An electronic apparatus includes a user interface to receive an input selecting a plurality of circuit devices, a storage to store electrical current information and a Scattering parameter regarding input/output ports of the plurality of circuit devices, respectively, a calculator to calculate impedance per number of de-coupling capacitors based on the stared S-parameters and to calculate an accumulated noise value per number of the decoupling capacitors based on the calculated impedance and the electrical current information, and a controller to determine a number of the de-coupling capacitors based on the calculated accumulated noise values and to control the user interface to display the determined number of the de-coupling capacitors.
US09659124B2	Transport network Some embodiments provide a method of monitoring the implementation of a user design in a configurable integrated circuit (IC). The method receives a user design for an IC and optimizes the user design to produce a second IC design. The optimization results in the elimination of circuit element(s). The method defines the second IC design for the configurable IC and generates output data for the eliminated circuit element(s) to allow for monitoring the user design.
US09659121B1	Deterministic and statistical timing modeling for differential circuits A computer program product for improved modeling of differential circuits is provided. The computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and executable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to represent a configuration of a differential circuit on a defined space with representations of single-ended inputs and outputs disposed as differential input and output pairs along borders of the defined space, respectively, for each differential input and output pair, introduce an internal input or output differential node to feed from or to feed a corresponding differential input or output pair within the borders, respectively, with the internal input and output differential nodes being connectable and perform timing calculations with respect to input and output differential nodes.
US09659116B2	Method for designing containers A method comprises steps of: providing an initial package design, providing an initial package-handling element design, modeling the interaction of the package and the package-handling element, and altering one of the package design or the package-handling element design according to the results of the model. Wherein the initial package-handling element design comprises at least one item selected from the group consisting of: a motion transfer component comprising a combination of discrete geometrically defined elements, package guide rails, package guide rail supports, vacuum conveying components, and combinations thereof. And wherein the interaction reflects the package interaction with the discrete elements of a multi-element motion transfer component or the package guide rails having a flexibility greater than zero, or package guide rail supports having a finite stiffness, or a combination thereof.
US09659109B2	System and method for query auto-completion using a data structure with trie and ternary query nodes A method of providing predictive search query recommendations for a search query. The method can be implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more non-transitory memory storage modules. The method can include receiving the search query from a user. The method also can include determining the predictive search query recommendations for the search query using a tree data structure. At least one top layer of the tree data structure can include at least one trie query node and bottom layers of the tree data structure can include ternary tree query nodes. The method further can include sending the predictive search query recommendations to the user. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.
US09659104B2	Link association analysis systems and methods Link association analysis systems are presented. Disclosed systems are configured to analyze links created by users and to determine possible reasons underpinning why a user would create such a link. The system derives such reasons by analyzing the context within which the link was created and to which the link points, and then presents the reasons as a data object to users for feedback. The system can be made to be self-refining by collecting survey data regarding its accuracy, so that the more users interact with the system, the more accurate the system is at deriving reasons for link creation.
US09659102B1	Event application The present invention includes systems and methods for providing event information. A one-time use app is downloaded to a user device when a user elects to purchase the app. The app receives event-related information from an event database. The event database receives information from a plurality of sources. The sources are each associated with an application programming interface. The app provides event-related information to the user through purchased options. The app can filter information based on a user profile before providing the information to the user.
US09659096B2	Consumable data management The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system.
US09659095B2	Managing search-engine-optimization content in web pages A method for managing the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) content of web pages is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a set of web pages organized in a hierarchical structure. Each web page has an SEO content pattern associated therewith. The method establishes an inheritance scheme for the hierarchical structure such that the SEO content patterns of parent web pages are inherited by children web pages. The method further enables a user to override the inheritance scheme for selected web pages such that the SEO content patterns of the selected web pages override the SEO content patterns of their respective parent web pages. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.
US09659093B1	Adaptive recommendations of user-generated mediasets This disclosure relates to adaptive recommendations for user-generated mediasets. A mediaset component provides for users to generate mediasets. A user-generated mediaset can include a user-generated playlist or a user-generated media channel. A monitoring component monitors consumption of media, e.g., by a consumer. A relatedness component determines a set of the user-generated mediasets that are related to the media consumed by the consumer. A recommendation component recommends a subset of the user-generated mediasets based on a set of criteria. A rights management component determines a set of authorizations of the consumer for respective media content associated with the set of user-generated mediasets, and takes at least one action based on the set of authorizations, e.g., updating one of the mediasets based on the set of authorizations.
US09659089B2	Prioritizing work and personal items from various data sources using a user profile A method, system and computer program product for managing work and personal items. Information is received from a user to populate a user profile providing rules to determine a priority for work and personal items to be addressed by the user. Work and personal data sources (e.g., e-mails, social media) are monitored. The content in these monitored data sources are scanned and analyzed for work and personal items to be addressed by the user. These work and personal items are then presented to the user in a prioritized order based on the rules in the user profile. In this manner, the user is able to effectively manage the various work and personal items from various data sources by receiving a prioritized list of work and personal items that need to be addressed based on various factors that the user deems to be important as provided in the user's profile.
US09659086B1	Foreign organization name matching Embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for foreign organization name matching. Aspects include receiving a first entity name from a first database configured in a first language and receiving a second database, wherein the second database includes a plurality of entity names in a second language, wherein the first and second languages are different. Aspects also include performing an Internet search based on the first entity name, wherein a language setting of the Internet search is configured to the second language and identifying a list of candidate names based on a set of results from the Internet search. Another aspect includes filtering the list to obtain a resulting candidate name and determining whether the resulting candidate name matches one of the entity names in the second database. Aspects include associating the first entity name and a matching entity name in the second database based on the determination.
US09659084B1	System, methods, and user interface for presenting information from unstructured data A system, methods, and user interface for extracting information from unstructured data sources and presenting such information in a structured or semi-structured format for better information search and utilization, and can be applied to replace the conventional methods of displaying search results. The methods identify terms representing topics and related comments in various types of text contents including documents and Web pages, and extract such terms and present them in a form of a topic-comment or object-properties hierarchy, including a heading+list format and heading+cloud or group format. Methods and interface object are provided to make a file object a non-terminal node in a computer file system, with information extracted from the file content displayed as deeper levels of the file system hierarchy. Methods for displaying information extracted from unstructured document contents in terms of class-members and topic-attributes are also disclosed.
US09659081B1	Independent data processing environments within a big data cluster system A cluster system includes an interface and a processor. The interface is to receive a request from a user associated with one of a plurality of shells. The processor is to determine a plurality of tasks to respond to the request; determine a local set of data and a shared set of data for a task of the plurality of tasks, wherein the local set of data is associated with the one of the plurality of shells; and provide the task, a local set indication, and a shared set indication to a worker associated with the task, wherein the local set indication refers to the local set of data and the shared set indication refers to the shared set of data.
US09659075B2	Providing high availability in an active/active appliance cluster A method executes a preempt by a standby database appliance in a high-availability active/active appliance cluster. The appliance cluster includes a transaction processing standby group and a persistent storing standby group. The transaction processing standby group includes a primary active appliance and a standby appliance. One or more processors receive a Hello message from the primary DB appliance. The processor(s) examine a priority field in the Hello message, in order to determine a priority of the standby database appliance according to the persistent state to thereby determine whether the standby database appliance requests a preempt, where the persistent state includes a state of an application and a database of the primary DB appliance. The processor(s) implement a failover in response to the preempt request to thereby take over a duty of the primary DB appliance.
US09659068B1	Methods and systems for providing media recommendations based on implicit user behavior Methods and systems for providing media recommendations based on implicit user behavior are described herein. In one aspect, a server system provides a first media item for playback based on a request from an application executing on an electronic device. Data associated with a behavior of a first user of the content service is received. The received data and the behavior implicitly correspond to the playback of the first media item and do not correspond to an explicit user input to the application for controlling playback of or providing feedback for the first media item. The server system uses the received data to provide a media recommendation to the electronic device.
US09659066B2	Dynamic interest-based notifications Providing dynamic, interest-based change notifications includes detecting an event for an artifact managed by a collaborative system, determining a user subscribed to the artifact, and, responsive to the event, calculating a score for the event using a processor. The score is user-specific and indicates a level of interest of the user for the event. The score is compared with a threshold score. A change notification of the event is sent to the user responsive to determining that the score exceeds the threshold score.
US09659065B1	Ranking search results based on current or past presences Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for ranking search results based on current and past presences of a user and a user's contacts from a social graph in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A search query is received from a user and search results responsive to the search query are obtained from a search engine. Contacts from a user's social graph are obtained, and presence data for the user and the contacts is obtained. The relevancy scores of the search result entities are modified based on the current presence of a contact at an entity, the past presence of a contact at an entity, and the past presence of the user at an entity. The search results are ranked based on the modified relevancy scores and provided to the user.
US09659064B1	Obtaining authoritative search results Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for obtaining authoritative search results. One of the methods includes receiving a first search query. First search results responsive to the first search query are obtained. Based on the first search query or the first search results, an authoritative search result that identifies a resource on a site that is authoritative for the first search query is obtained. A ranking of the authoritative search result and the one or more first search results is generated, and the ranking of the authoritative search result and the one or more first search results is provided in response to the first search query.
US09659062B1	Apparatuses, methods and systems for a global benefits purse facilitator The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A GLOBAL BENEFITS PURSE FACILITATOR (hereinafter “GBPF”) implement efficient and scalable monitoring, regulation, and allocation of computational processing, data, labor, and/or the like resources within an enterprise. The GBPF may facilitate the provision of tailored benefits packages to employees within an enterprise, where employees may be provided with a purse allowance and a selectable list of benefits on which that allowance may be spent. The GBPF may be configured to receive benefits selections, to deduct corresponding costs from the employee purse, and to facilitate the generation of a benefits package based on the employee selections. The GBPF may further be configured to enforce regulations, rules, company policies, and/or the like with regard to benefits.
US09659060B2	Enhancing performance-cost ratio of a primary storage adaptive data reduction system Data reduction in a storage system comprises determining attributes of data for storage in the storage system and determining expected data reduction effectiveness for the data based on said attributes. Said effectiveness indicates the benefit that data reduction is expected to provide for the data based on said attributes. The data reduction further comprises applying data reduction to the data based on the expected data reduction effectiveness and performance impact, to improve resource usage efficiency.
US09659059B2	Matching large sets of words Word phrases are stored in a phrase structure. Each word is stored as a keyword in a keyword structure. Each keyword is associated with usage attributes identifying use of a word in a word phrase. Any preceding words associated with a keyword, and a mapping from any preceding words to a word phrase, is stored for each word. A word string is input. Match attributes are updated in a match structure if a word in the word string matches any keyword and if any preceding words associated with any matching keyword includes a preceding word which precedes the word in the word string. The match attributes indicate use of the matching word in the word string and in a word phrase. Whether a word phrase is present in the word string is determined based on the usage attributes and the match attributes associated with multiple matching words.
US09659055B2	Structured searching of dynamic structured document corpuses A system includes a document corpus containing structured documents, which contain both text and annotations of the text. The system also includes a search engine which is adapted to perform structured searches of the structured documents. As new types of annotations are added to the system, the search engine is updated automatically to become capable of performing structured searches for the new types of annotations. For example, if a new natural language processing (NLP) component, adapted to generate annotations of a new type, is added to the system, then the system automatically updates a query language to include a definition of the new type of annotation. The search engine may then immediately be capable of processing structured queries which refer to the new type of annotation.
US09659054B2	Database browsing system and method A computer-implemented system and method for creating a user-defined database interface. An Orbit Form module processes a call comprising an identifier for the database, a target data object (database table), approach filters (table fields), and results lines (table fields). Approach filters may support comparable data types, and results lines may support both comparable and non-comparable data types. The call may optionally include parameters that the Orbit Form module uses to govern retrieval of data from the target database, presentation of filter values, and/or formatting of results pages. After testing the call constructs, the Orbit Form module generates Approach boxes (corresponding to the approach filters) that a user employs to enter target input values to compare to records in the database. Record matches result in retrieval and user-specified display of data corresponding to the results lines (DaPs). A selectable view image field in a DaP extracts and displays image file data.
US09659052B1	Data object resolver A system and method to recognize and resolve when a source data object is the same or similar to an existing data object in a database using structured information and facts about each object. The system and method compare relations of the source data object and relations of the existing data object in the database and determine how similar the source data object is to the data object in the database based on scores of the comparisons. The system and method may provide outputs, such as whether the data objects match, the data objects are distinct, the source data object is a strong match to multiple data objects in the database, and the data objects conflict one another. The system and method may then resolve the database entries based on the potential matching outputs.
US09659051B2	Enforcing referential integrity for object data documents A metadata framework helps enforce referential integrity in object data documents. In one general aspect, a method includes generating a first data definition language statement, based on a class defined in a metadata framework, that creates a table in a relational database system to store an object data document. The table may include at least one column that corresponds to an identifying attribute in the object data document, at least one column that corresponds to a relationship attribute in the object data document, and a column that stores the object data document. The method may also include generating a second data definition language statement, based on the referential integrity metadata framework, that creates a foreign key constraint on the at least one column that corresponds to the relationship attribute when the relationship is not polymorphic, and issuing the first data definition language statement and the second data definition language statement.
US09659050B2	Delta store giving row-level versioning semantics to a non-row-level versioning underlying store A delta store giving row-level versioning semantics to a non-row-level versioning underlying store is described. An example method includes establishing a column-based in-memory database including a main store and a delta store, where the main store does not allow concurrent transactions on a same table and the delta store has a plurality of row-visibility bitmaps implementing a row-level versioning mechanism that allows concurrent transactions on the same table. A transaction associated with the column-based in-memory database is received. For each table read by the transaction, a version of the table in the delta store that represents a transaction-consistent snapshot of the database visible to the transaction is determined. Each table is represented in the main store and the delta store; and each version of the table is represented by one or more bitmaps. Upon execution of a DML as part of the transaction, for each table written by the transaction, the data changes generated by the transaction is recorded in the one or more bitmaps that represent a private version of the table. Upon commit of the transaction, for each table written by the transaction, a new public version of the table is generated based on the private version of the table, and the public version represents a new transaction-consistent snapshot of the database visible to subsequent transactions.
US09659048B2	Key-Value data storage system According to an aspect, a key-value store (KVS) system includes a data management unit that stores a data KVS storing a pair of a data KVS key including information on a storage location of application data to be an access target object and the application data; and a key KVS storing a pair of an application key and the data KVS key. The data KVS includes a normal partition in which a size of a record for storing one pair is a predetermined specific size; and a special partition in which the size of the record for storing one pair is a size set according to a data size of the pair to be stored. A data relocation unit relocates a pair of a relocation target object to the special partition having the record size suitable for the data size of the pair.
US09659045B2	Generic indexing for efficiently supporting ad-hoc query over hierarchically marked-up data Hierarchical data objects are indexed using an index referred to herein as a hierarchy-value index. A hierarchy-value index has, as index keys, tokens (tag name, a word in node string value) that are extracted from hierarchical data objects. Each token is mapped to the locations that correspond to the data for the token in hierarchical data objects. A token can represent a non-leaf node, such as an XML element or a JSON field. A location can be a region covering and subsuming child nodes. For a token that represents a non-leaf node, a location to which the token is mapped contains the location of any token corresponding to a descendant node of the non-leaf node. Thus, token containment based on the locations of tokens within a hierarchical data object may be used to determine containment relationships between nodes in a hierarchical data object.
US09659043B2	Data system and method A system and method for content sharing includes acquiring, by a processing device, a plurality of data objects from data sources, storing the plurality of data objects in a data warehouse, generating a high-level index that is shared by the plurality of data objects, generating a plurality of low-level indices that each provides a respective low-level index for a respective one of the plurality of data objects, and providing the plurality of data objects on the content sharing platform for query or search using the high-level index and the plurality of low-level indices.
US09659042B2	Data lineage tracking A data lineage tracking system may include a memory storing a module comprising machine readable instructions to obtain trace log entries representing an interaction with, a manipulation of, and/or a creation of a data value. The data lineage tracking system may further include machine readable instructions to select the trace log entries that are associated with commands performed by an application, cluster similar trace log entries from the selected trace log entries, and analyze mappings between the clustered trace log entries to determine data lineage flow associated with the data value.
US09659038B2	Efficient snapshot read of a database in a distributed storage system A computer system issues a batch read operation to a tablet in a first replication group in a distributed database and obtains a most recent version of data items in the tablet that have a timestamp no great than a snapshot timestamp T. For each data item in the one tablet, the computer system determines whether the data item has a move-in timestamp less than or equal to the snapshot timestamp T, which is less than a move-out timestamp, and whether the data item has a creation timestamp less than the snapshot timestamp T, which is less than or equal to a deletion timestamp. If the determination is true, the computer system determines whether the move-out timestamp has an actual associated value and, if so, the computer system determines a second tablet in a second replication group in the database that includes the data item and issues the snapshot read operation to the second table in the second replication group to obtain a most-recent version of the data item that has a timestamp no greater than the snapshot timestamp T; otherwise, the computer system issues the snapshot read to the one tablet to obtain a most recent version of the data item that has a timestamp no greater than the snapshot timestamp T.
US09659033B2	Metric based recognition, systems and methods Apparatus, methods and systems of object recognition are disclosed. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generates map-altered image data according to an object-specific metric map, derives a metric-based descriptor set by executing an image analysis algorithm on the map-altered image data, and retrieves digital content associated with a target object as a function of the metric-based descriptor set.
US09659028B2	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.
US09659026B2	Unordered idempotent logical replication operations A method and apparatus for replicating a data container of a source storage server at the logical level in an unordered stream of individual data units are described. In certain embodiments, the replication operations can be performed without regard to the differences in geometry of physical persistent storage of the source and destination storage servers and without regard to the differences in data container format of the source and destination storage servers. An initial replication operation of the source data container is performed by transferring the data objects within the source data container to a replica data container in the destination storage server as an unordered stream of individual data units while preserving data object identifiers of the source data objects. Afterwards, incremental replication operations can be performed to capture modifications to the source data container over time after the initial replication operation.
US09659025B1	Automation of RSG management for backup and recovery In one example, a process for recovery management in a server environment includes creating a recovery database on the server, mounting the recovery database to a volume on the server, setting an overwrite flag for the recovery database, dismounting a previously existing recovery database from the volume, and deleting the previously existing recovery database. One, some, or all of the aforementioned processes may be performed automatically without requiring specific user inputs or commands.
US09659020B2	Serialization for delta encoding Data can be serialized in such a manner as to facilitate later delta encoding, even when the serialization is performed using a lossy compression algorithm or an algorithm in which portions of the serialized data are encoded relative to other portions which may be modified. This can be achieved by approaches including preserving keyframe information across modified versions of a file, duplicating information from a previously created compressed file when serializing a later version, or adding change information showing differences between versions of a file during the serialization process.
US09659016B2	Geographic space management At least one subsystem among the plurality of subsystems includes a managing section operable to manage individual event information for events occurring in a management target region of the at least one subsystem among the plurality of regions and adjacent event information for events occurring in a partial range from a boundary of the management target region among routes in an adjacent region that is adjacent to the management target region, and an event selecting section operable to select events about which the moving object is to be informed, from the individual event information and the adjacent event information managed by the at least one subsystem. Also provided is a method and computer program product.
US09659014B1	Audio and video matching using a hybrid of fingerprinting and content based classification Aspects relate to determining whether a probe media content matches one or more reference media content. The reference media content is classified into a content class. The probe media content could also be classified into a content class. Similarities between the probe media content and the reference media content are identified. A matching score given to the probe media content is weighted based on statistics regarding matches and false-positive rates for the content class of the reference media content. Further, classifiers can be trained on computed audio features and video features and/or video metadata and audio metadata of various media content.
US09659009B2	Selective machine translation with crowdsourcing A structure and method for crowdsourcing includes evaluating a metric related to a content to be translated, determining a priority for the content based on the metric related to the content, and queuing the content for crowdsourcing based on the priority determined from the metric.
US09659008B2	Information-sharing system An information gathering system has a server connected to a network, the server having a processor and a coupled data repository, with software executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium providing system intelligence, and a plurality of computerized communication devices coupled to the network, each having a microphone, a speaker, a GPS capability reporting geographic location, and a display screen, each computerized communication device executing coded instructions providing local intelligence at least presenting interactive interfaces to users of the devices, the users enabled to record an audio or audio-video input to the server. The server receives a report of an event occurring at or near a specific geographic location, determines computerized communication devices reporting geographic location within a predetermined distance from the specific geographic location, and messages users of the second computerized communication devices, eliciting input regarding the event.
US09659005B2	System for semantic interpretation A semantic database is generated to provide answers to questions by users. Text processors can receive text from text sources, and can convert the text into intermediate logical statements. The text processors can then convert these statements into unambiguous semantic representations. A semantic database connected to the text processors can store the semantic representations. Query processors connected to the semantic database can receive a question from a computing device operated by a user, and can convert the question into intermediate logical subqueries. The query processors can then use a disambiguation table to generate unambiguous semantic subqueries from these intermediate logical subqueries. Using the semantic database, the query processors can match each semantic subquery to the stored semantic representation, and join results of the matching as appropriate, to determine one or more answers to the question. The query processors can send the one or more answers to the computing device.
US09659002B2	System and method for inputting text into electronic devices The present invention provides a system comprising a user interface configured to receive text input by a user, a text prediction engine comprising a plurality of language models and configured to receive the input text from the user interface and to generate concurrently text predictions using the plurality of language models, and wherein the text prediction engine is further configured to provide text predictions to the user interface for display and user selection. An analogous method and an interface for use with the system and method are also provided.
US09658998B2	Systems and methods for internationalization and localization Webpage content is sent to a user's web browser in a neutral format. On the user's web browser the webpage content is translated by a transformation application into the appropriate language and locale. A Language template file that contains the internationalization and localization data and processing components is loaded onto a browser and is used by the transformation application to render the final data to the user. The transformation application can render a new language and locale by loading an appropriate language template file.
US09658997B2	Portable page template Similarity between a first web document and a second web document based on a similarity threshold is determined. The second web document has a portable page template associated therewith that includes one or more predetermined transformations that were previously applied to the second web document. In addition, one or more objects in the second web document are addressed upon the similarity threshold being met such that a tolerance threshold for one or more modifications to the second web document is met. A user is provided with the portable page template after the addressing of the one or more objects in the web document so that the portable page template automatically applies the one or more transformations, which were previously applied to the second web document, to the first web document.
US09658993B2	Concurrent preparation of multiple versions of a website Techniques are disclosed for concurrent preparation of multiple versions of a website. Web page content can be branched in response to a request from a first user to create a working copy of one or more production web pages source documents. Any edits applied to the production version of the documents may be automatically applied to the working copy. Further, the working copy can be edited independently of the production version. The working copy can be promoted to production by replacing the production version with the edited working copy. Any number of separate working copies can be created and edited concurrently with the production version.
US09658990B2	Reordering text from unstructured sources to intended reading flow An approach is provided in which a number of sections from a sequence of characters included in a Portable Document Format (PDF) file are identified. Each of the identified sections includes a unique set of coordinate positions. The approach builds links between the sections based on a relative position of each of the sections in relation to the other sections along an axis. The approach repeatedly merges sections based on the links that were built to form increasingly larger sections until a final larger section is generated with the characters appearing in a manner consistent with human reading of the rendered PDF document rather than the placement of the characters found within the original PDF file.
US09658988B2	Systems and methods to segment text for layout and rendering A method for segmenting text for layout on a web browser includes receiving a block of text at a client computer and defining a plurality of regular expressions, where a first regular expression in the plurality of regular expressions is used to search for a word or a word boundary. The client computer segments the block of text into a plurality of text segments, where the segmenting includes searching the block of text starting at a defined location for a first text segment that matches any of the plurality of regular expressions, adding the first text segment to the plurality of text segments, and updating the defined location to be located at the end of the first text segment within the block of text. The client computer then constructs a layout of the block of text using the plurality of text segments.
US09658981B2	Network interface card for a computing node of a parallel computer accelerated by general purpose graphics processing units, and related inter-node communication method A Network Interface Card (NIC) for a cluster node for parallel calculation on multi-core GPU is described. The NIC has a cluster network including a host and a host memory, a graphics processing unit (GPU) with a GPU memory, a bus and the NIC. The NIC has a transmission network connection block and a reception network connection block. The NIC further includes the following blocks: a transmission block, a reception block, and a GPU memory management block for a direct exchange between the GPU memory and the network through the NIC. An inter-nodal communication method of a nodes cluster, which uses the NIC is also described.
US09658977B2	High speed, parallel configuration of multiple field programmable gate arrays Representative embodiments are disclosed for a rapid and highly parallel configuration process for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In a representative method embodiment, using a host processor, a first configuration bit image for an application is stored in a host memory; one of more FPGAs are configured with a communication functionality such as PCIe using a second configuration bit image stored in a nonvolatile memory; a message is transmitted by the host processor to the FPGAs, usually via PCIe lines, with the message comprising a memory address and also a file size of the first configuration bit image in the host memory; using a DMA engine, each FPGA obtains the first configuration bit image from the host memory and is then configured using the first configuration bit image. Primary FPGAs may further transmit the first configuration bit image to additional, secondary FPGAs, such as via JTAG lines, for their configuration.
US09658973B2	Controlling operations according to another system's architecture An I/O device operating according to a native computer architecture is accessed by a primary computer system operating according to a primary computer architecture. An application program of the primary computer system requests an I/O operation to access the I/O device. To facilitate this access, an application program interface formed of primary instructions for execution by the primary processor processes the I/O operation to provide an I/O request and to receive an interrupt in response to completion of the access. A thread is formed of primary instructions for execution by the primary processor for receiving the interrupt from the application program interface. A subsystem operates in response to the I/O request to access the I/O device and to provide the interrupt.
US09658972B1	Universal pull-through receiver A hybrid mass interconnect system and universal pull-through receiver are shown and described. In one embodiment, a universal receiver for a mass interconnect system includes a frame, a connection assembly and a universal interconnect module. Typically, the receiver supports a variety of testing platforms, including PXI-based platforms, LXI-based platforms, AXIe-based platforms, and a combination thereof. In other examples, a variety of other platform relationships may be used. In particular examples, the universal interconnect module has an upper tier with a pair of spatially separated horizontal rails and a lower tier that is adjacent to the upper tier with at least one pair of spatially separated vertical rails. The result is an interconnect system and receiver for enhancing the organizational and interchangeable electrical engagement between a test adapter and automated testing equipment.
US09658968B1	Implementing hardware accelerator for storage write cache management A method and controller for implementing enhanced storage adapter write cache management, and a design structure on which the subject controller circuit resides are provided. The controller includes a hardware write cache engine implementing hardware acceleration for storage write cache management. The controller manages write cache data and metadata with minimum or no firmware involvement for greatly enhancing performance.
US09658967B2	Evicting cached stores A tool for determining eviction of store cache entries based on store pressure. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, a count value for one or more new store cache entry allocations. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors, whether a new store cache entry allocation limit is exceeded. Responsive to determining the new store cache entry allocation limit is exceeded, the tool determines, by one or more computer processors, an allocation value for one or more existing store cache entries, the allocation value indicating an allocation class for each of the one or more existing store cache entries. The tool determines, by one or more computer processors based, at least in part, on the allocation value for the one or more existing store cache entries, at least one allocation class for eviction. The tool program determines, by one or more computer processors, an eviction request setting for evicting the one or more existing store cache entries.
