| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09710435B2 |
Object-field-based mathematics system
An apparatus includes a processor, a computer memory, a user interface, and computer-executable instructions which enable a user to formulate mathematical expressions via the user interface. The mathematical expression is composed from objects selected from a library of object types in the memory. The object types include primitive objects and non-primitive objects. Non-primitive objects contain at least one field which in turn can contain additional objects; primitive objects have no fields. The mathematical expression is defined by a computer-readable data structure in the memory, and each object and field has a mathematical significance assigned thereto. The data structure uniquely identifies each object and each field, and includes pointers to define nesting of the objects and fields in the mathematical expression. The computer-executable instructions include steps to identify user inputs with at least some of the objects, and to display the mathematical expression represented by the data structure via the display. |
| US09710431B2 |
Systems and methods for processing patient information
Systems and methods described herein are for transforming narrative content into structured output. In some embodiments the narrative content is processed using a natural language processing (NLP) engine and a clinical model. The structured output can include a section, a clinical assertion, and a plurality of elements, wherein the elements may include section elements and clinical assertion elements that annotate the section and clinical assertions respectively. The elements can be labeled based on the clinical model. |
| US09710429B1 |
Providing text resources updated with translation input from multiple users
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing text resources updated with translation input from multiple users. In one aspect, a method includes receiving machine-translated text, which is a translation of source text in a source language, in a target language and providing the machine-translated text as a translation of the source text to multiple users. A modification of the machine-translated text by a user results in a modified translated text. It is determined that the modified translated text is an acceptable translation of the source text. Upon such determining, the modified translated text is provided as the translation of the source text to subsequent users. The modified translated text so provided is modifiable by one or more of the subsequent users. |
| US09710428B2 |
Techniques for automated bayesian posterior sampling using markov chain monte carlo and related schemes
Techniques for automated Bayesian posterior sampling using Markov Chain Monte Carlo and related schemes are described. In an embodiment, one or more values in an accuracy phase for a system configured for Bayesian sampling may be initialized. Sampling may be performed in the accuracy phase based upon the one or more values to generate a plurality of samples. The plurality of samples may be evaluated based upon one or more accuracy criteria. The accuracy phase may be exited when the plurality of samples meets the one or more accuracy criteria. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09710422B2 |
Low cost low overhead serial interface for power management and other ICs
Methods and apparatus relating to low cost and/or low overhead serial interface for power management and other IC (Integrated Circuit) devices are described. In an embodiment, a unique address is assigned to each of a plurality of slave devices. The plurality of slave devices are coupled in a daisy chain configuration. And, any access directed at a first slave device from the plurality of slave devices is allowed based at least in part on comparison of an address of the first slave device and an address associated with the access. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09710420B2 |
System and method for improving the efficiency of a serial interface protocol
A link layer of a serial protocol is modified to perform early primitive detection. An early primitive detector unit compares an undecoded bit sequence to that corresponding to a particular primitive. A primitive notification is generated in response to identifying a match. Latency is reduced compared with performing link layer decoding and then identifying primitives. |
| US09710418B2 |
System and method for security configuration
A system and method for accessing and identifying the security parameters of a device in an information handling system is disclosed. A device in a computer system may operate according to a defined security protocol, and multiple security protocols may exist across the devices of the system. In operation, a configuration capability is defined within the PCI Express communications protocol. This capability includes a capabilities data structure through which parameters concerning the security parameters of the device may be identified and passed to a processor. |
| US09710415B2 |
Asynchronous FIFO buffer with Johnson code write pointer
An asynchronous data transfer system includes a bus interface unit (BIU), a FIFO write logic module, a write pointer synchronizer, a write pointer validator, a FIFO read logic module, and an asynchronous FIFO buffer. The FIFO buffer receives a variable size data from the BIU and stores the variable size data at a write address. The FIFO write logic module generates a write pointer by encoding the write address using a Johnson code. The FIFO read logic module receives a synchronized write pointer at the asynchronous clock domain and generates a read address signal when the synchronized write pointer is a valid Johnson code format. The FIFO buffer transfers the variable size data to a processor based on the read address signal. |
| US09710413B2 |
Integrated data concentrator for multi-sensor MEMS systems
An integrated data concentrator, so-called “sensor hub”, for a multi-sensor MEMS system, implements: a first interface module, for interfacing, in a normal operating mode, with a microprocessor through a first communication bus; and a second interface module, for interfacing, in the normal operating mode, with a plurality of sensors through a second communication bus; the sensor hub further implements a pass-through operating mode, distinct from the normal operating mode, in which it sets the microprocessor in direct communication with the sensors, through the first communication bus and the second communication bus. In particular, the sensor hub implements the direct pass-through operating mode in a totally digital manner. |
| US09710412B2 |
N-factorial voltage mode driver
System, methods and apparatus are described that provide an N-factorial (N!) voltage-mode driver. A method communicating on an N! interface includes encoding data in a symbol to be transmitted over the N wires of the interface, and for each wire of the N wires, calculating a resultant current for the wire by summing current flows defined for two or more two-wire combinations that include the wire, and coupling a switchable voltage source to the each wire. Each bit in the symbol defines a current flow between a pair of the N wires that is one of a plurality of possible two-wire combinations of the N wires. The switchable voltage source may be selected from a plurality of switchable voltage sources in order to provide a current in the each wire that is proportionate to the resultant current calculated for the each wire. |
| US09710408B2 |
Source core interrupt steering
An embodiment of the invention includes (i) receiving a core identifier that corresponds with a processor source core; (ii) receiving an input/output request, produced from the source core, that is associated with the core identifier; (iii) and directing an interrupt, which corresponds to the request, to the source core based on the core identifier. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US09710405B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium to share restriction information with other information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a memory, a receiving unit, and a notifying unit. The memory is used to store identification information of an information processing apparatus having restriction information. The restriction information indicates restriction imposed on multiple information processing apparatuses including the information processing apparatus including the memory. The receiving unit receives a request for the restriction information from an information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus including the memory. When the identification information stored in the memory indicates the information processing including the memory, the notifying unit notifies the restriction information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the request. When the identification information indicates an information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus including the memory, the notifying unit notifies the identification information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the request. |
| US09710404B2 |
Dynamic configuration and peripheral access in a processor
In various implementations, a system includes a memory, a processor, and an execution-aware memory protection unit (EA-MPU). The EA-MPU is configured to regulate memory access by the processor based at least on the identity of a subject executable that requests access, and on the address to which access is requested, and on permissions information that identifies which subject executables are to be granted access to each of several memory regions. In various implementations, the permissions information itself is stored among the several memory regions. Various configurations of the permissions information can be used to provide shared memory regions for communication among two or more stand-alone trusted software modules, to protect access to devices accessible through memory-mapped I/O (MMIO), to implement a flexible watchdog timer, to provide security for software updates, to provide dynamic root of trust measurement services, and/or to support an operating system. |
| US09710399B2 |
Systems and methods for flushing a cache with modified data
Systems and methods for flushing a cache with modified data are disclosed. Responsive to a request to flush data from a cache with modified data to a next level cache that does not include the cache with modified data, the cache with modified data is accessed using an index and a way and an address associated with the index and the way is secured. Using the address, the cache with modified data is accessed a second time and an entry that is associated with the address is retrieved from the cache with modified data. The entry is placed into a location of the next level cache. |
| US09710398B2 |
RE-MRU of metadata tracks to reduce lock contention
For reducing lock contention on a Modified Least Recently Used (MLRU) list for metadata tracks, upon a conclusion of an access of a metadata track, if one of the metadata track is located in a predefined lower percentile of the MLRU list, and the metadata track has been accessed, including the access, a predetermined number of times, the metadata track is removed from a current position in the MLRU list and moved to a Most Recently Used (MRU) end of the MLRU list. |
| US09710396B2 |
Sharing virtual memory-based multi-version data between the heterogeneous processors of a computer platform
A computer system may comprise a computer platform and input-output devices. The computer platform may include a plurality of heterogeneous processors comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a shared virtual memory supported by a physical private memory space of at least one heterogeneous processor or a physical shared memory shared by the heterogeneous processor. The CPU (producer) may create shared multi-version data and store such shared multi-version data in the physical private memory space or the physical shared memory. The GPU (consumer) may acquire or access the shared multi-version data. |
| US09710394B2 |
Translation entry invalidation in a multithreaded data processing system
In a multithreaded data processing system including a plurality of processor cores, storage-modifying requests, including a translation invalidation request of an initiating hardware thread, are received in a shared queue. The translation invalidation request is removed and buffered in sidecar logic. While the translation invalidation request is buffered in the sidecar logic, the sidecar logic broadcasts the translation invalidation request so that it is received and processed by the plurality of processor cores. In response to confirmation of completion of processing of the translation invalidation request by the initiating processor core, the sidecar logic removes the translation invalidation request from the sidecar. Completion of processing of the translation invalidation request at all of the plurality of processor cores is ensured by a broadcast synchronization request. Subsequent memory referent instructions are ordered with respect to the broadcast synchronization request by a synchronization instruction. |
| US09710390B2 |
Apparatus and method for extended cache correction
An apparatus includes a semiconductor fuse array, a cache memory, and a plurality of cores. The semiconductor fuse array is disposed on a die, into which is programmed the configuration data. The semiconductor fuse array has a first plurality of semiconductor fuses that is configured to store compressed cache correction data. The cache memory is disposed on the die. The plurality of cores is disposed on the die, where each of the plurality of cores is coupled to the semiconductor fuse array and the cache memory, and is configured to access the semiconductor fuse array upon power-up/reset, to decompress the compressed cache correction data, and to distribute decompressed cached correction data to initialize the cache memory. |
| US09710389B2 |
Method and apparatus for memory aliasing detection in an out-of-order instruction execution platform
A processor and method are described for alias detection. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: reordering logic to receive a set of read and write operations in a program order and to responsively reorder the read and write operations; adjustment information attachment logic to associate adjustment information with one or more of the set of read and write operations, wherein for a read operation the adjustment information is to indicate a number of write operations which the read operation has bypassed and for a write operation the adjustment information is to indicate a number of read operations which have bypassed the write operation; and out-of-order processing logic to determine whether execution of the reordered read and write operations will result in a conflict based, at least in part, on the adjustment information associated with the one or more reads and writes. |
| US09710382B2 |
Hierarchical translation structures providing separate translations for instruction fetches and data accesses
Hierarchical address translation structures providing separate translations for instruction fetches and data accesses. An address is to be translated from the address to another address using a hierarchy of address translation structures. The hierarchy of address translation structures includes a plurality of levels, and a determination is made as to which level of the plurality of levels it is indicated that translation through the hierarchy of address translation structures is to split into a plurality of translation paths. The hierarchy of address translation structures is traversed to obtain information to be used to translate the address to the another address, in which the traversing selects, based on a determination of the level that indicates the split and based on an attribute of the address to be translated, one translation path of the plurality of translation paths to obtain the information to be used to translate the address to the another address. The information is then used to translate the address to the another address. |
| US09710381B2 |
Method and apparatus for cache memory data processing
Apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable the allocation of a cache portion of a memory buffer to be utilized by an on-cache function controller (OFC) to execute processing functions on “main line” data. A particular method may include receiving, at a memory buffer, a request from a memory controller for allocation of a cache portion of the memory buffer. The method may also include acquiring, by an on-cache function controller (OFC) of the memory buffer, the requested cache portion of the memory buffer. The method may further include executing, by the OFC, a processing function on data stored at the cache portion of the memory buffer. |
| US09710371B2 |
Test failure bucketing
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for the “bucketing” or categorizing of software failures occurring during software test, and/or during other procedures. Software failure information is received. The software failure information is parsed to generate a raw matrix of software terms, software failures, and an indication of a number of times each software term was found in each software failure. An importance is determined of each software term of the raw matrix with respect to the software failures of the raw matrix to generate a weighted matrix. A failure space is generated based on the determined importance that indicates each software term-software failure pair of the matrix as a vector. A set of clusters representing the vectors in the failure space is determined. Software failures may be automatically assigned to clusters of the set to be “bucketed” or categorized for ease of subsequent analysis. |
| US09710370B2 |
Automated testing of shell scripts
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media directed at automated testing of shell scripts and core functionality of a software application under test utilizing the same testing environment. In embodiments, a testing environment that is configured to perform automated testing of core functionality of a software application under test is provided with a test library that extends the testing capabilities of the testing environment to also perform automated testing of shell scripts of the software application under test. The core functionality can be encoded in a first programming language, while the shell scripts are encoded in a second programming language. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09710368B1 |
Inter-process communication automated testing framework
Application developers may develop applications or portions of application that do not have a corresponding user interface. Testing non-user interface elements of an application may require application developers to develop corresponding user interface elements for all or a portion of the executable code included in the application. Developers may test non-user interface elements of an application or library by wrapping the executable code in a sample application managed by a test harness. The test harness may transmit test operations configured to test the non-user interface elements of the application to the sample application over an inter-process communication channel. The sample application may execute the test and return the results of the test to the test harness using inter-process communication methods. |
| US09710367B1 |
Method and system for dynamic test case creation and documentation to the test repository through automation
A set of automated unit test components is stored. The automated unit test components include executable code for testing a backup system. The set of automated unit test components are displayed on an electronic screen. A selection of a subset of the unit test components from a user is received. An automated test case is created based on the selected subset of automated unit test components. The automated test case is stored. After the automated test case is created, the automated test case is parsed to derive a manual test case corresponding to the automated test case. The manual test case is stored. |
| US09710362B2 |
Evaluating user interface usability for task completion
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for tracking and presenting states of a user interface includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to track the visibility and usage of each of a plurality of areas of a user interface. The processor may be further configured to determine the navigation sequence through the plurality of areas of the user interface when utilized to complete a task. The processor may be configured to graphically present the visibility, usage, and determined navigation sequences on a display that includes a layout of the user interface, where the graphical presentation of the visibility, usage, and determined navigation sequences may be displayed within their corresponding areas of the layout of the user interface. |
| US09710360B2 |
Optimizing error parsing in an integrated development environment
A system to enable an integrated development environment to efficiently parse error expressions generated by tools used to generate processing environment-specific executable code, where the tools are external to the integrated development environment, is provided. The system groups error parsers configured to parse the error expressions into two groups: error parsers that handle output from a tool using a single output line of regular expression, and error parsers that require something more than a single output line of regular expression to determine the nature of an error. Embodiments of the system can determine whether a particular output regular expression should be analyzed by a selected set of the error parsers by comparing the output regular expression against a concatenated list of all the regular expressions corresponding to those error parsers that handle output from the tool using a single output line of regular expression. |
| US09710358B2 |
Native backtracing
A system and method are disclosed for runtime probing of software. In accordance with one embodiment, a target method of a software application is modified to include a call to a first helper method and a call to a second helper method that occurs after the call to the first helper method. The first helper method collects runtime information, and at least one of the first helper method or the second helper method passes data comprising the runtime information to a native method that provides the data to a software tool (e.g., a performance monitoring tool, a debugger, etc.). The modified target method is then executed within a virtual machine. |
| US09710345B2 |
Using unused portion of the storage space of physical storage devices configured as a RAID
Physical storage devices are configured as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID). As such, storage space of the physical storage devices is allocated to the RAID, and each physical storage device is part of the RAID. Where a portion of the storage space of the physical storage devices is not allocated to the RAID, this portion of the storage space is configured so that it is usable and is not wasted. |
| US09710344B1 |
Locality based quorum eligibility
Disclosed are various embodiments for distributing data items. A plurality of nodes forms a distributed data store. A new master candidate is determined through an election among the plurality of nodes. Before performing a failover from a failed master to the new master candidate, a consensus is reached among a locality-based failover quorum of the nodes. The quorum excludes any of the nodes that are in a failover quorum ineligibility mode. |
| US09710341B2 |
Fault tolerant link width maximization in a data bus
Embodiments of systems and methods for fault tolerant link width maximization in a data bus are described. Embodiments of methods may include checking a data bus connection to determine if a degraded lane exists on the data bus, determining a first set of one or more lanes that contain the degraded lane, and assigning a second set of lanes for operation, wherein the second set of lanes does not contain the degraded lane. |
| US09710336B2 |
File deduplication in a file system
A worldwide unique identifier (WWUID) is newly assigned to a file upon the creation or update of the file and is inherited from a file to a copied file when the file is copied. In a backup apparatus, a file name reception unit receives the file name of a backup target file. A WWUID reception unit receives a WWUID corresponding to the file name. A WWUID search unit searches for the same WWUID in backup management information of a previous day stored in a backup destination. Only if the search is failed, a file operation instruction unit instructs the storing of the backup target file into the backup destination. Then, an Rcnt update instruction unit instructs the updating of the number of references made to the WWUID within the backup destination. A second management information update instruction unit then instructs the updating of backup management information of the current day. |
| US09710334B2 |
Automatic restart server system
A server system is disclosed herein, which comprises a first BIOS (Basic Input/Output System chip, a second BIOS chip, a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a platform controller. In a preset mode, the platform controller is conductively connected with the first BIOS chip through the BMC and the multiplexer so that the server system is activated by the first BIOS chip. Upon detecting a failure of a POST (Power-on self-test) initialization of the first BIOS chip, the BMC transmits a control command to the multiplexer so as to make the platform controller conductively connecting with the second BIOS chip through the BMC and the multiplexer so that the server system is activated by the second BIOS chip. |
| US09710331B2 |
Data storage method, data recovery method, related apparatus, and system