US09658965B2	Cache utilization to efficiently manage a storage system In an approach for managing a storage system, distribution of storage volumes among a plurality of storage controller groups may be adjusted dynamically or adaptively based on the current access hot degrees of respective storage volumes in the storage system. In this way, optimized distribution of storage volumes can be achieved without user interference. Such redistribution eliminates the degradation of performance of the storage system.
US09658964B2	Tiered data storage system A storage media comprising a first storage subset with a first value of a storage media characteristic and a second storage subset with a second value of the storage media characteristic, the first value of a storage media characteristic being substantially different than the second value of the storage media characteristic and a storage controller configured to allocate a plurality of logical block addresses (LBAs) between the first storage subset and the second storage subset based on a predetermined criterion in view of the first value of the storage media characteristic and the second value of the storage media characteristic.
US09658960B2	Subcache affinity A method and apparatus for controlling affinity of subcaches is disclosed. When a core compute unit evicts a line of victim data, a prioritized search for space allocation on available subcaches is executed, in order of proximity between the subcache and the compute unit. The victim data may be injected into an adjacent subcache if space is available. Otherwise, a line may be evicted from the adjacent subcache to make room for the victim data or the victim data may be sent to the next closest subcache. To retrieve data, a core compute unit sends a Tag Lookup Request message directly to the nearest subcache as well as to a cache controller, which controls routing of messages to all of the subcaches. A Tag Lookup Response message is sent back to the cache controller to indicate if the requested data is located in the nearest sub-cache.
US09658957B2	Systems and methods for managing data input/output operations Systems and methods for managing data input/output operations are described. In one aspect, a device driver identifies a data read operation generated by a virtual machine in a virtual environment. The device driver is located in the virtual machine and the data read operation identifies a physical cache address associated with the data requested in the data read operation. A determination is made regarding whether data associated with the data read operation is available in a cache associated with the virtual machine.
US09658949B2	Test system of system on chip and test method thereof A test system method for testing software of each of a plurality of system on chips (SoCs) are provided. The test system includes: a plurality of test units configured to test the plurality of SoCs according to a plurality of test cases, respectively; a power supplier configured to supply, to each of the plurality of test units, power of a level corresponding to a corresponding test case, among the plurality of test cases; a temperature controller configured to provide, to each of the plurality of test units, a temperature control signal according to the corresponding test case, and to monitor a measurement temperature, provided from each of the plurality of test units, of each of the plurality of SoCs; and an analyzer configured to analyze at least one of a driving voltage, a driving current, and a driving frequency of each of the plurality of SoCs.
US09658948B2	Workload mapper for potential problem areas using modules and defect data Embodiments are directed to methods for improving the efficiency at which problem areas are identified and prioritized for an existing large, multi-module software system. In some embodiments, a workload mapper generates workload maps that identify the intersection between defect risk scores accumulated for various modules and a log of the modules that are accesses by a given workload. A graphical user interface (GUI) provides the ability to sort, search, compare and display the workload maps against various sort, search and/or compare criteria.
US09658947B2	Method for ranking fault-test pairs based on waveform statistics in a mutation-based test program evaluation system Ranking of fault-test pairs is performed using first and second multitudes of waveform statistics. The first multitude of waveform statistics includes first value-change information regarding variations in logics HIGH and LOW for each bit of each reference output resulting from a test run of the design code. The second multitude of waveform statistics includes second value-change information regarding variations in logics HIGH and LOW for each bit of each faulty output resulting from a test run of the design code injected with a fault. Relative differences between the first and second multitudes of waveform statistics for each bit of each faulty output with respect to the corresponding reference output are determined. A waveform difference based on the relative differences for each signal of each faulty output is determined. A ranking result of fault-test pairs is determined according to the waveform differences of the faulty outputs.
US09658946B2	Test machine management A method includes distributing the plurality of test cases to any available test agents, wherein each test case out of the plurality of test cases does not have any associated preconditions. The method receives event information for a first test case out of the plurality of test cases from a first test agent. Responsive to determining the event information for the first test case includes a satisfied condition for a second test case, the method determines whether the satisfied condition for the second test case relates to a global variable or local variable. The method handles the second test case, wherein handling the second test case includes distributing the second test case to the first test agent subsequent to the first test agent becoming available if the satisfied condition relates to the local variable.
US09658944B2	Generic test automation for graphical user interface (GUI) applications A method for generic test automation comprises mapping generic interface commands for objects to be tested to tool-specific interface commands of a test automation tool. An application-specific element map based on an application for test is identified, and the application-specific element map includes label names for the elements of the application-specific element map. Application-specific user actions, which are created based on the generic interface commands and the application-specific element map, are sent to the test automation tool for testing the application.
US09658942B2	Dynamic tracing framework for debugging in virtualized environments Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for a dynamic tracing framework for debugging in a virtualized environment. Embodiment of the present invention can include selecting a home node and a set of remote nodes to which apply a set of probes. Data collection is performed by a tracing agent of each node and the collection of data is shared across multiple software systems.
US09658941B2	Methods and systems of function-specific tracing A system and methods are provided for function-specific tracing of a program. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a trace profile identifying one or more functions of a target program, wherein the trace profile identifies one or more functions to trace and depth of tracing for each function to be traced, loading the trace profile and the target program, identifying traced functions in the target program based on the trace profile, patching the target program to call a trace parameter for one or more functions, wherein traced functions are declared at runtime, and observing function calls for traced functions of the application. In this regard, individual functions are traced and debugged on a function-by-function basis without modifying the code or pre-arranging functions so they are traceable. As such, the scope of tracing may be dynamically limited to yield only information that is desired.
US09658938B2	Iterative test generation based on data source analysis A method of testing a software program may include generating a test driver by assigning concrete values to input variables of a software program. The method may also include assigning symbolic source set elements to the input variables of the software program to generate a data structure based on the symbolic source set elements. The method may also include symbolically executing a current instruction of the software program based on the concrete values and symbolic source set elements assigned to the input variables of the software program and performing data source analysis on the current instruction of the software program based on symbolic execution of the current instruction.
US09658937B2	Optimization of hardware monitoring for computing devices Various aspects provide systems and methods for optimizing hardware monitoring on a computing device. A computing device may receive a monitoring request to monitor a portion of code or data within a process executing on the computing device. The computing device may generate from the monitoring request a first monitoring configuration parameter for a first hardware monitoring component in the computing device and may identify a non-optimal event pattern that occurs while the first hardware monitoring component monitors the portion of code or data according to the first monitoring configuration parameter. The computing device may apply a transformation to the portion of code or data and reconfigure the first hardware monitoring component by modifying the first monitoring configuration parameter in response to the transformation of the portion of code or data.
US09658936B2	Optimization analysis using similar frequencies Periodicity similarity between two different tracer objectives may be used to identify additional input parameters to sample. The tracer objectives may be individual portions of a large tracer operation, and each of the tracer objectives may have separate set of input objects for which data may be collected. After collecting data for a tracer objective, other tracer objectives with similar periodicities may be identified. The input objects from the other tracer objectives may be added to a tracer objective and the tracer objective may be executed to determine a statistical significance of the newly added objective. An iterative process may traverse multiple input objects until exhausting possible input objects and a statistically significant set of input objects are identified.
US09658927B1	Assisted device recovery A system for assisted device recovery is provided. The system includes a CMTS connected to a cable modem over a network. The system also includes database including a plurality of cable modem fingerprints and associated recovery actions and an assisted device recovery module. The assisted device recovery module includes one or more processors and a memory. The assisted device recovery module also includes a cable modem identifier configured to identify the make and model of the cable modem using a fingerprint, wherein the fingerprint includes a hardware version and a software version of the cable modem, a recovery determiner configured to query the database with the cable modem fingerprint and determine an associated recovery action, and a recovery performer configured to perform the associated recovery action on the cable modem.
US09658922B2	Computer-readable recording medium having stored therein program for write inspection, information processing device, and method for write inspection An information processing device that inputs and outputs data into and from a storage device having a plurality of regions, and includes a processor that: changes a first counter value corresponding to a first region serving as a writing target and being retained in a retainer retaining multiple counter values one representing the number of times of data writing into each of the regions; obtains the first counter value from the retainer; generates block data by attaching the first counter value to data to be written into the first region; writes the block data into the first region; when the first counter value satisfies a predetermined condition, reads the block data from the first region after the writing, and compares the read block data with the block data written into the first region, and when the read block data does not match the written block data, notifies an error.
US09658920B1	Method for reconfiguring an erroneous memory frame in an integrated circuit A method of correcting a configuration memory frame may include identifying an erroneous memory frame in a plurality of memory frames in the integrated circuit. The erroneous memory frame may be identified with error detection circuitry on the integrated circuit. A portion of data stored in an off-chip memory module may be read with controller circuitry. The read data portion may correspond to the erroneous memory frame. The erroneous memory frame may thus be corrected by loading the read data portion into the erroneous memory frame during normal operation of the integrated circuit. Every memory bit in the erroneous memory frame may be replaced or overwritten when the read data portion is loaded into the erroneous memory frame. The integrated circuit may be partially reconfigured when the erroneous memory frame is corrected.
US09658914B2	Troubleshooting system using device snapshots An information handling system (IHS) troubleshooting system includes a customer IHS including a plurality of components. A customer management system in the customer IHS detects a failure in a managed system and, in response, immediately triggers a device snapshot of the customer IHS. At least one managed system in the customer IHS includes a device snapshot engine that, in response to the customer management system triggering the device snapshot of the customer IHS, immediately create the device snapshot of the customer IHS. A device snapshot storage in the customer IHS stores the device snapshot of the customer IHS. A snapshot communication engine in the customer IHS sends the device snapshot of the customer IHS over the network to a support IHS. The support IHS may load the device snapshot into a virtual IHS and manage the virtual IHS to replicate the failure detected in the managed system for troubleshooting.
US09658911B2	Selecting a directory of a dispersed storage network A method begins by a processing module receiving a dispersed storage network (DSN) access request accessing DSN memory regarding a set of encoded data slices, selecting a local DSN directory or a global DSN directory to produce a selected DSN directory, identifying an entry of the selected DSN directory regarding the set of encoded data slices to produce an identified entry, and accessing the DSN memory regarding the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining whether to update one or more of the local DSN directory and the global DSN directory based on the accessing the DSN memory and when the one or more of the local DSN directory and the global DSN directory is to be updated, updating the one or more of the local DSN directory and the global DSN directory in accordance with the accessing the DSN memory.
US09658909B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program An information processing apparatus includes a storage configured to store trace information relating to execution conditions of monitoring subjects, and a determination value, the determination value being a number of the monitoring subjects using a specific resource that can be used by the monitoring subjects, and a processor configured to increase the determination value by a predetermined value when one of the monitoring subjects starts to use the specific resource, reduce the determination value by the predetermined value when one of the monitoring subjects stops using the specific resource, and delete the trace information stored in the storage when the determination value indicates that none of the monitoring subjects are using the specific resource.
US09658906B2	Routing messages between applications A system and method for enabling the interchange of enterprise data through an open platform is disclosed. This open platform can be based on a standardized interface that enables parties to easily connect to and use the network. Services operating as senders, recipients, and in-transit parties can therefore leverage a framework that overlays a public network.
US09658894B2	Automatically and dynamically reclaiming resources during virtual machine decommission Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, computer program product, and computer system for reclaiming resources during virtual machine decommission. The method includes determining a virtual machine (VM) resource utilization and a cluster utilization. If the VM resource utilization is less than a first predetermined threshold and the cluster utilization is greater than a second predetermined threshold, the method then determines whether an active timer exists. If the active timer exists and has expired, then dynamic decommission of the VM is triggered.
US09658893B2	Multilayered resource scheduling Systems and methods for multilayered resource scheduling are provided. A system may include a user interface, an upper level scheduler, at least one lower level scheduler, and a reporting module. The user interface may receive a plurality of tasks. The upper level scheduler may sort the plurality of tasks into tasks with identical resource requirements. The lower level scheduler may be operable to receive resource requirements associated with a task. The lower level scheduler may ascertain compute resources sufficient to execute the task on a machine in a compute farm and advertise the compute resources as matching the resource requirements. The lower level scheduler may further receive a request to execute the task on the machine. The compute resources may be controlled to execute the tasks with the identical resource requirements without further scheduling operations. The lower level scheduler may control the compute resources to execute the task.
US09658892B2	Management of storage cluster performance with hybrid workloads Embodiments of the invention relate to management of hybrid workloads, including serial and parallel workload optimizations, in a shared pool of configurable computer resources. Resource utilization in the shared pool is dynamically tracked, and employed for assessing a set of servers a parallel access protocol should utilize for one or more I/O requests in conjunction with any serial workload optimizations. Accordingly, the load balancing embodies a diverse set of workloads to support dynamic and equitable allocation.
US09658890B2	Runtime agnostic representation of user code for execution with selected execution runtime An execution environment in a computer system allows user code to be executed using multiple execution runtimes. The execution environment translates the user code into a runtime agnostic representation, selects an execution runtime for executing the runtime agnostic representation, and invokes a scheduler for the selected execution runtime. The scheduler dispatches tasks from the runtime agnostic representation for execution by the computer system using concurrency mechanisms in the selected execution runtime.
US09658888B2	Thresholding task control blocks for staging and destaging For thresholding task control blocks (TCBs) for staging and destaging, a first tier of TCBs are reserved for guaranteeing a minimum number of TCBs for staging and destaging for storage ranks. An additional number of requested TCBs are apportioned from a second tier of TCBs to each of the storage ranks based on a scaling factor that is calculated at predefined time intervals.
US09658887B2	Computing session workload scheduling and management of parent-child tasks where parent tasks yield resources to children tasks A single workload scheduler schedules sessions and tasks having a tree structure to resources, wherein the single workload scheduler has scheduling control of the resources and the tasks of the parent-child workload sessions and tasks. The single workload scheduler receives a request to schedule a child session created by a scheduled parent task that when executed results in a child task; the scheduled parent task is dependent on a result of the child task. The single workload scheduler receives a message from the scheduled parent task yielding a resource based on the resource not being used by the scheduled parent task, schedules tasks to backfill the resource, and returns the resource yielded by the scheduled parent task to the scheduled parent task based on receiving a resume request from the scheduled parent task or determining dependencies of the scheduled parent task have been met.
US09658883B2	Method and apparatus for controlling job schedule A controller apparatus obtains job history information including execution records of one or more jobs not registered in a scheduler. Based on the job history information, the controller apparatus then estimates resource usage during execution time periods initially scheduled for jobs registered in the scheduler. This resource usage includes that of at least one of the jobs not registered in the scheduler which is to be executed together with the registered jobs on an information processing apparatus. When the estimated resource usage satisfies predetermined conditions, the controller apparatus schedules jobs including the registered jobs and the at least one of the non-registered jobs.
US09658879B2	System and method for supporting buffer allocation in a shared memory queue A system and method can support buffer allocation in a shared memory queue. The shared memory queue can be associated with a shared memory, to which one or more communication peers are attached. One or more processes can travel through a plurality of memory blocks in the shared memory, and can allocate one or more message buffers in the shared memory mutual exclusively. The allocated message buffers can be used to contain one or more messages for the one or more communication peers. Furthermore, a said process can allocate the message buffers based on an atomic operation on the memory block at the instruction level.
US09658872B1	Maintaining user identity associated with access to network resources using virtual machines The identity of a user of a computerized system is maintained by operating a virtual machine used only by the user, such that logged actions made by the virtual machine can be associated with the user, wherein the user is not otherwise directly identified by the virtual machine. Information requests made from the virtual machine to a specific resource may be logged to enable tracking and auditing of resource access by the user. The virtual machine is managed by an access device to a data center for the enterprise system, a server, or other device within the data center.
US09658867B2	Preserving object code translations of a library for future reuse by an emulator Provided is a method of preserving object code translations of a library for future reuse by an emulator. A munmap(2) system call is intercepted from an application for unmapping a mapped library memory address. A determination is made if an entry related to the mapped library memory address is present in a first predefined data structure. If said entry is present, a determination is made if the mapped library memory address corresponds to a library text or library data. If the mapped memory address corresponds to the library text, said entry is flagged as inactive in the first predefined data structure, and an object code translation of the library text is preserved in the mapped library memory address. If the mapped library memory address corresponds to the library data, contents of the mapped address are reset to zero.
US09658866B2	System and method for providing virtual desktop extensions on a client desktop The system and method described herein may identify one or more virtual desktop extensions available in a cloud computing environment and launch virtual machine instances to host the available virtual desktop extensions in the cloud. For example, a virtual desktop extension manager may receive a virtual desktop extension request from a client desktop and determine whether authentication credentials for the client desktop indicate that the client desktop has access to the requested virtual desktop extension. In response to authenticating the client desktop, the virtual desktop extension manager may then launch a virtual machine instance to host the virtual desktop extension in the cloud and provide the client desktop with information for locally controlling the virtual desktop extension remotely hosted in the cloud.
US09658864B2	Method and device for creation of integrated user interface A method and device for creating an integrated User Interface (UI) by combining individual application UIs. The device receives application UIs from individual UI providing devices, combines the application UIs into the integrated UI, and displays the integrated UI. When an application UI is selected from the integrated UI, the device sends a function invocation signal to a corresponding device in order to perform the particular function corresponding to the selected application UI.
US09658862B2	Live initialization of a boot device Various embodiments of the present invention that include executing, by a processor, a software stack. A writeable boot device such as a storage device with a removable medium is detected, and a second software stack is saved by replacing, on the writeable boot device, a first boot image with a second boot image comprising a second software stack.
US09658861B2	Boot strap processor assignment for a multi-core processing unit Following a restart or a reboot of a system that includes a multi-core processor, the multi-core processor may assign one of the cores as a boot strap processor (BSP). Initialization logic may detect a state of each of the plurality of processing cores as active or inactive. The initialization logic may detect an attribute of each of the plurality of processing cores as eligible to be assigned as a BSP or as ineligible to be assigned as the BSP. The initialization logic may detect a last processing core of the plurality of processing cores in the interconnect that is an active processing core based at least in part on the state and is eligible to be assigned as the BSP based at least in part on the attribute. In various embodiments, the initialization information may assign the last processing core as the BSP.
US09658859B2	Method of implementing magnetic random access memory (MRAM) for mobile system-on chip boot A method of booting a system on chip (SoC) includes using an on-chip MRAM located in the SoC, to store a boot software that includes a start-up software, boot loaders, and kernel and user-personalized information in an on-chip magnetic random access memory (MRAM) located in and residing on the same semiconductor as the SoC. The method further includes directly executing the boot software from the on-chip MRAM by the SoC and directly accessing the user-personalized information from the MRAM by the SoC.
US09658848B2	Stored procedure development and deployment Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for developing, storing, validating, tracking and transferring stored procedures are presented. The stored procedures may be stored in a central storage location. The storage location may receive a first version of a stored procedure and generate a change identifier for the first version. The system may evaluate the stored procedure to determine whether it complies with standards of the entity. In some examples, the first version may be checked-out and transferred to another environment for, for instance, modification to create a second version. The second version may then be transmitted to the central storage location for storage. A second change identifier may be generated and associate with the second version. The second version and the second change identifier may be stored. Similarly, an unlimited number of modifications to the stored procedure, each associated with a unique change identifier from the storage system, may be made.
US09658846B2	Software configuration control wherein containers are associated with physical storage of software application versions in a software production landscape According to some embodiments, a source version of a software product may be established in connection with a software production landscape. A first container, representing a first uniquely addressable physical location in the software production landscape, may then be associated with the source version. An executable derivative version of the software product may be built from the source version, and a second container, representing a second uniquely addressable physical location in the software production landscape, may be associated with the executable derivative version. Software configuration information may then be automatically provided to a user based at least in part on a relationship between the first and second containers at a given point in time.
US09658840B2	Compiler and compiling method for a networked control system comprising a plurality of devices The invention relates to a compiler and a method for compiling control logic for a plurality of devices of a networked control system, particularly to the automated assignment of control logic to devices. The invention provides with a compilation an automatic assignment procedure of an executable runtime code to devices of a networked control system. The assignment process of control logic to the devices may take various optimization criteria into account which include various distribution aspects, e.g. network resources or capabilities, such as available bandwidth or reliability of the network links, and device resources or capabilities, e.g. CPU, memory, power source or sleeping behavior which may influence the observed behavior of the devices, e.g. due to transmission delay or data packet loss.
US09658837B1	Integration of independent platforms A system includes a first computing device, a second computing device, and a third computing device. The first computing device is configured to identify a first event and store a first event code, a plurality of first entry codes, and first information associated with each of the plurality of entry codes. The second computing device is configured to derive a plurality of first translated event codes based on the first event code and a plurality of first translated entry codes for each of the plurality of first entry codes. The second computing device is further configured to determine whether the plurality of first entry codes were successfully derived. The third computing device is configured to read the first journal entry of the second database and determine, based on the indication that the plurality of first translated entry codes were successfully derived, to perform a first task.
US09658832B2	Multi-factor entropy sourcing for random number generators Systems and methods for multi-factor entropy sourcing for random number generators. An example method may comprise: identifying, by a processing device, a plurality of entropy sources; receiving random bits from each of the plurality of entropy sources; identifying a minimum number of bits among numbers of bits received from each of two or more entropy sources of the plurality of entropy sources; mixing, into an entropy pool, at least the identified minimum number of bits received from each entropy source of two or more entropy sources; and increasing a size of the entropy pool by the identified minimum number of bits.
US09658829B2	Near optimal configurable adder tree for arbitrary shaped 2D block sum of absolute differences (SAD) calculation engine Embodiments of a near optimal configurable adder tree for arbitrary shaped 2D block sum of absolute differences (SAD) calculation engine are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a configurable two-dimensional adder tree architecture for computing a sum of absolute differences (SAD) for various block sizes up to 16 by 16 comprises a first stage of one-dimensional adder trees and a second stage of one-dimensional adder trees, wherein each one-dimensional adder tree comprises an input routing network, a plurality of adder units, and an output routing network.
US09658828B2	Decimal and binary floating point rounding Arithmetic logic circuitry is provided for performing a floating point arithmetic add/subtract operation on first and second floating point numbers. The method includes: generating a guard digit for the first or second number by transforming the first and second numbers by a compressing function; determining a result depending on the arithmetic operation, a sum of the transformed floating point numbers, and first and second differences of the transformed floating point numbers, and determining a corresponding result plus one by additionally adding a value of one to the result; generating injection values for rounding the final result; generating injection carry values based on the transformed first and second numbers and the injection values; and selecting the final result from the result, the result plus one, and a least significant digit, based on the injection carry values and the end around carry signals.
US09658824B1	Extracting topics from customer review search queries Relevant topics for an item may be extracted from customer review search queries. Customer review search queries are obtained from customers to search a collection of customer reviews for a specific item. Relevant topics for the specific item are extracted by analyzing the queries. A user interface is generated based at least in part on at least some of the relevant topics.
US09658814B2	Display of dynamic safety-relevant three-dimensional contents on a display device In order to represent an item of three-dimensional graphical information on a display device, in particular of a vehicle, a method calculates a first item of two-dimensional graphical information for at least one first area of the display device from the three-dimensional information using a graphics processor, The display device represents the three-dimensional information in a two-dimensional manner. A second item of two-dimensional graphical information is calculated for at least one second area of the display device from the three-dimensional information using a universal processor. The second area is part of the first area. The method checks whether the first and second items of two-dimensional graphical information have a degree of correspondence which is higher than a threshold value, and outputs the first item of two-dimensional information on the display device if the first and second items of two-dimensional graphical information have a degree of correspondence which is higher than the threshold value.
US09658812B2	Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus By adding a distinction for every sheet bundle of a same delivery destination and ejecting the sheet bundle, a sorting burden on the user is reduced. According to a control method of a printing apparatus, a job including predetermined information is received, an image is printed to a sheet by executing the received job, and on the basis of the predetermined information included in the received job, the sheet which is printed by executing the job is ejected to a position different from that of a sheet ejected before the sheet.
US09658811B2	Printing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and printing method A printing apparatus includes a memory that stores, upon request from a first print-instruction originator, first print-instruction information that instructs the printing apparatus to print, in association with the first print-instruction originator, and stores, upon request from a second print-instruction originator, second print-instruction information that instructs the printing apparatus to print, in association with the second print-instruction originator, and a printing unit that executes, in an order determined by a predetermined rule, a print job based on the first print-instruction information stored in association with the first print-instruction originator, and a print job based on the second print-instruction information stored in association with the second print-instruction originator, when a first terminal apparatus used by the first print-instruction originator and a second terminal apparatus used by the second print-instruction originator exist within a predetermined first distance with reference to the printing apparatus.
US09658803B1	Managing accesses to storage A method is used in managing accesses to storage. An amount of data storage space in use by a mapped logical volume and RAID group characteristics of a storage pool used by the mapped logical volume are determined. Based on the amount and the RAID group characteristics, a report of storage resources corresponding to the mapped logical volume is produced. Based on the report, accesses to the mapped logical volume are controlled.
US09658798B2	Grouping of tracks for copy source to target destage on global mirror secondary For performing efficient full-stride copy source-to-target operations in a computing storage environment by a processor device, pursuant to a destage operation, a determination is made whether to destage a full stride or one track of data on a target volume by comparing a counted number of modified tracks for the full stride against a predetermined threshold.
US09658797B1	Storage provisioning in a data storage environment A system, method, and computer program product for storage provisioning in a data storage environment comprising protecting, through an orchestration API, a source volume at a source site by setting the source volume to be replicated to a target volume at a target site through the use of a replication appliance; wherein the API is enabled to create network zones between the source site and the target site for replication from the source site to the target site and wherein the network zone is configured to include the replication appliance; wherein the API is enabled to mask storage devices used to store data on the source volume and the target volume.
US09658795B2	Managing temperature of solid state disk devices A solid state disk (SSD) device has a set of data transfer parameters which regulate I/O operations of the SSD device. The temperature of the SSD device is monitored using temperature readings from a temperature sensor. The temperature of the SSD device satisfies a temperature threshold. A data transfer modification is determined. The data transfer modification is capable of modifying one or more data transfer parameters of the set of data transfer parameters. The set of data transfer parameters is modified using the data transfer modification in response to the temperature of the SSD satisfying the temperature threshold. One or more I/O operations are completed with the SSD device using the modified set of data transfer parameters.
US09658791B2	Managing temperature of solid state disk devices A solid state disk (SSD) device has a set of data transfer parameters which regulate I/O operations of the SSD device. The temperature of the SSD device is monitored using temperature readings from a temperature sensor. The temperature of the SSD device satisfies a temperature threshold. A data transfer modification is determined. The data transfer modification is capable of modifying one or more data transfer parameters of the set of data transfer parameters. The set of data transfer parameters is modified using the data transfer modification in response to the temperature of the SSD satisfying the temperature threshold. One or more I/O operations are completed with the SSD device using the modified set of data transfer parameters.
US09658789B2	Storage module and method for optimized power utilization A storage module and method are provided for optimized power utilization. In one embodiment, a storage module is provided comprising a storage controller and a plurality of memory dies in communication with the storage controller. The storage controller determines if sufficient power is available to perform an operation on one of the memory dies. In response to determining that sufficient power is not available to perform the operation on one of the memory dies, the storage controller determines if suspending an in-progress operation on another one of the memory dies would provide enough power to perform the operation. In response to determining that suspending the in-progress operation would provide enough power to perform the operation, the storage controller suspends the in-progress operation and performs the operation. Instead of suspending an in-progress operation, the storage controller can instead use a reduced power version of the operation or the in-progress operation.