A data storage method is used to improve storage consistency of a distributed storage system. The method includes: a primary storage node performs EC coding on a to-be-stored data segment to obtain a target EC stripe; determines in a storage node group to which the primary storage node belongs, m+k target storage nodes used to store m+k target EC blocks of the target EC stripe; sends a preparation message to the target storage nodes; receives a response message sent by a target storage node; and sends an execution message to the target storage nodes to instruct the target storage nodes to write target EC blocks that are in preparation logs. |
| US09710329B2 |
Error correction based on historical bit error data
A data storage device includes a memory including a plurality of storage elements. The data storage device further includes a controller coupled to the memory. The controller includes an error correction code (ECC) engine. The controller further includes a reliability engine configured to access historical bit error data. The historical bit error data includes a first count of bit errors associated with a first set of storage elements of the plurality of storage elements. The reliability engine is configured to generate reliability information based on the historical bit error data and to provide the reliability information to the ECC engine. |
| US09710327B2 |
Flash memory system and operating method thereof
An operation method of a flash memory system includes a hard decision decoding on a codeword and a soft decision decoding on an error message block. The hard decision decoding on a codeword and the codeword comprises message blocks encoded with row constituent codes and column constituent codes according to a block-wise concatenated BCH (BC-BCH) method. When the hard decision decoding fails, the error message block to which the hard decision decoding fails among a plurality of the message blocks is identified. Soft decision information corresponding to the row constituent codes and the column constituent codes of the error message block is generated and the soft decision decoding on the error message block based on the soft decision information is performed. |
| US09710324B2 |
Dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) supporting storage of a data indicator(s) in an error correcting code (ECC) storage unit dedicated to storing an ECC
A dual in-line memory module (DIMM) supporting storage of a data indicator(s) in an error correcting code (ECC) storage unit dedicated to storing an ECC. The DIMM is configured to provide a burst ECC storage unit striped in a burst data storage unit. The DIMM is configured to stripe a received burst data word across a burst data word storage unit at a write data address for a write operation. The DIMM is also configured to stripe a received burst ECC word for the burst data word across the burst ECC storage unit at the write data address in fewer bits than a number of data bit cells in the burst ECC storage unit. In this manner, the DIMM can store at least one data indicator for a burst data word in an extra, leftover bit(s) in the burst ECC storage unit. |
| US09710322B2 |
Component dependency mapping service
Systems and methods are provided for mapping dependencies between system components and for analyzing and acting on possible root causes for anomalies experienced by the system components. Aspects of the present disclosure may present for display information associated with the dependency maps and ranked lists of possible root causes of anomalies. Ranking comprises determination of which operating parameters of related system components, when anomalous, will have the greatest effect on the operation of monitored system components. When possible root causes are ranked, notifications may be issued to alert administrators or other systems of the anomaly and the likely root causes. |
| US09710319B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information collection method
An information processing apparatus includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. An area setting unit sets, upon detection of an abnormality in the information processing apparatus, a work area in a storage area except a collection target area of investigation information used for investigation of a cause of the occurrence of the abnormality, in a storage area of the volatile memory. An information collection unit executes a procedure of collecting investigation information from the volatile memory and storing the same into the nonvolatile memory by using the set work area. |
| US09710318B2 |
Endian configuration memory and ECC protecting processor endianess mode circuit
An electronic circuit includes a microcontroller processor (410), a peripheral (420) coupled with the processor, an endian circuit (470) coupled with the processor and the peripheral to selectively provide different endianess modes of operation, and a detection circuit (140) to detect a failure to select a given endianess, whereby inadvertent switch of endianess due to faults is avoided. Other circuits, devices, systems, methods of operation and processes of manufacture are also disclosed. |
| US09710317B2 |
Methods to identify, handle and recover from suspect SSDS in a clustered flash array
A technique predicts failure of one or more storage devices of a storage array serviced by a storage system and for establishes one or more threshold conditions for replacing the storage devices. The predictive technique periodically monitors soft and hard failures of the storage devices (e.g., from Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology), as well as various usage counters pertaining to input/output (I/O) workloads and response times of the storage devices. A heuristic procedure may be performed that combines the monitored results to calculate the predicted failure and recommend replacement of the storage devices, using one or more thresholds based on current usage and failure patterns of the storage devices. In addition, one or more policies may be provided for replacing the storage devices in a cost-effective manner that ensures non-disruptive operation and/or replacement of the SSDs, while obviating a potential catastrophic scenario based on the usage and failure patterns of the storage devices. |
| US09710312B2 |
Component-based task allocation method for extensible router
The present disclosure relates to a component-based task allocation method for an extensible router, comprising: S1: selecting components that needs to be activated from a component library, generating a topology structure of the components, and measuring load of each component; S2: selecting a super master control and a backup super master control from master controls, allocating the components, generating a task allocation table and a task updating message according to dynamic allocation algorithms; and S3: receiving the task updating message from the super master control by the other master controls, and activating the components that need to be activated and registering to a component manager. Thus, the tasks can be allocated uniformly. |
| US09710311B2 |
Information processing system, method of controlling information processing system, and recording medium
An information processing system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a management apparatus including a first processor, and configured to manage execution of jobs by the plurality of information processing apparatuses; and a terminal apparatus including a second processor. The first processor is configured to identify an information processing apparatus not executing a job among the plurality of information processing apparatuses, transmit information on the number of identified information processing apparatuses, and upon receiving identification information on at least one job to be executed on the information processing apparatus not executing a job from the terminal apparatus, perform scheduling so that the information processing apparatus not executing a job executes the job. |
| US09710307B1 |
Extensible workflows for processing content
A system and method is described for enabling a user to add extensions to one or more of the preconfigured workflows for processing media content. The extensions can comprise a custom task that is injected at a specified entry point in the preconfigured workflow, such as after completion of a particular task. The custom task injected into the workflow can perform a variety of processing jobs, such as adding digital rights management (DRM), allowing access to the media content by third parties, injecting advertisements or other content into the media, checking the media content for errors or viruses, and the like. The custom task may also instruct the workflow to delegate access to the media content to external third party services. When the preconfigured workflow reaches the specified entry point, the workflow may be suspended until the custom task is completed, at which point the preconfigured workflow may resume. |
| US09710302B2 |
Dynamic timeout period adjustment of service requests
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for dynamically timing out a first process within a plurality of suspended processes is provided. The method may include determining that a second process is attempting to suspend. The method may also include determining if a number of suspended processes plus one is less than a threshold value. The method may then include selecting the first process within the plurality of suspended processes to prematurely time out based on determining that the number of suspended processes plus one is not less than the threshold value. The method may further include timing out the selected first process. The method may also include suspending the second process. |
| US09710301B2 |
Storage medium storing computer program, information processing system, and information processing method
A computer program, an information processing system, and an information processing method are capable of properly managing the connection state of communication connection with an external device. When an operating system shifts an application to a background state, the operating system provides the application with a background shift notification. In the case where communication connection, targeted for management, between the application and an external accessory system is in an active state, the application having received the background shift notification cuts off, via the operating system, the communication connection established between the application and the accessory system, and switches the state of the communication connection, targeted for management, to an inactive state. |
| US09710300B2 |
Flow topology of computer transactions
A computer implemented method generates a visualization of a topology of a flow of multiple transactions. One or more processors detect that a first computer system has received a current transaction initiation request from a precursory transaction. The current transaction initiation request is for an initiation of a current transaction in a computer system, and contains parameter information that is recorded by each computer in a set of interconnected computer systems on which a transaction in the other precursory transactions is executed. One or more processors identify the flow of multiple transactions based on a flow transaction identifier and an identifier of the current transaction in the computer system. The one or more processors generate a visualization of a topology map of the current transaction and the other transactions based on information in the parameter information from the current transaction initiation request. |
| US09710298B2 |
Information processing system, storage apparatus, and program
An information processing system includes a first storage apparatus that includes first storage regions accessible by first virtual machines disposed in a first physical machine, and a second storage apparatus that includes second storage regions accessible by second virtual machines disposed in a second physical machine, wherein, when the second virtual machines execute first processing executed by the first virtual machines, the second storage apparatus stores first information in which information for identifying virtual machines that execute the first processing among the second virtual machines and information for identifying storage regions accessed by the identified virtual machines during the execution of the first processing among the second storage regions are associated with each other, and the first storage apparatus reconfigures a configuration of the first storage regions to be same as a configuration of a storage region corresponding to the first information among the second storage regions. |
| US09710296B2 |
Allocating cost of disk usage to a linked clone virtual machine
The present disclosure is related to methods, systems, and machine-readable media for allocating cost of disk usage to a linked clone virtual machine (VM). A determination can be made as to a number of disks used by a linked clone VM, among the disks in a software defined data center, over a time period. In some examples, a cost for a total usage of the number of disks over the time period can be allocated to the linked clone VM, regardless of whether the total usage over the time period includes usage by other VMs. In some examples, a cost for a total usage of the number of disks over the time period can be allocated to the linked clone VM, in proportion to the number of VMs that use the disk regardless of relative usage of the disk by each of the number of VMs. |
| US09710295B2 |
Grouping and placement of virtual machines based on similarity and correlation of functional relations
In a virtual machine system, an arrangement of virtual machines, which has fault tolerance, is performed. A virtual machine managing apparatus includes a similar group generating unit and an arrangement restriction generating unit. The similar group generating unit generates a group of virtual machines having a similarity relationship which indicates that performance values of virtual machines at each timing are approximately the same, out of plural virtual machines. The arrangement restriction generating unit outputs the group of virtual machines having the similarity relationship as a distributed-arrangement restriction indicating a group of virtual machines to be arranged on different processing apparatuses among plural processing apparatuses carrying out processes of the virtual machines. |
| US09710294B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing hypervisor level data services for server virtualization
A system for cloud-based data services for multiple enterprises, including a plurality of cloud hypervisors that cooperatively provide cloud-based services to multiple enterprises, each hypervisor including a plurality of cloud virtual servers, each cloud virtual server being associated with an enterprise, at least one cloud virtual disk that is read from and written to by the at least one virtual server, each cloud virtual disk being associated with an enterprise, and a virtual data services appliance, which provides cloud-based data services, and multiple data services managers, one data services manager per respective enterprise, each of which coordinates the respective virtual data services appliances for those cloud hypervisors that service its corresponding enterprise. |
| US09710286B2 |
Enhanced wakeup mode
A method of operating a computer that is in a sleep state and that is accessed remotely. The method includes receiving an indication that the computer should transition from a sleep state to a wake state, determining whether the indication was generated as a result of a remote access to the computer, and upon determining that the indication was generated as a result of a remote access to the computer, causing the computer to transition to a partial wake state. |
| US09710285B2 |
Information processing system, management apparatus, and method of managing a plurality of boot-up programs
An information processing system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages a plurality of boot-up programs used to boot up the plurality of information processing apparatuses. The management apparatus includes a storage and a processor. The storage stores the plurality of boot-up programs. The processor executing a process including obtaining configuration information of a first information processing apparatus of the plurality of information processing apparatuses, selecting a boot-up program corresponding to the first information processing apparatus from the plurality of boot-up programs stored in the storage, based on the obtained configuration information, and sending the boot-up program selected by the selector to the first information processing apparatus. |
| US09710281B2 |
Register comparison for operand store compare (OSC) prediction
Embodiments relate to register comparison for register comparison for operand store compare (OSC) prediction. An aspect includes, for each instruction in an instruction group of a processor pipeline: determining a base register value of the instruction; determining an index register value of the instruction; and determining a displacement of the instruction. Another aspect includes comparing the base register value, index register value, and displacement of each instruction in the instruction group to the base register value, index register value, and displacement of all other instructions in the instruction group. Another aspect includes based on the comparison, determining that a load instruction of the instruction group has a probable OSC conflict with a store instruction of the instruction group. Yet another aspect includes delaying the load instruction based on the determined probable OSC conflict. |
| US09710277B2 |
Processor power management based on class and content of instructions
A processor and method are disclosed. In one embodiment the processor includes a prefetch buffer that stores macro instructions. The processor also includes a clock circuit that can provide a clock signal for at least some of the functional units within the processor. The processor additionally includes macro instruction decode logic that can determine a class of each macro instruction. The processor also includes a clock management unit that can cause the clock signal to remain in a steady state entering at least one of the units in the processor that do not operate on a current macro instruction being decoded. Finally, the processor also includes at least one instruction decoder unit that can decode the first macro instruction into one or more opcodes. |
| US09710271B2 |
Collecting transactional execution characteristics during transactional execution
Execution of a transaction may be initiated by a CPU in a transactional execution (TX) environment. A set of TX performance characteristics of the transaction during the transactional execution may be collected and stored in a location specified by an instruction of the transaction when the transactional execution ends or aborts. |
| US09710268B2 |
Reducing latency for pointer chasing loads
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for reducing the load to load/store address latency in an out-of-order processor. When a producer load is detected in the processor pipeline, the processor predicts whether the producer load is going to hit in the store queue. If the producer load is predicted not to hit in the store queue, then a dependent load or store can be issued early. The result data of the producer load is then bypassed forward from the data cache directly to the address generation unit. This result data is then used to generate an address for the dependent load or store, reducing the latency of the dependent load or store by one clock cycle. |
| US09710265B1 |
Neural network compute tile
A computing unit is disclosed, comprising a first memory bank for storing input activations and a second memory bank for storing parameters used in performing computations. The computing unit includes at least one cell comprising at least one multiply accumulate (“MAC”) operator that receives parameters from the second memory bank and performs computations. The computing unit further includes a first traversal unit that provides a control signal to the first memory bank to cause an input activation to be provided to a data bus accessible by the MAC operator. The computing unit performs one or more computations associated with at least one element of a data array, the one or more computations being performed by the MAC operator and comprising, in part, a multiply operation of the input activation received from the data bus and a parameter received from the second memory bank. |
| US09710262B2 |
User-configurable database artifacts
A system, a method, and a computer program product for deployment of objects are disclosed. At least one configuration for deploying of at least one artifact during runtime of an application is defined. The configuration includes at least one dependency for the artifact. The configuration is applied to the artifact. The artifact is deployed based on the applied configuration during runtime of the application. The configuration can include at least one of the following: a default configuration for the artifact and an explicit configuration for the artifact. |
| US09710259B2 |
System and method for customizing a deployment plan for a multi-tier application in a cloud infrastructure
A deployment system enables a developer to customize a deployment plan generated according to a logical, multi-tier application blueprint for deploying multiple applications in a cloud infrastructure. Using the deployment system, the developer inserts a custom script or task in a sequence of tasks to be performed to deploy an application component in different phases (e.g., installation, configuration, start-up) on a virtual machine. The deployment system anchors the custom script to the different phases of the application component's deployment such that the customizations to the deployment plan are maintained through changes to the underlying application blueprint. |
| US09710258B2 |
Identifying cause of incidents in the DevOps environment automatically
In one aspect, a method for identifying software development teams causing operation incidents when changing and deploying code is provided. The method includes the steps of: collecting data regarding i) a number of deployed change requests for each of the software development teams and ii) a total number of incident reports; generating a time series for the number of deployed change requests for each of the software development teams and a time series for the total number of incident reports created; performing causality testing between the time series for the number of deployed change requests for each of the software development teams and the time series for the total number of incident reports created; and determining whether the total number of incident reports created can be expressed in terms of the number of deployed change requests for any of the software teams. |
| US09710255B1 |
Updating system of firmware of complex programmable logic device and updating method thereof
In the updating system, the CPLD has an original firmware version data and a PCH of a processing chip includes a storage which stores an updating identification code table and at least one updating firmware data. The updating identification code table has at least one updating identification code which is corresponded to the updating firmware data respectively. A processing unit of the processing chip has an identification code and an updating program. In the updating method, a first step is provided to capture the updating identification code table after the updating program is triggered. A second step is provided to capture the updating firmware data when the identification code is same as the updating identification code. A third step is provided to replace the original firmware version data from the updating firmware data through the PCH. |
| US09710253B2 |
Managing a software-patch submission queue
Queued software patches are analyzed before one patch is chosen as the next patch to be integrated into a working build. The chosen patch might not be next in chronological order of arrival at the queue. Instead, an illustrative build server applies a number of priority factors to every patch awaiting integration in the patch queue, specifically by analyzing one or more relevant attributes of the patch. The patch that receives the highest priority score in the course of the evaluation is then extracted for integration. After the patch has been integrated, the build server (e.g., using an illustrative patch queue manager module) circles back and again evaluates all the patches in the current queue, which may have queued new patches that were submitted while the previous patch was being integrated. Relative to a default chronological order, a given patch may receive a boost in priority or, conversely, may have its priority reduced. |
| US09710251B2 |
Software updates from a security control unit
The present systems and methods relate to approaches for distributing software (such as firmware updates) in a security system that includes a control unit. The control unit may be configured to communicatively connect to a plurality of electronic devices, including sensors for the security system. The control unit may also communicatively connect to a remote server. The control unit receives firmware for target electronic devices from the remote server, determines which electronic devices are target electronic devices for which the firmware is intended, and sends the firmware to the target electronic devices. |
| US09710247B2 |
Identification of host-compatible downloadable applications
A user's (client) computer sends a request for a listing of applications which can be downloaded from a server in an electronic marketplace and a list of functions provided by a host program. A description of an application, such as in an application manifest, provides a list of required functions and, preferably, a list of optional functions for a software application. The server sends a list of applications supported by those functions. Those supported applications are displayed to the user as being available for downloading. The user selects the desired application and the user's computer requests, and the server provides, a download of that application. The downloaded application will then operate on the user's computer using the required functions provided by the host programs, and may use any optional functions provided by the host programs. |
| US09710246B2 |
Just-in-time expensive compilation hints
Using stored information about the compilation environment during compilation of a code segment to improve performance of just-in-time compilers. A set of characteristic(s) of a compilation environment is measured during compilation of a code segment. Information that may be relevant to how the compilation is performed is derived from at least one of the measured characteristics and stored in a persistent storage device. Upon a subsequent request to compile that code segment, the information is retrieved and used to change compilation behavior. The set of characteristic(s) relate to at least either compilation backlog or peak memory usage. The changed compilation behavior involves at least adjusting the scheduling of the subsequent compilation request or adjusting the compiler optimization level. |
| US09710245B2 |
Memory reference metadata for compiler optimization
An apparatus includes a memory and a compiling processor configured to: generate, by at least one of a group consisting of a compiler and a runtime executing on the compiling processor, arguments for executing a compiled kernel, determine, by the at least one of the group executing on the compiling processor, whether a first memory reference to a first memory region and a second memory reference to a second memory region of the arguments refer to a same memory region, generate, by the at least one of the group, metadata associated with the first memory reference and the second memory reference based on the determination, wherein the metadata indicates a relationship between the first memory region and the second memory region. The at least one of the compiler and the runtime may recompile the kernel based on the metadata, and instruct a target processor to execute the recompiled kernel. |
| US09710242B1 |
Method selection in an external language based on output parameters
A method and apparatus, including a computer program apparatus, which facilitate invoking methods defined within a second language system from a first language system. When a method is invoked from the first language system, the techniques automatically compare the output parameters of the first language system method with the number and data-types of parameters output by methods defined within the second language system. Based on this comparison, the invention selects a method that best matches the output signature of the invoked method. The invention, therefore, allows a user to easily invoke methods from external objects, such as C# objects, directly from the first language system. |
| US09710241B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing instruction for heterogeneous processor
Provided are an apparatus and method for providing instructions for a heterogeneous processor having heterogeneous components supporting different data widths. Respective data widths of operands and connections in a data flow graph are determined by using type information of operands. Instructions, to be executed by the heterogeneous processor, are provided based on the determined data widths. |
| US09710237B1 |
Systems and methods for hardware resource sharing
A system and method optimizes hardware description generated from a graphical program or model having oversampling constraints automatically. The system may include a streaming optimizer, a resource sharing optimizer, a delay balancing engine, and a global scheduler. The streaming optimizer may transform vector data paths to scalar or smaller-sized vector data paths. The resource sharing optimizer may replace multiple, functionally equivalent blocks with a single shared block. The delay balancing may insert one or more elements to correct for data path misalignment. The global scheduler may place portions of the program or model into conditional execution sections and create control logic that controls the model sample times or steps that the portions are enabled. A validation model, a report, or hardware description code that utilizes fewer hardware resources may be generated from a modified version of the model that is created. |
| US09710236B2 |
Computer readable medium for translating protocols
The disclosed subject matter presents a method for translating between protocols using an extended scripting language. In one embodiment ECMA-262 scripting language is extended to enable one with ordinary skill in the art to create scripts which may be used to perform diverse data manipulation including, but not limited to: file input/output, database manipulation, data identification, data translation, XML functionality, SMB functionality, email, etc. Additionally provided for is running the extended scripting language along side a binary to manipulate data such that changes can be implemented without requiring the recoding and/or recompiling of the binary. In other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter enables the transmission of information via a webservice, with information able to be viewed and/or manipulated on a variety of GUI's. |
| US09710233B2 |
Application model for implementing composite applications
Embodiments are directed to providing an application model for implementing composite applications and to providing a declarative programming model and distributed runtime for creating and executing composite applications. In an embodiment, a computer system instantiates an application model. The application model allows users to compose composite applications. The composite applications are configured to run on both distributed computing systems and local computing systems. The computer system receives user input at the instantiated application model. The user input indicates which composite application components are to be used in conjunction with each other to form the composite application. The computer system also provides the composite application on a distributed computing system and/or a local computing system. |
| US09710229B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing floating-point square root operation
A data processing apparatus has a processing circuitry for performing a floating-point square root operation on a radicand value R to generate a result value. The processing circuitry has first square root processing circuitry for processing radicand values R which are not an exact power of two and second square root processing circuitry for processing radicand values which are an exact power of 2. Power-of-two detection circuitry detects whether the radicand value is an exact power of two and selects the output of the first or second square root processing circuitry as appropriate. This allows the result to be generated in fewer processing cycles when the radicand is a power of 2. |
| US09710226B1 |
Unsuccessful write retry buffer
A memory module includes at least two memory devices. Each of the memory devices perform verify operations after attempted writes to their respective memory cores. When a write is unsuccessful, each memory device stores information about the unsuccessful write in an internal write retry buffer. The write operations may have only been unsuccessful for one memory device and not any other memory devices on the memory module. When the memory module is instructed, both memory devices on the memory module can retry the unsuccessful memory write operations concurrently. Both devices can retry these write operations concurrently even though the unsuccessful memory write operations were to different addresses. |
| US09710224B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a microphone; a touchscreen; and a controller configured to display a user interface for voice recognition on the touchscreen, display a first text, a second text, and a third text converted from a first voice input, a second voice input and a third voice input, respectively, in the user interface for voice recognition, wherein the first voice input, the second voice input, and the third voice input are received via the microphone, display an application window associated with the first text, the second text, and the third text in the user interface for voice recognition, receive a selection of one of the first text, the second text, and the third text for modification, and display a modified text of the selected text in the application window. |
| US09710223B2 |
System and method for continuous multimodal speech and gesture interaction
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for processing multimodal input. A system configured to practice the method continuously monitors an audio stream associated with a gesture input stream, and detects a speech event in the audio stream. Then the system identifies a temporal window associated with a time of the speech event, and analyzes data from the gesture input stream within the temporal window to identify a gesture event. The system processes the speech event and the gesture event to produce a multimodal command. The gesture in the gesture input stream can be directed to a display, but is remote from the display. The system can analyze the data from the gesture input stream by calculating an average of gesture coordinates within the temporal window. |
| US09710222B2 |
Portable playback device state variable
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate playback of multimedia content are disclosed. A network interface configured to receive audio content over a playback network. A processor comprises instructions, which when executed, cause the processor to join the playback network. The processor is to set a state variable to indicate that the portable playback device is joined to the playback network, wherein prior to joining the playback network the state variable was set to indicate that the portable playback device was not joined to the network. The processor is to play the audio content received over the playback network when the portable playback device is joined to the playback network. |
| US09710219B2 |
Speaker identification method, speaker identification device, and speaker identification system
The present disclosure is a speaker identification method in a speaker identification system. The system stores registered voice signals and speaker images, the registered voice signals being respectively generated based on voices of speakers, the speaker images being respectively associated with the registered voice signals and respectively representing the speakers. The method includes: acquiring voice of a speaker positioned around a display; generating a speaker voice signal from the voice of the speaker; identifying a registered voice signal corresponding to the speaker voice signal, from the stored registered voice signals; and displaying the speaker image, which is associated with the identified registered voice signal, on the display, at least while the voice of the speaker which forms a basis of generation of the speaker voice signal is being acquired. |
| US09710216B2 |
Framework for forming electronic display from plurality of electronic devices
A framework for forming an electronic display includes a primary electronic device, at least one coupling electronic device, and at least one secondary electronic device. The primary electronic device includes a system on a chip electronically coupled to a display screen of the primary electronic device. The at least one coupling electronic and the at least one secondary electronic device each includes an integrated circuit and a corresponding display screen. Each electronic device includes at least one connector configured to electronically couple to the connector of another electronic device. The system on a chip of the primary electronic device controls the display screen of each of the electronic devices to display a portion of the electronic display. |
| US09710215B2 |
Maximizing native capability across multiple monitors
In an embodiment, a first display monitor communicates with a second display monitor to determine a common set of display capabilities that are supported by both the first display monitor and the second display monitor. One or more first color grading instructions for one or more first images are received from a first user. In response to receiving the one or more first color grading instructions, the one or more first images are color graded with the one or more first color grading instructions to generate one or more first color graded images. The one or more first color graded images are rendered on the first display monitor. In addition, the one or more first color graded images are caused to be rendered on the second display monitor. |
| US09710214B2 |
Room sensor applications and techniques
The disclosure relates to a method, apparatus and system to provide automated audio video conferencing in a conference room. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure relates to a mobile device having one or more processors and circuitry. The circuitry may execute a first logic, a second logic and a third logic. The first logic may be configured to receive instructions to connect the mobile device to a wireless equipment in a conference room. The second logic may be configured to obtain conference room information. The third logic may be configured to transmit a request to pair with a wireless equipment in the conference room. The third logic may be further configured to: receive information in a first communication mode that a code challenge will be issued, receive a code challenge in the second communication mode and pair the mobile device with the wireless equipment. |
| US09710210B2 |
Image forming system, information processing device, tally information transmission method, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
An image forming system that allows communication with a tally service server over a network, comprises: an image forming device configured to execute a job; and a control device which applies a setting configured by a user to the image forming device, and causes the image forming device to execute the job with applying the setting. The control device includes: a setting value arranging part configured to arrange setting values of multiple setting items relating to the job in a predetermined order and combining into one piece, thereby generating setting value array information; a tally information generating part configured to generate tally information in which at least one piece of the setting value array information generated by the setting value arranging part is set as one tally item; and a transmission part configured to send the tally information generated by the tally information generating part to the tally service server. |
| US09710209B2 |
Printing apparatus which is capable of controlling a way of stopping a print job according to a print method
When a printing apparatus of the present invention receives an instruction for stopping printing in a case where printing of a number of copies is performed based on print data for a plurality of pages, if printing is performed by a first print method that performs, for each copy, processing of consecutively printing the plurality of pages and there is a page for which print processing is not started out of pages included in a copy for which print processing is started, the printing apparatus stops the printing after continuing printing until that page, and if printing is performed by a second print method that performs, for each page, processing of repeatedly printing the same page for the number of copies, the printing apparatus stops printing without starting printing processing of a new sheet. |
| US09710206B2 |
Communications apparatus, communications method, and recording medium
A communications apparatus serially transmitting a code string including a target code includes a converter to convert first codes in the code string into second codes having bit strings longer than those of the first codes, and having first polarities and second polarities with a bit string reversed from that of the first polarity, and a transmitter to serially transmit bits of the converted second codes in order from lower-order bits. When the second code includes a number of “0” bits equal to that of “1” bits, the converter converts the second code into a second code having a polarity identical to that of a previously transmitted second code. When the second code includes the number of “0” bits differing from that of “1” bits, the converter converts the second code into a second code having a polarity differing from that of the previously transmitted second code. |
| US09710204B1 |
Fast drawing of unrotated run-length encoded images
Methods and apparatus for rendering images are provided. A computing device can receive a plurality of parts of an image, with the plurality of parts including a first particular part immediately preceding a second particular part. The plurality of parts can include first type parts and second type parts having a positive count value. The computing device can decode the plurality of parts by: generating a first node of the first type including color information of both first and second particular parts, if both first and second particular parts are first type parts; otherwise generating a second node of the second type with the matching color information and a sum of the first and second particular parts' count values, if first and second particular parts are second type parts and have matching color information. The computing device can render a line of the image based on the nodes. |
| US09710203B2 |
Apparatus and method for defect detection in a printing system
An apparatus for defect detection in a printing system, comprising a sensor device for sensing a surface of a sheet and for generating data representing a height map of the sheet, and a processor device for processing the data from the sensor device, wherein the processor device is configured to analyze the height map to detect a presence of a deformation in the sheet. The processor device is further configured to, when a deformation is detected, to determine at least one property of the deformation, to classify the deformation with respect to a plurality of deformation classes by means of the at least one property of the deformation, and to determine a suitability of the sheet for printing based on the deformation class wherein the deformation has been classified. |
| US09710199B2 |
Non-volatile memory data storage with low read amplification
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more memory devices, each memory device having non-volatile memory configured to store data, and a memory controller connected to the one or more memory devices, the memory controller being configured to receive data to be stored to the one or more memory devices, store read-hot data within one error correction code (ECC) codeword as aligned data, and store read-cold data to straddle two or more ECC codewords as non-aligned data and/or dispersed data. According to another embodiment, a method for storing data to non-volatile memory includes receiving data to store to one or more memory devices, each memory device including non-volatile memory configured to store data, storing read-hot data within one ECC codeword as aligned data, and storing read-cold data to straddle two or more ECC codewords as non-aligned data and/or dispersed data. |
| US09710198B2 |
Method and computing device for controlling bandwidth of swap operations
The following embodiments generally relate to the use of a “swap area” in a non-volatile memory as an extension to volatile memory in a computing device. These embodiments include techniques to use both volatile memory and non-volatile swap memory to pre-load a plurality of applications, to control the bandwidth of swap operations, to encrypt data stored in the swap area, and to perform a fast clean-up of the swap area. |
| US09710196B2 |
Method of storing data, storage system, and storage apparatus
A method of storing data using a first storage apparatus, a second storage apparatus, and a third storage apparatus coupled with each other through a network, includes as followings. The first storage apparatus receives a processing request of first data and second data. The first storage apparatus includes the first data as data to be addressed to the second storage apparatus, and the second data as data to be addressed to the third storage apparatus in one packet. The first storage apparatus transmits the one packet to the second storage apparatus. After transmitting the first data and the second data, the second storage apparatus transmits the second data to the third storage apparatus. |
| US09710194B1 |
Port provisioning based on initiator usage
In one aspect, a method includes filtering one or more available ports on a data storage system to determine candidate ports based on at least their hardware redundancy information. The data storage system includes one or more data storage volumes. The method also includes allocating one or more ports to the data storage volume from the candidate ports based on a usage metric to enable communication from a host, using the one or more allocated ports, to the data storage volume through the one or more storage components. |
| US09710191B1 |
Rapid memory buffer write storage system and method
Data associated with a logical block address (LBA) may be received from a host system to be stored in the memory array. The LBA may be translated to a physical block address (PBA) by determining a first portion of the PBA and a second portion of the PBA. The data from the host system may be stored in the buffer space after determining the first portion of the PBA and before determining the second portion of the PBA. The data from the buffer space may be flushed to the memory array after determining the second portion of the PBA. |
| US09710190B1 |
Shared memory
A computer-executable method, computer program product, and system for managing I/Os from an Application on a host, wherein the host is in communication with a data storage system including one or more burst buffer servers, the computer-executable method, computer program product, and system comprising providing a portion of shared memory using the one or more burst buffer servers of the data storage system, wherein the portion of shared memory is enabled to be visible from each of the one or more burst buffer servers, receiving, at a first burst buffer server of the one or more burst buffer servers, a data I/O request from the application on the host, wherein the data I/O request is associated with data on the portion of shared memory, determining whether data associated with the data I/O request is located on the first buffer server, and processing the data I/O request based on the determination. |
| US09710188B2 |
Managing backup relationships in a data storage system
A method for re-establishing a backup relationship between first and second volumes associated with one or more storage media in a data storage system is provided. The method comprises storing first information for preserving the backup relationship, in response to or in advance of receiving a request to terminate the backup relationship; recording changes to the first or second volumes that occur subsequent to terminating the backup relationship; and re-establishing the backup relationship between the first and second volumes according to the first information such that the first and second volumes are synchronized by merging the recorded changes with the first or second volumes. |
| US09710186B2 |
Performing online data migration with concurrent active user access to the data
A network server migrates dataset blocks from a source storage device to a target storage device while continuing to service user requests for the data stored in the dataset blocks. A control driver executing at the network server tracks the location of the dataset blocks during the data migration as being at either the source storage device or the target storage device. Upon receiving a user request for the data, the control driver uses the tracking information to determine whether the dataset blocks associated with the requested data have been migrated to the target storage device or are still stored at the source storage device. The control driver then retrieves the data associated with the requested dataset blocks from the determined source or target storage device. |
| US09710183B2 |
Effectively limitless apparent free space on storage device
A primary physical storage device has effectively limitless apparent free space. Responsive to receiving a request to dynamically allocate an amount of desired free space on the primary device to store new data on the primary device, and responsive to determining that an amount of actual free space on the primary device is insufficient to permit such allocation, existing data stored on the primary device is moved to a secondary storage device. The first existing data appears to still be stored on the primary device. Responsive to receiving a request to retrieve existing data from the primary device, and to determining that the existing data has been moved to the secondary device, the existing data is moved back to the primary device. The existing data was originally stored on the primary device, and is currently stored on the primary device or has been moved to the secondary device. |
| US09710179B2 |
Systems and methods for persistent memory timing characterization
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a processor and a management controller communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to, during boot of the information handling system determine a first amount of energy required by the information handling system to perform a save operation to transfer data from a volatile memory to a non-volatile memory of a persistent memory in response to a loss of power for supplying electrical energy to the information handling system, determine whether a second amount of energy available for providing electrical energy for the save operation in response to the loss of power exceeds the first amount of energy, and responsive to determining whether the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy, determine whether to support the persistent memory. |
| US09710164B2 |
Determining a cause for low disk space with respect to a logical disk