US09658788B2	Systems and methods for immediate physical erasure of data stored in a memory system in response to a user command Systems and methods for immediate physical erasure of data in a memory system in response to a user command are disclosed. In one implementation, a memory system includes a non-volatile memory and a controller in communication with the non-volatile memory. The controller comprises a processor that is configured to receive from a host in communication with the memory system, a destruct command that indicates a user request to make the memory system inoperable. The processor is further configured to perform one or more operations to render the memory system inoperable in response to the destruct command received from the host.
US09658781B2	Tier based data file management A hierarchal storage management method is provided. The method includes detecting a first portion of a first file being deleted from a hybrid storage device including a hard disk drive (HDD) memory device, a solid state drive (SSD) memory device, and an archival storage memory device. A first set of memory blocks associated with the first portion of the first file is identified. The first set of memory blocks are determined to reside on the SSD memory device. In response, the first set of memory blocks are transferred from the SSD memory device to a first portion of the hybrid storage device.
US09658778B2	Method and system for monitoring and analyzing quality of service in a metro-cluster Methods and systems for inter-cluster storage system monitoring and analysis are provided. The method includes monitoring a non-volatile memory delay center for a first storage cluster having a first node and a second node configured to operate as a first high availability pair, where data for a write request to write data to the first node is also written to the second node as well as to a second cluster having a third node and a fourth node, where the third node and the fourth node are also configured to operate as a second high availability pair to store the data for the write request at one or both of the third and fourth node. The non-volatile memory delay center is used to monitor and detect latency due to any delay caused by a non-volatile memory of the first node used as a write cache.
US09658775B2	Adjusting page sharing scan rates based on estimation of page sharing opportunities within large pages Memory performance in a computer system that implements large page mappings is improved by dynamically tuning the page scan rate at which a memory sharing module (e.g., in a hypervisor) performs small page scanning operations that identify and exploit potential small page sharing opportunities within large pages. In operation, when free memory is relatively low, the hypervisor adjusts the page scan rate based on a statistical estimate of the percentage of virtual small pages that are mapped to physical large pages that are shareable. In this fashion the hypervisor dynamically tunes the sharing rate to reflect memory usage of applications. Further, unlike conventional approach to page sharing, the hypervisor proactively breaks large pages before resorting to more expensive memory reclamation techniques, such as ballooning and host swapping.
US09658771B2	Computer implemented user interface for inputting indian language alphabets A computer implemented user interface which enables a user to input alphabets in at least one Indian language is disclosed herein. The user interface includes a display enabled keypad layout which in turn includes a default keypad layer, a first keypad layer, a second keypad layer and a third keypad layer. The default keypad layer comprises a plurality of alphabets represented as selectable vowels and consonants. The first keypad layer comprises the vowels and consonants, and a plurality of modifiers. The second keypad layer comprises a plurality of matras, a plurality of halants, the vowels, and the consonants. The third keypad layer comprises the matras and the modifiers. The keypad layers are configured to be incorporated onto the display enabled keypad layout and selectively displayed, based on at least the selection of a key on at least one of the keypad layers.
US09658767B2	Information processing device A mobile communication terminal that includes a display panel; a first touch panel provided on a surface of the display panel; a second touch panel provided on at least one surface of the mobile communication terminal other than the surface of the display panel; and a controller that controls the display panel based on at least one of a size and number of contacts corresponding to a touch input detected at the second touch panel.
US09658764B2	Information processing apparatus and control method thereof An information processing apparatus detects a touched point where an operation screen has been touched, and when the number of touched points detected has decreased to one point, recognize an input based on one detected touched point as a single-touch operation by using a condition different from that when the number of touched points has increased to one point from a state in which a touched point is not detected.
US09658762B2	Mobile terminal and method for controlling display of object on touch screen A method for controlling display of an object displayed on a touch screen in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes displaying the object on the touch screen, generating an extension bar in response to a touch that is detected on the touch screen for a period of time, generating a zoom window in response to resizing of the extension bar, and zooming in and displaying content of the object in response to movement of the generated zoom window.
US09658759B2	User adjustable data sharing between multiple graph elements First sample data is generated to render an instance of a first graph element type with a first axis. Second sample data is generated to render an instance of a second graph element type with a second axis parallel to the first axis. Data points used for the first axis are different from data points used for the second axis. A first axis selector is presented in association with the first axis. An indicator is received that indicates selection of the presented first axis selector. After receipt of the indicator, a second indicator is received that indicates selection of a shared role between the first axis and the second axis. After receipt of the second indicator, the instance of the second graph element type is rendered with the first axis. Third data points used for the second axis automatically have the same value as first data points used for the first axis.
US09658758B1	Online information system with continuous scrolling and position correction A web page may be rendered for display on a client device. The rendered web page may be based on a first document. A first scroll position of the rendered web page may be determined. The first scroll position may be below the beginning of the first document. The web page may be re-rendered for display on the client device. The re-rendered web page may be based on a second document. A web-page navigation back command may be received. Possibly responsive to receiving the web-page navigation back command, the web page may be further re-rendered for display on the client device, and a scroll position of the further re-rendered web page may be adjusted to be at the beginning of the first document. The further re-rendered web page may be based on the first document.
US09658755B2	Electronic device An electronic device that increases both visual perceptibility and selectability of executable programs. A display is a display with an elongated shape whose display surface includes a first region and a second region aligned in a longitudinal direction. In the first region, only an image that corresponds to a program that is specified as the main program is displayed. In the second region, images that correspond to sub-programs are displayed to be lined up in the longitudinal direction. The image includes an execution image of the program that is specified as the main program.
US09658753B2	Touch screen device with normal and sleep modes and method for driving the same A touch sensitive display device and a method for driving the same capable of increasing the touch recognition rate of the touch sensitive display device in the sleep mode are disclosed. The touch sensitive display device supports a normal mode and a sleep mode. The display device includes touch driving lines and a touch driver to supply one or more touch driving signals to the touch driving lines. The touch driver supplies the one or more touch driving signals at a first frequency during the normal mode of the touch sensitive display device, supplies the one or more touch driving signals at a second frequency during a first portion of the sleep mode of the touch sensitive display device, and supplies the one or more touch driving signals at a third frequency during a second portion of the sleep mode of the touch sensitive display device.
US09658752B2	Method and apparatus for content channels using references An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.
US09658745B1	Presentation of non-interrupting content items A method for enabling a user of a computing device to designate a content item for subsequent review is provided. The computing device is coupled to a memory device and a display. The method is implemented using the computing device. The method includes displaying, by the computing device, a first publication. The method further includes the steps of displaying, by the computing device, a content item at a first time, wherein the content item is displayed in conjunction with the first publication. The method further includes receiving, by the computing device, a first input from the user to designate the content item for subsequent review, generating an indicator that the content item has been designated for subsequent review, causing the memory device to store the indicator, determining a second time to display the content item, and displaying the content item at the second time.
US09658741B2	Measuring device and measuring method with interactive operation A measuring device comprises a control unit, a measuring unit, a display unit and an input unit. The measuring unit comprises a plurality of functional units and a connection unit configured for selectively connecting the plurality of functional units. The control unit is configured to control the display unit to display a plurality of function blocks each corresponding to at least one functional unit. The input unit is configured to allow a user to select one of the plurality of function blocks. The control unit is configured, after a function block is selected by the user, to control the display unit to display possible connections of the selected function block to further function blocks.
US09658739B1	Optimizing presentation of interactive graphical elements based on contextual relevance A method includes identifying a plurality of interactive graphical elements that are associated with a user account. Each interactive graphical element identifies a type of an application and provides access to the respective application. A history usage database is accessed for the user account. The history usage database includes access patterns for the plurality of interactive graphical elements at particular calendar times. A weighting value is assigned to one or more of the access patterns of the interactive graphical elements. A request to display the interactive graphical elements for the user account is received and in response, an ordering of the interactive graphical elements is produced. The ordering of the select ones of the interactive graphical elements is influenced, at least in part, based on the weighting value of the one or more access patterns and a current calendar time when the request is received.
US09658738B1	Representation management on an electronic device In some examples, a device presents a plurality of icons of items, such as applications, content items, etc., in a user interface. When determining how to present the icons, the device may refer to an access history that identifies which items of a plurality of items have been accessed on the device. One or more of the icons may be presented in a designated area of the interface based at least in part on a frequency with which the items corresponding to the one or more icons have been accessed on the device. In addition, the one or more icons may be selected for presentation in the designated area based at least in part on a current context of the device, which may include at least one of a current time, a current location of the device, or a current activity of a user of the device.
US09658735B2	Methods and apparatus for user interface optimization The invention provides in one aspect a method that includes identifying one or more rules for execution by a rules engine in order to generate a user interface. The method further includes executing, on a digital data processing system that comprises one or more digital data processors, a step of determining whether one or more aspects of the user interface generated as a result of execution of at least one of those rules is in conformity with one or more requirements. The system responds to a negative such determination, according to the method, by identifying modifications to generate a conforming user interface from those one or more rules, modifying one or more of those rules to generate a conforming user interface from (e.g., based directly or indirectly on) those one or more rules, and/or generating a conforming user interface from those one or more rules. The method further calls for storing to and/or generating as an output from the digital data processing system a result those step(s).
US09658732B2	Changing a virtual workspace based on user interaction with an application window in a user interface Providing a bridge interface for managing virtual workspaces is disclosed. A plurality of workspace images is presented in a user interface, each workspace image corresponding to a different virtual workspace available to a user of a computer system. A plurality of application windows associated with one of the virtual workspaces is displayed. A user's selection of at least one of the displayed application windows and dragging the selected application window in the user interface from a first location to a second location in the user interface is detected. A virtual workspace associated with the selected application window is changed based on the second location in the user interface.
US09658729B2	Fixing structure for touch panel and front design sheet and display unit with touch panel A touch panel is configured so that a lower glass substrate with a very low thermal expansion coefficient, as its lower substrate, projects outwardly from outer edges of an upper film substrate. Since a front design sheet is secured to the lower glass substrate, a housing, which is a molded article, need not be provided with any area for the fixation of the front design sheet. Thus, the distance from the contour of a display unit to a display area can be reduced, so that the display unit can be reduced in size.
US09658728B2	Touch panel controller, integrated circuit, touch panel device, and electronic device Provided is a driving control unit (93) which performs control to switch high and low of correlation of code sequences output by driving signal generation units (4a to 4d) according to a detection distance which is a distance between a surface of a touch panel (2) and an object to be detected.
US09658724B2	Touch sensing circuit and method thereof A touch sensing circuit is applied to a touch panel to generate a sensing signal. The touch panel includes a sensing device. The touch sensing circuit includes: an interference signal detecting circuit, configured to detect an interference signal of the touch panel to generate an interference signal detection result; a control signal generating unit, configured to generate a control signal according to the interference signal detection result; and a sensed value analyzing circuit, configured to charge the sensing device in a first time interval and to discharge the sensing device in a second time interval, and to generate the sensing signal according to a sensed value of the sensing device. A length of one of the first time interval and the second time interval changes according to a control signal.
US09658715B2	Display mapping modes for multi-pointer indirect input devices An indirect interaction input device, such as but not limited to a touch sensor, can provide multiple points of input, such as two or more positions in a coordinate space where a user is touching the sensor. These multiple points are in turn mapped to multiple positions on an output device such as a display. The mapping can be relative or absolute. With a relative mapping, boundary conditions for single and multiple displays are applied and, if appropriate, remedial offsets are added to the input points to maintain a desired user interaction model.
US09658713B2	Systems, methods, and applications for dynamic input mode selection based on whether an identified operating system includes an application program interface associated with the input mode The present application is directed to dynamic input mode selection. In general, a system may sense a user's finger approaching a surface of a display (e.g., an imminent user touch input) and, depending on at least one trigger condition, may perform at least one output operation. For example, a first trigger condition may cause a display to enlarge at least a portion of a displayed image based on the imminent user touch input, a second trigger condition may cause the display to present a menu corresponding to an object in the enlarged portion, etc. This functionality may be implemented utilizing either an operating system (OS)-aware configuration or an OS-unaware configuration. In an OS-aware configuration, an intent-to-touch (ITT) module may utilize application program interfaces (APIs) in the OS to facilitate display zooming, menu presentation, coordinate translation, etc. In an OS-unaware configuration, the ITT module may facilitate these actions without OS assistance.
US09658712B2	Smartphone A smartphone includes a cover layer; an LCD panel which is located under the cover layer and includes a liquid crystal layer, and a first glass layer and a second glass layer between which the liquid crystal layer is placed, wherein at least a portion of a touch sensor which senses touch in a capacitive manner is located between the first glass layer and the second glass layer; a backlight unit which is located under the LCD panel; a pressure electrode which is located under the backlight unit; and a shielding member which is located under the pressure electrode.
US09658710B2	Pixel circuit, its driving method, organic light-emitting diode display panel and display device The present disclosure provides a pixel circuit, its driving method, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and a display device. According to the present disclosure, a display driving module and a touch detection module are configured to multiplex a first scanning line and a second scanning line, so it is able to eliminate an effect of a threshold voltage of a driving transistor on a light-emitting driving signal, thereby to improve the brightness evenness of the OLED display panel and improve a display effect of the display device. In addition, the pixel circuit in the embodiments of the present disclosure may achieve the touch detection and the display driving simultaneously by multiplexing a control signal, so it is able to achieve the integration of the display driving and the touch detection in an effective manner.
US09658709B2	Touch display device A touch display device comprises a touch panel, a display panel and a first transparent adhesive layer. The touch panel includes a first patterned electrode layer including a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion. The first transparent adhesive layer is disposed between the touch panel and the display panel. The refractive index of the first transparent adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 1.65 and less than or equal to 1.72, wherein reflectivity of the patterned portion is substantially the same as the reflectivity of the non-patterned portion.
US09658706B2	Touch panel A touch panel according to the embodiment includes a cover window including an active area and an unactive area; a print layer on the unactive area; a sensing part on the unactive area to emit light toward the print layer; and a first light receiving part on the print layer to receive the light, wherein the print layer includes a first print layer on the cover window; a second print layer formed on the first print layer while forming a step difference with respect to the first print layer; and a third print layer formed on the second print layer while filling the step difference.
US09658703B2	Method and apparatus for operating mobile terminal There is provided a method of operating a mobile terminal, the method including: executing an application using both a pen input and a touch input; sensing a pen input through a first input unit, and performing a function corresponding to the sensed pen input; and sensing a touch input through a second input unit, and performing a function corresponding to the sensed touch input.
US09658700B2	External keyboard There is described a keyboard including user-operable alpha-numeric keys. One or more identification devices associated with the user-operable keys are included in the keyboard. When placed in proximity to the keyboard, the one or more identification devices selectively communicate with a digital apparatus in response to user-actuation of the user-operable keys. The keyboard comprises a flexible substrate for enabling the keyboard to be folded into a non-deployed inactive state, and unfolded into a deployed active state for communicating with the digital apparatus. When in proximity thereto, the keyboard communicates with the apparatus by way of near-field magnetic and/or electrostatic coupling. The keyboard includes an intermediate resonant circuit for interfacing between the one or more identification devices and the digital apparatus; the resonant circuit includes a component spatially disposed to overlay a first region onto the digital apparatus in use, and to overlay a second region coupled to the one or more identification devices in use for coupling signals therebetween. The keyboard is especially useful for mobile telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) for rendering data entry easier.
US09658695B2	Systems and methods for alternative control of touch-based devices A computer-implemented method, a system, and software includes providing output from a touch-based device to an external display; detecting gestures from a user located away from and not physically touching the touch-based device; and translating the detected gestures into appropriate commands for the touch-based device. The systems and methods provide alternative control of touch-based devices such as mobile devices. The systems and methods can include a mobile device coupled to an external display device and controlled via user gestures monitored by a collocated sensor. Accordingly, the systems and methods allow users to operate applications (“apps”) on the mobile device displayed on the external display device and controlled without touching the mobile device using gestures monitored by the collocated sensor. This enables the wide variety of rich apps to be operated in a new manner.
US09658692B1	Magnetometer-based gesture sensing with a wearable device A wearable computing device such as a head-mounted display (HMD) may be equipped with a magnetometer for detecting presence and motion of a hand-wearable magnet (HWM). The HMD may analyze magnetic field measurements of the magnetometer to determine when the HWM moves within a threshold distance of the magnetometer, and may thereafter determine one or more patterns of motion of the HWM based the magnetic field measurements. The HMD may operate in a background detection state in order to determine a background magnetic field strength and to monitor for magnetic disturbances from the HWM. Upon occurrence of a trigger event corresponding to magnetic disturbance above a threshold level, the HMD may transition to operating in a gesture detection state in which it analyzes magnetometer measurements for correspondence with known gestures. Upon recognizing a known gesture, the HMD may carry out one or more actions based on the recognized known gesture.
US09658691B2	Determining errors in forms using eye movement Tracking eye movement during the completion of a form on a mobile computing device to determine possible errors and suggest changes to the form. To improve data quality, eye-tracking data is used to determine input fields on a form that cause issues for a user; based on the eye tracking data, suggestions are made to change a response or to modify the form.
US09658683B2	Separating power domains of central processing units A circuit includes a central processing unit (CPU), which includes a first memory block having a first power domain; and a core block signally connected to the first memory block and having a second power domain disconnected from the first power domain.
US09658681B2	Power supply system and image forming apparatus A power supply system includes: a switching power supply; and a control device, wherein the switching power supply includes: a transformer; a semiconductor switching element; a switch control unit; and a rectifying/smoothing circuit, the switch control unit is supplied with power from the main power supply, starts to control the switching of the semiconductor switching element, and oscillates a primary side of the transformer to induce a voltage on the secondary side of the transformer, the control device outputs a control pulse signal to the switch control unit to stop the oscillation of the transformer, thereby changing the mode of the switching power supply to an output stop mode, in an output mode in which the switching power supply smoothes the voltage induced on the secondary side and outputs the smoothed voltage.
US09658671B2	Power-aware CPU power grid design A method and an apparatus for providing a power grid are provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of memory units comprising at least one SoC memory and at least one cache memory. The apparatus includes a first subsystem coupled to the at least one SoC memory associated with a first power domain. The apparatus further includes a second subsystem coupled to the at least one cache memory associated with a second power domain. The second subsystem may be a CPU subsystem. Because the first power domain sources power from a shared power source, the first power domain may operate at a voltage level that is higher than the operation of memory circuits requires. By moving the at least one cache memory from the first power domain to the second power domain, LDO efficiency loss for components in the first power domain may be reduced.
US09658667B2	Power supply system for an information handling system A power supply system is provided to control one or more power supply units associated with an information handling system. A first power supply unit and a second power supply unit are electrically coupled to the information handling system. A controller is provided in communication with both the first and second power supply units. The controller functions to select one of the first and second power supply units to electrically power the information handling system. The non-selected unit generates zero output.
US09658665B2	Parallel redundant power distribution Systems and methods are provided for reliable redundant power distribution. Some embodiments include micro Automatic Transfer Switches (micro-ATSs), including various components and techniques for facilitating reliable auto-switching functionality in a small footprint (e.g., less than ten cubic inches, with at least one dimension being less than a standard NEMA rack height). Other embodiments include systems and techniques for integrating a number of micro-ATSs into a parallel auto-switching module for redundant power delivery to a number of devices. Implementations of the parallel auto-switching module are configured to be mounted in, on top of, or on the side of standard equipment racks. Still other embodiments provide power distribution topologies that exploit functionality of the micro-ATSs and/or the parallel micro-ATS modules.
US09658664B2	Electronic device having a pin for setting its mode of operation and method to set a mode of operation for an electronic device having a pin An electronic device having a pin for setting its mode of operation, wherein the pin is connected or connectable to a first connection of a resistor, wherein the electronic device is arranged to detect a location of the resistor, wherein the electronic device is arranged to detect a size of the resistor, wherein the electronic device is arranged to determine a first setting based on the location of the resistor, and wherein the electronic device is arranged to determine a second setting based on the size of the resistor.
US09658660B2	Electronic device having a bimetallic material An electronic device may be provided that includes a body having one or more electronic components. The body may have a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may include a first layer of material comprising a first metal and a second layer of material comprising a second metal. At least one electronic component may be between the first portion and the second portion.
US09658658B2	Data storage device mounting structure A data storage device mounting structure includes a data storage device insertable through an insertion slot into an accommodation chamber in an electronic device, a mounting assembly including a mounting plate affixed to one corner of the data storage device and a metal wire rod having a middle part thereof bent backwards to provide a curved arch portion and two opposite ends thereof connected to one end of the mounting plate, and an operating handle fixedly fastened to the curved arch portion of the metal wire rod and operable by the user to drag the metal wire rod in pulling the data storage device out of the accommodation chamber of the electronic apparatus conveniently with less effort. The mounting assembly and the operating handle have a small size, and are easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
US09658650B2	Flexible display A flexible display is disclosed. In one aspect, the flexible display includes a flexible substrate including a display area, a pad area, and a plurality of chamfer areas formed at opposing ends of the pad area. The flexible display also includes an insulating layer formed over the flexible substrate and a display unit formed over the flexible substrate in the display area. Each of the chamfer areas is adjacent to the display area in a first direction. The insulating layer formed in each of the chamfer areas includes a closed-engraved pattern having a stripe shape extending in a second direction that at least partially crosses the first direction.
US09658646B2	Display apparatus A display apparatus includes a display module, and a varying member for varying a shape of the display module. The varying member includes a variable portion including at least one composite material layer made of a composite material.
US09658638B2	Buck-boost voltage converter circuits for solid state lighting apparatus A voltage converter includes a converter circuit and a control circuit coupled to the converter circuit and configured to selectively operate the converter circuit in a boost mode or a floating buck mode in response to a level of an input voltage supplied to the voltage converter circuit. The converter circuit may further include an inductor, a first control switch coupled to the control circuit, and a second control switch coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control a state of the first control switch in the boost mode in response to a level of current in the inductor, and the control circuit may be configured to control a state of the second control switch in the floating buck mode in response to the level of current in the inductor.
US09658632B2	Systems, methods, and devices for bootstrapped power circuits Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for implementing a bootstrapped power circuit. Devices may include a controller configured to generate an output signal. Devices may include a power converter configured to receive the output signal, configured to store an amount of energy in response to receiving the output signal, and further configured to release the amount of energy in response to detecting a change in the output signal. Devices may include a switch configured to be toggled between a first and second position. Devices may include a power source configured to store a second voltage having a second amplitude. Devices may include a bootstrap circuit configured to receive a third voltage from the power source when the switch is in the first position, and configured to receive at least some of the amount of energy from the power converter when the switch is in the second position.
US09658631B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit device, power supply device, and method of controlling power supply device A conventional power supply device has a problem in miniaturization. A power supply device generates a prediction value of an error signal from first and second error signals, and controls an output voltage so that the prediction value lies between first and second threshold values. The first error signal is obtained by converting an error voltage based on the difference between the output voltage and a reference voltage at a first timing. The second error signal is obtained by converting an error voltage based on the difference between the output voltage and the reference voltage at a second timing.
US09658629B2	Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of components A method and apparatus for the temperature control of a component within a storage system wherein the storage system includes a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the component to control the temperature of the component. One method includes: generating a flow of heat transfer fluid through the heat exchanger to transfer heat to or from the heat exchanger; receiving a set point signal indicative of the desired temperature of the component in the storage system; receiving temperature data regarding the component and the heat transfer fluid, and generating an output signal to control the flow of heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid may be a gas or liquid.
US09658625B2	Add-on chamber for improved response of gas pressure regulators A gas pressure regulator regulates a pressure of a gas system. The gas pressure regulator includes a first chamber, a first diaphragm which separates the first chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, a second chamber, with a second diaphragm separating the second chamber into a third compartment and a fourth compartment, the fourth compartment being connected to, and in communication with, the first compartment of the first chamber. A movement of the first diaphragm causes a corresponding movement of the second diaphragm, and a change in the volume of the fourth compartment.
US09658624B2	Seed index system for treating agricultural seeds Seed index system and methods for treating agricultural seeds with one or more seed care products employing a size-adjusted application rate based on the size of the seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be determined by a supplier of seed care products and communicated to an applicator who applies the seed care product to a quantity of seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be in the form of a chart, an equation, or a calculator.
US09658618B1	Systems and applications of lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon; a payload that is separate from the unmanned balloon; a transceiver; a flight termination device; at least two separate power sources; a sensor; a processor; a pump; a valve; and an object that when broken separates the unmanned balloon and the payload, are disclosed herein.
US09658615B2	Remote vehicle control system and method A system includes an operator control unit having a point-and-click interface configured to allow the operator to control the remote vehicle by inputting one or more commands via the point-and-click interface. The operator control unit displays a 3D local perceptual space comprising an egocentric coordinate system encompassing a predetermined distance centered on the remote vehicle, a remote vehicle representation having selectable portions, and an icon at a point selected in the 3D local perceptual space and at a corresponding location in an alternative view of a map having an identified current location of the remote vehicle. The system also includes a payload attached to the remote vehicle. The payload includes a computational module and an integrated sensor suite including a global positioning system, an inertial measurement unit, and a stereo vision camera.
US09658614B2	Light guided assembly system and method A guide system and method of projecting visual indicators onto a physical object to guide actions of an individual comprises providing a guide system having a guide system controller and a projector, with the guide system controller including a plurality of addressed display features. An input signal is provided to the guide system controller whereby an addressed display feature is selected based on the input signal and the projector projects a visual indicator corresponding to the selected addressed display feature onto a physical object. The guide system controller may also include a plurality of positional identifiers, with the method including the selecting of a positional identifier based on the input signal and the projecting of the visual indicator onto a physical object at a location corresponding to the selected positional identifier.
US09658605B2	Surgical robot and control method thereof A method for controlling a surgical robot includes calculating an external force acting on a robot arm mounted with a surgical instrument, filtering the external force acting on the robot arm when a central point of an incision is set, calculating a virtual force to enable the surgical instrument which is positioned away from the central point of the incision to return to the central point of the incision, and applying the calculated virtual force to the filtered external force, to control movement of the robot arm. As a result, it is possible to compactly design the surgical robot and thereby reduce the volume of the surgical robot.
US09658604B2	Electronic timepiece with internal antenna An electronic timepiece has; an annular antenna; and a time display unit. The antenna includes an annular dielectric; a conductive driven element that is disposed on the dielectric, is ring-shaped with a notch therein (C-shaped), and is fed with a specific potential; and a conductive parasitic element that is disposed on the dielectric with a gap to the driven element, and is an endless ring or a ring with a notch therein (C-shaped). A feed position to which a specific potential is fed is disposed to the driven element at one place. When the electronic timepiece is seen in plan view, the feed position is disposed in a range from approximately 8:00 to approximately 10:00 relative to the center (center pivot) of the electronic timepiece.
US09658603B2	Reversible door mounting arrangement for a timer assembly A timer assembly housing is configured to include a number of features, including but not limited to a tortuous sealing lip, adjustable hinge assembly, removable backing plate, removable pin hinge, toggle switch, and a wiring lid. The timer assembly includes a weatherproof housing having a base with a series of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewalls extending forward from the rear wall to an open front, a lid having a series of sidewalls and a front wall, the lid sidewalls extending forward from the front wall, and a timer assembly positioned within the base. The lid is selectively pivotably secured to the base along one of the base sidewalls.
US09658602B2	Watchcase with manually rotatable ring The watchcase includes a top portion (11) for holding a watchglass (1), a case back (40), and a case middle (10) with a circumferential case wall (12) arranged between the top portion and the case back. The watchcase further includes at least one ring (20), which extends around the case wall (12) and is rotatably arranged with respect to the case wall (12). The at least one ring (20) is arranged such that it accessible from the outside for a manual rotation.
US09658592B2	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, a drum flange provided at an end of the photosensitive drum, with a part of the drum flange being positioned within the photosensitive drum, and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes (i) a first end portion at least a part of which is positioned within the drum flange, and (ii) a second end portion including (ii-i) a surface recessed in the second end portion and facing away from the first end portion and (ii-ii) at least one projection projecting from a surface adjacent to the recessed surface, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion.
US09658591B2	Cleaning apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus An object of the present invention is to reduce noise which results from vibration of a cleaning member. A cleaning apparatus 23 includes a cleaning member 3 that removes developer on an image bearing member 1, a container 5 in which the developer removed by the cleaning member 3 is contained, and a sheet member 4 that contacts the image bearing member 1. A part of the sheet member 4 that contacts the image bearing member 1 is subjected to surface roughing.
US09658583B2	Fixing device and image forming apparatus A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, a pressing member, a shape restricting member and an elastic body. The fixing belt is configured to be rotatable. The pressuring member is configured to be rotatable and to come into pressure contact with the fixing belt so as to form a fixing nip. The pressing member is configured to press the fixing belt to a side of the pressuring member. The shape restricting member is configured to restrict a shape of the fixing belt and having an arc-shaped insertion part to be inserted into an end part of the fixing belt. The elastic body is attached to an end part in a circumferential direction of the insertion part.
US09658582B2	Fusing device employing induction heating method and image forming apparatus using the same A fusing device is provided. The fusing device includes a heating roller having two end regions and an inner region between the two end regions, a coil module, and a controller. The coil module includes a first coil arranged along an axial direction of the heating roller; two second coils, one second coil arranged in each end region of the heating roller; and a third coil arranged in the inner region of the heating roller. The controller controls current directions of currents in the first coil, the second coils, and the third coil.
US09658581B2	Heater and image heating apparatus mounted with the same A heater including a substrate, a first heat generating line provided on the substrate and in a longitudinal direction of the substrate, the first heat generating line being divided into a plurality of heat generating blocks in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of heat generating blocks being controllable independently, and a second heat generating line provided on the substrate and in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, the second heat generating line being divided into a plurality of heat generating blocks in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of heat generating blocks being controllable independently. In the heater, divided positions of the first heat generating line and divided positions of the second heat generating line are different.
US09658580B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing portion for heat-fixing the image on a recording material; a duct including a suction port for sucking air from outside of the image forming apparatus and an exhaust port for delivering the air to the outside of the image forming apparatus; and a fan for forming a flow of the air from the suction port toward the exhaust port in the duct. The duct includes a merging portion, between the suction port and the exhaust port, for merging the air from the neighborhood of the fixing portion with the flow of the air by taking the air from the neighborhood of the fixing portion inside the duct. The recording material on which the image is fixed at the fixing portion is cooled by the air delivering through the exhaust port.
US09658575B2	Developing device and image forming apparatus therewith A developing device includes a developer container, a first stirring member, a second stirring member, and a developer carrying member. The second stirring member includes a second transport blade for transporting developer inside a second transport chamber, a regulating portion formed next to, on the downstream side of, the second transport blade in the transport direction of the developer inside the second transport chamber and formed by a transport blade that transports developer in the opposite direction to the second transport blade, a discharge blade formed next to, on the downstream side of, the regulating portion in the transport direction of the developer and transporting developer in the same direction as the second transport blade to discharge the developer through the developer discharge port, and an annular portion arranged at least either between the second transport blade and the regulating portion or between the regulating portion and the discharge blade.
US09658573B2	Developing unit A developing unit includes a developer carrier, and first and second chambers to collect and circulate developer. A partition separates the first and second chambers and has first communication portion disposed more downstream in the second chamber and a second communication portion disposed more upstream in the second chamber. A first conveying member is disposed in the first chamber, and a second conveying member is disposed in the second chamber and includes a spiral blade portion, a reverse spiral blade portion helically wound in an opposite direction of the spiral blade portion and disposed downstream of the spiral blade portion, and a discharging portion provided downstream of the reverse spiral blade. An upstream end of the first communication portion is positioned farther than a downstream end of the second communication portion from a center of the developer carrier in a rotational axis direction of the developer carrier.
US09658570B2	Developing device including a toner receiving member vibrated by a vibration generation device, and image forming apparatus including the same A developing device of the present disclosure includes a developing roller, a toner supply roller, a regulation blade, a casing, a toner receiving support member, a toner receiving member, a vibration generation unit, and a vibration inhibition member. The toner receiving support member is disposed in the casing so as to be opposed to the developing roller or the toner supply roller in an area between the regulation blade and an image carrier. The toner receiving member has a toner receiving surface that receives toner dropping from the developing roller, and is supported so as to be swingable about an end edge thereof on a toner supply roller side as a fulcrum. In a state where the toner receiving member is not vibrating, the vibration inhibition member is in contact with each of both end portions of the toner receiving surface in a longitudinal direction thereof.
US09658569B2	Image forming apparatus with toner refilling unit The present invention prevents a toner bottle from being erroneously determined to be empty and allows toner to be reliably refilled into a hopper and thus a developing unit in an image forming apparatus including the developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier, using toner.
US09658568B2	Developing unit having guide that stably supports toner cartridge A developing device includes a developer cartridge and a developing unit. The developing unit includes a first guide and a second guide. The second is movable with respect to the developing frame between a first position where the second guide is in continuous with the first guide and a second position where a continuous state of the second guide with the first guide is interrupted. The developer cartridge includes a developer frame that accommodates a developer and a first guided member movable with respect to the developer frame. The first guide and the second guide at the first position guide the first guided member in the course of attaching the developer cartridge to the developing unit. When an attachment of the developer cartridge to the developing unit completes, the first guide receives the first guided member, and the second guide is at the second position.
US09658566B2	Developer container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus The present disclosure relates a developer container for accommodating a developer. The developer container includes a conductive path.The conductive path includes a resin.
US09658564B1	Control device, control method, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium A control device includes a first reception section, a second reception section, a third reception section, and a first command section. The first reception section receives first information from a user when an image forming unit forms a first image onto a medium based on image data and outputs the first image to the user. The first information indicates a position of noise occurring with predetermined periodicity in a transport direction of the medium. The second reception section receives, from the user, second information corresponding to a density of the noise. The third reception section receives, from the user, third information indicating a width of the noise in the transport direction. The first command section commands the image forming unit to form a second image obtained by correcting the first image onto the medium based on the first information, the second information, and the third information.
US09658563B2	Image forming apparatus, controlling method of thereof and non-transitory computer readable storage medium An image forming apparatus includes an image former configured to perform printing using an LPH (LED Print Head) that emits light to a photosensitive drum based on a sync signal; a sensor configured to sense a cyclical speed of the photosensitive drum; and an LPH controller configured to adjust a generation gap of the sync signal using the sensed cyclical speed.
US09658560B2	Exposing device and image forming apparatus An exposing unit forms a scanning line by exposing an image surface in a main scanning direction, and forms a plurality of pixels arrayed in the main scanning direction by sequentially forming a plurality of scanning lines shifted in a sub-scanning direction. A clock generator generates frequency-spread clocks having frequency that is spread with a particular modulation period and that changes in accordance with a modulated waveform corresponding to the particular modulation period. A driver drives the exposing unit to emit light during light emitting time that is determined from the frequency-spread clocks. The plurality of scanning lines is formed with respective phases of the modulated waveform. The phases corresponding to the plurality of scanning lines are shifted from each other for compensating, among the plurality of scanning lines, deviations of the light emitting time relative to a reference value, for each of the plurality of pixels.
US09658559B2	Image forming apparatus that forms image using a plurality of light beams A determination unit determines a bias current caused to flow through at least plurality of light-emitting portions regardless of image data during an image period by determining a first drive current for setting a light quantity of a light beam incident on a light reception unit during the non-image period to a first target light quantity, and determining a second drive current for setting a light quantity of a light beam incident on the light receiving unit to a second target light quantity that is different from the first target light quantity. The determination unit determines a drive current for performing switch-driving of the plurality of light-emitting portions, based on image data, the drive current corresponding to the first drive current and the bias current upon the image data being generated in a second section of a non-image period.
US09658556B2	Image data processing apparatus and image data processing method An image data processing apparatus includes a total-colorant-amount calculating unit that calculates a total amount of a metallic colorant and a process-color colorant used by an image forming apparatus to form an image having a unit area, the image forming apparatus forming an image by using a white colorant, the metallic colorant, and the process-color colorant; a white-colorant-amount specifying unit that specifies an amount of the white colorant used to form the image having a unit area on the basis of a calculation result obtained by the total-colorant-amount calculating unit; and a white-colorant-amount correcting unit that corrects the amount of the white colorant so that the amount of the white colorant used to form the image having a unit area decreases as the amount of the metallic colorant used to form the image having a unit area increases.
US09658553B2	Toner The present invention provides a toner excellent in both saturation and light resistance. The toner includes toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant. The colorant is a pyridoneazo compound having a specific structure.
US09658551B2	Toner The present invention provides a toner having a toner particle that contains a binder resin, wherein the binder resin contains a vinylic resin and a polyester resin, the vinylic resin contains an organic silicon polymer having a specific structure, the organic silicon polymer is contained in the surface layer of the toner particle, the proportion of a silicon atom in the organic silicon polymer having a specific structure is at least 5%, the polyester resin is a specific polymer, and the toner particle contains a specific amount of the polyester resin.
US09658550B2	Toner for use in electrophotographic systems Toner containing toner particles having a resin component, in which the resin component has an olefin-based copolymer and a crystalline polyester resin, the olefin-based copolymer has a unit Y1 represented by Formula (1) and at least one kind of unit Y2 selected from the group consisting of a unit represented by Formula (2) and a unit represented by Formula (3), a content of the olefin-based copolymer contained in the resin component is 50% by mass or more based on a total mass of the resin component, a content of the unit Y2 is 3% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less based on a total mass of the olefin-based copolymer, and a melt flow rate of the olefin-based copolymer is 30 g/10 min or less.
US09658546B2	Toner and method of producing toner Provided is toner comprising toner particle containing binder resin and colorant and silica fine particle, wherein: the silica fine particle contains silica fine particle A and silica fine particle B; silica fine particle A has a number average particle diameter of primary particle of 5 nm or more and 20 nm or less; silica fine particle B has a number average particle diameter of primary particle of 80 nm or more and 200 nm or less; and silica fine particle B has a half width of a peak of primary particle of 25 nm or less, in a weight-based particle size distribution, and wherein when the toner is measured by adhesive force-measuring method by using polycarbonate thin film, an adhesion of the silica fine particle A is 0.5% by area or less relative to 100% by area of the total area of the polycarbonate thin film.
US09658545B2	Polymeric composite materials, manufacture, and uses Composite materials such as composite particles have a solid non-elastomeric continuous phase made of an organic polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 25° C. Dispersed within this solid non-elastomeric continuous phase are many multi-compartment porous chemically crosslinked elastomeric particles that have a mode particle size of at least 1 μm and up to and including 10 μm. The composite particles can be used as toner particles in electrophotographic imaging methods to provide fused toner images and especially stacked fused toner images.
US09658544B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer provided on the electroconductive substrate, and an inorganic surface layer provided on the photosensitive layer, wherein a layer constituting an outermost surface of the photosensitive layer contains from 30% by weight to 70% by weight of silica particles and contains a biphenyl copolymerization type polycarbonate resin including a structural unit represented by the formula (PCA) and a structural unit represented by the formula (PCB) at a copolymerization ratio (PCA:PCB (molar ratio)) of 10:90 to 50:50: wherein, RP1, RP2, RP3, and RP4 each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and XP1 represents a phenylene group, a biphenylene group, a naphthylene group, an alkylene group, or a cycloalkylene group.
US09658542B2	Optical element The disclosure relates to an optical assembly for a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography. The optical assembly includes at least one optical element and a mounting body for mechanically fixing the element in a supporting structure. The optical assembly also includes at least one cooling body for dissipating heat from the element. The mounting body and the cooling body are separate from one another. The optical element is connected to the cooling body via at least one heat-conducting element. The disclosure also relates to a projection exposure apparatus including an optical assembly according to the disclosure.
US09658538B2	System and technique for rasterizing circuit layout data A technique for converting design shapes into pixel values is provided. The technique may be used to control a direct-write or other lithographic process performed on a workpiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving, at a computing system, a design database specifying a feature having more than four vertices. The computing system also receives a pixel grid. A set of rectangles corresponding to the feature is determined, and the computing system determines an area of a pixel of the pixel grid overlapped by the feature based on the set of rectangles. In some such embodiments, a lithographic exposure intensity is determined for the pixel based on the area overlapped by the feature, and the lithographic exposure intensity is provided for patterning of a workpiece.
US09658531B2	Semiconductor device resolution enhancement by etching multiple sides of a mask A mask is disclosed which includes a plurality of first phase shift regions disposed on a first side of the mask, and a plurality of second phase shift regions disposed on a second side of the mask. The first phase shift regions and second phase shift regions may be alternating phase shift regions in which phase shift of the first phase shift regions is out of phase, for instance by 180 degrees, from phase shift of the second phase shift regions. A method for forming the mask, and a semiconductor device fabrication method using the mask is also disclosed.
US09658528B2	Imprint lithography An imprint lithography template is provided with an alignment mark, wherein the alignment mark is formed from dielectric material having a refractive index which differs from the refractive index of the imprint lithography template, the dielectric material having a thickness which is such that it provides a phase difference between alignment radiation which has passed through the dielectric material and alignment radiation which has not passed through the dielectric material.
US09658524B2	Photomask, and method for creating pattern data thereof, and pattern forming method and processing method using photomask A photomask includes: a light blocking member provided on a translucent substrate; a main pattern portion provided in a first region corresponding to a desired pattern, being an opening of the light blocking member; and an auxiliary pattern portion provided in a second region surrounding the position corresponding to the desired pattern and along a side constituting an outline portion of the desired pattern, including a plurality of in-phase auxiliary patterns each of which is an opening transmitting in-phase light with light transmitted through the main pattern portion. The in-phase auxiliary pattern is provided at a distance of √(2×n×G×λ) from the side constituting the outline portion of the desired pattern (where G is a gap length between the photomask and the exposed body, λ is a wavelength of the exposure light, and n is a natural number). The exposure light transmitted through the auxiliary pattern portion is projected on an exposed body to form a projection image having light intensity emphasized at the side constituting the outline portion of the desired pattern.
US09658522B2	Reflective extreme ultraviolet mask A reflective extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask includes a mask substrate, a reflecting layer on an upper surface of the mask substrate, and an absorbing layer pattern on an upper surface of the reflecting layer, the absorbing layer pattern having an exposing region and a peripheral region, and the absorbing layer pattern including a grating pattern in the peripheral region to reduce reflectivity of light incident on the peripheral region.
US09658519B2	Projection device and projection method A projector includes a projection section adapted to project an image on a white board, an imaging section adapted to take an image of the white board, and a control section adapted to set an imaging area representing a range, from which an image of an object attached to the white board is extracted, in accordance with a display state of the white board imaged by the imaging section, and then make an imaging area image indicating the imaging area be projected on the white board.
US09658517B2	Camera mounting device The present disclosure describes a device for mounting a camera and methods of using the same. The device comprises one or more mounting segments, preferably two or more mounting segments which may preferably be connected together. In preferred embodiments, the device further comprises one fastener-free mounting segment and one or more fastener-enabled mounting segments, wherein a fastener-enabled mounting segment comprises a mounting brace, a fastener, a mounting nut, and a mounting spacer, and wherein a fastener-free mounting segment comprises a mounting brace.
US09658516B2	Blade drive device and optical apparatus To provide a blade drive device capable of suppressing the increase in number of components while suppressing the bounding of blades, and an optical apparatus including the blade drive device. A blade drive device 10 includes a partition plate 21 having an opening 22, blades 31a to 34a, 31b to 34b which are expanded in a state where the opening 22 is closed and which overlap one another in a state where the opening 22 is opened, and a first regulating portion 23A and a second regulating portion 24A integrally formed with the partition plate 21, on which the blades 31a, 31b abut when being expanded. An optical apparatus includes the blade drive device 10.
US09658515B2	Diaphragm device and optical instrument A diaphragm device of the present invention includes: a base plate having an aperture portion; a blade being supported by the base plate to be able to open and close the aperture portion; a drive ring being formed so as to surround the perimeter of the aperture portion, the drive ring being configured to drive the blade to open and close; a supporting pin pivotably supporting the blade being provided on the drive ring; and an engaging pin engaging with the blade and causing the blade to open or close in conjunction with the drive ring and the supporting pin, the engaging pin being provided on the base plate on an inner side of the supporting pin in the radial direction of the drive ring.
US09658514B2	Camera module Disclosed herein is a camera module in which a movement of a magnet is controlled by only magnetic force between the magnet and a yoke without a spring for controlling the movement of the magnet which operates up and down. The camera module includes: a lens module; and a main frame supporting the lens module and allowing the lens module to be driven in an optical axis direction, wherein the lens module includes: a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses; and a magnet fixed to one side of the lens module, and the main frame includes: a coil facing the magnet, fixed to one side within the main frame, and generating an electric field as power is applied thereto; and a yoke disposed to face the magnet with the main frame and the coil interposed therebetween and controlling driving of the lens module by attraction with the magnet.
US09658511B2	Optical ring resonator circuit A method includes applying a voltage to an optical ring resonator circuit to adjust a resonance condition of a ring waveguide included in the optical ring resonator circuit. The method also includes detecting an amount of current generated by the optical ring resonator circuit and determining the resonance condition of the ring waveguide based on the detected amount of current.
US09658506B2	Display device having an oxide semiconductor transistor An object is to reduce parasitic capacitance of a signal line included in a liquid crystal display device. A transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is used as a transistor provided in each pixel. Note that the oxide semiconductor layer is an oxide semiconductor layer which is highly purified by thoroughly removing impurities (hydrogen, water, or the like) which become electron suppliers (donors). Thus, the amount of leakage current (off-state current) can be reduced when the transistor is off. Therefore, a voltage applied to a liquid crystal element can be held without providing a capacitor in each pixel. In addition, a capacitor wiring extending to a pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device can be eliminated. Therefore, parasitic capacitance in a region where the signal line and the capacitor wiring intersect with each other can be eliminated.
US09658505B2	Display device A display device includes an insulating substrate, a semiconductor layer formed of polycrystalline silicon, including a first impurity area, a second impurity area, and a channel area, an insulating film which covers the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode formed on the insulating film and opposed to the channel area, a source line electrically connected to the first impurity area, an electrode electrically connected to the second impurity area, and a light-shielding film located between the insulating substrate and the semiconductor layer, disposed at a position displaced from a position opposed to the source line, and opposed to an area including a boundary between the channel area and the second impurity area.
US09658501B2	Fringe field switching array substrate and production method thereof and display apparatus The present invention provides a method for producing a fringe field switching (FFS) array substrate, comprising: forming a gate electrode and a common electrode line on the array substrate; forming a gate electrode insulating layer; forming a layer of pixel electrode ITO; forming a semiconductor active layer; forming a source electrode and a drain electrode; forming an insulating protective layer and a via structure; forming a common electrode. The present invention further provides an FFS array substrate and a display apparatus, the display apparatus comprises the FFS array substrate above.
US09658499B2	Liquid crystal display device comprising a second common electrode opposed to a first slit and having a potential identical to a potential of a first common electrode According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a first common electrode in which a first slit extending in a first direction is formed, a first pixel electrode opposed to the first common electrode, and a second pixel electrode opposed to the first common electrode and neighboring the first pixel electrode in a second direction with the first slit being interposed, a second substrate including a second common electrode opposed to the first slit, the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first alignment film and the second alignment film.
US09658496B2	Manufacturing method of liquid crystal display A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of preparing a lower panel in which a pixel electrode is formed and which is coated with a lower alignment layer including reactive mesogen; a step of preparing an upper panel in which a common electrode is formed and which is coated with an upper alignment layer including reactive mesogen; a step of forming a display panel assembly by injecting a liquid crystal between the lower panel and the upper panel and bonding the lower panel and the upper panel; a step of pre-tilting the liquid crystal by applying a voltage to the display panel assembly and primarily irradiating ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 310 nm to 380 nm; and a step of removing remaining reactive mesogen by secondarily irradiating ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 300 nm to 360 nm to the display panel assembly.
US09658490B2	Touch display device A touch display device includes an upper polarizer, a display unit and a touch sensing unit. The upper polarizer allows light having a first linear polarization direction to pass therethrough and blocks light having a second linear polarization direction. The second linear polarization direction is perpendicular to the first linear polarization direction. The display unit is spaced-apart from the upper polarizer and is used to display images. The touch sensing unit is disposed between the upper polarizer and the display unit, and includes an optical compensation substrate and a touch sensing electrode structure disposed on the optical compensation substrate. The optical compensation substrate is flexible and is able to control the polarization property of the light passing therethrough.
US09658489B1	Backlight units for display devices Embodiments of a device and a method of forming the same are described. The device includes a backlight unit and an image generating unit. The backlight unit includes an optical cavity having a top side, a bottom side, and side walls. The backlight unit further includes an array of light sources coupled to the optical cavity and a quantum dot film positioned within the optical cavity. The quantum dot film is configured to process light received from the array of light sources and the backlight unit is configured to transit the processed light to the image generating unit. The method includes providing an optical cavity having a top side, a bottom side, and side walls. The method further includes coupling an array of light sources to the optical cavity and supporting a quantum dot film within the optical cavity.
US09658488B2	Backlight module with partially overlapped film design The present invention provides a backlight module, comprising a light source module and an optical control layer disposed on the light source module. The optical control layer comprises a first optical film and a second optical film. The first optical film has a first overlap area on a first side, the first overlap area comprises first inner openings; the second optical film comprises a second overlap area near the first overlap area. The second overlap area matches the first overlap area. The second overlap area comprises second outer openings corresponding to the first inner openings.
US09658485B2	Display panel, a display device, and fabrication method thereof A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate corresponding to the first substrate, a plurality of color films formed on one side of the first substrate and dividing the first substrate into a plurality of color film regions and a plurality of light shielding regions, a first polarizer formed on the first substrate, and a second polarizer formed on the second substrate. The first polarizer includes a plurality of first regions corresponding to the color film regions and a plurality of second regions corresponding to the light shielding regions. The direction of the polarization axis of the second regions is different from the polarization direction of the first regions. The second polarizer is configured to be combined with the first polarizer to cause light passing through the second polarizer to be transmitted through the first regions and to be blocked by the second regions.
US09658484B2	Pattern structure and method of manufacturing the pattern structure, and liquid crystal display device A pattern structure includes a plurality of pattern structure units arranged on a same plane, where each of the plurality of pattern structure units includes a plurality of microstructures defined on a surface thereof and having a width of less than about 1 micrometer (μm); and a connection layer disposed between the plurality of pattern structure units and having a width of less than about 10 μm, where the connection layer connects the plurality of pattern structure units to each other.
US09658482B2	Liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display includes a plurality of red pixel areas, a plurality of green pixel areas, a plurality of blue pixel areas, and a light blocking member which defines the plurality of red pixel areas, the plurality of green pixel areas, and the plurality of blue pixel areas therein, and includes an expansion portion which overlaps a spacer which maintains a cell gap and is provided between the plurality of green pixel areas and the plurality of blue pixel areas and between the plurality of red pixel areas and the plurality of green pixel areas.
US09658479B2	Electronic device with display backlight unit and display assembly An electronic device may be provided with electrical components mounted in an electronic device housing. A display module may be attached to a display cover layer with a layer of adhesive to form a display module assembly. The display module assembly may include a display module assembly chassis. The display module assembly chassis may include a plastic display module assembly chassis molded over a metal display module assembly chassis. The display module assembly and a backlight unit may be assembled to form a display module that is installed within the electronic device housing or display module assembly layers and backlight unit structures may be assembled into the electronic device housing. The backlight unit may include a backlight unit chassis. A metal housing midplate may serve as part of the backlight unit chassis.
US09658474B2	Eyewear frame having vents An eyewear frame structure for holding at least one lens thereto, includes a base frame, a front frame attached to a front of the base frame and a comfort bar attached to a back side of the base frame. The frame structure has a plurality of vent passages extending therethrough. Each vent passage includes a substantially horizontal section defined between the base frame and the front frame, and a substantially vertical section defined between the base frame and the comfort bar.
US09658473B2	Enhanced optical and perceptual digital eyewear Improved wearable optics is disclosed. The wearable optics comprises a frame member and a lens. The wearable optics also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the wearable optics. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the wearable optics for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the wearable optics to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like.
US09658472B2	Method of controlling a programmable lens device A method of controlling a programmable lens device comprising a programmable lens and an optical function controller, the programmable lens having an optical function and extending between at least one eye of the wearer and the real world scene when the device is used by the wearer, and the optical function controller being arranged to control the optical function of the programmable lens, the method comprising: —an optical function data receiving step during which optical function data relating to the optical function of the programmable lens is received by the optical function controller, —an activity data receiving step during which activity data relating to the activity of the wearer are received by the optical function controller, —an optical function modifying step during which the optical function of the programmable electronic lens device is modified by the optical function controller based on the optical function data and the activity data.
US09658470B2	Method and algorithm for designing custom optics Provided herein is a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an algorithm to optimize a wavefront guided correction for a custom ophthalmic lens. The correction is determined from inputs of quantified wavefront error and registration uncertainty and a metric predictive of a visual performance task of interest and provides a level of visual performance within a user-defined performance range. Also provided is a method for optimizing a wavefront guided correction for a custom ophthalmic lens via inputting residual wavefront error values and quantified translational and rotational movements into an algorithm configured to determine the optimal wavefront guided correction therefrom and a custom ophthalmic lens comprising the correction.
US09658466B2	Lens drive apparatus, camera module and camera A lens drive apparatus comprises: an assembly that is formed by assembling a lens holder together with a magnet holder that holds a magnet; a first drive section that displaces the lens holder in a direction of an optical axis in collaboration with the magnet and a first coil; and a second drive section that displaces the assembly in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis in collaboration with the magnet and a second coil, wherein the magnet holder comprises a hollow part that accommodates the magnet at a position facing both of the first coil and the second coil.
US09658464B2	Diffractive optics element, method for manufacturing diffractive optics element, and electronic device A diffractive optics element includes a substrate configured of a sapphire substrate and a diffractive optics structure, provided on the substrate, that forms an image when a laser beam is incident thereon. The diffractive optics structure has a diffractive optics portion, and the diffractive optics portion has a base material and a diffractive optics layer disposed on the base material. The thickness of the base material is no greater than 20 μm.
US09658460B2	Head mount display device A head mount display device including a housing comprising a closed, front side and a back side having an opening, a pair of optic modules arranged horizontally and a head fixing unit configured to fix the housing to a user's head is provided. Each of the optic modules includes a display provided in the housing; a barrel comprising one side arranged in the housing and the other side exposed outside the housing via the opening; a lens fixed to the barrel; a focus adjuster configured to adjust a distance between the barrel and the display; and a horizontal adjusting unit configured to guide horizontal movement of the optic module, and the focus adjuster and the horizontal adjusting unit provided in one of the optic modules is operable independently from the focus adjuster and the horizontal adjusting unit provided in the other optic module.
US09658457B2	See-through computer display systems Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for a head-worn computer with a content display where the head-worn computer can be changed from an augmented reality system where there is relatively high see-through transmission through the display to a virtual reality system where the is no or relatively little see-through transmission through the display.