A method and system for determining a cause for low disk space with respect to a logical disk is provided. The method includes identifying software activities associated with a computing system linked to a file system comprised by a disk storage device. Representations for the software activities are identified with respect to the file system and associated objects are defined. The objects impact available free space on a logical disk of the disk storage device and each software activity is linked with an associated object. An amount of disk space of the logical disk occupied by each object is determined. An impact of each object is analyzed with respect to an amount of available free disk space and a specific cause(s) for the file system exceeding the available free space is determined. |
| US09710158B2 |
Information processing apparatus, program, and operation control method
There is provided an information processing apparatus including: a detection unit for detecting pressure applied by user input performed on a touch screen; a determination unit for determining which of two or more input states the user input belongs to, in accordance with the pressure detected by the detection unit; and an operation control unit for enabling or disabling a limitation imposed on operation with a user interface displayed on the touch screen, in accordance with the state of the user input determined by the determination unit. |
| US09710153B2 |
Electronic device and method of controlling the same
An electronic device and a method of controlling the same are provided. When the electronic device captures a predetermined number of images through a camera in a predetermined location, the captured images are grouped into a group and a title for the group is recommended. Accordingly, a group title is recommended depending on photographing situation when a user continuously captures images, and thus captured images can be managed more efficiently. |
| US09710152B2 |
Selecting objects on a user interface
A computer implemented method of managing objects presented on a user interface of a computer device having at least one processor and at least one memory, comprising displaying an arrangement of selectable objects each having one or more characteristics, information on said arrangement of objects and said objects being stored in said at least one memory, determining a selection of at least a first object in dependence on a user input received via the user interface, evaluating using the stored information on said arrangement, if the selected shares one or more characteristic with neighboring objects in the arrangement, determining an input time period of the user input; determining, in dependence on the stored information on said board arrangement if the selected object shares one or more characteristics with neighboring objects; and if so indicating a valid status to a user by highlighting or removing at least the selected object. |
| US09710149B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying user interface capable of intuitively editing and browsing folder
Provided is a method and apparatus for displaying a user interface by displaying a first screen including at least one icon and a second screen including a first region obtained by reducing the size of the first screen 3-Dimensionally depending on an input of a user to edit or browse a folder, and a second region displaying folder content. |
| US09710145B2 |
Human machine interface device for aircraft
A method and system for interacting with the systems of an aircraft using touch screen technology that includes a human machine interface device for interacting with aircraft systems. The human machine interface including an input/display device configured to provide for navigating among graphical representations of a plurality of aircraft avionics systems via the common human machine interface; selecting an aircraft system via at least one of a touch gesture and a voice command input to the input/display device; inputting an instruction to the selected aircraft system; and outputting information via at least one of visual, aural, haptic and tactile channels. |
| US09710143B2 |
Method and device for executing object on display
A method and device for executing an object on a display. The method of executing an object includes receiving a user input to an object displayed on a display; gradually enlarging and displaying the object; and executing the application corresponding to the object as the object is enlarged. |
| US09710141B2 |
Method for selecting a recording area and system for selecting a recording area
In a 3D image of a patient supported on a patient table, the 3D image incorporates depth information about the outline of the patient. The 3D image is received and image information based on the 3D image is displayed on a screen, embedded into a graphical user interface. A first recording area is selectable particularly precisely by the selection being based on the inputting of a first start position and also a first end position in the displayed image information via the graphical user interface. The first recording area is displayed as a graphically highlighted first zone. Furthermore, a first position of the first recording area is determined relative to a recording unit based on the depth information and also based on the selection of the first recording area. This results in the first position being determined rapidly and particularly reliably, in particular in the vertical direction. |
| US09710138B2 |
Displaying relevant information on wearable computing devices
A wearable computing device receives user preferences, wherein the user preferences include information detailing one or more types of information to display based on one or more criteria being satisfied. The wearable computing device determines information to display on the wearable computing device based on the user preferences. The wearable computing device displays the determined information. |
| US09710134B1 |
Smart contact lists
A list of contacts or other files displayed on a computer device may be customized such that an order of the list, or a visual appearance of one or more of the files in the list, may indicate the extent of a user's behavior or activity with regard to the one or more files. The list may be reordered based on the frequency or recency of events associated with such behavior or activity, thereby causing more frequently or recently accessed files to be ranked higher in a list, and less frequently or recently accessed files to be ranked lower in the list. Additionally, an aspect of the appearances of the files in the list may be modified to reflect a frequency or recency with which events associated with one or more of the files have occurred. |
| US09710133B2 |
Method and system of taskbar button interfaces
The present invention provides a system or method for displaying rich presentation taskbar buttons for a corresponding application. In one example, the rich presentation taskbar button may receive content from an application through a programming interface. The present invention further relates to a system and method for displaying a rich presentation taskbar button and for displaying and/or dismissing a thumbnail of an application window associated with the rich presentation taskbar button. The present invention may further include a system and method of pinning the thumbnail on a display or dismissing a thumbnail. The present invention also relates to a system and method for displaying multiple taskbar buttons in a taskbar including controlling the size of individual taskbar buttons, consolidating taskbar buttons and placing taskbar buttons into an overflow based on the type of taskbar button in the taskbar. |
| US09710129B2 |
Displaying user activity in real-time collaborative editing systems
A computer-implemented method includes identifying a document that is operated upon by a real-time collaborative editing system. The document includes a first active region and additional active regions. The method identifies a first node and one or more additional nodes, all accessing the document via the real-time collaborative editing system. The method identifies a second node that is one of the one or more additional nodes. The method identifies a second active region, which is one of the additional active regions. The method identifies a first node view, which displays the first active region via the first node. The method identifies a second node view. The second node view displays the second active region via the second node. The method responds to input from the first node by creating a third node view that is displayed via the second active region and presented via the first node. |
| US09710127B2 |
User-customizable permissions in a computing environment
Disclosed are examples of systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products for providing user-customizable permissions governing user access to computing resources in a computing system. For example, a database storing data objects identifying permissions of users, sets of the permissions, and users can be maintained. One or more fields can be displayed on a display of a user device. The one or more fields can be configured to receive input to perform one or more operations. Input can be received from a user via the user interface on the display of the user device. One or more operations can be performed. The database can be updated such that the data objects identify a custom permission or a permission set to which a custom permission has been assigned. |
| US09710123B1 |
Time-based device interfaces
A user interface on a computing device can utilize a calendar bar with various portions of the interface, such as a lock screen and home or application screens. The calendar bar can enable the user to view upcoming appointments and determine how much the user has before those appointments. The user can tilt the device or select an appointment to obtain additional information. If the device is unlocked or otherwise accessible, the user can also navigate back and forth between a calendar display and other information, such as past or present actions with respect to the device, and can scroll back in forth in time using any of these displayed portions. |
| US09710121B2 |
Position determination techniques in resistive touch screen applications
Systems and methods to determine locations for dual touch operations performed on a four-wire resistive touch screen. The systems and methods may include measuring signals from pairs of electrodes on each of a first and second resistive sheet of the resistive touch screen in two phases of operation. The systems and methods may further include determining touch screen segment resistances from the signal measurements. The systems and methods may determine locations corresponding to the dual touch operations from the resistances. The systems and methods may also determine locations from the signal measurements. |
| US09710117B2 |
Transfer material, manufacturing method of electrostatic capacitance type input device, electrostatic capacitance type input device, and image display device including the same
To provide a transfer material which is capable of improving the visibility of a transparent electrode pattern of an electrostatic capacitance type input device, and is capable of improving the productivity of the electrostatic capacitance type input device. A transfer material includes a temporary supporter and a transparent curable resin layer laminated on the temporary supporter, and a refractive index of the transparent curable resin layer at a wavelength of 550 nm is 1.55 or more. |
| US09710111B2 |
In-air ultrasonic rangefinding and angle estimation
An apparatus for determining location of a moveable object in relation to an input device includes an array of one or more piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) elements and a processor. The array is formed from a common substrate. The one or more pMUT elements include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The processor configured to determine a location of a moveable object in relation to an input device using sound waves that are emitted from the one or more transmitters, reflected from the moveable object, and received by the one or more receivers. |
| US09710110B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying free space input for surface constrained control
A free space input standard is instantiated on a processor. Free space input is sensed and communicated to the processor. If the free space input satisfies the free space input standard, a touch screen input response is invoked in an operating system. The free space input may be sensed using continuous implicit, discrete implicit, active explicit, or passive explicit approaches. The touch screen input response may be invoked through communicating virtual touch screen input, a virtual input event, or a virtual command to or within the operating system. In this manner free space gestures may control existing touch screen interfaces and devices, without modifying those interfaces and devices directly to accept free space gestures. |
| US09710109B2 |
Image processing device and image processing method
An image processing device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute: obtaining an actual image including a motion part and a target object of an operation; recognizing the motion part from the actual image; defining an operation area of the actual image based on a position of the motion part; computing a first image feature of the operation area; and generating a display image by setting, based on the first image feature, the operation area and/or the motion part to be a second image feature which differs from the first image feature. |
| US09710107B1 |
Input control assignment
Various techniques may be employed for assigning user inputs such as a touch on a touchscreen to various input controls such as buttons or other features provided on a touchscreen. One example input assignment technique is a nearest neighbor technique, whereby a touch may, for example, be assigned to an input control that is positioned closest to the touch location. Another example input assignment technique is an angle and distance technique, whereby a touch may, for example, be assigned to an input control based on an angle and a distance of the touch relative to a prior touch. |
| US09710098B2 |
Method and apparatus to reduce latency of touch events
A system includes: a touch path module to receive a plurality of touch events and to generate an output based on the touch events; and a rendering module to: receive a video image; receive the output of the touch path module; determine a plurality of points defining a boundary of a shape, the shape being determined based on the output of the touch path module; combine the video image with overlay data in accordance with the plurality of points to generate a combined display image; and output the combined display image. |
| US09710093B2 |
Pressure sensitive key normalization
Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location. |
| US09710092B2 |
Biometric initiated communication
A device has a touch processing module that processes touch screen input to determine if the manner in which the input was entered indicates that the user intends for execution of a particular command. In one embodiment, the module may acquire fingerprint data from the user's input and analyze the data to determine if the input was entered with a particular finger or finger sequence. In another embodiment, the module may also acquire timing data from the user's entry of a plurality of inputs and analyze the timing data to determine if the touch screen input was entered with a particular timing or cadence. In still another embodiment, the module may also acquire force data from the user's entry of a plurality of touch screen inputs and analyze the force data to determine to determine if the touch screen input was entered with a particular force. |
| US09710083B2 |
Liquid crystal display with integrated touch sensor
A liquid crystal display integrated with a touch sensor includes a first substrate including pixels connected to gate wires and data wires, a second substrate positioned to face the first substrate, a plurality of common electrodes corresponding to the pixels, a plurality of sensing electrodes on the second substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, a gate drive unit driven corresponding to a gate control signal and configured to supply a gate signal to the pixels through the gate wires, a common electrode drive unit configured to supply a touch driving signal to the common electrodes during a touch driving period, and a control unit configured to supply a gate control signal synchronized with the touch driving signal to the gate drive unit. |
| US09710082B2 |
Wearable display device, belt buckle and belt
The present disclosure provides a wearable display device, a belt buckle and a belt. The wearable display device includes a body; a display screen arranged on the body; a storage module configured to store data; and a controller configured to output a display signal in accordance with the data stored in the storage module, thereby to enable the display screen to display the display signal from the controller. According to the present disclosure, the wearable display device can display stationary or dynamic images, thereby to meet the user's individualized requirements. |
| US09710081B2 |
Signal transmit channel integrated with ESD protection and a touch system
A signal transmit (TX) channel integrated with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes a transmit switch having a first end coupled to receive a transmit signal, and being controlled by an associated scanning signal such that the transmit switch is closed to pass the transmit signal at a specific time; and an ESD protection circuit having a first input end electrically coupled to a second end of the transmit switch and a second input end coupled to receive the associated scanning signal. |
| US09710077B2 |
Operation unit
An operation unit has a rotary body that has a through-hole, and that rotates about a rotation axis that passes through the through-hole, a ball that is disposed inside the through-hole, a rotary body-detecting part that detects rotation of the rotary body, a first ball-detecting part that detects rotation of the ball, and a second ball-detecting part that detects pressing of the ball. |
| US09710075B2 |
Touch panel system and electronic device
For detecting a signal based on driving of a pen point of a stylus pen satisfactorily, a stylus pen (15) includes a changeover switch (34) having a grip portion terminal (35) of a grip portion (28), a pen point terminal (36) of a pen point (38), and a ground terminal (37) of a ground, the changeover switch (34) switching connection of the grip portion terminal (35) to either the pen point terminal (36) or the ground terminal (37). |
| US09710071B2 |
Methods and systems for recalibrating a user device based on age of a user and received verbal input
Methods and systems are described herein for a media guidance application that enhances the precision of various types of user input interfaces. For example, the media guidance application may recalibrate a user input interface such that the user inputs are correctly received and executed. Furthermore, to further enhance precision, the media guidance application may base the recalibrations on the age of a user. |
| US09710070B2 |
Gestures for auto-correct
In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to a user entering a string of one or more characters on a computing device, determining a plurality of auto-suggestions for the string; displaying all or a portion of one of the auto-suggestions on the display with the string; and in response to a particular swipe gesture on the display, causing the displayed auto-suggestion to be accepted. |
| US09710069B2 |
Flexible printed circuit having flex tails upon which keyboard keycaps are coupled
Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices. |
| US09710066B2 |
Method for controlling a terminal using a double touch gesture and terminal thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a touch screen display; and a controller configured to select an object displayed on the touch screen display based on a first touch gesture input with respect to the object, perform a second touch gesture a predetermined time after the first touch gesture, in which the second touch gesture has a dragging direction, and perform a first preset function based on the second touch gesture having a first dragging direction and perform a second preset function based on the second touch gesture having a second direction different than the first direction. |
| US09710061B2 |
Haptic feedback device
A haptic feedback device configured to provide tactile or haptic feedback for an electronic device. The haptic device includes a platform operably secured to the electronic device to allow rotation about a center axis. An activating member is operably associated with the platform and configured to selectively cause the platform to rotate in a first direction. Also, the haptic feedback device includes a restoring member operably associated with the platform and configured to selectively return the platform to a first position after it has rotated for at least one of a select period of time or a select distance. |
| US09710054B2 |
Programmable power management agent
In an embodiment, a processor includes a first core and a power management agent (PMA), coupled to the first core, to include a static table that stores a list of operations, and a plurality of columns each to specify a corresponding flow that includes a corresponding subset of the operations. Execution of each flow is associated with a corresponding state of the first core. The PMA includes a control register (CR) that includes a plurality of storage elements to receive one of a first value and a second value. The processor includes execution logic, responsive to a command to place the first core into a first state, to execute an operation of a first flow when a corresponding storage element stores the first value and to refrain from execution of an operation of the first flow when the corresponding element stores the second value. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09710052B2 |
Dynamic energy savings for digital signal processor modules using plural energy savings states
Embodiments include a method of managing operating states of a plurality of digital signal processors (DSPs). The method generally includes determining a first number of the plurality of DSPs to operate in a ready state, determining a second number of the plurality of DSPs to operate in a first energy-saving state, and determining a third number of the plurality of DSPs to operate in a second energy-saving state. In some embodiments, the first energy-saving state corresponds to a dormant mode of the DSPs, and the second energy-saving state corresponds to a reset mode of the DSPs. |
| US09710050B2 |
Information processing device, semiconductor chip, information processing method, and computer program product
According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a data obtaining unit and a data storage controller. The data obtaining unit is configured to obtain data measured by a sensor. The data storage controller is configured to store the data obtained by the data obtaining unit in a first memory of volatile nature when a sampling interval indicating an interval at which the data obtaining unit obtains the data is equal to or smaller than a threshold value. The data storage controller is configured to store the data obtained by the data obtaining unit and the data stored in the first memory in a second memory of nonvolatile nature when the sampling interval exceeds the threshold value. |
| US09710049B2 |
Display device, method of driving a display device, and display system
In a display device, when a receiving section receives positional information representing a position of a pointer image in a display region in a first display mode, a data generating section generates display image data corresponding to a display image based on an image corresponding to internal image data stored in an internal image memory, the above-mentioned pointer image, and the above-mentioned positional information. |
| US09710045B2 |
Managing network wake-up commands
A method for managing network wake-up commands by a controller of a server includes receiving a system health data. The method includes receiving a network wake-up command from a network interface controller of the server. The method further includes the determining whether to wake-up the server based on the system health data to yield a determination, and commanding the server to wake-up, when the determination is to wake-up the server. |
| US09710042B2 |
Adaptive microprocessor power ramp control
Embodiments of the invention provide adaptive power ramp control (APRC) in microprocessors. One implementation of the APRC can compute a present core power and a present power ramp condition in the microprocessor, for example, to determine whether the present power is in a particular predefined control zone and whether the present power ramp is greater than a predefined threshold for that control zone. Those determinations can indicate a likelihood of an imminent, undesirable power ramp condition and can inform entry into a control mode. The APRC can generate an appropriate stall control signal in response to its present control mode, and the stall control signal can stall operation of at least one functional unit of the microprocessor according to a predefined stall pattern. This can effectively combat the imminent power ramp condition by reducing the power usage of the microprocessor. |
| US09710039B2 |
Calculating expected maximum CPU power available for use
A method of calculating a processing power available from a supervisor of a multi-programmed computing system by a first partition of a plurality of partitions, the method comprising collecting, by the first partition, state data from the supervisor, the state data including a processing capacity of the multi-programmed computing system. The method further comprises initializing a remaining capacity variable to the processing capacity of the multi-programmed computing system; initializing variables, including setting a binary variable to a first logic value for each of the plurality of partitions; iteratively computing an entitlement and amount of power to award for each of the plurality of partitions having their respective binary variables set to the first logic value; and requesting the processing power from the supervisor, based on the iterative computation. |