US09658451B2	Head mounted display, method of controlling head mounted display, and image display system A head mounted display which allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image and external scenery, includes a generation unit that generates a list image by changing an arrangement of a plurality of images of an external apparatus connected to the head mounted display to an arrangement for the head mounted display, and an image display unit that allows the user to visually recognize the generated list image as the virtual image.
US09658450B2	Vehicle heads-up display device A vehicle system includes a heads-up display device for use in a motor vehicle displays graphic elements in view of an occupant while the occupant views an environment through a display screen of the heads-up display device. The heads-up display device includes a projector configured to project a graphic element on the display screen through at least one reflector housed within a dashboard. The dashboard further houses an air duct for directing air flow within a passenger compartment. A light-transmitting section of the air duct is formed of a light-transmitting material adapted to allow light projected from the projector to pass therethrough.
US09658448B2	Actuator, optical scanner, and image formation apparatus An actuator includes: a movable portion that swingably moves around a first axis; a first shaft that extends from the movable portion and swingably supports the movable portion around the first axis; a frame portion that is connected to the first shaft and swingably moves around a second axis that intersects the first axis; a second shaft that extends from the frame portion and swingably supports the frame portion around the second axis; a support portion connected to the second shaft; a coil provided on the frame portion; and a magnet that produces a magnetic field that acts on the coil, wherein the frame portion is so formed that the frame portion surrounds the movable portion, the first shaft, the second shaft, and the support portion in a plan view viewed in a thickness direction of the movable portion.
US09658434B2	Photographic lens optical system Provided is a photographic lens optical system having low manufacturing costs and high performance. A lens optical system includes: first through fifth lenses, which are sequentially arranged along a light proceeding path between an object and an image sensor where an image of the object is formed; and an aperture provided between the object and the image sensor, wherein the first lens has positive refractive power, the second lens has negative refractive power and a flat incident surface, the third lens has positive refractive power and is convex towards the image sensor, the fourth lens has negative refractive power and is a meniscus lens convex towards the image sensor, the fifth lens has negative refractive power, wherein at least one of an incident surface and an emitting surface of the fifth lens is aspheric.
US09658433B2	Imaging lens and imaging apparatus including the imaging lens An imaging lens substantially consists of, in order from an object side, five lenses of a first lens that has a biconvex shape, a second lens that has a negative refractive power, a third lens, a fourth lens that has a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens that has a negative refractive power and has an object side surface and an image side surface which have aspheric shapes. Further, the imaging lens satisfies predetermined conditional expressions.
US09658432B2	Imaging lens An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an imaging lens, the imaging lens including, in an ordered way from an object side, a first lens having positive (+) refractive power, a second lens having negative (−) refractive power, a third lens having positive (+) refractive power, a fourth lens having negative (−) refractive power, wherein the imaging lens meets a conditional expression of D4−D3≦0, where D3 is a distance from an apex of an object side surface of the third lens to an apex of an image side surface of the third lens, and D4 is an axial distance from the apex of an object side surface of the third lens to an effective diameter of an object side surface of the fourth lens.
US09658431B1	Optical imaging lens and mobile device An optical imaging lens includes an aperture stop and first, second, and third lens elements from an object side to an image side in order along an optical axis. Each of the lens elements has an object-side surface and an image-side surface. The image-side surface of the first lens element has a convex portion in a vicinity of a periphery. The second lens element has negative refracting power, and the image-side surface of the second lens element has a convex portion in a vicinity of the optical axis. The optical imaging lens satisfies: 2×ν1≦ν2+ν3, wherein ν1, ν2, and ν3 are respectively the coefficients of dispersion of the first, second, and third lens elements. A mobile device is also provided.
US09658424B2	Optical apparatus equipped with rotation restricting mechanism for lens holding frames A mechanism which enables reduction of the diametrical size of a lens barrel of an optical apparatus. In the lens barrel, a third group lens unit has a rotation restricted portion. A fourth group lens holder rearward of the third group lens unit has a rotation restricting portion. A sixth group lens holder rearward of the fourth group lens holder has a rotation restricting portion. The rotation restricted portion of the third group lens unit and the rotation restricting portion of the fourth group lens holder are mutually engaged, whereby relative rotation between the lens unit and the lens holder is restricted, and the rotation restricted portion of the third group lens unit and the rotation restricting portion of the sixth group lens holder are mutually engaged, whereby relative rotation between the lens unit and the lens holder is restricted.
US09658423B2	Springless athermal lens design with flexured spacer Embodiments of the invention are directed to a springless athermal lens assembly. In one embodiment, a spacer of a springless athermal lens assembly may compensate for defocus of the camera system due to thermal expansion of the lens assembly through the coupling of a spacer to an inner barrel and an outer barrel. The inner barrel comprises a lens cell assembly and a body. The outer barrel comprises a body. The spacer comprises a body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the spacer body is configured to be physically coupled to outer barrel body and the inner surface of the spacer body is configured to be physically coupled to the inner barrel body. A retainer ring is configured to engage with the outer surface of the spacer body and provide a radial force against the outer surface of the spacer body to securably engage the inner surface of the spacer body with the inner barrel body.
US09658420B2	Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool assembly A fiber optic enclosure includes a housing having a base and a cover. The base and the cover cooperate to define an interior region. A cable spool assembly is disposed in the interior region of the housing and is rotatably engaged to the base. The cable spool assembly includes a drum portion and a tray assembly engaged to the drum portion. The tray assembly includes a first tray and a second tray mounted to the first tray. A fiber optic distribution cable is wrapped about the drum portion of the cable spool assembly.
US09658415B2	Structured substrate for optical fiber alignment A structured substrate for optical fiber alignment is produced at least in part by forming a substrate with a plurality of buried conductive features and a plurality of top level conductive features. At least one of the plurality of top level conductive features defines a bond pad. A groove is then patterned in the substrate utilizing a portion of the plurality of top level conductive features as an etch mask and one of the plurality of buried conductive features as an etch stop. At least a portion of an optical fiber is placed into the groove.
US09658414B2	Arrangement of photonic chip and optical adaptor for coupling optical signals An apparatus includes an optical adaptor having monolithically integrated optical elements and first micro-mechanical features, the latter defining at least a first horizontal reference surface and a first vertical reference surface; wherein the first horizontal reference surface is perpendicular to an optical plane, the latter being perpendicular the optical axis of the optical elements; and wherein the first vertical reference surface is perpendicular to the first horizontal reference surface and parallel to the optical axis.
US09658412B2	Optical communication device An optical communication device includes a circuit board, a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, and a planar light guide circuit. The circuit board includes an upper mounting surface. The upper mounting surface defines a groove. The groove includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first and the second inclined surfaces are slanted relative to a bottom surface of the groove and connected between the upper mounting surface and the bottom surface. A reflection layer is coated on the first and second inclined surfaces. The light-emitting element includes a light emergent surface, and the light-receiving element includes a light incident surface. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are mounted on the upper mounting surface. The planar light guide circuit is received in the groove. Two ends of the planar light guide circuit face reflection layers of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, respectively.
US09658410B2	Optical connector, method for aligning multi-core fiber with bundle structure, and fiber arrangement conversion member An optical connector is structured so as to include a fiber connection structure therein. A multi-core fiber is included inside a ferrule, and affixed to the ferrule substrate. One end surface of the multi-core fiber is exposed to an end surface of the ferrule. The other end of the multi-core fiber passes through and is affixed to a capillary. A plurality of optical fiber pass through a capillary that faces the capillary, and are affixed thereto the capillary in the same manner. Seven optical fiber cores of the same diameter are joined in a close-packed arrangement in the fiber connection structure.
US09658406B2	Aligning a fiber in an optical fiber connector According to certain embodiments, a method comprises disposing a first nanofiber portion of a nanofiber and a first assisting fiber portion of an assisting fiber into a ferrule of a connector. A second assisting fiber portion is heated. The nanofiber and assisting fiber are moved such that a portion of the heated assisting fiber portion is disposed within the ferrule. According to other embodiments, a method comprises placing a fiber within a ferrule of a connector having a fixed point such that a fiber center is a fiber distance away from a receptacle center. The fiber distance between the fiber center and receptacle center is measured. An angular offset between the fixed point and fiber center is measured about the receptacle center. A rotation angle for the fiber distance and angular offset is determined. The ferrule is rotated relative to the connector according to the rotation angle.
US09658404B2	Optical bench Methods, apparatuses, and systems for design, fabrication, and use of an optical bench, as well as alignment and attachment of optical fibers are described herein. One apparatus includes an apparatus body, a first channel within the apparatus body for positioning of a first optical fiber directed along a first axis and a second channel within the apparatus body for positioning of a second optical fiber directed along a second axis, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis. The apparatus also includes a third optical fiber directed along the second axis and an optical element positioned along the first channel and second channel to focus a first light beam from the first optical fiber along the first axis and focus a second light beam from the second optical fiber along the second axis.
US09658402B2	Optical fiber winding structures and techniques A fiber is wound into first and second coils lying substantially in respective first and second planar directions having a substantially orthogonal relationship. The first and second coils are configured to result in respective first and second birefringences that are dominated by bend-induced birefringence. The first and second birefringences have respective axes that are rotated with respect to each other in real space by an angle that is substantially equal to 90 degrees. Light traveling through the fiber has a state of polarization that evolves in substantially opposite directions as it travels respectively through the first and second coils. The first and second coils are configured such that light traveling through the fiber acquires respective, substantially opposite first and second phase shifts. Light traveling through the fiber acquires respective first and second differential group delays that substantially compensate for each other.
US09658398B2	Optical component with angled-facet waveguide A system comprises a first optical component comprising at least one waveguide and at least one self-alignment feature; and a second optical component comprising at least another waveguide and at least another self-alignment feature; wherein the self-alignment feature of the second optical component engage to assist in optically-coupling the waveguide of the first optical component and the waveguide of the second optical component when the first optical component has a manufacturing tolerance in a given geometric dimension and is mounted in the second optical component.
US09658397B1	Embedded universal waveguide optical splitters/couplers In one embodiment, an optical splitter/coupler may be created by i) providing an optical waveguide having a first waveguide channel core, ii) forming an angular trench at an end of the first waveguide channel core, the angular trench establishing first and second facets within the first waveguide channel core, and iii) mirroring the first and second facets, wherein the mirrored first and second facets are configured to provide optical reflection into and/or from respective second and third waveguide channel cores located at correspondingly opposing sides of the first waveguide channel core.
US09658394B2	Low attenuation fiber with viscosity matched core and inner clad A single mode optical fiber having a core made from silica and less than or equal to about 6.5 weight % germania and having a maximum relative refractive index Δ1MAX. The optical fiber also has an inner cladding surrounding the core and having a minimum relative refractive index Δ2MIN. A difference between a softening point of the core and a softening point of the inner cladding is less than or equal to about 20° C., and Δ1MAX>Δ2MIN. The single mode optical fiber may also have an outer cladding surrounding the inner cladding made from silica or SiON. The outer cladding has a maximum relative refractive index Δ3MAX, and Δ3MAX>Δ2MIN. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber includes providing a preform to a first furnace, the preform, drawing the optical fiber from the preform, and cooling the drawn optical fiber in a second furnace.
US09658392B2	Waterproof backlight module A waterproof backlight module comprises a light guiding plate, a reflection plate at the bottom of the light guiding plate, an optical film and a display panel disposed sequentially above the light guiding plate, and a frame disposed at a flank of the light guiding plate and the optical film, wherein a waterproof sealant is disposed at the flank of the display panel, a connection region where the display panel connects the frame, and a connection gap between the frame and the reflection plate. The waterproof backlight module provided by the present invention can effectively prevent water from entering an electronic mobile device, so that normal operation of electronic device and circuit are not affected. The waterproof backlight module is with small structure modification, easy manufacture and obvious effect, and can improve ability of waterproof of an electronic terminal product so as to adapt to a more complicated environment.
US09658389B2	Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device including the same Disclosed is a backlight unit and LCD device having a fixing device attached to a bottom cover and a guide panel to prevent the guide panel from shifting and detaching from the bottom cover. The backlight unit comprises a bottom cover having a bottom portion including a first hole, and a side portion having a second hole; a light guide plate on the bottom portion of the bottom cover; at least one optical sheet on the light guide plate; a guide panel adjacent the guide plate and the optical sheet; and a fixing device. The fixing device includes a horizontal portion; and a side portion extending perpendicularly from the horizontal portion. The side portion includes second protrusion portions extending inward from an edge of the side portion and parallel to the horizontal portion, and supporting portions extending vertically from the side portion at distal ends of the side portion.
US09658380B2	Planar lighting device In a first aspect of the present inventive subject matter, a planar light guide device includes light-emitting elements arranged on a surface of a substrate to be an alignment on a center line between two long edges of the surface of the substrate; and a light-transmitting resin including a region in which optical elements are arranged at a first side and a second side of the light-transmitting resin, and the optical element includes a first surface and a second surface that is smaller in area than the first surface, and the first surface of the optical element is inclined with an angle that is in a range of one to 40 degrees with respect to a surface that is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the substrate with an edge of the surface in parallel with the center line between the two long edges of the surface of the substrate.
US09658378B2	Holographic 3D image display apparatus and illumination unit for the same An illumination unit is provided including a coherent light source; a projection optical element which focuses a light beam emitted from the coherent light source onto a focal plane; and a holographic optical element interposed between the coherent light source and the projection optical element, and having an interference pattern formed thereon. The holographic optical element diffracts the light beam emitted from the coherent light source and emits the diffracted light to the projection optical element. Here, the interference pattern on the holographic optical element may have information that diffracts the light beam and thereby cancels a diffraction of the light beam due to an aberration of the projection optical element.
US09658377B2	Phase difference film layered body and method for producing the same having micrometer-scale particles in a subsequently-removed layer By provision of an A layer consisting of a resin having a positive intrinsic birefringence value; a B layer consisting of a resin containing a styrene polymer and having a negative intrinsic birefringence value; and a C layer consisting of a resin containing a polymer having an alicyclic structure, in this order; a phase difference film wherein, when the C layer is removed, retardation Re at an incident angle of 0° and retardation R40 at an incident angle of 40° satisfy a relationship of 0.92≦R40/Re≦1.08 is realized.
US09658365B2	Optical material composition and method for producing same Through an optical material composition containing a compound (a), a compound (b), a polythiol (c) and sulfur (d) according to the present invention, good mold release properties are obtained, and the occurrence of separation mark defects can be suppressed.Compound (a): a compound having the structure represented by formula (1): (In formula (1), m is an integer of 0 to 4 and n is an integer of 0 to 2.) Compound (b): a compound having the structure represented by formula (2): (In formula (2), m is an integer of 0 to 4 and n is an integer of 0 to 2.)
US09658363B2	Films including triazine-based ultraviolet absorbers The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally related to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.
US09658361B2	Lithology pair ratio: a ratio-based lithology indicator using pair production The present disclosure relates to borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating formation properties using nuclear radiation, particularly an apparatus and method for estimating a formation lithology parameter. The method may include using gamma ray count or count rate information to estimate a formation lithology parameter that may be one of, but not limited to: Z2/A, bulk density, Z2*bulk density/A, linear attenuation coefficients, and porosity. The method may include using time-dependent ratios with a pulsed radiation source. The method may also include dividing gamma ray information by time and/or by energy window. The apparatus includes a processor and storage subsystem with a program that, when executed, implements the method.
US09658360B2	High resolution LWD imaging A method for forming a high resolution logging while drilling image includes receiving a logging while drilling data set and selecting a borehole grid. The borehole grid includes a plurality of pixels that define discrete azimuthal positions and depth positions in the borehole. The LWD data set is mapped to the selected borehole grid such that an azimuthal position and a depth position are assigned to each data point in the data set. An interpolation routine is used to fill empty pixels. Disclosed embodiments enable high resolution LWD imaging that may resolve various fine formation features such as fractures, fine bedding layers, breakout, and vugs.
US09658359B2	NMR tracking of injected fluids Formation testing systems and methods may inject fluids into a formation to initiate fractures and facilitate measurements of various formation properties. In accordance with certain disclosed embodiments, the injection tools are further provided with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors to monitor the injected fluids and provide measurements of near-borehole fracture orientations and volumes. Contrast agents and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques may be employed. The fluid injection may occur via an extendible isolation pad, via a fracturing jet, or via an injection port in an isolated region of the borehole. The systems may employ pressure monitoring in conjunction with the NMR sensors to further enhance estimates of formation and fracture properties.
US09658358B2	Refocusing pulses and excitation pulses for NMR logging Illustrative embodiments are directed to applying a nuclear magnetic resonance sequence to a substance within an inhomogeneous static magnetic field. Various embodiments include applying a series of refocusing pulses to the substance, each refocusing pulse in the series of refocusing pulses having at least two segments, and a total pulse duration less than or equal to approximately 1.414 times T180. Various embodiments can further include applying an excitation pulse to the substance in the inhomogeneous static magnetic field, where the excitation pulse generates an initial magnetization that is aligned with a refocusing axis produced by a refocusing cycle that is performed after the excitation pulse.
US09658351B2	Null space projection for sourceless gain stabilization in downhole gamma ray spectroscopy A method for gain control of a radiation detector includes measuring standard gamma ray spectra for known concentrations of selected radioactive materials found in earth formations. A standards matrix is calculated from the standard gamma ray spectra. A singular value decomposition is computed from a matrix related to measurements of gamma ray spectra, of formations and the standards matrix. A radiation, detector gain is computed from a minimum ratio of null space with respect to data value space of a subsurface formation measurement related matrix and the standards matrix. Gain of the radiation detector is adjusted based on the computed radiation detector gain.
US09658350B2	Rechargeable solid state neutron detector and visible radiation indicator A radiation detection device, including: a support structure; and a chalcopyrite crystal coupled to the support structure; wherein, when the chalcopyrite crystal is exposed to radiation, a visible spectrum of the chalcopyrite crystal changes from an initial color to a modified color. The visible spectrum of the chalcopyrite crystal is changed back from the modified color to the initial color by annealing the chalcopyrite crystal at an elevated temperature below a melting point of the chalcopyrite crystal over time. The chalcopyrite crystal is optionally a 6LiInSe2 crystal. The radiation is comprised of neutrons that decrease the 6Li concentration of the chalcopyrite crystal via a 6Li(n,α) reaction. The initial color is yellow and the modified color is one of orange and red. The annealing temperature is between about 450 degrees C. and about 650 degrees C. and the annealing time is between about 12 hrs and about 36 hrs.
US09658348B2	X-ray detector, X-ray imaging apparatus having the same, and method of controlling the same An X-ray detector capable of independently controlling a read-out rate for each region, an X-ray imaging apparatus having the same, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The X-ray detector includes a plurality of pixels which are two-dimensionally arranged and configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to incident X-rays, a plurality of gate lines configured to connect the plurality of pixels in a row direction, a plurality of data lines configured to connect the plurality of pixels in a column direction, a read-out circuit configured to read out the electrical signal generated by the plurality of pixels through the plurality of data lines, and a switcher configured to independently turn connections between the respective data lines in the plurality of data lines and the read-out circuit on and off.
US09658344B1	Apparatus including scintillation crystal array with different reflector layers and associated methods A radiation detector, such as for a PET scanner, may include an array of scintillator crystals, with each scintillator crystal having a polished end, a roughened end opposite the polished end, and polished sides extending between the polished end and the roughened end. The detector may also include a specular reflector layer between adjacent polished sides of adjacent ones of the array of scintillator crystals, and a diffusive reflector layer adjacent the roughened ends of the array of scintillator crystals. The detector may further include at least one photodetector adjacent the polished ends of the array of scintillator crystals.
US09658342B2	X or Gamma ray indirect image detector with fiber optic plate (FOP) stand-offs and method of assembly Stand-offs are attached around the periphery of the fiber optic plate (FOP) to ensure a certain minimum thickness between the FOP and the imaging sensor to reduce shear stress and the risk of delamination due to shear stress in an X or Gamma ray detector. A coupling material fills the gap between the FOP and the imaging sensor.
US09658329B2	Measurement of reflected ultrasound signal for ultrasonic emitter gating control A method and apparatus to gate an ultrasonic emitter operation includes a housing including the ultrasonic emitter, where the ultrasonic emitter is operable to periodically transmit an ultrasonic pulse of a predefined frequency. A microphone circuit is disposed in the housing, such that the microphone circuit is operable to receive a reflected ultrasonic signal derived from the transmitted ultrasonic pulse. A controller is coupled to the emitter and the microphone circuit, where the controller operable to gate the operation of the emitter to an OFF state based on at least one measured parameter of the reflected ultrasonic signal. The parameters can include a Doppler measurement and a distance measurement.
US09658328B1	System and method for indicating potential wind shear events An aircraft weather radar system can include an electronic display, a radar antenna for receiving radar returns, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor can be configured to determine an existence of potential wind shear activity using the radar returns and cause the electronic display to provide an indication of the potential wind shear activity. The potential wind shear activity is different than a wind shear condition associated with a predictive wind shear icon for a wind shear event.
US09658326B2	Handheld locating device A locating device disposable on a surface has a housing, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, and an inductance sensor. The locating device also has a motion sensor disposed for detecting at least one motion parameter. A controller receives data from the capacitance sensor, the radar sensor, the inductance sensor and the motion sensor, and determines from the data a presence of objects disposed within or behind the surface. A display is used for displaying a graphical representation of the objects disposed within or behind the surface.
US09658325B2	Secondary surveillance radar signals as primary surveillance radar Systems and methods relating to the use of one type of radar technology to accomplish the function of another type of radar technology. Secondary Surveillance Radar/Identification Friend or Foe (SSR/IFF) technology can be used as if it was Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) to gain the advantages of both systems. Radar signals useful for SSR/IFF are used as PSR signals. Reflections of the SSR/IFF signal off of both airborne and ground based aircraft, and ground based vehicles and items are used to locate and identify these aircraft, vehicles and items. For SSR/IFF transponder equipped aircraft, the reflected SSR/IFF signals provide (prove dial) dual confirmation of the aircraft's presence while for non-transponder equipped aircraft, the reflected signals provide an indication of the aircraft's presence. The use of SSR/IFF signals reflected off of ground based vehicles and items provides an indication of ground based vehicles and items present around the installation receiving the reflected SSR/IFF signals.
US09658322B2	LIDAR optical scanner system An optical scanner system comprises a housing, a detector contained within the housing configured to produce at least two resolvable azimuth fields-of-view relative to a center-axis of the housing, and an external scanner rotating relative to the center-axis of the housing, and switching between at least two elevations relative to a nominal optical axis of a receiver. Motion of the housing azimuthally results in the receiver producing a continuous coverage pattern at multiple elevations produced by the external scanner.
US09658310B2	Concepts for identifying an asset sort location Systems and methods for facilitating the sorting of assets to sort locations. In various embodiments, a sort employee scans an asset indicia using a user device, which stores asset data corresponding to the stored asset. As the sort employee nears a sort location (e.g., a delivery vehicle) with the asset and the user device, the user device automatically communicates wirelessly with a sort location receiver to associate the asset data with data indicative of the sort location where the user deposits the asset. In various embodiments, a device may determine whether the user device is proximate the appropriate sort location for the item, and may generate an alert upon a determination that the user device is proximate an incorrect sort location.
US09658308B1	Self-contained, electromagnetic radiation or solar driven tracking device and method utilizing thermal transpiration Various aspects of apparatus and methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a carrier have first and second portions extending in opposite directions from a carrier axis. The apparatus further includes first and second objects, the first object being carried by the first portion of the carrier and the second object being carried by the second portion of the carrier, wherein each of the first and second objects are configured to cooperatively rotate the carrier about the carrier axis by thermal transpiration to track an electromagnetic radiation source.
US09658303B2	Gradient coil with correction windings and method for production thereof In a coil arrangement for nuclear magnetic resonance comprising a main coil (13), a shielding coil (14), and at least one correction coil (41), the function of which consists in forming a magnetic field gradient with eddy current properties which are as good as possible, the main coil (13) and the shielding coil (14) are electrically connected in series with the correction coil (41). The deviations of the residual field from the desired design generated by production tolerances are thereby modified by the correction coil in such a fashion that the long-lasting eddy currents are suppressed. This either reduces the waiting time that must lapse after a gradient pulse before a predetermined field homogeneity is achieved or e.g. the deviations from the desired field are minimized in imaging applications.
US09658301B2	Absorbtion-based detection of spin impurities in solid-state spin systems Absorption based detection of spin states of spin impurities within a solid-state spin system, such as NV centers in diamond, is implemented by measuring the absorption intensity of an optical signal applied to the spin impurities, i.e. change in intensity of the optical signal after the signal has been transmitted through the solid-state spin system. During optical excitation of the spin impurities, microwave pulses are applied to the sample at a frequency tuned to the ESR frequency. The relative populations of the spin states of the impurities, which provides information regarding variables of interest such as an external magnetic field or a quantum information protocol, is determined from the ratio of the absorption intensity of the optical signal when the microwave pulses are turned on, to the absorption intensity of the optical signal when the microwave pulses turned off.
US09658298B2	Monolithic three-axis magnetic field sensor A three-axis magnetic sensor or magnetometer is provided. Two magnetic sensor Wheatstone bridges using barber pole AMR structures are fabricated on opposite sides of a bump structure formed on a substrate to provide surfaces that are at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat surface of the substrate. The bridge assembly is oriented along the Y axis and the bridges are interconnected such that Y and Z channel signals can be produced by processing of the bridge signals. The X channel signals are provided by an X axis sensor provided on the level surface of the substrate.
US09658293B2	Power supply unit, vehicle and storage battery unit equipped with power supply unit, and remaining capacity detecting method of battery A power supply unit comprises a battery, current and voltage detecting portions, and a remaining capacity computing portion. The remaining capacity computing portion comprises a first computing portion computing a first open circuit terminal voltage based on current and voltage values from the current and voltage detecting portions, and computing a first remaining capacity based on the first open circuit terminal voltage, a second computing portion computing a second open circuit terminal voltage based on the current and voltage values, an ohmic resistance voltage drop and a polarization resistance voltage drop, and computing a second remaining capacity based on the second open circuit terminal voltage, a third computing portion calculating a third remaining capacity based on an integrated value by integrating the current, and a main computing portion computing a real remaining capacity of the battery based on the first and/or third remaining capacity, and the second remaining capacity.
US09658291B1	Methods and apparatus for dynamic estimation of battery open-circuit voltage This invention provides methods for dynamic estimation of the open-circuit voltage of a battery. In some embodiments, an impulse response is calculated using a matrix-based algorithm or a recursive algorithm. Then, a current response is calculated by convolving the impulse response with the measured current. The open-circuit voltage of the battery is derived by subtracting the current response from the measured voltage. Using the principles disclosed to estimate OCV, a lithium-ion battery may be managed with a battery-state estimator that allows accurate and timely estimation of the state of charge, the charge and the discharge power capabilities, and the state of health of the battery. These methods are able to accept various exciting signals, are stable and robust against noises, even when diffusion is a limiting kinetic factor in the battery.
US09658290B2	System and method of battery life estimation A device that includes a plurality of substantially identical batteries coupled via switching circuits to a power bus is provided. Control circuits can be coupled to the batteries and the switching circuits to provide electrical energy to the bus from each of the batteries during a sequence of predetermined time intervals, wherein one of the batteries provides electrical energy to the bus during a greater percentage of each time intervals than the others of the plurality. The remaining battery life of the others of the plurality can be estimated in response to sensing that the one of the batteries is substantially discharged.
US09658288B2	Alternating current coupled electronic component test system and method This disclosure relates generally to an electrical circuit and method. A capacitive element can be configured to be coupled in series with an electronic package component. A path resistance can be electrically coupled to the capacitive element. A driver can be configured to electrically charge the capacitive element. A voltage detector can be coupled to the capacitive element and configured to identify a condition of the electronic package component based on a measured voltage of the capacitive element.
US09658287B2	Handler apparatus, adjustment method of handler apparatus, and test apparatus A handler apparatus adjusts a position of an actuator and enhances positional accuracy of a device under test. Provided is a handler apparatus that conveys a device under test to a test socket, including: an actuator that, prior to fitting of a device holder holding the device under test to the test socket, fits the device holder, and adjusts a position of the device under test on the device holder; and an actuator adjusting section that adjusts an amount of driving of the actuator by causing the actuator to fit an actuator fitting unit.
US09658286B2	Sequential access assembly strip test adapter An assembly strip test method and adapter allows for the concurrent loading of multiple assembly strips for testing in a concurrent and/or round-robin fashion in a strip tester. The test method and adapter allows the multiple assembly strips to be loaded into a strip tester in a single load cycle, reducing assembly strip load cycle overhead. Signals generated by test probes can be used to select between the loaded assembly strips for testing via the strip tester. Parallel coupling between corresponding pins of corresponding integrated circuits of different assembly strips allows a single test probe to be used as stimulus or monitor for two or more assembly strips. In certain configurations a stackable assembly strip test adapter is used. In other configurations the integrated circuits include at least part of the assembly strip selection decoding logic.
US09658282B2	Techniques for determining a fault probability of a location on a chip A method for determining relevance values representing a relevance of a combination of an input node of a first number of input nodes with a measurement node of a second number of measurement nodes for a detection of a fault on a chip applies a third number of tests at the first number of input nodes, measures for each test of the third plurality of tests a signal at each of the second number of measurement nodes to obtain for each measurement node of the second number of measurement nodes a third number of measurement values, and determines the relevance values, wherein each relevance value is calculated based on a correlation between the third number of test input choices defined for the input node of the respective combination and the third number of measurement values associated to the measurement node of the respective combination.
US09658281B2	Alignment testing for tiered semiconductor structure Among other things, one or more techniques or systems for evaluating a tiered semiconductor structure, such as a stacked CMOS structure, for misalignment are provided. In an embodiment, a connectivity test is performed on vias between a first layer and a second layer to determine a via diameter and a via offset that are used to evaluate misalignment. In an embodiment, a connectivity test for vias within a first layer is performed to determine an alignment rotation based upon which vias are connected through a conductive arc within a second layer or which vias are connected to a conductive pattern out of a set of conductive patterns. In this way, the via diameter, the via offset, or the alignment rotation are used to evaluate the tiered semiconductor structure, such as during a stacked CMOS process, for misalignment.
US09658273B2	Method of detecting partial discharging location of power device Provided is a method of accurately detecting the location of a partial discharge in a power device. For this purpose, the present invention measures sequential positions of arrival of partial discharge signals and the differences in the time of arrival between the partial discharge signals with respect to a plurality of partial discharge sensors installed on the outside surface of a power device, divides the power device into a plurality of spatial sections, determines a spatial section where the location of a partial discharge is present using the sequential positions of arrival of the partial discharge signals, calculates the representative location value of the determined spatial section, and determines compensation values for the differences in the time of arrival to be applied with respect to the respective spatial sections.
US09658270B2	Inspection method of sensor device and sensor device In a reset period of a first stage, a switching circuit is turned on, and high-level driving voltages are output from driving circuits. In a charge transfer period subsequent to the reset period, the switching circuit is turned off, and low-level driving voltages are output from the driving circuits. It is determined whether or not an output voltage of an amplifier circuit in the charge transfer period is included in a normal range. In the inspection of a second stage subsequent to the first stage, in the same manner as in the normal measurement, voltages having opposite phases are output from the driving circuits in the reset period and the charge transfer period, and it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the amplifier circuit in the charge transfer period is included in a normal range.
US09658264B2	Energy metering system with self-powered sensors The present invention relates to an energy metering system for determining electrical loads of a distribution panel, sensor devices, and fuse boxes for an energy metering system. The energy metering system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing an electrical load of the plurality of circuit breakers and providing corresponding sensor data, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in proximity to a plurality of circuit breakers of the distribution panel. The energy metering system also includes a data processing system for converting the sensor data of the plurality of sensors into electrical load information for a plurality of electrical circuits protected by corresponding circuit breakers, and at least one energy harvesting device for powering the plurality of sensors. The at least one energy harvesting device is arranged in front of a protective cover of the distribution panel covering the plurality of electrical circuits.
US09658260B2	Power system state estimation using a two-level solution A power system grid is decomposed into several parts and decomposed state estimation steps are executed separately, on each part, using coordinated feedback regarding a boundary state. The achieved solution is the same that would be achieved with a simultaneous state estimation approach. With the disclosed approach, the state estimation problem can be distributed among decomposed estimation operations for each subsystem and a coordinating operation that yields the complete state estimate. The approach is particularly suited for estimating the state of power systems that are naturally decomposed into separate subsystems, such as separate AC and HVDC systems, and/or into separate transmission and distribution systems.
US09658257B1	Wireless communication energizer and monitoring unit for electric fencing and method therefor An electric fence monitoring unit and an integrated energizer/monitoring unit with remote control and communication capability using GSM based cellular technology, and a method for the use thereof, is provided. A simple set of commands can be used and sent, such as through text messaging (SMS) or a smartphone application, to control and/or receive information from the monitoring unit including alerts sent to the user in the case of faults or changes in fence loading. The monitoring unit includes a safety mode that uses time dependent voltage detection to detect when a sudden and significant drop in fence voltage has occurred, as may result when an animal becomes trapped or entangled in the fence. When such a large and rapid voltage drop is detected and the safety mode is enabled, the unit automatically de-energizes the electric fence and an alert is sent to the user advising that the fence should be looked at without delay.
US09658256B2	Portable spa monitoring and control circuitry Control circuitry for controlling a spa water heater, wherein a microcontroller is configured to detect zero crossings of an A.C. line voltage from a voltage sense signal, to cause closing of a first heater relay and a second heater relay, to detect the time at which heater current is initially sensed by a current sensor after the initial closing of the second heater relay, to measure a time delay between the time that the second heater relay is closed and the time at which heater current is initially sensed, and to adjust the time at which a second closing of the second heater relay occurs such that zero crossings of the heater current occur at the same time as zero crossings of the voltage waveform. The control circuitry further includes a voltage sense circuit comprising a first diode connected in series with a current limiting resistance connected in series with a Zener diode, which is in turn connected in series with an optical coupler LED.
US09658249B2	Probe card capable of transmitting high-frequency signals A probe card which is capable of transmitting high-frequency signals provided by a DUT, and the DUT includes an output pin group and an input pin group for sending and receiving the high-frequency signals respectively. The probe card includes a first signal pin group, a second signal pin group, and a multiband circuit. The first signal pin group is made of a conductive material, and is used to contact the output pin group; the second signal pin group is made of a conductive material too, and is used to contact the input pin group; the multiband circuit is electrically connected to the first signal pin group and the second signal pin group to allow signals within a first bandwidth and a second bandwidth to pass therethrough.
US09658247B2	Method and apparatus for infrared scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy with high speed point spectroscopy This invention involves measurement of optical properties of materials with sub-micron spatial resolution through infrared scattering scanning near field optical microscopy (s-SNOM). Specifically, the current invention provides substantial improvements over the prior art by achieving high signal to noise, high measurement speed and high accuracy of optical amplitude and phase. Additionally, it some embodiments, it eliminates the need for an in situ reference to calculate wavelength dependent spectra of optical phase, or absorption spectra. These goals are achieved via improved asymmetric interferometry where the near-field scattered light is interfered with a reference beam in an interferometer. The invention achieves dramatic improvements in background rejection by arranging a reference beam that is much more intense than the background scattered radiation. Combined with frequency selective demodulation techniques, the near-field scattered light can be efficiently and accurately discriminated from background scattered light. These goals are achieved via a range of improvements including a large dynamic range detector, careful control of relative beam intensities, and high bandwidth demodulation techniques. In other embodiments, phase and amplitude stability are improved with a novel s-SNOM configuration. In other embodiments an absorption spectrum may be obtained directly by comparing properties from a known and unknown region of a sample as a function of illumination center wavelength.
US09658246B2	Method of studying a sample in an ETEM A method and apparatus is provided for studying the reaction (chemical or physical) of a sample with a gas in the active atmosphere of an instrument such as an Environmental Transmission Electron Microscope (ETEM), optical microscope, X-ray microscope or scanning probe microscope. The sample is exposed to inert gas at a desired temperature before exchanging the inert gas to the active gas to reduce to avoid, or at least minimize, sample drift during image acquisition.
US09658245B2	Impact detection circuit for physical quantity detection device to detect impact to electronic apparatus, moving object, and impact detection method An impact detection circuit includes a first detection section adapted to detect presence or absence of an impact input based on a first output signal as an output signal in a first detection axis of an inertial sensor having the first detection axis and a second detection axis different from each other, a second detection section adapted to detect presence or absence of an impact input based on a second output signal as an output signal in the second detection axis, and an impact detection determination section adapted to determine that an impact input has been made in a case in which both of the first detection section and the second detection section have detected the presence of the impact input.
US09658242B2	Automated ultra-filtration apparatus The present invention provides a disposable ultra-filtration system comprising a disposable pipetting tip and a disposable ultra-filtration cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a membrane filtration chamber and a dead-end channel. In use, a piston in the pipette pressurizes air within the channel; the pressurized air can subsequently move the piston and cause a reverse flow back through the membrane of the cartridge, unplugging the pores thereof. Also disclosed is an automated workstation incorporating the disposable ultra-filtration system, and a system comprising the automated workstation, useful for measuring the free therapeutic drug concentration and free hormone concentration in a sample.
US09658241B2	Sample distribution system and laboratory automation system A sample distribution system having a transport surface and sample container carriers arranged thereupon is disclosed. A dirt detection device for limiting the effect of dirt is provided.
US09658235B2	Pi-extended acedan derivatives, their application for two-photon microscopy imaging, and their application for two-photon microscopy imaging of amyloid-beta plaque in an alzheimer's disease animal model Provided are acedan derivatives having an extended π bond, a method for preparing the acedan derivatives, and a method for two-photon microscopy imaging of amyloid-beta plaque using the acedan derivatives; more particularly, to two-photon absorbing fluorescent compounds having a longer absorption wavelength and emission wavelength than acedan and acedan derivatives which are conventional two-photon absorbing fluorophores. The compounds provided may be usefully used for in vivo imaging studies by imaging cells or tissue using the compounds, and may also be usefully used for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease by imaging amyloid-beta plaque using the compounds.
US09658234B2	Method for analysis of compounds with amino group and analytical reagent therefor The present invention provides a method for the analysis of a compound with amino group (e.g., an amino acid or peptide) contained in a sample and convenient manner with a high sensitivity. The compound with amino group in a sample containing the compound with amino group is labeled with a specific carbamate compound such as p-trimethylammonium anilyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate iodide to enhance the selectivity and sensitivity. The present invention is preferably used in conjunction with mass spectrometry such as MS/MS method to facilitate quantitative analysis. The present invention further provides labeling reagents for mass spectrometry.
US09658233B1	Assay to measure midkine or pleiotrophin level for diagnosing a growth The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing a growth in a subject by providing a sample of a growth taken from a subject, determining the level of midkine or pleiotrophin in the sample by an immunoassay, and comparing the level of midkine or pleiotrophin determined from the sample with a control. An increased level of midkine or pleiotrophin in the sample as compared to the control is diagnostic of a malignant growth, whereas an equivalent or decreased level of midkine or pleiotrophin in the sample as compared to the control is diagnostic of a benign growth.
US09658231B2	Using phage epitopes to profile the immune response The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using one or more polypeptide probes to profile an immune response. The polypeptide probe can be used to detect one or more antibodies from a sample. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides methods and compositions for characterizing a cancer based on the detection of one or more antibodies, such as autoantibodies.
US09658230B2	Antibodies or fragments thereof directed against a Staphylococcus aureus epitope of IsaA or IsaB The invention concerns antibodies or fragments thereof that are directed against a Staphylococcus aureus epitope.
US09658227B2	Recombinant GRA antigens and the use of same for early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis The present disclosure relates to a method for identifying the presence or absence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a human or animal serum, including placing the previously drawn serum in contact with antigens capable of binding with the anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, and the observation of a bond or of an absence of a bond of antibodies with the antigens, and a combination of two recombinant GRA2 and GRA6 proteins. In particular, the antigens are attached to a support, in particular an ELISA plate. This test is preferably carried out as a supplement to another test for diagnosing toxoplasmosis.
US09658224B2	Phage particle diagnostic reagents The present invention relates to novel methods for detecting a member of a known binding pair in a sample, including a cell, where one member of the pair (termed the “receptor”) is expressed by a bacteriophage, which phage is then used to detect the presence of the other member of the pair (termed the “ligand” or “target”). Rather than detecting the binding of the phage using antibody-based technology, the present invention relates to detecting marker molecule associated with the phage. In one aspect, the invention relates to identifying an antigen-bearing moiety (e.g., a red blood cell antigen) of interest present on a cell, e.g., a red blood cell, using antibody-displaying bacteriophage, as well as detecting anti-red blood cell auto- or alloantibodies and/or complement in a sample, using antiglobulin reagent-displaying bacteriophage and detecting a marker molecule associated with the phage. In one aspect, the phenotype of the phage is not linked with the genotype of the phage.
US09658223B2	Temperature-independent, portable, and rapid field detection of antigens A device for determining the presence of an antigen in a sample uses a substrate shaped to define a plurality of lateral flow channels and a detection region. Each lateral flow channel is associated with a load spot. The substrate includes, for each of the lateral flow channels, a fluid conducting medium, and, for the detection region, a fluid retaining medium. A first load spot receives a sample from the subject. Each of the other load spots uses a dried mixture of silk fibroin with a reagent. The detection region includes an antibody. A second load spot includes a secondary detection antibody. A third load spot includes a color reagent. The device implements an ELISA reaction when activated by sequentially placed aliquots of an aqueous solution.
US09658222B2	Planar waveguide based cartridges and associated methods for detecting target analyte A cartridge for processing a sample includes (a) a planar waveguide with upper and lower planar surfaces defining an optical axis therebetween, wherein the upper planar surface has a plurality of capture molecules bound thereto, (b) a lens portion, coupled to the planar waveguide, for focusing and refracting a light beam propagating parallel to, but offset from, the optical axis such that the light beam couples into the planar waveguide and propagates therein along the optical axis at a non-zero, internal propagation angle β relative to the upper planar surface, and (c) a sample chamber for positioning the sample in contact with the plurality of capture molecules such that a target analyte of the sample is detectable through (i) an assay involving the target analyte and the capture molecules and (ii) evanescent illumination of the assay using the light beam within the planar waveguide.
US09658219B2	Microelectronic sensor device for detecting label particles A microelectronic sensor device for the detection of target components with label or magnetic particles includes a carrier with a binding surface at which target components can collect and optionally bind to specific capture elements. An input light beam is transmitted into the carrier and totally internally reflected at the binding surface. The amount of light in the output light beam is detected by a light detector. Evanescent light generated during the total internal reflection is affected by target components and/or label particles at the binding surface and will be missing in the output light beam. This is used to determine the amount of target components at the binding surface from the amount of light in the output light beam. A magnetic field generator is optionally used to generate a magnetic field at the binding surface by which magnetic label particles can be manipulated, such as attracted or repelled.
US09658217B2	Measuring physical and biochemical parameters with mobile devices A test strip module includes a case, a test strip in the case, and a position anchor extending down past a mating surface to a face of a mobile computing device. The position anchor has a shape matching a feature on the face of the mobile computing device.
US09658213B2	Isotopic labeling for the measurement of global protein levels and turnover in vivo An entire complement or plurality of isotopically labeled amino acids are introduced into the diet of a test subject. Sufficient amounts of the isotopically labeled amino acids are provided to the subject in order to ensure that the subject incorporates a large percentage of isotopically labeled amino acids into newly synthesized proteins. Tissue samples are removed from the subject at different points in time and proteins are extracted and separated so that different proteins of different tissues can be individually analyzed and their amount and pattern of isotopic labeling can be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the methodology can be combined with proteolytic digestion to peptides and analysis by mass spectrometry in order to measure rates of protein turnover in vivo relating to thousands of different proteins.
US09658209B2	Feline bitter taste receptors and methods A family of novel feline bitter taste receptors, referred to as feline TAS2R (fTAS2R), are disclosed herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding the novel feline bitter taste receptors and chimeric polypeptides are also disclosed, as are expression vectors and host cells for expression of the novel feline bitter taste receptors. Methods of identifying compounds that bind to the novel feline bitter taste receptors and modulate their activity are disclosed.
US09658207B2	Polymer microfiltration devices, methods of manufacturing the same and the uses of the microfiltration devices A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A microfilter comprising two or more polymer layers formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures or open areas each extending through the polymer layer. A method of forming a microfilter is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer of epoxy-based photo-definable dry film disposed on a substrate, exposing the first layer to energy through a mask to form a pattern, defined by the mask, in the first layer of dry film, forming, from the exposed first layer of dry film, a polymer layer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the plurality of apertures having a distribution defined by the pattern, and removing the polymer layer from the substrate. Unique filter holder designs and methods appropriate to hold microfilters to collect the rare cells and allow performing assays in the filter holder are provided. The invention also describes the use of the microfilter and filter holder to collect rare cells from body fluids and perform assays. Rare cells collected on the microfilter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be used for medical and biological research applications.
US09658200B2	Control method of sensor disposed in exhaust system A control method of a sensor disposed in an exhaust system may include starting an engine; performing a first logic of checking whether moisture formed on a first sensor detecting one of the characteristics of exhaust gases emitted from the engine; when it is determined by the first logic that the moisture formed on the first sensor has evaporated, heating the first sensor; and performing a second logic of checking whether moisture formed on a second sensor disposed at the rear of the first sensor and detecting one of the characteristics of the exhaust gases.
US09658199B2	Systems and methods for detecting change in species in an environment A method for determining the concentration of an analyte is provided. The method comprises: applying an alternating voltage to a first electrode and a second electrode of a sensor in the presence of the analyte; measuring a first capacitance of the sensor in presence of the analyte; irradiating the analyte for a predetermined time period at a discrete frequency within a predetermined frequency range; measuring a second capacitance of the sensor at an end of the predetermined time period; determining a difference between the first and second capacitances; and determining the concentration of the analyte based on the difference. Also, the method includes determining a composition of an analyte. The discrete frequency is associated with the difference to determine a frequency response. The frequency response is used to determine the composition of the analyte.
US09658198B2	Method for identification and quantitative determination of an unknown organic compound in a gaseous medium A method for identifying and quantitatively analyzing an unknown organic compound in a gaseous medium. More specifically, the method provides a gas sensor array (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) coupled to a diluting channeling gas inlet (105) with a honeycomb configuration. Each sensor (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) in the array receives the test gas after successive dilutions. Detected gas are identified by correlating the responses of each sensor with its associated dilution.
US09658193B2	Rolling phased array ultrasonic scanner A rolling ultrasonic scanner comprises a member having an inspection surface for rolling across the surface of an object under test. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are disposed within the member in a formation such that they are each aimed at a common point that is coincident with the surface of the object.
US09658191B2	Atomic flux measurement device An atomic flux measurement device for measuring the amount of dissociated atomic flux produced by discharge and emitted from a plasma generation cell into a vacuum camber. The atomic flux measurement device includes a counter electrode body including a pair of first and second sheet-like electrodes that are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined spacing between them, a direct-current power supply configured to maintain the first sheet-like electrode at a negative potential so that atoms attached to the inner surface of the sheet-like electrode undergo self-ionization and to apply a direct-current voltage between the first and second sheet-like electrodes so that a current flows between the first and second sheet-like electrodes, and a direct-current ammeter configured to measure a current flowing due to electrons emitted by the self-ionization of the dissociated atoms attached to the inner surface of the first sheet-like electrode.
US09658190B2	Printed electrode A nanopore based sequencing chip package is disclosed. The nanopore based sequencing chip package includes a reservoir defined by a plurality of surfaces. The chip package includes a nanopore cell array comprising a plurality of nanopore sensor cells enclosed by the reservoir. Each nanopore sensor cell has a working electrode. At least one surface of the reservoir is configured to be in contact with a conducting fluid when the conducting fluid is flowing through the reservoir. The chip package further includes a counter electrode disposed on the at least one surface of the reservoir.
US09658189B2	Non-thermosensitive medium for analyzing species in a channel and for minimizing adsorption and/or electroosomosic phenomena An aqueous liquid medium for analyzing, purifying or separating species in an element having walls or for treating the walls of an element. The medium includes at least a polymer consisting of several polymeric segments. The polymer is of the irregular block-copolymer or irregular comb-like polymer type and has on the average at least three junction points between polymeric segments of different chemical or topological nature. The medium may be used in methods for analyzing, purifying or separating species and methods for treating an element to be contacted with a fluid and/or species contained in the fluid during preservation, transport, analysis, purification or separation of the fluid.
US09658188B2	Electrochemical test sensor An electrochemical test sensor includes a lid and a base. The base has a length and a width. The length of the base is greater than the width of the base. The base includes at least a working electrode, a counter electrode and at least three test-sensor contacts for electrically connecting to a meter. The at least three test-sensor contacts are spaced along the length of the base from each other. The base and the lid assist in forming a fluid chamber for receiving the fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a reagent to assist in determining the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample.
US09658179B2	System and method for a MEMS transducer According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer includes a substrate with a first cavity that passes through the substrate from a backside of the substrate. The MEMS transducer also includes a perforated first electrode plate overlying the first cavity on a topside of the substrate, a second electrode plate overlying the first cavity on the topside of the substrate and spaced apart from the perforated first electrode plate by a spacing region, and a gas sensitive material in the spacing region between the perforated first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The gas sensitive material has an electrical property that is dependent on a concentration of a target gas.
US09658177B2	Apparatus, system, and method for catalyst presence detection A system to detect the presence of a catalyst includes an exhaust gas tube, a first temperature sensing device, a second temperature sensing device, a flow rate measurement device, and a processing device. The first temperature sensing device measures a first temperature of exhaust gas upstream of the exhaust gas tube. The second temperature sensing device measures a second temperature of the exhaust gas downstream of the exhaust gas tube. The processing device estimates an expected time delay between the measured inlet and outlet exhaust gas temperatures corresponding to a system with a catalyst present. The processing device may also determine the presence of a catalyst by comparing the measured second temperature to the measured first temperature and comparing the measured second temperature to an estimated delayed first temperature associated with the expected time delay.
US09658169B2	System and method of characterizing micro-fabrication processes A system for assessing a structure and the tools and processes used to form the structure is described. 2D images of the structure are captured and processed to obtain 3D information concerning the structure. Both 2D and 3D information is then used to identify and analyze selected characteristics of the structure. This analysis allows for a quality assessment of the structure. The selected characteristics are correlated with information relating to the operation of the tool that carried out the process that at least in part created the structure. The correlation of tool/process information to structure characteristics allows for the generation of feedback that may be used to modify the tool or processed used to form the structure.
US09658168B2	Method and device for determining reflection coefficients on filter arrangements having thin layers The invention relates to a method for determining optical properties by measuring intensities on a thin layer, wherein light is irradiated onto a carrier (105) that has said thin layer and that is at least partially transparent. Interferences on the at least one thin layer are measured as the relative intensity of at least one superpositioned wave, optionally using filter arrangements (113, 115, 117) provided for this purpose, whereupon the reflection coefficient(s) and/or the transmission coefficient(s) from the reflection and/or the transmission on the thin layer are determined. Preferably, the intensity of at least two superpositioned waves is measured. The light may be irradiated directly onto the carrier. The invention also relates to a device for determining optical properties by measuring intensities on a thin layer, said device comprising an analysis unit which stores at least one lookup table. The method and the device are preferably used in the area of homeland security.
US09658165B2	Electronic field enhancement element, analysis device, and electronic apparatus An electronic field enhancement element includes: a metal layer; a dielectric layer provided on the metal layer; and a plurality of fine metal structures provided on the dielectric layer. A refractive index n of the dielectric layer satisfies n′=n+iκ and is in a range of 1≦n<1.46, wherein a complex refractive index of the dielectric layer is n′, an imaginary unit is i, and an extinction coefficient is κ.
US09658162B2	Method and apparatus for direct measurement of the amplitude and/or phase of a molecular vibration An apparatus and method for measuring amplitude and/or phase of a molecular vibration uses a polarization modulated pump beam and a stimulating Stokes beam on a probe of a scanning probe microscope to detect a Raman scattered Stokes beam from the sample. The detected Raman scattered Stokes beam is used to derive at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the molecular vibration.
US09658148B2	Particle analysis and sorting apparatus and methods A particle analyzer, comprising a source of a beam of pulsed optical energy; a detector comprising a number of spectral detection channels to detect optical signals resulting from interactions between the beam and particles in a sample (such as, e.g., fluorescence signals), and to convert the optical signals into respective electrical signals; optical paths from the source to the sample and from the sample to the detector; a flowcell connected with the optical paths and with a flow path for a suspension of particles; a signal processing module capable of: receiving the electrical signals from the detector; mathematically combining individual decay curves in the signals into a decay supercurve; allocating individual components of the supercurve to discrete bins of predetermined time constants; and quantifying the relative contribution of individual components to the supercurve; a particle sorting actuator; an actuator driver; and at least one particle collection receptacle.
US09658143B1	Offline mixing A method for diluting a sample includes drawing an aliquot of the sample past a mixing junction. The method also includes supplying the sample to the mixing junction and supplying a second fluid to the mixing junction. The second fluid mixes with the sample at the mixing junction to generate a diluted sample. The method further includes supplying the diluted sample from the mixing junction.
US09658141B2	Station for the selective uncapping of gel cards The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.
US09658139B2	System and method for the concentrated collection of airborne particles A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.
US09658137B2	Magnetically-induced solid-phase microextraction fiber actuation system for quantitative headspace and liquid sampling A magnetically-induced SPME fiber actuation system includes a SPME fiber holder and a SPME fiber holder actuator, for holding and magnetically actuating a SPME fiber assembly. The SPME fiber holder has a plunger with a magnetic material to which the SPME fiber assembly is connected, and the magnetic SPME fiber holder actuator has an elongated barrel with a loading chamber for receiving the SPME fiber assembly-connected SPME fiber holder, and an external magnet which induces axial motion of the magnetic material of the plunger to extend/retract the SPME fiber from/into the protective needle of the SPME fiber assembly.
US09658136B2	Mycotoxin sample-collecting kit and method A mycotoxin sampling system including a kit and method using dry wipes that have been pre-tested on a lot basis to be clean from mycotoxins. Surfaces in an environment to be tested are wiped with a dry wipe over a particular area. The wipe is then sealed in a dry bag and sent to a laboratory for mycotoxin analysis. Results are returned by mail, email, or by telephone. The mycotoxin results are qualitative and quantitative. The kit contains all materials needed by an individual to perform mycotoxin tests and receive results. Advanced kits can contain testing reagents used to perform tests in the field in lieu of sending wipes to a laboratory.