| US09710038B1 |
HDMI extender with bidirectional power over twisted pair
Disclosed are various embodiments of transmit and receive connectivity devices that receive a media signal from a source device coupled to the HDMI port and to convert the media signal to a converged media signal based on a converged signal specification. The converged media signal can be transmitted between the transmit and receive connectivity devices through a multi-position multi-contact port. The converged media signal can be converted to a media signal based on the converged signal specification. The converted media signal can be output to a sink device via an HDMI port. |
| US09710036B2 |
Power mixing apparatus of multiple power supplies
The present invention relates to a power mixing apparatus of multiple power supplies, which comprises a plurality of power mixing units and a power control unit. The power control unit receives a control signal to control the switching states of the power supplies. The power mixing units are individually connected to the power supplies and a mother board. The power mixing units receive and couple a plurality of operating powers of the power supplies correspondingly to generate a plurality of stable output powers for the mother board such that the effects of increased output powers and supply balance can be achieved. |
| US09710031B2 |
Analog interface for a microprocessor-based device
An apparatus includes an integrated circuit, which includes a processor and a driver. The integrated circuit is fabricated by a process that establishes a nominal maximum voltage for components of the integrated circuit. The driver is adapted to selectively electrically couple a voltage that is higher than the nominal maximum voltage to an external terminal of the integrated circuit. |
| US09710028B2 |
External drive chassis storage array
The invention in at least one embodiment includes a system that includes a chassis having a frame present within a housing where the frame includes at least two plates having a base and two grills running widthwise along and on opposite ends of the base, a plurality of walls between the at least two plates, and at least one baffle running between the plates at an angle to the plates; at least one power supply; and a plurality of fans electrically connected to the at least one power supply; wherein there are at least two air flow paths through the chassis that pass through at least one fan and pass at least one baffle through a duct defined by the housing and the frame. In at least one embodiment, the chassis receives at least one storage drive. |
| US09710027B2 |
Chassis design and component layout for a mini-ITX format computer
Chassis design and component layout for a mini-ITX format computer are disclosed herein. The essential practice of the design and layout described herein allows for expansion cards and normal size Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) cards in a slim mini-ITX format case. This is achieved through component layout and a special extension cable for the expansion slot on mini-ITX motherboards. |
| US09710025B2 |
Desktop receptacle with utility front surface
A desktop receptacle includes a box with a front surface and a connector surface that has a connector opening formed through, an electrical connection assembly held within the box that has an electrical connector associated with the connector opening, and a utility surface attached to the front surface. |
| US09710024B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a main unit including a first top surface, a first bottom surface opposite to the first top surface, and a first side surface configured to connect the first top surface and the first bottom surface, and at least one module unit including a second top surface, a second bottom surface opposite to the second top surface, and a second side surface configured to connect the second top surface and the second bottom surface. The module unit may be configured to couple to and uncouple from the main unit or another module unit in a state where one of the second top surface, the second bottom surface, and the second side surface faces one of the first top surface, the first bottom surface, and the first side surface. When the module unit is coupled to the main unit, the module unit may be electrically connected with the main unit. |
| US09710020B2 |
Rollable display apparatus
A rollable display apparatus includes a flexible display panel and a housing. The flexible display panel includes a display region which displays an image and a dummy region which does not display an image. The dummy region is connected to a side of the display region, and the dummy region and the display region are disposed in one direction. The flexible display panel is rollable around an outside surface of the housing. The dummy region includes a first dummy portion fixed in the housing and a second dummy portion connected to the first dummy portion. The second dummy portion is wrapped around the housing. |
| US09710019B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a main body and a cover. A first display device is disposed on a first face of the main body. The cover includes a first cover member, on which a second display device is disposed, and a second cover member disposed on a second face of the main body. The second display device is electrically connected to the main body. |
| US09710018B2 |
Display apparatus
An apparatus comprising a suspension unit comprising: a first part coupled to a display assembly; a second part coupled to an apparatus body; and a suspension part coupled at one end to the first part and at another end to the second part, configured to suspend the first part relative to the second part by the bending force of the suspension part, such that the display assembly is movable relative to the apparatus body. |
| US09710017B2 |
Method of forming a housing for an electronic device
A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing. |
| US09710016B1 |
Docking station with securing apparatus and stand for electronic device
An improved docking station (200) comprising a securing apparatus (20) and a stand (22) used for securing an electronic device (24) or a connector device (26) in a convenient position. The sidewalls (32,34,36) of the securing apparatus (20) have entrance guides and may be adjusted to secure different sized electronic devices (24). The stand (22) may be positioned using pivoting arms (56,58,60), base plates (52), and a mounting head (64) to conveniently display the attached securing apparatus (20). The mounting head (64) may be pulled, rotated, and released into a swivel lock (62) thus changing the position of the attached securing apparatus (20). The base plates (52) of the stand (22) may be linked together on hinges (76) and mounted to a substrate with an adhesive (70) to secure the docking station (200) in place. |
| US09710014B2 |
Mobile terminal
Disclosed is a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal of the present invention comprises: a terminal case including a front surface case and a rear surface case which are coupled together; and a trigger unit, which is provided so as to be exposed to the exterior of the terminal case for performing user input by means of a pulling movement, wherein the trigger unit further includes a trigger switch which is exposed to the exterior of the terminal case, a trigger rubber which comes into close contact with the inside of the terminal case so as to cover the trigger switch, and a trigger bracket which supports the trigger rubber by means of pressure and which is coupled to the inside of the terminal case. According to the present invention, provided are the mobile terminal and the method for manufacturing same, the mobile terminal having a superior waterproof function and which is easy to produce and assemble. |
| US09710010B2 |
Start-up circuit for bandgap reference
A start-up circuit for a bandgap reference circuit include an operational amplifier and a diode coupled to a second input terminal of the operational amplifier. The circuit includes a first current branch including a first transistor and a second transistor in series, for generating a first current in response to an output voltage at an output terminal of the operational amplifier and a second current branch including a third transistor and a fourth transistor in series, for generating a second current in response to the output voltage. The circuit further includes a resistor coupled in parallel to the fourth transistor, an inverter coupled to a connection node between the third and fourth transistors, for inverting a voltage at the connection node and generating an inversion voltage, and a fifth transistor for controlling a switching element flowing a reference current proportional to the voltage with the negative temperature coefficient in response to the inversion voltage. |
| US09710008B2 |
Fast bias current startup with feedback
A current mirror circuit comprising an input driver connected to a plurality of output driver circuits through a current mirror network. The current mirror network is separated into two parts, wherein the first part comprises the input driver circuit and the second part comprises capacitive loads including a filter capacitor. A switch separates the two parts where an amplifier senses the first part and controls the second part to track the first part when the current mirror circuit is activated. The low source resistance of the output of the amplifier facilitates a fast charging of the capacitance of the second part of the current mirror network dramatically improving signal delay and transition time. |
| US09710004B2 |
Method, a system, a computer-readable medium, and a power controlling apparatus for applying and distributing power
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like. |
| US09710000B2 |
Microphone bias circuit
A bias circuit supplies a bias voltage VBIAS to a microphone. A variable gain amplifier amplifies a reference voltage VREF. A low-pass filter removes a high-frequency component from the output of the variable gain amplifier. A voltage follower amplifier receives the output voltage of the low-pass filter, and supplies the output voltage to the microphone. |
| US09709997B2 |
Control system for gas pressure controllers in explosion risk areas
A control system for pressure controllers in explosion risk areas has a pressure controller with adjusting screw to control the pressure inside a conduit used to transport explosive gas. An adapter with a hole is adapted to receive the head of the adjusting screw. An electrical motor adapted to be used in risk explosion areas is provided with a driving shaft connected to the adapter. A support with body has a first end wherein a first hole is obtained to receive a shank of the pressure controller and a second end wherein a second hole is obtained to receive the adapter. A cable box connected to a telecommunication network is provided to remotely control the motor. |
| US09709996B2 |
Boat maneuvering system
A boat maneuvering system includes an actuator controller that performs intermittent control of switching a shift state alternately to a shift-in state and a neutral state by a shift actuator when a throttle opening degree of a propulsion device is an idling opening degree in the shift-in state and a detected actual boat speed is larger than a target boat speed for a first period of time or more in an auto cruise mode. |
| US09709995B2 |
Chemical injection system
A chemical injection system includes a pump in fluid communication with a chemical reservoir and a pipeline; a motor coupled to the pump and adapted to drive the pump to transfer a chemical fluid from the reservoir to the pipeline; a motor controller electrically coupled to a power module and the motor and adapted to adjust a rotational speed of the motor; and a central controller communicably coupled to the motor controller and a remote computing device. The controller includes a translator adapted to receive a signal from the remote computing device in a first communication protocol and translate the signal from the remote computing device to a command in a second communication protocol distinct from the first communication protocol, where the command is operable to adjust the motor controller to adjust the rotational speed of the motor. |
| US09709993B2 |
Wide area sensing system, in-flight detection method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program of wide area sensing system
A wide area sensor system includes an unmanned airplane being switchable between an airplane mode for high speed flight and a VTOL mode for low speed flight, a state detection sensor provided in the unmanned airplane, the state detection sensor being driven to detect a state of a detection target, and an external control apparatus that controls flight of the unmanned airplane and driving of the state detection sensor. The external control apparatus performs high speed sensing by driving the state detection sensor while performing the high speed flight of the unmanned airplane in the airplane mode. The control apparatus performs low speed sensing by driving the state detection sensor while performing the low speed flight of the unmanned airplane in the VTOL mode. |
| US09709981B2 |
Managing application failures in a system of domestic appliances
A method of managing a system provides a minimum service in the system. The system includes a set of pieces of equipment including data-gathering equipment and/or equipment that is to be controlled, the pieces of equipment being connected to a management module via respective first communications links. The management module is suitable for determining a control command as a function of data received from at least one piece of data-gathering equipment via a first communications link and for transmitting the control command to at least one piece of equipment that is to be controlled. The method is adapted to detect an absence of application signaling activity from the management module over a predetermined time period and to trigger a minimum service by sending an alert message to at least one piece of equipment of the system. |
| US09709979B2 |
Method of monitoring short circuits in torque motors
A method of monitoring an actuator system including a control device, a torque motor having a voltage Umc across its terminals and actuating a servo-valve, and an actuator controlled by the servo-valve, is provided. The control device is suitable for delivering to the torque motor a control current Icmd as a function of a current setpoint I_c and of a measured current Imes. The monitoring method includes: comparing the voltage Umc measured across the terminals of the torque motor with a predetermined threshold voltage Vthresh; and if the voltage across the terminals of the torque motor is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold voltage, raising an alarm and indicating a failure of the servo-valve. The comparison of the voltage Umc is performed only if the control current Icmd is greater than a predetermined threshold current Iinhib, with a control current less than that inhibiting any signaling of a servo-valve failure. |
| US09709974B2 |
Open numeric control system with real time kernel and a real-time control method of a tool path
The present invention discloses a real-time kernel of open CNC systems and a real-time control method of tool-paths. The real-time kernel translates a real-time control of the tool-paths into sending synchronous pulses into the servo drivers in accordance with the control rhythms Δti (i=1, . . . , n) in the follow-table and achieves the openness of real-time control method and real-time control process. The real-time kernel has the most simple and reliable multi-axis synchronization capability with high-speed and high-precision, and leads to major changes in the field of digital control method. The real-time kernel no need to configure a real-time operating system and a fieldbus, its core function is only to write the control rhythm into the T-division timer, and to send linkage commands into the servo drivers designated by the state-word, therefore its function and architecture are extremely simple and high reliability. |
| US09709973B2 |
Handheld field maintenance tool with improved diagnostics
A handheld field maintenance tool with improved diagnostic functions is provided. The tool includes a process communication module configured to interact with a field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module. The controller is configured to execute a number of improved diagnostic functions relative to the field device. The controller may obtain contextual information relative to a current field maintenance operation and preload at least one resource relative to a next field operation step. The controller may obtain process alarm information through a wireless communication module, and field device alert information through the process communication module and provide an indication on a display relative to both process alarm information and field device alert information. The controller may execute a sequence of field device maintenance operations on the field device in response to a signal from a user input device. The controller may obtain snapshot information in response to a signal from a user input device. |
| US09709970B2 |
Control device, security management system, and security management method
A central processing unit of a control device includes: a control calculation unit that performs calculation on the basis of storage content of a nonvolatile storage unit and controls a machine; an update unit that accepts operation input in a first maintenance mode or a second maintenance mode, which has a narrower operable range than the first maintenance mode, and updates the storage content of the nonvolatile storage unit in accordance with the operation input; a security management unit that determines permission or prohibition of the operation input in the first maintenance mode with the use of a hardware key; and a security management unit that determines permission or prohibition of the operation input in the second maintenance mode without the use of the hardware key. |
| US09709966B2 |
Thermo-economic modeling and optimization of a combined cooling, heating, and power plant
A method to manage operating costs of a combined cooling heating and power (CCHP) plant that includes converting complex models of underlying components of the plant into simplified models (S101), performing an optimization that uses the simplified models as constraints of the optimization to output at least one decision variable (S102), and adjusting controls of the plant based on one or more of the output decision variables (S103). |
| US09709964B2 |
Genset power control in power systems
A method includes determining an average set load corresponding to a plurality of gensets of a power system, generating a power error based on the determined average set load and a set load of a genset of the plurality, generating a first offset based on a function of the power error and a predetermined factor, determining a secondary offset, generating a final offset based on the first offset and the secondary offset, generating a final reference value based on a nominal reference and the final offset, and applying the final reference value to obtain proportional load sharing between the plurality of gensets. |
| US09709962B2 |
Time correction system, electronic device, timepiece, and program
A time correction system includes a timepiece, and an electronic device that corrects the time of the timepiece. The electronic device includes a display unit, a time data acquisition unit, a control unit that causes the display unit to display an instruction time of the electronic timepiece, based on the current time, and that calculates a time correction amount from a difference between the current time and the instruction time, and a light source that transmits the time correction amount to the electronic timepiece. The electronic timepiece includes an input unit that receives an operation input for correcting the time displayed by a display unit, a solar cell that receives the time correction amount from the electronic device, and a control circuit that corrects the time displayed by an indicating hand of the display unit, based on the time correction amount. |
| US09709960B2 |
Watch-type mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
Provided is a watch-type terminal including: a main body that includes an antenna module which transmits and receives a wireless signal in a predetermined frequency band; a band that extends from the main body and that is formed in such a manner that the main body is removably worn on a wrist; a ground portion that includes first and second metal members that extend to have different lengths; a sensing unit that detects whether or not the main body is worn on the wrist; and a controller that grounds the antenna module to at least one of the first and second metal members, based on whether or not the main body is worn on the wrist. |
| US09709958B2 |
Stepping motor and timepiece
Disclosed is a stepping motor including a rotor, a stator which includes a rotor accommodating hole, a pair of outer notches to determine positions of saturated magnetic fluxes and inner notches disposed on an inner periphery of the stator around the rotor accommodating hole, the inner notches determining stably stationary positions of the rotor, and a coil block configured by a coil wound around a coil core which is magnetically coupled to the stator, and the outer notches are disposed on an outer periphery of the stator on opposite sides of the rotor accommodating hole. And a line that connects narrowest portions between the outer notches and the rotor accommodating hole and extends through a center of the rotor accommodating hole shifts by a predetermined angle from a line that extends through the center of the rotor accommodating hole and is orthogonal to an extending direction of the stator. |
| US09709955B2 |
Switch device and timepiece
A switch device includes a case having a through hole, an operation member which is inserted into the through hole of the case and protrudes inside and outside the case, a waterproof member which is placed on at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the case and into which the operation member is slidably inserted, and a press member which presses the waterproof member against the case. |
| US09709952B2 |
Photosensitive composition for volume hologram recording, photosensitive substrate for volume hologram recording, and volume hologram recorded medium
The present invention is to provide: a photosensitive composition for volume hologram recording and a photosensitive substrate for volume hologram recording, which provide increased sensitivity during hologram recording and a high refractive index modulation amount, and which do not inhibit the decolorization of the sensitizing dye; and a volume hologram recorded medium which provides high-luminance hologram images with increased productivity. Disclosed is a photosensitive composition for volume hologram recording, comprising: a photopolymerizable monomer, a photopolymerization initiator, a sensitizing dye for sensitizing the photopolymerization initiator, a binder resin, and a thiol group-containing compound, wherein the photopolymerizable monomer contains a photoradically polymerizable monomer and a photocationically polymerizable monomer; wherein the thiol group-containing compound is a chain transfer agent for the photoradically polymerizable monomer and is a polyfunctional secondary thiol compound having two or more secondary thiol groups per molecule; and wherein the content of the thiol group-containing compound is 1.5 to 30 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the photoradically polymerizable monomer. |
| US09709947B1 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a containing member that is detachably disposed in an interior space of the housing and that contains a color material, an opening and closing member that opens and closes an opening of the housing by rotating about an axis, which is formed in a lower portion of the housing, when the containing member is replaced, and a cover member that includes surface portions, a first end attached to the housing, and a second end attached to the opening and closing member and that forms a color-material-receiving surface by covering a region between the housing and the opening and closing member from above when the opening and closing member opens the opening, the cover member being formed to be folded such that one of the surface portions and the other surface portions face one another when the opening and closing member closes the opening. |
| US09709944B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a discharge tray extension with rollers
A sheet post-processing device for post-processing of a recording sheet ejected from an image forming device in an ejection direction, the sheet post-processing device including: a first tray on which the recording sheet is placed after ejection; a push-out member that pushes out, in a push-out direction different from the ejection direction, the recording sheet placed on the first tray; and a guide member adjacent to an ejection direction downstream end of the first tray, the guide member supporting a portion of the recording sheet that protrudes from the first tray in the ejection direction. The guide member includes a resistive force reduction unit that reduces a resistive force that occurs due to contact between the guide member and the recording sheet, the resistive force hindering the pushing out of the recording sheet when the push-out member pushes out the recording sheet. |
| US09709942B2 |
Image forming apparatus with an improved noise adding unit to add a noise pattern to a printed image
An image forming apparatus includes a noise adding unit and a controller. The noise adding unit is configured to add a noise pattern to a print image. The controller is configured to perform printing of the print image in which the noise pattern has been added. The noise pattern is a pattern obtained by two-dimensionally arranging plural noises of which each has a local planar distribution. Each of the plural noises has a local planar distribution in which pixel values monotonically vary with a distance from a pixel having a peak pixel value. |
| US09709941B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a fixing member with a nip which can be pressed at different pressure levels
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a door, an elastic member to generate a pressing force of a nip portion of the fixing unit, and a switching member to change a pressing state of the elastic member. The switching member is placed in any one of first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the pressing force is defined as a first level. The second position has a second level different from the first level. The pressing force of the third position is equal to or lower than the smaller one of the first and second levels. While the door is closed from open state, an interference member of the door does not interfere with the switching member in the first or second position but interferes with the switching member in the third position to move the switching member to the first position. |
| US09709938B1 |
Adhesive for adhesive layer of fixing member, fixing member, fixing device, and image-forming apparatus
Disclosed is an adhesive for an adhesive layer of a fixing member including a substantially cylindrical substrate, an elastic layer around the substrate, a surface layer covering the elastic layer, and the adhesive layer between the elastic layer and the surface layer. The adhesive contains a dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having crosslinking groups and a dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having vinyl groups. The molar ratio of the crosslinking groups to the vinyl groups in the adhesive is about 1.1 to about 4. |
| US09709932B2 |
Fuser assembly and method for controlling fuser operations based upon fuser component attributes
A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device, the fuser assembly including an integrated circuit chip having memory which has stored therein attribute data. The memory provides the attribute data for use in controlling the fuser assembly during fusing operations throughout the life of the fuser assembly. The attribute data includes a table of values corresponding to fusing temperatures for the fuser assembly, the fusing temperatures decreasing throughout the life of the fuser assembly to account for aging or wear of at least one component of the fuser assembly. |
| US09709931B2 |
Excessive heating protection circuit and image forming apparatus
An excessive heating protection circuit to be connected to a first temperature sensor being configured to output less voltage with a rise in temperature and a second temperature sensor being configured to output more voltage with a rise in temperature. The excessive heating protection circuit includes: a multiplexer having a plurality of channels capable of receiving reference voltages predetermined for the first and second temperature sensors, the multiplexer being configured to output one of the reference voltages by selecting one of the channels with reference to input selection signals; a first comparator being configured to compare the output voltage of the first temperature sensor to the output reference voltage of the multiplexer and to output a comparison result; and a second comparator being configured to compare the output voltage of the second temperature sensor to the output reference voltage of the multiplexer and to output a comparison result. |
| US09709929B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus including the same
A fixing device for improving heat efficiency and an image forming apparatus including the fixing device includes a heating roller, a pressing roller, a pressing portion, a halogen lamp, a reflection plate, a first reflection member including a first reflection unit configured to reflect light irradiated from a first halogen lamp to the heating rotator, and a second reflection member including a second reflection unit configured to reflect light irradiated from a second halogen lamp to the heating rotator, wherein a center portion of the first reflection unit has a higher reflectivity than opposite end portions of the first reflection unit, and opposite end portions of the second reflection unit have a higher reflectivity than a center portion of the second reflection unit. |
| US09709927B1 |
Developer unit air venting in a dual component development electrophotographic image forming device
A developer unit according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing a developer mix that includes toner and magnetic carrier beads. A magnetic roll is mounted on the housing. An outer surface of a sleeve of the magnetic roll is positioned to carry the developer mix from the reservoir through a front portion of the magnetic roll that is exposed from the reservoir to permit transfer of toner from the outer surface of the sleeve to a photoconductive drum and back to the reservoir as the sleeve rotates in an operative rotational direction. An air vent is positioned along a rear portion of the magnetic roll for exiting air in the reservoir from the housing. An entire opening of the air vent is positioned vertically higher than the rotational axis of the sleeve when the developer unit is in an operative orientation. |
| US09709926B2 |
Detecting a developing cartridge
A developing cartridge is provided. The developing cartridge includes a housing which accommodates developer therein, a receiving member which receives a driving force output member provided in an image forming apparatus, a developing roller which rotates by the driving force received by the receiving member, and a detectable rotary member including a detectable portion, which is a detection target to be detected by a detection member provided in the image forming apparatus, and a contact portion which is provided away from the detectable portion. The detectable rotary member rotates from a retreat position to an initial position where the detectable rotary member is rotated by the driving force received by the receiving member, by the contact portion contacting an interference member fixed in the image forming apparatus in a process of mounting the developing cartridge into the image forming apparatus. |
| US09709925B2 |
Toner cartridge having a movable projection for providing installation feedback to an image forming device
A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a toner reservoir. An outlet port faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A shutter is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position unblocking the outlet port. A flag on the first side of the housing is movable between a first position and a second position. The flag extends outward sideways from the first side when the flag is in the second position. The flag is operatively connected to the shutter such that when the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position the flag moves from the first position to the second position to change a state of a sensor in the image forming device when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device. |
| US09709917B2 |
Image forming apparatus and light intensity adjusting method
An image forming apparatus includes: an array of m light-emitting elements extending in a main scanning direction, the m being an integer satisfying m≧3; a memory that stores a cumulative light emission time of each of the m light-emitting elements; a light intensity adjusting portion that obtains a light intensity adjusting value for the each light-emitting element; an activating portion that controls the activation and deactivation of the each light-emitting element with the light intensity adjusting value; and a selecting portion that selects n light-emitting elements from an end of the array, the n being an integer satisfying n≧2 and n |
| US09709915B2 |
Electrostatic ink compositions
Herein is disclosed an electrostatic ink composition comprising: a) chargeable particles comprising a resin; b) a charge director comprising a sulfosuccinate salt of the general formula M′Am, wherein M′ is a metal, m is the valence of M′, and A is an ion of the general formula (I): (I) [R3—O—C(O)CH2CH(SO3)C(O)—O—R4]− wherein each of R3 and R4 is an alkyl group; and c) an optionally substituted naphthalene-sulfonate moiety. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an electrostatic ink composition and a printed medium having printed thereon an electrostatic ink composition. |
| US09709905B2 |
System and method for dark field inspection
A method for fabricating a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate and a first layer over the substrate, wherein the first layer includes one or more overlay marks. The method further includes forming one or more layers on the first layer and performing a dark field (DF) inspection on the one or more overlay marks underlying the one or more layers to receive a post-film-formation data. |
| US09709904B2 |
Lithography apparatus having dual reticle edge masking assemblies and method of use
A lithography apparatus includes a plurality reticle edge masking assemblies (REMAs), wherein each REMA of the plurality of REMAs is positioned to receive one of a plurality of light beams, and each REMA of the plurality of REMAs comprises a movable slit for passing the received light beam therethrough. The lithography apparatus includes a controller for controlling a speed of the movable slit based on a size of the movable slit, an intensity of the one or more collimated light beams, or a material to be patterned. The lithography apparatus further includes a single mask having a single pattern, wherein the mask is configured to receive light from every REMA of the plurality of REMAs. The lithography apparatus includes a projection lens configured to receive light transmitted through the single mask, wherein the lithography apparatus is configured to introduce an immersion liquid into a space adjacent to the projection lens. |
| US09709903B2 |
Overlay target geometry for measuring multiple pitches
An overlay target for use in imaging based metrology is disclosed. The overlay target includes a plurality of target structures including three or more target structures, each target structure including a set of two or more pattern elements, wherein the target structures are configured to provide metrology information pertaining to different pitches, different coverage ratios, and linearity. Pattern elements may be separated from adjacent pattern elements by non-uniform distance; pattern elements may have non-uniform width; or pattern elements may be designed to demonstrate a specific offset as compared to pattern elements in a different layer. |
| US09709902B2 |
Projection exposure tool for microlithography and method for microlithographic imaging
A projection exposure tool for microlithography for imaging mask structures of an image-providing substrate onto a substrate to be structured includes a measuring apparatus configured to determine a relative position of measurement structures disposed on a surface of one of the substrates in relation to one another in at least one lateral direction with respect to the substrate surface and to thereby simultaneously measure a number of measurement structures disposed laterally offset in relation to one another. |
| US09709897B2 |
Polarization control of pulsed light beam
A photolithography system includes an optical system, an actuation apparatus, and a control module. The optical system includes an optical source that produces a pulsed light beam traveling along a beam path; a plurality of optical components positioned between the optical source and a photolithography exposure apparatus, at least some of the plurality of optical components configured to receive the pulsed light beam and direct the pulsed light beam to the photolithography exposure apparatus; and an optical element positioned to interact with the pulsed light beam. The actuation apparatus is coupled to the optical element. The actuation apparatus is configured to adjust a physical property of the optical element based on a control signal from the control module to thereby adjust a polarization of the pulsed light beam. |
| US09709895B2 |
Support elements for an optical element
Support elements for an optical element and a method for supporting an optical element are disclosed. The disclosure can be used in connection with arbitrary optical apparatuses or optical imaging methods. In particular, the disclosure can be used in connection with the microlithography employed in the manufacture of microelectronic circuits. |
| US09709891B2 |
Positive resist composition, resin used for the positive resist composition, compound used for synthesis of the resin and pattern forming method using the positive resist composition
A positive resist composition comprises: (A) a resin of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (C) a resin having at least one of a fluorine atom and a silicon atom; and (D) a solvent; and a pattern forming method using the positive resist composition. |
| US09709889B2 |
Forming conductive metal patterns using thiosulfate copolymers
A precursor article has a substrate and a polymeric layer having a reactive composition that contains a non-crosslinked thiosulfate copolymer comprising: (a) recurring units comprising pendant thiosulfate groups, and (b) recurring units comprising pendant carboxy, carboxylate, phospho, phosphonate, phosphate, sulfo, sulfonate, or sulfite groups. The (a) recurring units are present in an amount of 1 to 30 mol %, and the (b) recurring units are present in an amount of 70 to 99 mol %. This precursor article can be used to provide a product article comprising a substrate in which the polymeric layer has both exposed regions and non-exposed regions. The exposed regions contain a pattern of electrolessly plated metal within or deposited on the surface of an at least partially crosslinked polymer that has been derived from the non-crosslinked thiosulfate copolymer. The non-exposed regions have none of the electrolessly plated metal or the non-crosslinked thiosulfate polymer. |
| US09709886B2 |
Sulfonic acid derivative compounds as photoacid generators in resist applications
Novel photoacid generator compounds are provided. Photoresist compositions that include the novel photoacid generator compounds are also provided. The invention further provides methods of making and using the photoacid generator compounds and photoresist compositions disclosed herein. The compounds and compositions are useful as photoactive components in chemically amplified resist compositions for various microfabrication applications. |
| US09709885B2 |
Photomask blank and method for manufacturing photomask blank
A method for manufacturing a photomask blank having at least a silicon-containing inorganic film over a transparent substrate includes forming the silicon-containing inorganic film such that a surface has an oxygen concentration not less than 55 atomic percent and not more than 75 atomic percent, the silicon-containing inorganic film being an SiO film or an SiON film and serving as a hard mask film. |
| US09709883B2 |
High elastic modulus projection screen substrates
A stiffening strip at selected edges of a screen may enable the use and mounting of a high-elastic modulus substrate screen material. Such screen materials may be engineered to provide polarization-preserving characteristics, and be applied to or part of the high-elastic modulus substrate. Furthermore, the stiffening strip may enable the use of screen vibration techniques to reduce speckle in display applications that use projection screens, particularly those display applications using illumination sources prone to speckle such as laser-based projection. The screen vibration may be provided by a vibrating device attached to the stiffening strip. |
| US09709880B2 |
Light source unit having semiconductor light emitting elements and projector having same light source unit
There is provided a light source unit having an excitation light shining device in which a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in rows and columns so that in the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, the direction of a major axis of an elliptic cross section of a light beam emitted from one semiconductor light emitting element is normal to the directions of major axes of elliptic cross sections of light beams emitted from adjacent light emitting elements. |
| US09709879B2 |
Projector having a lens cap with a finger placement portion
A projector includes a projection optical apparatus including a projection lens that projects an image and a lens barrel that accommodates the projection lens, an exterior enclosure that accommodates the projection optical apparatus, and a lens cap that protects the projection lens. The lens cap has a body portion that covers at least part of the projection lens exposed through an opening formed in one of the exterior enclosure and a tab that is formed integrally with the body portion and engages with an inner circumferential edge of the opening to lock the lens cap in the opening, and the body portion has finger placement portions (first finger placement portion and second finger placement portion) on which fingers are placed in a direction roughly parallel to a direction in which the tab having engaged with the inner circumferential edge of the opening moves away from the inner circumferential edge. |
| US09709878B2 |
Projector and rear projector
This projector includes a laser beam generation portion, an image projection portion including a scanning portion and projecting an image on a projection area, a beam receiving portion receiving the laser beam reflected by a detection object and a control portion detecting an operation performed on the projected image with the detection object on the basis of the moving state of the detection object. |
| US09709870B2 |
Electronic paper with porous standoff layer
An electronic paper device includes a ground plane, a charge receiving layer, and a porous stand off layer disposed over the charge receiving layer. An active layer is interposed between the ground plane and the charge receiving layer, the active layer including a plurality of microcapsules containing charged pigments. A system for writing information to electronic paper is also provided. |
| US09709867B2 |
Display device
There is disclosed an electrochromic passive-matrix display, wherein each passively addressed pixel cell comprises an electrolyte ionically connecting an electrochromic and electrochemically active polymer and a layer of electrically conducting carbon. Thus, each pixel has a pronounced threshold voltage sufficient for reducing cross talk in an electrochromic display. |
| US09709857B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A display device may include a substrate having a first substrate portion, a second substrate portion, and a third substrate portion positioned between the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion. The display device may further include a first roof layer and a second roof layer formed of the same material, spaced from each other, and respectively overlapping the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion. The display device may further include a transistor overlapping the third substrate portion. The display device may further include a liquid crystal set. The display device may further include a common electrode portion positioned between the first substrate portion and the liquid crystal set. The display device may further include a sub-pixel electrode positioned between the liquid crystal set and the first roof layer and electrically connected to the transistor. |
| US09709850B2 |
Double-layered backlight module
A double-layered backlight module includes a supporting plate having a supporting surface and a plurality of through holes formed thereon. A plurality of light sources is disposed on the supporting surface. A first optical modulation film is disposed at one side of the supporting plate where the plurality of light sources is located, and a first interlayer is formed between the first optical modulation film and the supporting surface. The first optical modulation film includes a first reflective surface formed at one side of the first optical modulation film facing the plurality of light sources and a plurality of first light exiting holes penetrating the first optical modulation film. A first diffusing plate is disposed at one side of the first optical modulation film opposite to the supporting plate. A second diffusing plate is disposed at one side of the supporting plate opposite to the supporting surface. |
| US09709848B2 |
Transflective liquid crystal display
A pixel of a transflective liquid crystal display panel having a controllable backlight comprises an array of sub-pixels and a color substrate with an array of colors corresponding to the array of sub-pixels, the array of colors comprising transmissive colors and reflective colors. The color substrate transmits at least one wavelength of light corresponding to the transmissive colors in the array of colors when the controllable backlight emits a first predetermined light level and, from substantially the same area in the color substrate, reflects at least one wavelength of light corresponding to the reflective colors in the array of colors when the controllable backlight emits a second predetermined light level. The transmissive colors may be primary or secondary colors, and the reflective colors may be primary or secondary colors. The primary colors may form the top row of the array of sub-pixels and the secondary colors may form the bottom row of the array of sub-pixels, or at least one of the primary colors and at least one of the secondary colors may form the top row of the array of sub-pixels, and at least one of the primary colors and at least one of the secondary colors may form the bottom row of the array of sub-pixels. |
| US09709845B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display panel for displaying images in an active area includes a first substrate having a pair of first short ends and first long ends. A second substrate faces the first substrate so as to hold a liquid crystal layer therebetween. A first polarization plate is arranged on an outside surface of the first substrate. The first polarization plate has a pair of second short ends longer than the first short ends, a pair of second long ends, and a first absorption axis. The angle a1 made by the first absorption axis with respect to the second short ends is smaller than an angle b1 made by the first absorption axis with respect to the second long ends. A second polarization plate is arranged on an outside surface of the second substrate and has a second absorption axis. |
| US09709844B2 |
Display apparatus capable of controlling light transmittance and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus capable of controlling light transmittance and a method of manufacturing the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a transparent display device in which a pixel that has a first region comprising an organic emission layer (organic EL), and a second region adjacent to the first region, the second region transmitting external light, a first circular polarizer in an optical path of light emitted from the transparent display device, a second circular polarizer, the transparent display device being between the first and second circular polarizers, and a transmittance adjusting device including a liquid crystal layer for adjusting transmittance of external light, the transmittance adjusting device being between the transparent display device and the second polarizer such that the transparent display device encapsulates the liquid crystal layer, external light passing through the first circular polarizer, the second circular polarizer, and the transmittance adjusting device. |
| US09709838B2 |
Tiled display and bezelless liquid crystal display apparatus
A tiled display includes a plurality of bezelless liquid crystal display (LCD) panels in which pixels are exposed from at least one of a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side thereof; at least one backlight unit disposed below the plurality of bezelless LCD panels and configured to emit light. The plurality of bezelless LCD panels are disposed such that sides from which the pixels are exposed are connected to each other, the backlight unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit the light to the bezelless LCD panel, and the plurality of LEDs are disposed at equal intervals below the plurality of bezelless LCD panels including a portion where the plurality of bezelless LCD panels are connected to each other. |
| US09709837B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic equipment
An electro-optical devices includes: a first substrate; a second substrate having one surface opposite to the first substrate; a support member configured to hold the first and second substrates with the second substrate located outside the first substrate, and to include a frame portion surrounding the first and second substrates; a first conductive film formed on the other surface of the second substrate; and a conductor layer placed between the frame portion and the first and second substrates, and electrically connected to the first conductive film. The first conductive film is held at a constant potential via the conductor layer. |
| US09709833B2 |
Secure display device with twisted nematic liquid crystal matrix
The general field of the invention is that of the display devices that comprise an active liquid crystal matrix of twisted nematic type. The matrix comprises a set of pixels, a set of rows and of columns and an electronic control device. Each pixel is controlled by a transistor. The voltage applied to each control row is either a switch-on voltage VG_on sufficient to switch on the transistors, or a switch-off voltage VG_off sufficient to switch off the transistors. The voltage applied GMA to each column is dependent on the predetermined optical transmission of the pixel. The display device comprises means for detecting the correct operation of the electronic control device. In case of detection of incorrect operation, the display device comprises cut-off means arranged to force to zero the switch-off voltages VG_off of the rows and the GMA voltages of the columns, so that the transmission of all the pixels of the first set is minimum. |