US09658134B2	Vehicle test apparatus and method Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus comprising: at least one motor vehicle switchpack (121-135), the switchpack comprising input means operable to control the switchpack to provide a switchpack control output to a motor vehicle control system; and motor vehicle test apparatus (100T), the test apparatus comprising: a test apparatus control system comprising computing means (115); test apparatus switching means operable under the control of the test apparatus control system to control the at least one switchpack to provide the switchpack control output to the vehicle control system, the test apparatus control system being operable to monitor a response by the vehicle control system to the switchpack control output.
US09658119B2	Method and system for detection of erratic sensor using a dynamic threshold A system and method for detecting an erratic state of a monitored sensor includes generating a variation value for a monitored signal generated by a monitored sensor and a variation value for an estimated signal estimated based on a predictive signal generated by predictive sensor, where the predictive signal is predictive of the monitored signal. The monitored signal can rapidly fluctuate based on system operating conditions. A dynamic threshold value is generated based on the estimated variation value, and the monitored signal is compared with the dynamic threshold value to determine if the monitored signal is in an erratic state. The detection method is sufficiently sensitive to distinguish between rapid fluctuation of the monitored sensor and an erratic state.
US09658116B2	Method for detecting heat generation points and device for detecting heat generate points A heat generation point detection method comprises: step of stabilizing an average temperature of a surface of an integrated circuit S; steps of applying a bias voltage of a low frequency to the integrated circuit S and acquiring a heat generation detection signal detected from the integrated circuit S in response thereto; steps of supplying a bias voltage of a high frequency and acquiring a heat generation detection signal detected in response thereto; steps of detecting a phase shift between the bias voltage of the low frequency and the heat generation detection signal and a phase shift between the bias voltage of the high frequency and the heat generation detection signal; and step of calculating a change rate of the phase shift against a square root of the frequency of the bias voltage, and obtaining depth information of the heat generation point from the change rate.
US09658115B2	Temperature measuring device, temperature measuring device set and method for configuring a temperature measuring device that can be operated with a thermocouple In a temperature measuring device set (1) with at least one thermocouple (2) and a temperature measuring device (3) that can be connected to the thermocouple (2) in order to measure a temperature, according to the invention a measurement sensor (13, 14) for measuring or detecting a magnetic property is arranged on at least one opposing contact element (11, 12) mating with a contact element (9, 10) of the thermocouple (2), in order to automatically provide specific information or a characteristic curve of the connected thermocouple (2) on the basis of an output signal of the measurement sensor (13, 14).
US09658112B2	Dynamic phase acquiring device A dynamic phase acquisition device includes a light collecting opening, a semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting mirror, a phase shifter, a polarizer, a plane reflector, a photosensing element and a phase processor. In the dynamic phase acquisition device, light passes through the light collecting opening to the semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting mirror, and then is divided into two channels. One channel of the light sequentially passes through the phase shifter, the polarizer to the photosensing element, to form a first image; the other channel of the light, after being reflected by the plane reflector, directly passes through the polarizer to the photosensing element, to form a second image. The photosensing element sends the first image and the second image to the phase processor, and the phase processor obtains phase data; and a leading or lagging phase shift range of the phase shifter is 1 degree to 20 degrees. By using the phase shifter to provide a lead or a lag of a small amount of degrees, such as from 1 to 20 degrees, or even from 5 to 10 degrees, phase data can be obtained via two-path image detection, thus eliminating the need for optical elements for at least one path detection, and thereby simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
US09658111B2	Microbolometer contact systems and methods Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a plurality of metal studs each having a first end and a second end and each disposed between the first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first end of each metal stud is disposed on a portion of the first metal layer that is at least partially on the surface of the substrate.
US09658104B2	System and method for detecting unknown materials using short wave infrared hyperspectral imaging A system and method for analyzing unknown materials on surfaces including, but not limited to, chemical materials, biological materials, hazardous materials, drug materials, and non-threat materials using SWIR and/or extended range SWIR hyperspectral and spectroscopic techniques. A system comprising a collection optics, a tunable filter, and a first detector for generating a test data set representative of the unknown sample. A second detector, comprising a visible imaging device, may be configured to operate in a scanning mode to locate areas of interest for further interrogation using SWIR. A method comprising generating a SWIR test data set representative of the unknown sample and analyzing the unknown sample to detect, identify and/or distinguish an unknown material as a known material. This analysis may be achieved by comparing the test data set to a reference data set using at least one chemometric technique.
US09658103B2	Measuring apparatus for measuring the optical properties of a medium using a light source and light receiver as well as a dispersing element A measuring apparatus, comprising at least a first light source and a second light source for transmitting light; at least one light receiver for receiving light at least of a first received wavelength and a second received wavelength; at least one dispersing element for bending and/or refracting light; wherein the light transmitted by the light sources strikes the dispersing element and is so turned by the dispersing element that it strikes the light receiver. The first light source is arranged at a first angle relative to the dispersing element and the second light source at a second angle relative to the dispersing element, wherein the second angle differs from the first angle. The first angle is so embodied that the wavelength of the light turned by the dispersing element corresponds to the first received wavelength, and wherein the second angle is so embodied that the wavelength of the light turned by the dispersing element corresponds to the second received wavelength.
US09658099B2	Vehicle wheel speed-based determination or estimation of a load weight of a load carried by a commercial vehicle A method for determining or estimating a load weight of a load (28) carried by a commercial vehicle, in particular by an industrial truck such as a forklift truck (10), comprises: a) determining a speed ratio between a first speed of at least one first wheel (12) loaded by a load carried in a load carrier (18) of the vehicle and a second speed of at least one second wheel (14) of the operating vehicle (10) which has received the load in the load carrier, which second wheel is less heavily loaded or not loaded by a load carried in the load carrier or is relieved by a load carried in the load carrier; b) determining or estimating the load weight of the carried load (28) on the basis of the determined speed ratio and predetermined reference data. A commercial vehicle (10) comprising a control system (22) carrying out a method of this kind is also provided.
US09658097B2	Systems and methods to initiate a verification test within a flow meter via a flow computer Systems and methods to initiate a verification test within a flow meter via a flow computer are disclosed. An example method includes communicating, via a flow computer, a request to a flow meter to initiate a verification test of the flow meter. The example method also includes retrieving diagnostic data from the flow meter. The example method further includes logging a result of the verification test in a log of the flow computer, the result based on the diagnostic data.
US09658094B2	Thermal flow meter In order to provide a thermal-type flowmeter highly accurate, with high reliability, and simple in construction, while being available at a lower price, a thermal-type flowmeter as proposed includes a sub-path that takes in a fluid under measurement; a sensor element that measures a flow-rate of the fluid under measurement in the sub-path; a temperature detection element that detects a temperature of the fluid under measurement; a drive circuit that controls a heating temperature of the sensor element; and a protection circuit that protects the drive circuit from noise, a cavity being formed on a substrate of the sensor element, an exothermic resistor being provided on a thin-film part on the cavity through the intermediary of an electrically insulating film, and a flow rate being detected on the basis of temperature distribution in the thin-film part.
US09658093B2	Measurement device for water exchanges across water/sediment interface There is provided a water exchange meter being capable of automatically and continuously measuring the water exchange at the surface water/sediment interface in which a saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity of the sediment from the hydraulic head difference between a chamber and a storage pipe at a measurement location is measured, and after the measurement of the saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity, while the measurement device used in the measurement of the vertical hydraulic conductivity is maintained, a vertical hydraulic gradient between upper and lower portions of a chamber is continuously measured in situ.
US09658091B2	Thermal flow meter with lead having a bent portion To obtain a thermal flow meter capable of alleviating stress in an axial direction that acts on a lead according to a temperature difference between a proximal end side and a leading end portion side of a measuring portion. An air flow sensing portion 300 according to the present invention includes a bypass passage for flowing a measurement target gas 30 received from a main passage 124, and an air flow sensing portion 602 for measuring a flow rate of the measurement target gas 30 by performing heat transfer with the measurement target gas 30 flowing through the bypass passage via a heat transfer surface, and the thermal flow meter includes a circuit package 400 in which the air flow sensing portion 602 and a lead 514 are sealed by a first resin molding process and a housing 302 forming a part of the bypass passage and fixing the circuit package 400 by a second resin molding process. The lead 514 has an outer lead 412 fixed to the housing 302 and protruding from the circuit package 400, and a bent portion 416 having a bent shape is provided on the outer lead 412.
US09658090B2	Ultrasonic flow meter unit having a fixing mechanism to fix the water-tight casing including a membrane to a housing including a measuring tube An ultrasound flow meter unit, e.g., a unit forming part of a flow meter for ultrasonic measurement of a fluid flow. The unit comprises two ultrasound transducers 206, a circuit board 202 with an electronic circuit 204 arranged for operating the ultrasound transducers 206, and a common protection membrane 132, such as a sheet of metal, for protecting the transducers 206. The common protection membrane 132 forms part of a water-tight casing, such as an IP68 class casing. The two ultrasound transducers 206 and the circuit board 202 with the electronic circuit 204 are positioned within the water-tight casing and thus protected against damaging humidity. A glass sealed feed-through 128 can be used to provide external electrical contact to the electronic circuit 204, i.e. for outputting an electric flow rate signal. Such flow meter unit is highly versatile within many applications since it provides a compact and robust unit. The unit can be used with or integrated in many types of devices, e.g. flow meters, such as used in consumption meters for charging purposes or in many other industrial or home applications.
US09658088B2	Flow measuring device, measuring tube as well as method for manufacture of a flow measuring device A flow measuring device having a line section serving for guiding a flowable medium, wherein the line section is formed at least partially by a cavity in a circuit board.
US09658087B1	CNT synthesis in confined space and use as artificial hair flow sensor A method for making an artificial hair sensor, comprising the steps of: (a) depositing an electrode at each end of a microcapillary having an inside surface; (b) coating a structural fiber with alumina; (c) placing the alumina coated structural fiber inside the microcapillary, wherein part of the alumina coated structural fiber is in a spaced annular relationship with the microcapillary inside surface and part of the fiber extends outside the microcapillary; (d) placing the microcapillary and alumina coated structural fiber inside a heated furnace chamber; and, (e) injecting a vaporized catalyst into the heated furnace chamber. The vaporized catalyst may be a solution of ferrocene in xylene. The microcapillary may be made of glass.
US09658081B2	Methods and system for utility network outage detection The present invention provides a system including a utility network including a product distribution pathway for delivering a product, a plurality of electronic utility devices associated with the utility network to monitor at least one parameter associated with the product distribution pathway, and a management processor in communication with the devices and operable to poll at least a subset of the electronic utility devices in response to an input to evaluate performance of one of the utility network and the system in response to information relating to the at least one parameter. The evaluation can include a rule-based analysis of one of the parameter and the information relating to the parameter.
US09658080B2	In-vehicle electronic control unit An in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) for correcting an error introduced to a sensor output signal as a result of amplification is provided. An output voltage of first and second voltage generators and after-amplification voltages of such output voltages are respectively A/D converted for input into a linear function. A microcomputer adjusts the output voltage of the first and second voltage generators which are amplified by the amplification circuit so that the output signals of the first and second voltage generators are adjusted to increase a voltage difference between the two. The increased voltage difference allows accurate identification of the linear function and removal of the error that is introduced to the sensor output signal during the course of processing by the amplification circuit.
US09658074B2	Diverging and converging road geometry generation from sparse data Road geometries may be determined from sparse data by receiving mobile device data points comprising data indicating positions of vehicles having traveled on a roadway of a geographic area, the roadway involving a convergence or divergence of road branches for the roadway. At least one trajectory angle for a particular mobile device data point of the mobile device data points may be determined using at least one trajectory line connecting the particular mobile device data point to an adjacent mobile device data point, and mobile device data points may be grouped based on the trajectory angles.
US09658071B2	System and method of determining a position of a remote object via one or more images In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods and/or processes may determine a location of a remote object (e.g., a point and/or area of interest, landmark, structure that “looks interesting”, buoy, anchored boat, etc.). For example, the location of a remote object may be determined via a first bearing, at a first location, and a second bearing, at a second location, to the remote object. For instance, the first and second locations can be determined via a position device, such as a global positioning system device. In one or more embodiments, the location of the remote object may be based on the first location, the second location, the first bearing, and the second bearing. For example, the location of the remote object may be provided to a user via a map. For instance, turn-by-turn direction to the location of the remote object may be provided to the user.
US09658069B2	Method for determining a reference position as the starting position for an inertial navigation system A method for determining a reference position as the basis for a starting position for an inertial navigation system which is designed to determine the location of a vehicle on the basis of the starting position and a change in the relative position of the vehicle, the method including the steps of: detecting an ambient condition around the vehicle, determining a position of the vehicle at the location of the detected ambient condition, and assigning the determined position to the detected ambient condition as a reference position.
US09658064B2	Method and system for compensating for soft iron magnetic disturbances in a heading reference system A method and system for compensating for significant soft iron magnetic disturbances in a heading reference system, such as an aircraft heading reference system, such as an integrated standby unit; or a vehicle inertial system, provides a heading correction signal to the heading reference system when a detected difference in value between a gyro heading relative to magnetic north and a magnetometer reading during a defined measurement period exceeds a predetermined acceptable threshold value of change, such as one based on the expected gyro drift over that period. Upon receipt of the heading correction signal, the gyro heading is adjusted to maintain an accurate heading relative to true magnetic north. If this threshold value is not exceeded, then the magnetometer reading is used for the heading value. This method is iteratively repeated in order to continually maintain an accurate heading and may be employed for each heading measurement axis.
US09658061B2	Line scanner that uses a color image sensor to improve dynamic range A method for measuring 3D coordinates of points on a surface of an object by providing an articulated arm connected to a laser line probe. The laser line probe having a color camera sends color images to a processor, which determines 3D surface coordinates using triangulation. The processor weights each of the colors received from the pixels to enable dark and bright regions of the surface to be measured simultaneously.
US09658060B2	Light field image sensor, method and applications An angle-sensitive pixel (ASP) device that uses the Talbot effect to detect the local intensity and incident angle of light includes a phase grating disposed above a photodiode assembly or a phase grating disposed above an analyzer grating that is disposed above a photodiode assembly. When illuminated by a plane wave, the upper grating generates a self-image at a selected Talbot depth. Several such structures, tuned to different incident angles, are sufficient to extract local incident angle and intensity. Arrays of such structures are sufficient to localize light sources in three dimensions without any additional optics.
US09658059B2	Measuring device having a scanning functionality and a single-point measurement mode Embodiments described herein relate to a measuring device, comprising a base that defines a vertical axis, an assembly that can be pivoted about the vertical axis relative to the base, and a beam deflecting unit for varying the orientation of a measurement axis, wherein the beam deflecting unit can be rotated about a horizontal axis relative to the assembly. The measuring device further has a distance measurement functionality for measuring distance by means of the measurement radiation, an angle measurement functionality for determining an orientation of the measurement axis relative to the base, a control and processing unit for processing data and for controlling the measuring device, and a scanning functionality, wherein when the scanning functionality is executed, a scan is performed, and a point cloud comprising the scan points is produced. The assembly also has an imaging system. The measuring device may have a single-point measurement mode.
US09658056B2	Projection apparatus for measurement system based on exit pupil positions The projection apparatus is used for a measurement system and projects a projection light onto an object. An image capturing apparatus performs, through an imaging optical system, image capturing of the object onto which the projection light is projected. The projection apparatus includes a projection optical system satisfying a condition of \|EXP0−EXP1\|/BL≦0.0015. EXP0 represents an exit pupil position of the projection optical system, EXP1 represents an actual exit pupil position of the projection optical system for a light ray of a maximum field angle in a measurable range for the object through the imaging optical system, and BL represents a base length between the projection optical system and the imaging optical system.
US09658053B2	Self calibration for mirror positioning in optical MEMS interferometers A Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) interferometer provides for self-calibration of mirror positioning of a moveable mirror. The moveable mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator having a variable capacitance. The MEMS interferometer includes a capacitive sensing circuit for determining the capacitance of the MEMS actuator at two or more known positions of the moveable mirror and a calibration module for using the actuator capacitances at the known positions to compensate for any drift in the capacitive sensing circuit.
US09658052B2	Method for reducing interference from scattered light/reflected light of interference path by generating carrier through phase A method for reducing interference from scattered light/reflected light of an interference path by generating carrier through phase. Phase modulation is applied on the terminal of a fiber path, and a target signal is separated from an interference signal by selecting a specific working point, to obtain a purer target signal, thereby lengthening the measurement distance. The signal demodulation manner used in this method is different from the traditional manner of modulation performed by generating a carrier through the phase, and does not need to use the modulation frequency as the reference signal during demodulation, so this manner is easily implemented. The method is applicable to long-distance pipeline monitoring and wide-range fiber perimeter security, and especially to an application environment in which the modulation end is far away from the signal demodulation end. The method can also be applied in an application in which measurement is implemented by modulating an optical transmission phase in a feedback device.
US09658051B2	Slotless resolver, method for manufacturing same, and wiring tool used therefor The present invention relates to a resolver having a stator for detecting the rotational position of a rotor rotating at the inner center thereof. The stator includes: a stator core having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of excitation windings attached to the inner surface of the stator core at a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction, each of the plurality of excitation windings being tightly wound; a plurality of sine output windings stacked and attached to the patterns of the excitation windings in the circumferential direction, each of the plurality of sine output windings being loosely wound; and a plurality of cosine output windings stacked and attached to the patterns of the excitation windings in the circumferential direction, the sine output windings and the cosine output windings being alternately attached such that the sine output windings and the cosine output windings have the same winding distribution.
US09658048B2	Coordinate measuring machine with carbon fiber air bearings A coordinate measuring machine has a base for supporting an object, a movable assembly having a probe for measuring the object, and a rail movably guiding the movable assembly along its length. The rail includes carbon fiber and has a rail CTE. The coordinate measuring machine also has an air bearing member circumscribing the rail and fixedly coupled with the movable assembly. The air bearing member has a member CTE, which is about equal to the rail engineered CTE.
US09658046B2	Marking implement for measuring apparatus A marking implement for a measuring apparatus in one example has a measuring extension with an upper surface with markings thereon and a lower surface. The marking implement in one example includes an upper clamp portion and a lower clamp portion having: a marking implement receiving device on the lower surface of the lower clamp. The marking implement in one example also has a hinge comprising the first hinge portion and second hinge portion and a clasp allowing for selective control of rotational movement of the hinge.
US09658045B2	Blasting system control A method of controlling operation of a blasting system which includes a plurality of detonators (12) which are loaded into respective boreholes (18) and a control device (20) for initiating the detonators (12). The method including the steps of measuring the position of each detonator (12), measuring the position of the control device (20), from these measurements, in respect of each detonator (12), calculating the distance between the control device (20) and the detonator (12), comparing the calculated distance to a minimum distance requirement and of allowing the control device (20) to initiate the detonators (12) only if the respective calculated distance between each detonator (12) and the control device (20) exceeds a minimum distance requirement.
US09658042B2	Bullet with controlled fragmentation A bullet with controlled fragmentation has a core in the form of a generally cylindrical body having a forward end and a rear end and intermediate side portions extending there between, the forward end of the core defining a cavity, a jacket encompassing the rear end and at least selected portions of the sides of the core, the jacket having a sidewall having a first drive band portion having a first wall thickness, and a second portion immediately forward of the drive band portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the exterior of the jacket defining a cannelure groove encircling the bullet, and the cannelure groove being positioned forward of the first drive band portion. The drive band may have forward edge defining a step. The bullet of the present invention may also be received in the case mouth of a rimless case and be partially protruding therefrom.
US09658038B1	Ammunition cartridge Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an ammunition cartridge includes a cartridge casing having a longitudinal center axis, a primer pocket positioned adjacent to the cartridge casing, a powder pocket positioned adjacent to the primer pocket, a powder/propellant in the powder pocket, a piston bore positioned adjacent to the powder pocket, a piston in the piston bore, and a payload bay positioned adjacent to the payload bay, wherein the piston is not coupled to the cartridge, wherein the piston is in direct contact with the payload bay so that pressure from powder/propellant is immediately and directly applied to the payload bay having a payload, wherein a diameter of the powder pocket is less than an inside diameter of the cartridge casing to provide a reduced velocity to the payload.
US09658031B1	Auto on green laser sight A combination includes a holster and a laser gun sight that is securable to a gun. The laser gun sight includes a housing including a laser aperture sized to accommodate a laser module, a laser module disposed within the laser aperture, a circuit board including circuitry configured to operate the laser module and a sensor disposed on the circuit board and configured to detect a position of the laser gun sight relative to the holster. The laser gun sight may be a green laser gun sight and may be configured to automatically turn off when holstered and automatically turn on when drawn.
US09658026B1	Explosive device utilizing flux compression generator An explosive device composed of: a flux compression generator operative to produce a high intensity electric current when activated; and an electrical payload connected to the generator and constructed to receive the high intensity electric current and cause energy in the current to generate a shaped projectile in the payload and to launch the projectile.
US09658020B2	Systems and methods for mounting barrels to firearms Systems and methods for mounting a barrel to a firearm are disclosed herein. The firearm may include a barrel, an upper receiver, a hand guard assembly, a lower receiver, a pistol grip, a buttstock, and a trigger. A barrel extension may include internal threads, mounting protrusions, mounting apertures, an elongated front barrel extension portion, an elongated rear barrel extension portion, and a barrel extension mounting flange. The barrel extension may be sandwiched and secured in between the upper receiver and the hand guard assembly via clamping screws.
US09658019B2	Silencer and mounting system The disclosure generally relates to a booster for a silencer. The booster includes a piston with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the piston is configured to couple to a firearm such that a projectile can pass thorough the piston from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end of the piston includes a flange with a plurality of spokes. The booster further includes a housing with an eccentric bore configured to couple to a silencer. The eccentric bore aligns the silencer below the sight plane of the firearm.
US09658018B1	Airgun having integrated sound suppressor An airgun having an integrated sound suppressor with a baffle stack and barrel receiving section overmolded to a length of a barrel is provided. A shroud is disposed about a portion of the baffle stack having at least one baffle to enclose expansion gaps defined by adjacent baffles within the baffle stack.
US09658014B2	Safety device for a portable long-barrelled firearm or pneumatic weapon 1. Safety device for a portable long-barrelled firearm or pneumatic weapon (10), said weapon (A) being gripped by a user with both hands and comprising: a firing mechanism, including at least one trigger (11) operated by the user's hand, a grip (12) held by the user's other hand, and a selective locking mechanism (100) of said firing mechanism, operatively switchable from a deactivated position, in which it allows firing of the weapon, to an activated position, in which it prevents firing of the weapon. According to the invention, said device comprises: means to control the operating condition of said locking mechanism of said firing mechanism (13), which are provided in said grip (12) and, when the weapon is gripped correctly and naturally by the user, automatically cause deactivation of said selective locking mechanism (100), allowing firing of the weapon (A), while, when said grip (12) is released by the user, automatically cause activation of said locking mechanism of said firing mechanism, preventing firing of said weapon (A).
US09658011B2	Bolt carrier and bolt for gas operated firearms An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearms gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pins annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end and an extractor recess. The extractor recess is constructed to accommodate an enlarged extractor claw while not undercutting the bolt lugs adjacent thereto. The extractor engages approximately 57% more of a seated ammunition cartridges rim as compared to some prior art AR15/M16 type extractors used with automatic firearms chambered in 6.8SPC. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.
US09658008B2	Compact survival firearm A compact survival firearm is a rifle having an upper receiver body, a lower receiver body removably connectable to the upper receiver body and defining a transverse bore adapted to closely receive a takedown pin, a fastener connected to the upper receiver body and having a protruding portion protruding therefrom, the lower receiver body defining a space sized to closely receive the fastener, the protruding portion of the fastener having an end portion of a first width, and an intermediate portion of a second width less than the first width, and the space at least partially intersecting the transverse bore such that the intermediate portion of the fastener is clear of the bore to permit the presence of the takedown pin, and the end portion of the fastener prevents separation of the upper receiver from the lower receiver when a takedown pin is present in the bore.
US09658007B2	Firearm having a dual cam, cock on close bolt action and a low creep sear and step trigger assembly A bolt action firearm that cocks the firing pin upon closing the bolt and includes a cam pin with dual heads for a high velocity rimfire cartridge. In one embodiment, actuating the main spring while closing the bolt, instead of while opening the bolt, more uniformly distributes the physical energy required by the user over the bolt actuation cycle. The dual heads of the cam pin provide symmetric reactive forces with dual cam slots, thereby preventing the cam pin from skewing or canting within the cam slots. A safety system is provided for the trigger mechanism and a robust connecting systems for the stock.
US09658003B2	Heat exchanger A heat exchanger includes a shell, a refrigerant distribution assembly, a heat transferring unit and a canopy member. The refrigerant distribution assembly receives a refrigerant that enters the shell and discharges the refrigerant. The refrigerant distribution assembly has at least one outermost lateral end. The heat transferring unit is disposed below the refrigerant distribution assembly so that the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant distribution assembly is supplied to the heat transferring unit. The heat transferring unit includes a plurality heat transfer tubes. The canopy member includes at least one lateral side portion extending laterally outwardly and downwardly from a position above the refrigerant distribution assembly. The lateral side portion has a free end disposed laterally further from a vertical plane than the refrigerant distribution assembly, and lower than an upper edge of the outermost lateral end of the refrigerant distribution assembly.
US09658002B2	Process of friction stir welding on tube end joints and a product produced thereby A process of producing shell and tube heat exchangers where the ends of the tubes are secured to a tube sheet while reacting applied FSW forces without introducing a crevice or local deformation near the ends of the tubes. In particular, an interference fit is used to lock the ends of the tubes into the tube sheet without flaring or expanding the tube ends. A FSW process is then used to weld the ends of the tubes to the tube sheet.
US09657998B2	Method for operating an arrangement for storing thermal energy A method for operating an arrangement (1) for storing thermal energy where the arrangement (1) includes an energy storage (2) having a temperature gradient. The method involves retrieving energy at a first temperature (T1) from the energy storage (2) for use in a first heat-absorbing system (3), such that free space is created in the energy storage (2) for energy at a second temperature (T2). The second temperature (T2) is higher than the first temperature (T1).
US09657993B2	Solid agglomerate of fine metal particles comprising a liquid oily lubricant and method for making same Described are solid agglomerates of fine metal particles and methods for manufacturing same. A liquid oily lubricant is used in the manufacture of the solid agglomerates. The manufacturing comprises blending fine metal particles with the liquid oily lubricant and compacting the oily metallic mixture obtained to desired solid form. Advantageously, the solid agglomerates possess a desirable density, a suitable resistance to crumbling and dusting during handling, and they can resist to high temperature and to humidity. Solid agglomerated metal products, according to the invention, may be useful for different purposes such as quality charge material for steel plants, blast furnaces and foundries.
US09657984B2	Refrigerator The present disclosure relates to the field of refrigerator equipment, in particular to a refrigerator having a height-adjustable rack, comprising a door, a guide rail on the door, adjusting grooves arranged on the guide rail, a rack and a reset device. The rack is assembled on the guide rail through a guide groove and is able to move vertically. A manipulating member and a stop block, which are interlocked, are further movably provided on the rack.
US09657982B2	Temperature-controlled medicinal storage devices In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container includes: a desiccant unit including external walls forming a gas-impermeable barrier around an interior desiccant region and including an aperture; a heating element; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit; a compressor system including at least one evaporator coil unit, the compressor operably connected to the controller; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit attached to a the desiccant unit at a first end, the vapor conduit attached to the evaporative cooling unit at a second end, the vapor conduit forming an internal, gas-impermeable passageway between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit; a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit and operably attached to the controller; and a medicinal storage unit including external walls encircling a medicinal storage region including a temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.