| US09709827B2 |
Polarizing glasses for observing a stereoscopic image
Polarized glasses including an area for a left eye and an area for a right eye, into which an image signal enters, the areas for the left eye and for the right eye include an optical anisotropic layer and a polarizer respectively, the optical anisotropic layer includes at least one optical anisotropic film, and the optical anisotropic layer has a value calculated by Formula 1 in a range from 50 nm to 500 nm, and a value calculated by Formula 2 in a range from 0.1 to 3: DX−DY [Formula 1] (X−Y)/(Z−Y) [Formula 2] where X is the refractive index in the direction of an in-plane slow axis of the optical anisotropic layer, Y represents the refractive index in the direction of an in-plane fast axis of the optical anisotropic layer, Z represents the refractive index in the direction in a thickness of the optical anisotropic layer, and D represents a thickness of the optical anisotropic layer. |
| US09709826B2 |
Ocular lens
According to embodiments of the present invention, an ocular lens is provided. The ocular lens includes an optical filter configured to change a chromaticity of light impinging on the ocular lens so as to transmit a filtered light to an eye of a viewer, wherein the filtered light comprises a first light having a first peak wavelength in a range of between about 460 nm and about 490 nm and a second peak wavelength in a range of between about 490 nm and about 550 nm. |
| US09709825B2 |
Eyeglass system and method of engagement
An eyeglass system including primary glasses and detachably engageable auxiliary glasses. The auxiliary glasses include a first and second auxiliary lens connected together by a bridge. Each lens has an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a peripheral edge extending between the interior and exterior surfaces. An aperture is defined in each of the lenses and this aperture extends between the interior and exterior surfaces, and originates in the peripheral edge and extends for a distance into the lens. A connector is engaged in the aperture in each of the lenses and this connector detachably engages the primary glasses. Preferably, the aperture is keyhole-shaped and the connector includes a boss that is a complementary keyhole shape. The connector may be provided with a magnet that is attracted to a magnet embedded in a lens of the primary glasses. |
| US09709823B2 |
Method for transforming a progressive ophthalmic surface
The present invention relates to a method for transforming an initial progressive ophthalmic surface which has to be manufactured by a manufacturing method, the transformation method comprising: a step of selecting a manufacturing method intended to be implemented, in which said manufacturing method introduces a reproducible surface defect, a step of selecting a predictive model of said reproducible surface defect, a step of selecting an initial progressive ophthalmic surface S intended to be manufactured, a step of determining (S1), during which there is determined, by means of said predictive model, a surface defect value D which would be introduced if the initial progressive ophthalmic surface S were produced by said manufacturing method, a transformation step (S2), during which said initial progressive ophthalmic surface S is transformed into a transformed progressive ophthalmic surface S* by compensating the defect value D determined during the step (S1), such that the subsequent manufacture of the transformed ophthalmic surface S* by said manufacturing method makes it possible to obtain a progressive ophthalmic surface which substantially conforms to the initial progressive ophthalmic surface S. |
| US09709822B2 |
Orthokeratology lens with displaced shaping zone
A contact lens for application in practice of orthokeratology on an eye, including a curved shell having a concave surface and a convex surface. The concave surface includes a carrier zone and a back shaping zone, the back shaping zone having a first curvature and the carrier zone having at least one second curvature. The curved shell has a geometric center and the back shaping zone has a shaping zone center and the back shaping zone center is offset peripherally from the geometric center. The curved shell can have an overall diameter that approximates a corneal limbal diameter of the eye to which the contact lens is to be applied. |
| US09709821B2 |
Spectacle lens and method for designing the same, method for manufacturing spectacle lens, and program
A spectacle lens, which is a pair of spectacle lenses including a lens for a left eye and a lens for a right eye corresponding to left and right eyes respectively, wherein a lens power is set so that accommodation powers coincide with each other between right and left eyes, the accommodation powers being required for each of the right and left eyes calculated based on a distance between an arbitrary point on a virtual object surface and each of the right and left eyes, and the lens power at each passing point where an optical ray directed to this point passes through the lens for a left eye and the lens for a right eye, when the previously set arbitrary point on the virtual object surface is viewed in a binocular vision through the lens for a left eye and the lens for a right eye. |
| US09709820B2 |
Fresnel lens and optical device
A refractive Fresnel lens used for an optical system including an image plane, which includes a plurality of zone lens surfaces disposed concentrically and a plurality of side wall surfaces each formed between adjacent zone lens surfaces, is characterized in that the side wall surfaces are modulated so as to spatially spread in the image plane noise light due to reflection and/or refraction at the side wall surfaces. |
| US09709817B2 |
Eyewear retention devices and methods
Eyewear can be provided that include at least a support and a retention system that allows the eyewear to be retained on an object separate from the eyewear. The support can include at least an earstem and a face. The retention system can include a retention member coupled to a portion of the support which can retain the object between the retention member and the support. The retention system can also include an actuation member which can transition the retention system, such as the retention member, from a retention configuration to an open configuration. |
| US09709816B2 |
Image display apparatus using transflective electro-optic device
Provided is an image display apparatus using a transflective electro-optic device. When a tiled large-screen image display apparatus using a plurality of flat panel displays is implemented, light emitted in two directions may be combined using the transflective electro-optic device. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively remove a visual obstacle caused by the frames of the plurality of flat panel displays, increase the degree of visual immersion, and also enable minimization of the volume of the image display apparatus and modularization of the same. |
| US09709810B2 |
Single-emitter line beam system
A line beam system includes a single-emitter light engine including a plurality of separately spaced single-emitter diode lasers, each emitter configured to emit a diode laser beam. Beam spacing optics are optically coupled to the single-emitter light engine and situated to provide propagation axes of the diode laser beams in a close-packed parallel configuration. A light pipe having a longitudinal axis is situated to provide an output beam with a homogenized intensity profile across one or more axes by receiving a close-packed, combined beam and reflecting the beam within the light pipe. Coherence reduction is produced by diffraction of a close-packed combined beam or by propagation in the light pipe. |
| US09709809B2 |
Head mounted display and optical position adjustment method of the same
Disclosed herein is an optical position adjustment method of a head mounted display, the head mounted display including (a) an eyeglass type frame worn on the head of a viewer, and (b) two image display devices for the right and left eyes attached to the frame, and each of the image display devices including (A) an image forming device, and (B) an optical device adapted to receive, guide and emit light emitted from the image forming device, wherein the optical position adjustment method includes the step of: controlling an image signal that is supplied to the image forming device making up at least one of the image display devices so as to control the position of the image displayed on the optical device making up at least one of the image display devices and adjust the mutual positions of the two images. |
| US09709807B2 |
Out of focus notifications
A head-mounted display for displaying out of focus notification. The head-mounted display includes a display projector, a lens system, and an eye tracking assembly capable of tracking a direction of an eye. The head-mounted display further includes an electronic processor that controls the display projector based on received data from the eye tracking assembly. The electronic processor determines, based on received data from the eye tracking assembly, at least one of a first focal distance, a second focal distance, and a third focal distance. The electronic processor controls the display projector to display an icon associated with a notification at the second focal distance. The second focal distance is out of focus with respect to the first focal distance. The electronic processor further controls the display projector to display information associated with the notification in response to changes in focal distance determined by the electronic processor. |
| US09709802B2 |
Micromirror apparatus and methods
In described examples, a DMD includes an array of micromirror pixels. Each pixel includes a right electrode on a first side of the pixel, a left electrode on a second side of the pixel adjacent the first side, and a cantilevered beam supporting a mirror. The cantilever beam tilts on two axes of translation: pitch and roll. The mirror has: a first landed position (on a first and second spring tip) over the right electrode; and a second landed position (on the first and a third spring tip) over the left electrode, such that the first landed position and the second landed positions are 90° apart. In transitioning from the first landed position to the second landed position, the mirror maintains contact with the first spring tip while rolling from the second spring tip to the third spring tip. |
| US09709801B2 |
Electro-optical device, method of manufacturing electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
In an electro-optical device, a torsion hinge and a mirror support post are formed as one piece together with a conductive member, and in the mirror support post, a first end portion on a substrate side is an open end which is opened toward the substrate. In the mirror support post, a second end portion on a mirror side is a flat plate which closes an opening of the mirror support post, and the mirror is in contact with a surface of the flat plate at a side opposite to the substrate. The first sacrificial layer which is used for manufacturing the electro-optical device is formed by exposure, development, and etching in a state in which a hard mask is formed, with respect to the photosensitive resin layer. |
| US09709800B2 |
Electro-optical device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus
In an electro-optical device, a mirror and the like which is formed on an element substrate is sealed using a sealing member. The sealing member is provided with a frame section and a coyer section. In addition, the sealing member is provided on one face of the element substrate so that the mirror is surrounded by the element substrate and the sealing member and such that the mirror is positioned between a portion of the cover section and the element substrate. The sealing member is formed of a light-transmitting member having a frame section and a cover section which are integrally formed, and there is no interface between the frame section and the cover section. |
| US09709799B2 |
Electrowetting display panel, fabrication method thereof and display apparatus comprising the same
The invention relates to the field of display technique, particularly relates to an electrowetting display panel, a fabrication method thereof and a display apparatus comprising the same. The electrowetting display panel comprises a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the space therebetween are divided into a plurality of sub-pixel areas, and a baffle wall is disposed in the gap area between each two adjacent sub-pixel areas, characterized in that the baffle wall is formed from a material having both a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. The electrowetting display panel has a simpler structure, the baffle wall thereof has a superior adhesiveness, and there is no necessary to form a hole in the hydrophobic dielectric layer to enhance the adhesiveness of the baffle wall during fabrication, such that the fabrication process is simplified. |
| US09709793B1 |
Deployable structure
A deployable structure having a plurality of panel elements is provided. Adjacent panel elements are connected to one another by hinges. The hinges allow the panel elements to be placed in a stowed or folded configuration, in which adjacent pairs of panel elements are folded against one another to provide a relatively compact assembly. Biasing members can be provided to transition the deployable structure from the stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. When in the deployed configuration, the relative positions of the panel elements of the deployable structure are maintained, at least in part, by locating interface assemblies. The deployable structure may have a generally annular configuration when deployed. |
| US09709791B2 |
Systems and methods for imaging tissue
Method and system for imaging tissue, including (i) causing a macroscopic image of a tissue surface to be displayed on a visual display; (ii) receiving a selection of at least one portion of the macroscopic image; (iii) causing a plurality of confocal images captured by a confocal imager at different depths in a portion of the tissue to be displayed; (iv) receiving a selection of at least one target depth image; and (v) for each selected target depth image, instructing the confocal imager to capture a plurality of additional images at different locations and at a common depth with the target depth image. A system for imaging tissue having a macroscopic display module; a first selection module; a confocal display module; a second selection module; and an instruction module for instructing a confocal imager to capture a plurality of images at different locations over a selected region of the tissue. |
| US09709790B2 |
Immersion microscope objective and microscope using the same
An immersion microscope objective includes, a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, wherein the first lens group has a positive refractive power and includes a first cemented lens disposed nearest to the object side in the first lens group, the second lens group includes a second cemented lens, the third lens group includes a lens component that has a positive refractive power and changes a divergent light beam incident from the second lens group to a convergent light beam, two lens components that change the convergent light beam to a divergent light beam, and a lens component that has a positive refractive power and changes the divergent light beam to a parallel light beam and emits the parallel light beam, and the following conditional expressions (1) is satisfied: 60 mm2≦d0×f×NAo≦500 mm2 (1). |
| US09709789B2 |
Infrared up-conversion microscope
There is presented an up-conversion infrared microscope (110) arranged for imaging an associated object (130), wherein the up-conversion infrared microscope (110) comprises a non-linear crystal (120) arranged for up-conversion of infrared electromagnetic radiation, and wherein an objective optical component (100) has an entrance pupil with a first diameter D1, and an optical component system which is arranged for forming an external image (136) of the back-focal plane (132) of the objective optical component (100), which has a diameter (given by the diameter of a circle enclosing all optical paths at the plane of the 10 external image) which is denominated D2 and wherein D1 is larger than a second diameter D2. |
| US09709785B2 |
Structured illumination apparatus, structured illumination microscopy apparatus, and profile measuring apparatus
A structured illumination apparatus includes a light modulator being disposed in an exit flux of light from a light source and in which a sonic wave propagation path is arranged in a direction traversing the exit flux of light; a driving unit generating a sonic standing wave in the sonic wave propagation path by giving a driving signal for vibrating a medium of the sonic wave propagation path to the light modulator; and an illuminating optical system making mutually different diffracted components of the exit flux of light passed through the sonic wave propagation path to be interfered with each other, and forming interference fringes of the diffracted components on an observational object. |
| US09709784B2 |
Optical element and device for generating an optical line pattern
Described is an optical element and a device for generating an optical line pattern. The optical element and a device having such an optical element comprise a first optical surface and a second optical surface which comprises a plurality of cylinder-shaped partial areas which extend along a first direction (X) and are stacked along a second direction (Y). The second direction (Y) extends vertically to the first direction (X), and an optical axis (Z) extends vertically to the first direction (X) and vertically to the second direction (Y), where at least 60% of the surface of the cylinder-shaped partial areas is oriented in such a way that a normal vector arranged on the surface extends to a side facing away from the optical axis (Z) and to a side facing away from the first optical surface. |
| US09709782B2 |
Image-capturing optical system, image-capturing optical apparatus and digital device
An image-capturing optical system includes: a positive first lens group; and a positive second lens group, wherein the positive first lens group and the positive second lens group are arranged in order from an object side in the image-capturing optical system, the image-capturing optical system focuses on a close object by moving the second lens group as a whole along a light axis toward the object side, a lens closest to the object side in the second lens group has a convex surface facing the object side, a lens closest to an image side in the second lens group is a positive meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the image side, the image-capturing optical system satisfies following condition expressions (1) to (3) 2.2<1Gr_Fl/FL<3.8 (1) 0.9<2Gr_Fl/FL<1.5 (2), and 0.45<1Gr_R_nop/1Gr_Thi<0.85 (3). |
| US09709779B2 |
Variable magnification optical system, optical device, and method for producing variable magnification
Comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power; an aperture stop S; a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power; upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, the distance between the second lens group G2 and the aperture stop S, the distance between the aperture stop S and the third lens group G3, and the distance between the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4 being varied, and the distance between the aperture stop S and the fourth lens group G4 being constant; and a predetermined conditional expression being satisfied, thereby providing a variable magnification optical system which is compact in size and has a high variable magnification ratio and high optical performance, an optical apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a variable magnification optical system. |
| US09709778B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens is constituted by, in order from the object side to the image side: a negative front group; a stop; and a positive rear group. The front group is constituted by, in order from the object side to the image side, a front group negative lens group, constituted by at least two negative lenses, and a front group positive lens group including one negative lens and one positive lens, in which a positive lens is provided most toward the object side. The rear group includes one negative lens and one positive lens. Conditional Formula (1) below is satisfied: Nan+0.01·νan<2.15 (1) wherein Nan and νan respectively are the refractive index with respect to the d line and the Abbe's number with respect to the d line of the negative lens provided most toward the image side within the front group positive lens group. |
| US09709777B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens, wherein at least one lens among the first to the fifth lenses has positive refractive force, the fifth lens can have negative refractive force, wherein both surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point, and wherein the lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the fifth lenses whereby the optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09709775B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens is constituted by six lenses, including, in order from the object side to the image side: a positive first lens having a convex surface toward the object side; a negative second lens; a positive third lens, which is a meniscus lens having a convex surface toward the object side; a positive fourth lens; a negative fifth lens having a concave surface toward the object side; and a negative sixth lens, of which the image toward the image side is of an aspherical shape which is concave in the vicinity of the optical axis and convex at the peripheral portion thereof. Conditional formulae related to the focal length f of the entire lens system, the focal length f1 of the first lens, and the focal length f4 of the fourth lens is satisfied. |
| US09709774B2 |
Imaging lens
Disclosed herein is an imaging lens, including: a first lens having positive (+) power and being biconvex; a second lens having negative (−) power and being concave toward an image side; a third lens having positive (+) power and being biconvex; a fourth lens having positive (+) power and being convex toward the image side; and a fifth lens having negative (−) power and being concave toward the image side, wherein the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, and the fifth lens are sequentially disposed from an object side. |
| US09709770B2 |
Mirror arrangement for an EUV projection exposure apparatus, method for operating the same, and EUV projection exposure apparatus
A mirror arrangement for an EUV projection exposure apparatus for microlithography comprises a plurality of mirrors each having a layer which is reflective in the EUV spectral range and to which EUV radiation can be applied, and having a main body. In this case, at least one mirror of the plurality of mirrors has at least one layer comprising a material having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. Moreover, a method for operating the mirror arrangement and a projection exposure apparatus are described. At least one heat source is arranged, in order to locally apply heat in a targeted manner to the at least one layer having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion of the at least one mirror. |
| US09709767B2 |
Optical fiber ribbon retractor
Methods, systems, and apparatus for optical communications. One of the apparatuses includes a spool comprising a spool wheel, one or more separate spool portions positioned on the spool wheel, and one or more bearings positioned on the spool wheel, wherein the one or more spool portions and the one or more bearings are configured such that an optical fiber ribbon can be wound through the spool; and a spring coupled to the spool wheel such that the spring provides a rotational force on the spool in a direction that winds the optical fiber ribbon. |
| US09709766B2 |
Cable management system including splitter/filter tray
A two layer splitter tray (18) has a cover (32) which mounts to a base (34). The base (34) and the cover (32) define openings for one or more splitters (88). The base (34) and cover (32) include cable management devices (42, 64) for managing the cable and fiber inputs and outputs, and the splices. Further splice trays (16) can be used with the splitter tray (18) for splicing to the splitter outputs. Other trays (100, 200) include a partial cover (140, 240) and openings for optical components and for adhesive attachment of parts. |
| US09709765B2 |
Bladed chassis systems
A bladed chassis system facilitates installation of the bladed chassis system and replacement of the blades at the chassis. For example, a front panel of the blade can be opened either upwardly or downwardly at the discretion of the user. Blades can be inserted and removed from the front and/or the rear of the bladed chassis system at the discretion of the user. Cables can be routed to the rear of the chassis system from either of two sides at the discretion of the user. The blades carried by the chassis have fiber management trays that can be rotationally oriented in any desired rotational position at the discretion of the user. |
| US09709764B2 |
Adapter panel with lateral sliding adapter arrays
An adapter panel arrangement including a chassis and a panel of adapters. The adapters defining rearward cable connections and forward cable connections of the panel arrangement. Openings permitting access to the rearward and forward cable connections of the adapters are provided. The chassis further including a removable rear chassis portion to provide access to cable routing areas within the chassis interior. |