US09657972B2	Solar-biomass complementary thermal energy supply system A thermal energy supply system, including: a solar concentrating device, a solar storage tank including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, a biomass power station including a biomass boiler, a central refrigeration and ice maker, and a central hot water supply tank. The solar concentrating device is connected to the solar storage tank. The inlet of the first heat exchanger of the solar storage tank is connected to the outlet of a feedwater pump of the biomass boiler. The outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of a water feeding system of the biomass boiler. The inlet pipe of the second heat exchanger of the solar storage tank is connected to the outlet pipe of a water purification plant. The outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected to a thermal energy input pipe of the central refrigeration and ice maker.
US09657968B2	Compressor apparatus and refrigerator apparatus A compressor apparatus for supplying a compressed refrigerant to a cryogenic refrigerator is disclosed that includes a heat exchanger group that includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger whose heat exchanging amount is greater than the first heat exchanger; and an axial-flow fan that cools the heat exchanger group. The first heat exchanger is disposed closer to a rotational axis of the axial-flow fan with respect to the second heat exchanger.
US09657967B2	Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.
US09657965B2	Water heater and method of controlling a water heater A water heater is provided which comprises a water storage tank made of enameled metal, an anode electrode (e.g. an anode rod) at least partly inside the water storage tank and a corrosion protection unit configured to impress current into the anode to provide a corrosion protection for the water storage tank. The corrosion protection unit further comprises a microprocessor configured to control the impressing of the current to the anode electrode during impression process cycles and to control the operation of the corrosion protection. The corrosion protection unit furthermore comprises a battery unit or an accumulator unit configured to supply energy to the microprocessor during grid power outages. The microprocessor is configured to activate the power saving mode during grid power outages during which an amount of impressed current and/or an impression process cycle is reduced.
US09657962B2	Tower floor register A free standing tower floor register that replaces the standard in-floor register. The tower floor register's bottom extremity is inserted into the floor opening, does not require screws to bolt it to the floor, and can be relocated to other areas in a room with ease. The stackable tower sections create a vertical duct for channeling airflow upward from the floor and out into a room. The tower can be stacked to the height required to clear the vertical dimensions of obstructing furniture. Rotatable and adjustable directional vent stacks, which can be inserted into the tower directional vent stack manifold, are used to aim the airflow in the direction that provides the desired comfort level.
US09657958B2	Industrial on-demand exhaust ventilation system with closed-loop regulation of duct air velocities A closed-loop regulation method of a ventilation system using a control computer. The method includes the steps comprising: providing a ventilation system with a control computer, an exhaust fan, sensors, and gates; using the sensors to determine actual air velocities within the ventilation system; providing minimum air velocities that must be maintained throughout the ventilation system; monitoring the one or more air velocities; and maintaining by the control computer that the actual air velocities are above the one or more minimum air velocities. Preferably, the ventilation system includes a control computer that takes the measurements, makes the air flow calculations, and automatically adjusts the gates and fans to ensure that a minimum air velocity is kept in all parts of the ducts of the system. Preferably, the ventilation system is energy efficient by optimizing the air flow and lowering the amount of energy needed to run the system.
US09657954B2	Temperature control of a circulation fluid system by thermally optimised operation of a circulation pump A thermally optimised circulation fluid system is proposed which comprises a circulation line, a circulation pump unit and a control unit. The circulation pump unit and the circulation line together form a circulation circuit. The circulation pump unit is configured for transferring an amount of thermal energy directly or indirectly to a fluid located in the circulation line. The control unit is configured for adjusting the amount of thermal energy which is transferrable to the fluid.
US09657952B2	Reducing the energy consumption of an oven The present invention relates to an oven (1) comprising an exterior body (2), a cooking cavity (3) wherein the cooking process is realized, a heater (4) provides the foodstuff placed into the cooking cavity (3) to be cooked, a cooling fan (5) arranged between the exterior body (2) and the cooking cavity (3), that provides air circulation around the cooking cavity (3) and a control unit (6) that provides a cooking process composed of at least three phases, that is the first phase, second phase and third phase to be performed from the start to the end of the cooking.
US09657951B2	Ethanol fireplace insert An ethanol fireplace insert is a device for burning ethanol fuel in order to heat a space without transferring heat to a nearby object or wall. The ethanol fireplace insert features a base platform and an arch forming an insert that may be inserted into an existing fireplace or utilized as a standalone heating source. The ethanol fireplace insert is zero-clearance and features a plurality of insulation panels and a plurality of covers that prevent heat transfer from the ethanol fireplace insert to a nearby object or wall. The plurality of covers does not come into contact with the base platform and the arch due to a plurality of spacers that separates the base platform and the arch from the plurality of insulation panels and the plurality of covers. The burner is safely seated into a burner tray and the burner tray is seated into a safety tray.
US09657950B2	Collapsible cooking device A fire-resistant collapsible enclosure can include three or more sidewalls coupled with a cross plate internal to the enclosure. A top portion of the enclosure can include a non-linear edge configured to be an airflow outlet, or a bottom portion of the enclosure can include a non-linear edge configured to be an airflow outlet. The fire-resistant collapsible enclosure can be configured for use as an oven, a stove, or a smoker. In an example, two or more of the fire-resistant collapsible enclosures can be used together, such as where one enclosure is configured as a heat source and a second enclosure is configured as a smoker. In an example, the cross plate can include a throttle to control airflow through the enclosure.
US09657948B2	Retaining element for retaining a heat shield tile and method for cooling the supporting structure of a heat shield A retaining element (22, 54) for retaining a heat shield tile on a supporting structure: A fastening section (23) fastened to the supporting structure. A retaining section (24) having a retaining head (25), which engages an engagement device on the heat shield tile. The fastening section (23) top side (28) faces the cold side of the heat shield tile when the retaining section engages the heat shield tile. Scaling of the supporting structure due to the entry of hot gas can be avoided particularly effectively by means of the retaining element. At least one cooling-air passage (34, 55) arranged in the fastening section (23) has an inlet opening (35, 68) and at least one outlet opening (37, 38, 62) which is arranged in a lateral surface (32) and/or on the top side (28) of the fastening section. Cooling air, which enters the inlet opening (35, 68) and exits from the at least one outlet opening, can be conducted in a respective outflow direction (50, 51, 59, 63, 61) by the cooling-air passage, which outflow is parallel to the cold side and avoids impingement cooling of the heat shield tile. The fastening section is arranged on the supporting structure such that the cooling-air passage (34, 55) corresponds to at least one cooling-air channel (45) in the supporting structure.
US09657944B2	Assembly for fossil fuel distribution The present invention relates to the field of fossil fuel combustion arrangement. It relates in particular to a fuel distribution assembly for equal and homogenous pulverized fuel distribution in pulverized fuel conduits throughout. It also relates to a system for providing an equal and homogenous pulverized fuel distribution.
US09657940B2	Portable burner A portable burner includes: a burner body having a burner head; and a fuel storage unit disposed below the burner body, and configured to supply fuel to the burner head, wherein the fuel storage unit includes an inner case configured to store fuel, and an outer case configured to accommodate the inner case therein, wherein at least part of the inner case and the outer case is formed to be transparent or semi-transparent, and wherein a shock absorber is formed between the inner case and the outer case. Under such configuration, a user can check the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel storage unit with the naked eye, and damage and transformation of the portable burner can be minimized.
US09657938B2	Fuel combustion system A fuel combustion system comprises a discharge nozzle with concentric fuel and air orifices. A fuel conduit is coupled to each fuel orifice for supplying liquid fuel thereto. An air conduit is coupled to each air orifice for supplying air thereto. The fuel and the pressurized air only mixing with one another, upon being discharged from the respective fuel and air orifices, to form a fuel mixture. A supplemental air source supplies supplement air to facilitate combustion. An air deflector sleeve at least partially surrounds and accommodates the at least one discharge nozzle and a cylindrical blast tube surrounding the air deflector sleeve and an outlet end of the cylindrical blast tube supports a flame retention head. The flame retention head redirects the supplement air radially inward, through openings in the air deflector sleeve and the flame retention head, to assist with combustion of the fuel mixture.
US09657934B2	Lighting device A lighting device or a lamp bulb (100, 200) comprises at least one light source (101) and a driver assembly (108), said driver assembly comprising driver electronics; wherein during operation of the light source, a distance between an optical axis (120) of the lighting device and a heat flow of the lighting device is less than a distance between the optical axis (120) and a component of the driver electronics having the highest temperature sensitivity.
US09657932B2	Light source apparatus and projector apparatus There is provided a light source apparatus including a light source, a spreader to spread heat, and a conductor having a plurality of parts to conduct heat diffused from the light source. There is also provided a projector apparatus includes the light source apparatus.
US09657931B2	Thermal management for light-emitting diodes Embodiments of the invention provide lighting systems that employ light-emitting diode (LED) chips as active lighting elements. Heat management components for the LED chips employed in the lighting sources are provided. In embodiments of the invention, LED chips are cooled by one or more heatspreaders and heat sinks attached to a substrate that houses the LED chip and/or the topside of the LED chip.
US09657929B2	Lamp with protection against shining in an undesired direction The invention relates to a lamp, comprising a light source for generating a light beam in the direction of a main axis and a first direction-dependent tilt switch for controlling the light source depending on the angle between the main axis and the vertical, wherein the switching direction of the first tilt switch extends in a main plane which runs along the main axis. This enables the use of a tilt switch which functions in only one direction and has a much simpler construction than a switch which functions in two dimensions, such as in the prior art. Furthermore, such a switch has the advantage of a small volume, which advantage is also realized when more switches are used in the lamp. According to another preferred embodiment, the lamp comprises a housing and the housing is provided with marking means for marking the position of the lamp in which the main plane extends vertically.
US09657928B1	Wireless replacement LED bulb with one or more accompanying control switches A wireless replacement light bulb with one or more accompanying control switches, such as an integrated switch and/or a wireless lamp switch is provided. The bulb comprises a light source, such as an LED element, a controller, a wireless interface, and one or more accompanying control switches, such as an integrated switch and/or a wireless lamp switch. The bulb can be controlled, such as turned on or off, by a user using the integrated switch, the wireless lamp switch, or a combination thereof. The integrated switch and the wireless lamp switch does not remove power from the controller, allowing the controller to control the bulb in response to receiving a wireless control signal from a remote electronic device, such as a remote control, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.
US09657927B1	Lighting arrangement with a control box including controller and power supplies A lighting arrangement includes a control box which defines a line voltage wiring channel and a low voltage area and has at least one low voltage power supply mounted in the line voltage wiring channel and a controller mounted in the low voltage area and communicating with the low voltage power supply.
US09657922B2	Electrically insulative coatings for LED lamp and elements The present disclosure discloses a method for providing protective coatings onto an energizable LED component coupled to an electrical path. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to LED lamps comprising transparent dielectric coatings and LED lamps and devices made thereby.
US09657918B2	Light fixture with wide-angle light distribution A lighting fixture includes a front end-portion having an edge defining a light opening and a back end-portion spaced from the opening which has a centerline. At least one LED emitter on the mounting board disposed at the back end-portion for directing light toward the opening, the emitter(s) being off-centerline in a first lateral direction. A lens for the emitter(s), the lens being configured for distribution of light from the emitter(s) primarily in a second lateral direction which is opposite the first lateral direction such that the light passes through the light opening at a portion of the edge that is off-centerline in the second lateral direction, thereby to widen the illumination angle from the fixture.
US09657914B2	Collapsible lamp shade system A collapsible lamp shade system that allows easy updating of room décor using a collapsible shade wrap. The collapsible shade wrap may include a top attachment mechanism to secure the top edge of the collapsible shade wrap to a top lamp shade fitter and a bottom attachment mechanism to secure the bottom edge of the collapsible shade wrap to a bottom ring. The top and/or bottom attachment mechanisms may wrap around a top and/or bottom ring of a lamp shade fitter. The collapsible shade wrap may include a separating closure mechanism to attach the sides of the collapsible shade wrap together to provide interchangeable lamp shade décor with a tailored look.
US09657907B2	Side light LED troffer tube Side light LED troffer tube. In an aspect, a side light LED tube is provided that includes a tube having at least one light receiving portion configured to receive light and gradient optics formed on the tube. The gradient optics providing a transparency gradient configured to distribute the light to achieve a selected emitted light intensity variation across a selected surface of the tube.
US09657906B1	Light-emitting diode runway end identifier light system Runway end identifier light system having a housing with an illumination window, a substrate having a mounting surface disposed within the housing, and a first light-emitting diode (“LED”) disposed on the mounting surface of the substrate. The LED may be configured such that light emitted by the LED is visible through the illumination window of the housing. The LED may have a primary illumination axis which is at an angle greater than 0° with respect to a perpendicular axis of the substrate. Systems with multiple mounting surfaces and multiple LEDs having various primary illumination axes are disclosed.
US09657903B2	Geometrical light extraction structures for printed LEDs A method of forming a light sheet includes depositing a reflective conductor layer over a substrate, printing a layer of microscopic inorganic LEDs on the conductor layer, depositing a first dielectric layer, having a first index of refraction, over the conductor layer and along sidewalls of the LEDs, and depositing a transparent conductor layer over the LEDs so that the LEDs are connected in parallel. The transparent conductor layer may be a wire mesh with openings. A liquid or paste polymer layer is then deposited over the transparent conductor layer and directly contacts the first dielectric layer. The indices of refraction of both layers are similar to reduce TIR. The top surface of the polymer layer is then molded to contain light extraction features to reduce waveguiding in the light sheet. In another embodiment, the substrate surface is the light exit surface that has the light extraction features.
US09657900B2	Pressure vessel A cuboid pressure vessel comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, and an external wall. The external wall comprises a main body including a first side wall having a first opening, and a second side wall having a second opening; a first lid secured to the first side wall so as to occlude the first opening; and a second lid secured to the second side wall so as to occlude the second opening. The bottom wall comprises a main body; and a reinforcement rib provided in an upright manner on the outer surface of the main body. The reinforcement rib is provided in an upright manner on the outer surface of an area, within the main body, which contains a central section of the main body, and which excludes four corner sections, a region adjacent to the first lid and a region adjacent to the second lid.
US09657899B2	Replacement oil cartridge tip and method Various embodiments include apparatuses adapted to be used as a replacement oil cartridge tip. In some embodiments apparatuses include a replacement swirler ring for an oil cartridge tip, the replacement swirler ring having an annular main body including an inner diameter surface sized to be joined to an outer diameter surface of the oil cartridge tip by a metal joining process including one of brazing, welding temperature or mechanical interference and an outer diameter surface including channels evenly spaced about a primary axis of the annular main body, wherein the annular ring includes a material that is at least as wear-resistant as a material of the oil cartridge tip.
US09657894B2	Mounting clips and adapters for mounting decorative articles Mounting clips (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) removably engage to vertically disposed mounting surfaces, such as rain gutter downspouts, and support decorative articles for display. The mounting clips include a frame having arms (14, 814, 914, 1014) configured for attachment to a profiled outer surface of the mounting surface. Optional adapters (870) removably engage to the arms when clips are attached to non-standard diameter mounting surfaces. Length-adjusting clip arms (1014, 1084) or straps (970) may join to the frame of the clips. Or, the arms may be replaced by straps (1176, 1182, 1276, 1282, 1376, 1382, 1476, 1482, 1576, 1582). Decorative articles are joined or appended to a blank (44, 1644) that is slidably engageable with the central portion of the mounting clip. The blank (1644) may include frictional or locking engagement structure (1650, 1686, 1696).
US09657892B1	Supporter for electronic device A supporter includes a connecting body, a pair of supporting plates, and a pair of supporting arms. The pair of supporting plates is rotatably connected to the connecting body. The pair of supporting arms is rotatably connected to the supporting plates. When the supporter is in an open state, the pair of supporting arms are rotated to rest against each other. The pair of supporting arms and the corresponding supporting plates respectively form an angle therebetween so that the supporting arms and corresponding supporting plates are positioned in a manner to cooperatively support an electronic device. When the supporter is in a close state, the pair of supporting arms are received in the receiving chambers.
US09657884B1	Sewer pipe crawler A pipe crawler for crawling inside a pipe having an inside wall includes a front leg assembly that has front legs and feet. It also includes a rear leg assembly that has rear legs and feet. The rear leg assembly is disposed at a distance from the front leg assembly. A midsection operably couples the front leg assembly to the rear leg assembly and is configured to extend and contract the distance between the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly. A plurality of lever arms are pivotably coupled between the front legs and their corresponding assemblies. The lever arms, in response to a force applied in an orientation traveling from the front of the pipe crawler to the rear of the pipe crawler, are configured to redirect a portion of the force into a normal force between the feet and the pipe inside wall.
US09657883B2	Apparatus and method for installing a liner in a pipe An apparatus and method for installing a liner in a pipe, including a flexible tube assembly (2) with a proximal and a distal end, where the proximal end is attached to a proximal collar fitting (3) and the distal end is attached to a distal collar fitting (4). An inflatable bladder (110) is disposed over the tube (2) and the ends of the bladder (110) are secured to the collar fittings (3,4) forming sealed connections with the collar fittings. The proximal collar fitting (3) has connection means to connect to a guide hose (5), and includes at least one conduit for a fluid to inflate the inflatable and deflate bladder.
US09657877B2	Tube coupling device A coupling device for coupling to a fluid line includes a connector, a sleeve and a fastener. The connector has an end portion configured for insertion into a tube end, and has an outer surface profile that has at least one protrusion at the end portion for engaging an inner surface of a tube when the end portion is inserted into the tube end. The sleeve is configured for positioning at least partially around the connector and the tube end. The fastener threadedly engages a threaded outer surface of the sleeve, and when the fastener is threaded onto the sleeve, the inner surface profile of the sleeve engages the tube at the end portion of the connector to substantially clamp around the tube at the connector. The coupling device includes at least one clamping element for enhancing clamping of the sleeve around the tube at the connector.
US09657875B2	Back ferrule having bellows-shaped elastic part Disclosed herein is a back ferrule having a bellows-shaped elastic part. The back ferrule (40) is used, for pipe connection, along with: a connector body (10) having an external thread on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a drive nut (20) having an internal thread on an inner circumferential surface thereof; and a front ferrule (30). The back ferrule (40) includes: a nose part (41) having a front-end inclined surface (41b); a tail part (42) having a rear-end inclined surface (42b); and an outer circumferential surface (43) and an inner circumferential surface (44) connecting the nose part to the tail part. An outer circumferential corrugated surface (45) and an inner circumferential corrugated surface (46) are respectively formed on the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface between the nose part and the tail part.
US09657867B2	Power cord safety holder A customized arm supported safety device and a power cord attachment for an electrical appliance. Typical implementations of said attachment is for trimmers for a bush, a vacuum cleaner, an electric drill, or other power tool.
US09657866B1	Water valve rotational brake A water valve rotational brake including a convex, C-shaped base, a plurality of suction cups continuously disposed on a bottom surface of the base from a right edge of the base to a left edge of the base, a pair of pin height adjustable legs disposed on a top surface of the base, and an angled locking arm attached to a top end of each of the pair of pin height adjustable legs. A curvature of a front edge of the base substantially conforms to a curvature of an exterior edge of a water valve. The plurality of suction cups removably attaches to a surface proximal the water valve.
US09657859B2	Combination air valve The present disclosure is directed to a combination air valve that uses buoyancy to lift seals into place, preventing media from escaping from the valve. Once the seals are in place, pipeline pressure is used to open and close the valve. The combination air valve includes a piston assembly which includes a main disc, a piston head located above the main disc, a float below the main disc, and a float shaft joining the float to the piston. When no media is in the valve the float is at the bottom of the valve and the main disc is down, allowing gases to leave the valve. The float is lifted as media enters the valve, thus using buoyancy to lift the main disc into place, preventing media from escaping from the valve. Once the seals are in place, pipeline pressure is used to open and close the valve.
US09657858B2	Normally-closed zero-leak valve with magnetostrictive actuator A non-pyrotechnic, normally-closed, zero-leak valve is a replacement for the pyrovalve used for both in-space and launch vehicle applications. The valve utilizes a magnetostrictive alloy for actuation, rather than pyrotechnic charges. The alloy, such as Terfenol-D, experiences magnetostriction, i.e. a gross elongation, when exposed to a magnetic field. This elongation fractures a parent metal seal, allowing fluid flow through the valve. The required magnetic field is generated by redundant coils that are isolated from the working fluid.
US09657853B2	Modular and composable device for mixing liquids with electronic control of the temperature and of the flowrate of the outlet flow The present invention is part of the field of flowrate mixing and adjusting devices and in particular relates to a new device for mixing and adjusting the flow of liquids with electronic control of the temperature and of the flowrate, for domestic and/or industrial plumbing systems. The device is modular and stackable.
US09657851B2	Spool switching valve device A spool switching valve device may include a columnar spool housing and spherical valve bodies. The spool housing includes first input port cavity portions, valve body movable portions and valve seat members. Each valve seat member has a through hole and includes a second input port portion. A second valve seat portion is provided to open and close the gap between valve body movable portion and the second input port portion. Each valve body movable portion includes an output port penetrating the side surface of the spool housing to communicate with the outside of the spool. Each valve seat mounting portion includes an engagement receiving portion suppressing the detachment of the valve seat members when the valve seat member is actually mounted. Each valve seat member includes an engagement portion fitted into the engagement receiving portion when the valve seat member is mounted to the valve seat mounting portion.
US09657850B2	High performance subsea pressure regulator A subsea pressure regulator includes: a spring housing; a spring disposed therein; a body having a bore formed therethrough and inlet and outlet ports; drive and balance adapters connected to opposite ends of the body; drive and balance plungers; and a supply seal assembly. Each plunger has: a piston shoulder engaged with the respective adapter, a first portion in fluid communication with an outlet chamber, and a second portion in fluid communication with ambient pressure. The supply seal assembly includes a seal carrier connected to the plungers and a seal bore formed therethrough. The spring biases the seal carrier toward an open position. The drive plunger is operable to move the seal carrier to a closed position in response to sufficient pressure in the outlet chamber overcoming the spring bias.
US09657840B2	Multi-layer gasket assembly An improved gasket assembly including a core layer and at least two facing layers disposed on opposite sides of the core layer is provided. The gasket assembly further includes first and second outer layers which are made of metal and are disposed on opposite sides of the facing layers from the core layer. The core, facing and outer layers all present at least one set of axially aligned openings. The first layer is bent towards the second layer by no greater than ninety degrees at the openings to present a first outer layer flange, and the second layer is bent by no greater than ninety degrees at the openings to present a second outer layer flange. The first and second outer layer flanges are in direct contact with one another to provide a gas tight seal around the set of axially aligned openings.
US09657838B2	Combined oil control ring A combined oil control ring for automobile engines capable of keeping an excellent oil-controlling function without suffering sticking between a spacer expander and side rails for a long period of operation comprises upper and lower two side rails, and an axially corrugated spacer expander having upper and lower portions; a leg portion connecting each upper portion and each lower portion of the spacer expander having a portion having an inclination angle θ of 15° or more from the axial direction.
US09657837B2	Spring loaded shift actuator assembly having a retaining mechanism The present invention is directed toward a shift actuator assembly that includes a housing having a retaining mechanism. A holding pawl is biased into engagement with the retaining mechanism. A solenoid releasably engages the pawl when the shift shaft is disposed in its first position such that once the solenoid disengages the pawl, the cam surfaces on the retaining mechanism cooperate with the holding surfaces on the pawl to drive the pawl out of engagement with the retaining mechanism thereby releasing the biasing force of the biasing mechanism to drive the housing and the shift fork axially on the shift shaft between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to the associated gear set.
US09657836B2	Parking mechanism arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission A parking mechanism arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission has a housing and a shaft supported so that it can rotate in relation to the housing. A parking mechanism gear is rotationally fixed to the shaft and comprises a parking mechanism tooth system. A parking mechanism pawl is supported so that it can pivot about a pawl axis in relation to the housing and comprises a pawl tooth, which is capable of engaging in a tooth space of the parking mechanism tooth system in order to establish a locked position. An actuating mechanism comprises an actuating element, which acts upon an actuating portion of the parking mechanism pawl in order to pivot the parking mechanism pawl from a release position into the locked position. The actuating element is embodied as a cam ring, which is arranged concentrically with the shaft and which comprises a cam portion, which acts on the actuating portion in order to establish the locked position.
US09657830B2	Dummy shaft, apparatus for assembling differential unit using dummy shaft, and method for manufacturing differential unit Disclosed is a dummy shaft which prevents washers from falling off. In addition, disclosed are an apparatus for assembling a differential unit using the dummy shaft, and a method for manufacturing the differential unit. Specifically disclosed is a dummy shaft for temporarily assembling a differential unit by being inserted into a pinion gear, and a washer in contact with an outer surface of the pinion gear, including a body portion, and a movable portion slidable in a direction toward or away from the body portion. The movable portion has a receiving groove for catching the washer.
US09657828B2	Driveline component having differential and park lock mechanism A driveline component with a housing, a differential case in the housing that is rotatable about an axis, and a park lock mechanism with first, second and third lock elements. The first lock element is coupled to the differential case for common rotation about the axis and has a plurality of first face teeth. The second lock element is fixedly coupled to the housing and has a plurality of first radial teeth. The third lock element has an annular body, which is disposed about the axis, a plurality of second radial teeth, which are fixedly coupled to the annular body and matingly engaged to the first radial teeth, and a plurality of second face teeth that are fixedly coupled to the annular body. The third lock element is movable between first and second positions to selectively disengage and engage the first and second face teeth.
US09657827B2	Torque limiting differential A selectively lockable differential, comprising a plurality of torque sensitive pins, an outer housing, a first side gear comprising first gear teeth, a second side gear comprising second gear teeth, a pinion shaft, two pinion gears rotationally coupled to the pinion shaft, each pinion gear comprising pinion gear teeth coupled to the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth, and a collar comprising collar teeth for selectively engaging the gear lugs of the first side gear, the torque sensitive pins operatively coupling the collar to the outer housing.
US09657821B2	Single-axis actuator As compared to a single-axis actuator in which a ball returning passage of a ball screw mechanism is made of a circulating tube, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a threaded shaft of a slider can be made small, when the diameter of the outer circumferential circle of the threaded shaft of the present invention is same as that of the circulating tube type, and the load capacity can be made large, when the size in the longitudinal direction of the threaded shaft of the slider of the present invention is same as that of the circulating tube type. The ball returning passage for returning the balls (4) of a ball screw mechanism from an end point to a start point of a raceway encompasses: a through hole (24) penetrating through a slider (2) in a longitudinal direction of a threaded shaft (3); and end deflectors (6). Each of the end deflector (6) has a direction changing passage to be connected with the through hole (24). A main body (61) of the end deflector (6) is fit into a notch part (26) arranged on each of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the threaded shaft (3) of a slider body (2A).
US09657814B2	Transmission for a motor vehicle A multi-speed transmission for a motor vehicle includes a housing, a drive shaft, an output shaft, at least four planetary gear sets, whereas each of the planetary gear sets comprises one sun gear, at least one planet, one planetary carrier and one ring gear, along with several shift elements in the form of at least four clutches and at least two brakes. The sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set is connected to the housing. The planetary carrier of the fourth planetary gear set is connectable through the fourth clutch to the drive shaft. The second brake is connected to the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. The first brake is connected to the ring gear of the second planetary gear set. The ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set is connected to the planetary carrier of the second planetary gear set.

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