| US09709763B2 |
Pluggable connector
In an embodiment, a pluggable connector configured to removably couple an end of an optical cable to an optoelectronic module includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to engage a latch slot of the optoelectronic module to retain within the optoelectronic module a ferrule optically coupled to optical fibers of the optical cable. The second portion is configured to engage the ferrule to prevent removal of the ferrule from within the optoelectronic module when the first portion engages the latch slot. |
| US09709762B2 |
Retention member for positioning optical module
A retention member (100) includes a seat (1), a locking member (2) and a protecting member (22) assembled on the seat (1), the locking member (2) has a body portion (20), the protecting member (22) has a push portion (220) higher than the body portion (20) of the locking member (2), when the push portion (220) is rotated, the push portion (220) drives the locking member (2) to be rotated and to be released. |
| US09709761B2 |
Optical receptacle and optical module
The optical receptacle of the invention includes plural first optical surfaces allowing light emitted from plural light emitting elements to be incident thereon, plural second optical surfaces emitting the light incident on the first optical surfaces toward plural optical transmission members, and a third optical surface reflecting the light incident on the first optical surfaces toward the second optical surfaces. The distances between the center of the first optical surface and the light-emitting surface of the light emitting element and between the center of the second optical surface and the light-emitting surface of the light emitting element is longer toward the center from both ends of the row. The center-to-center distances of the first optical surfaces and of the second optical surfaces are shorter, respectively, than the distance between optical axes of light emitted from the light emitting elements and the center-to-center distance of light-receiving surfaces of optical transmission members. |
| US09709760B2 |
Chip on flex optical subassembly
One example embodiment includes an optical subassembly (OSA). The OSA includes a flex circuit, an optical port, and an active optical component subassembly. The flex circuit is constructed of at least one electrically-conductive layer and at least one electrical insulator layer. The optical port defines a barrel cavity and is mechanically coupled to the flex circuit at a flex connection. The active optical component subassembly is positioned within the barrel cavity and electrically coupled to the flex circuit. |
| US09709759B2 |
NxN parallel optical transceiver
An N×N parallel optical transceiver includes a printed circuit board, a laser driving control chip, one or more lasers, two GRIN lenses, an optical band-pass filter, a multimode fiber array and a photodiode array. In the transmitter, laser beams of the same wavelength simultaneously output from the laser chip are first focused by the first GRIN lens, then the beams pass through a wavelength band-pass filter and are refocused by the second GRIN lens, and enter the channels in the multimode fiber array. In the receiver, laser beams of a different wavelength from the multimode fiber array are focused by the second GRIN lens, then reflected by the band-pass filter, refocused by the second GRIN lens, and received by the photodiode array. The multi-channel parallel transceiver has a small form, and can integrate a DFB or FP laser chip and GRIN lenses. |
| US09709755B2 |
Multi-tool for fiber optic applications
A multi-tool for fiber optic applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multi-tool includes a male fiber loopback plug. The multi-tool further includes a fiber coupler having a first end and a second end. The first end of the fiber coupler is able to receive the male fiber loopback plug when the multi-tool is in a closed position. Also, the first end of the fiber coupler is able to receive a loose fiber cable end when the multi-tool is in an open position. The multi-tool also includes an end cap which can be removably coupled to the second end of the fiber coupler. The end cap and the fiber coupler cooperatively provide a protective housing for a fiber cable end when the end cap is removably coupled to the second end of the fiber coupler and the fiber cable end is inserted into the first end of the fiber coupler. Further, the male fiber loopback plug and the fiber coupler collectively make a female fiber loopback plug when the male fiber loopback plug is in a closed position and the end cap is removed from the second end of the fiber coupler. Also, a dust-resistant housing protectively encloses the male fiber loopback plug, the fiber coupler, and the end cap such that the multi-tool is protected from dust intrusion when the male fiber loopback plug is in the closed position and the cap is coupled to the second end of the fiber coupler. |
| US09709751B2 |
Optical fiber connector reinforced for preventing light loss
Disclosed is an optical connector fastened to an adapter which is reinforced by securing a buffering space to make the optical connector moveable so as not to generate a light loss even when receiving an external force so that the optical connector is not easily detached from the adapter compared to a conventional one. The optical fiber connector includes: a boot with a connection hole for supporting the optical fiber; and a ferrule part connected to the connection hole of the boot for resiliently supporting a ferrule connected to the optical fiber, the ferrule part being separated from the boot when receiving an external force, wherein the ferrule part is provided with a protuberance for fastening to the connection hole of the boot, and the protuberance is formed smaller than the length of the inner peripheral surface of the connection hole so as to be moved in the connection hole. |
| US09709750B1 |
2-dimensional fiber array structure
The present disclosure relates to a two-dimensional fiber array structure including a base which includes a baseboard, a cover board and a spacer layer, and an optical fiber cable is positioned between the baseboard and the cover board, positioning fibers are positioned at two external sides of the optical fiber cable, the spacer layer is abutted with two adjacent fiber layers of the optical fiber cable to reduce the position tolerance along X axis for further improving accuracy, whereby ensuring quality and stability of transmitting optical signal. |
| US09709749B2 |
Optical imaging probe
Provided is optical imaging probe that is able to obtain stable observation image by optical path correction. It includes a rotation driving source adapted to drive and rotate a rotor; a first single-mode optical fiber inserted and fixed over the axial direction in the rotation center side of the rotor, the front end of which light is able to enter; a second single-mode optical fiber supported at the rear end side of the first single-mode optical fiber in a non-rotatable manner; and a gap and optical path correcting means interposed between the first single-mode optical fiber and the second single-mode optical fiber, and the optical path correcting means is adapted to expand and collimate the light transmitted from one single-mode optical fiber and pass it through the gap, and then guide it to the other single-mode optical fiber. |
| US09709748B2 |
Frontside coupled waveguide with backside optical connection using a curved spacer
A method of manufacturing a device includes forming an optical coupler having a first end contacting a front side of a semiconductor substrate and a second end contacting an optical waveguide on an insulator layer on the substrate. The optical coupler is curved between the first end and the second end. The optical coupler is configured to change a direction of travel of light from a first direction at the first end to a second direction at the second end. |
| US09709747B2 |
Digital dispersion compensation module
Embodiments of present invention provide a digital dispersion compensation module. The digital dispersion compensation module includes a multi-port optical circulator; and a plurality of dispersion compensation units connected to the multi-port optical circulator, wherein at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units includes a fiber-bragg grating (FBG) having a first port and a second port; and an optical switch being capable of selectively connecting to one of the first port and the second port of the FBG, wherein the at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units is adapted to provide a positive dispersion to an optical signal, from the multi-port optical circulator, when the optical switch connects to the first port of the FBG and is adapted to provide a negative dispersion to the optical signal when the optical switch connects to the second port of the FBG. |
| US09709745B2 |
Single fiber bragg grating as delay line interferometer
A delay line interferometer comprising an optical waveguide having a distributed Bragg reflector, e.g. Bragg grating, fabricated therein. The distributed Bragg reflector has a refractive index modulation with a period variation Λ(z) along its length z that is arranged to output in transmission an output optical signal fout(t) in response to a input optical signal fin(t), wherein the output optical signal fout(t) is the result of temporal interference between one or more time-delayed replicas of the input optical signal fin(t). In other words, the distributed Bragg reflector is operable to generate and permit temporal interference between two or more time-delayed replicas of the input optical signal fin(t). The invention may thus mimic the behaviour of one or more MZIs. |
| US09709744B2 |
Annular optical shifter and method for shifting optical signal
An annular optical shifter and a method for controlling shift, where the annular optical shifter includes: a first bent straight-through waveguide, connecting an input end and an output end of an optical signal, and configured to transmit, to the output end, the optical signal input from the input end; multiple optical delay waveguide loops, arranged transversely and parallel on two arms of the first bent straight-through waveguide, where the multiple optical delay waveguide loops are configured to temporarily store optical signals; multiple pairs of optical switches, where each pair of optical switches are configured to control on and off of an optical path that is on the two arms of the first bent straight-through waveguide and two sides of an optical delay waveguide loop corresponding to each pair of optical switches; and a controller, configured to implement shift-up or shift-down of the optical signals. |
| US09709738B1 |
Waveguide crossing
A waveguide crossing includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide intersecting the first waveguide such that a gap equal to a width of the second waveguide is formed in the first waveguide, the second waveguide having a centerline defining a plane of symmetry. The first waveguide has a first waveguide section through which a single optical mode propagates, followed by a first non-adiabatic diverging taper, followed by a second waveguide section wider than the first waveguide section through which two even-order optical modes propagate, followed by a second non-adiabatic diverging taper, followed by a third waveguide section wider than the second waveguide section through which three even-order optical modes propagate. The three even-order modes synthesize to form a quasi-Gaussian beam that self-replicates symmetrically across the gap, thereby providing a low-loss waveguide crossing useful for photonic switching. |
| US09709736B2 |
Right-angle waveguide based on square-cylinder-type square-lattice photonic crystal and single compensation scattering cylinder with high refractive index
A right angle waveguide having a square rod-type square lattice photonic crystal and a single compensation scattering rod having a high refractive index. The right angle waveguide is a photonic crystal formed from first dielectric rods having a high refractive index arranged in a background dielectric having a low refractive index according to a square lattice. In the photonic crystal, one row and one column of the first dielectric rods having the high refractive index are removed to form the right angle waveguide. A second dielectric rod having a high refractive index is arranged at a corner of the right angle waveguide, the second dielectric rod being the compensation scattering rod. The first dielectric rods are square rods having the high refractive index. The right angle waveguide has extremely low reflectance and a very high transmission rate, and facilitates large-scale optical path integration. |
| US09709733B2 |
Hand-held optical probe based imaging system with 3D tracking facilities
The claimed method and system uses a hand-held based optical process to image large tissue volumes using a flexible probe head, increased data acquisition using multi-source illumination and multi-detector sensing, and tomographic reconstruction of sub-surface structures of a target object using ultrasonic tracking facilities. |
| US09709731B2 |
Multiple LP-mode fiber designs for mode-division multiplexing
A few-mode fiber is described, having a graded-index core and a surrounding cladding comprising a ledge between the core and the trench, a down-doped trench abutting the ledge, and an undoped cladding region abutting the trench. The fiber's refractive index profile is configured to support 9 or more LP modes for transmission of a spatially-multiplexed optical signal. Undesired modes have respective effective indices that are close to, or less than, the cladding index so as to result in leakage of the undesired modes into the outer cladding. The index spacing between the desired mode having the lowest effective index and the leaky mode with the highest effective index is sufficiently large so as to substantially prevent coupling therebetween. |
| US09709727B2 |
Light assembly with conforming seal
A light assembly is provided that includes a housing, a light pipe assembly, and a conforming seal. The housing has a cavity extending through the housing between first and second ends of the housing. The housing holds a light source that is configured to emit light within the cavity. The light pipe assembly has an attachment end disposed at the first end of the housing. The light emitted by the light source is received by the light pipe assembly at the attachment end and is transmitted through the light pipe assembly. The conforming seal has a tubular shape that at least partially surrounds the housing and the light pipe assembly. A first segment of the conforming seal extends along the light pipe assembly and conforms to the light pipe assembly. A second segment of the conforming seal extends along the housing and conforms to the housing. |
| US09709723B2 |
Directional backlight
Disclosed is an optical inline light guiding apparatus which may include a substantially parallel planar light expansion section and a light extraction section comprising a stepped structure, in which the steps may be extraction features and guiding features. Such controlled illumination may provide for efficient, multi-user autostereoscopic displays with wide viewing freedom, high efficiency and low cross talk and other directional display uses. |
| US09709721B2 |
Light guides
This invention relates to a light guide plate and methods of manufacture. The light guide plate is suitable for use in a range of applications, particularly those which require backlighting for display units, for example, liquid crystal displays. The light guide plate comprises a combination of light guide layers and one or more scattering features. |
| US09709716B2 |
Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus includes a substrate, a display device on the substrate, the display device including a display area and a non-display area, an encapsulation member covering the display device, a surface treatment pattern layer on the encapsulation member, the surface treatment pattern layer selectively corresponding to one of the display area and the non-display area, and a photo-functional layer corresponding to a pattern of the surface treatment pattern layer. |
| US09709715B2 |
Spectroscopic sensor and angle limiting filter
An angle limiting filter includes: a first light-shielding layer containing a first light-shielding material and provided with a first opening; a second light-shielding layer containing a second light-shielding material and located in a region which surrounds at least one portion of the first light-shielding layer; a third light-shielding layer containing the first light-shielding material, provided with a second opening at least one portion of which overlaps the first opening, and located above the first light-shielding layer; and a fourth light-shielding layer containing the second light-shielding material and located above the second light-shielding layer in a region which surrounds at least one portion of the third light-shielding layer. |
| US09709711B1 |
Wavelength selective optical diffuser
A wavelength-selective optical diffuser comprising a substrate of a first material having opposite first and second surfaces, wherein said first material is transparent to a first wavelength λS and a second wavelength λL, with λL>4λS; at least a first surface of said substrate having a surface relief such that a beam of light having the first wavelength λS is diffused, with a rms phase delay S>π/4, when traversing said substrate; and a beam of light having the second wavelength λL is minimally diffused, with a rms phase delay S<π/4, when traversing said substrate. |
| US09709708B2 |
Adjustable display optics
A system can include a display configured to emit light rays; an adjustable-prescription optics overlay; and circuitry to adjust the adjustable-prescription optics overlay to a selected prescription to alter a focus of light rays emitted by at least a portion of the display. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09709702B2 |
Special polycarbonate polarizing eyewear
Eyewear uses a polarizing lens obtained by bending a multilayer polarizing sheet in which a sheet (A) including at least 50% by mass of an aromatic polycarbonate resin and having a retardation value of 2000 nm or less at a wavelength of 600 nm is layered on one side of a polarizing film, and a sheet (B) including a special polycarbonate resin obtained by carbonate bonding a dihydroxy compound through use of a carbonic acid diester, the polycarbonate resin being a compound in which 70-100 mol % of the dihydroxy compound is represented by general formula (1), is layered on the other side of the polarizing film. (In general formula (1), R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a C1-C20 alkyl group, or the like. In general formula (1), X are each independently a C2-C8 alkylene group or the like.) |
| US09709699B2 |
Nano-nano-composite optical ceramic lenses
An optical component, for example a lens, integrally formed of a nano/nano class nanocomposite optical ceramic (NNCOC) material. The constituent nanograin materials of the NNCOC material are selected to tailor the thermal and optical properties of the lens so as to provide a lens with a substantially constant focal length over an operating temperature range and/or an optical system in which the image position does not change appreciably over the operating temperature range. |
| US09709698B2 |
Wake turbulence analyzer for real-time visualization, detection, and avoidance
A computer method for determining potential wake turbulence by a first aircraft from wake generated by a second aircraft. The computer method includes receiving a signal generated by the second aircraft at the first aircraft and transforming the signal to a first wake turbulence boundary that represents the wake generated by the second aircraft. An intersection volume, which is representative of a zone of dangerous turbulence interactions, is selected for the first aircraft. Based on a determination of intersection between the first wake turbulence boundary and the intersection volume, issuing a warning flag if an intersection exists or continue generating the first wake turbulence boundary and determining whether interactions exist. |
| US09709696B2 |
Intensity-independent optical computing device
An intensity-independent optical computing device and method for performing multivariate optical computing based on changes in polarization of the reflected and/or transmitted electromagnetic radiation to thereby determine sample characteristics. |
| US09709695B2 |
Sensor apparatus and hazard sensing system
A sensor apparatus includes multiple pairs that each include a light emitting element and a light receiving element configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element, and, in response to optical axes formed in a region between the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements entering a blocked state, senses a sensing target moving in the region. In an initial state, sensing is performed using a sensing optical axis composed of a portion of the optical axes, and when an optical axis of the sensing optical axis used in sensing in the initial state is blocked, the number of optical axes included in the sensing optical axis is increased so as to expand the sensing optical axis. |
| US09709693B2 |
Ranging measurement apparatus, methods, and systems
A well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to detect and determine a relative distance and/or azimuthal direction of nearby target well conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole of a drilling well. An electromagnetic signal receiver is rotated in a first borehole. During the rotating, an electromagnetic ranging signal is received at the electromagnetic signal receiver. The electromagnetic ranging signal originates from an electromagnetic source in the first borehole or a second borehole. A null in an Earth electromagnetic signal spectrum associated with a signal induced by the rotating within a magnetic field of the Earth is determined. The electromagnetic source to is set to operate at an excitation frequency that is selected based, at least in part, on the determined null. |
| US09709686B2 |
Modular positron emission tomography (PET) gantry
A modular PET gantry is provided herein. A detector module is described, and the detector module includes a plurality of PET detector units. Each detector unit may be bonded to a mounting sleeve. The detector module also includes a mounting frame, wherein each detector unit and mounting sleeve is attached to the mounting frame. |
| US09709681B2 |
Digital beamforming for simultaneously mitigating weak and strong interference in a navigation system
An adaptive cascaded electronic protection processing system for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) threat mitigation is provided. The system includes a precorrelation characterization component configured to provide at least one parameter characterizing a plurality of received signals. A correlator is configured to provide a plurality of correlation results, each representing one of the plurality of received signals. A spatial weight contribution component is configured to determine an optimal set of digital beam-forming weights via an optimization process according to the at least one parameter. A postcorrelation characterization component is configured to determine at least one constraint on the optimization process according to the plurality of correlation results. |
| US09709677B2 |
Optical distance measuring device
A measuring device for optically measuring a distance to a target object including an emitter device for emitting an optical measuring beam to the target object, a capturing device comprising a detection surface for detecting an optical beam returned by the target object, and an evaluation device. The detection surface has a plurality of pixels, each pixel having at least one light-sensitive element and each of the plurality of pixels is connected to the evaluation device. The emitting device and the capturing device are configured in such a manner that the optical measurement beam returned by the target object simultaneously illuminates a plurality of pixels. The evaluation device is configured in such a manner that detection signals of a plurality of pixels are guided to at least one of the plurality of distance determining devices. |
| US09709676B2 |
Laser light emitting device having a mode scrambler for unifying light intensity distribution
The invention provides a laser light emitting device, which comprises a laser light emitter for emitting a pump light, a resonator for emitting a laser beam by oscillating and amplifying the pump light and a multi-mode fiber for guiding the pump light emitted from the laser light emitter to the resonator, wherein a mode scrambler is provided on the multi-mode fiber, the pump light propagating the multi-mode fiber is stirred and a light intensity distribution is unified by the mode scrambler, and the pump light is entered to the resonator. |
| US09709674B2 |
Radar device and signal processing method
A radar device generates pair data items by associating angle peaks of an up section and angle peaks of a down section. Thereafter, on the basis of a plurality of specific pair data items whose positions are close to each other in an angle direction and which are substantially the same in the position in a distance direction intersecting with the angle direction and are substantially the same in relative speed, the radar device derives one representative pair data item. The derivation of one representative pair data item is performed before continuity determination of a continuity determining unit at the same process timing is performed. |
| US09709663B1 |
Method for location determination using radio signals
A system and method for location of objects in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional space using a minimum number of timed RF transmissions. System consists of a mobile device and a plurality of surveyed anchors. Two-Way Ranging (TWR) is done between the tag and any single anchor and the distance between the tag and remaining anchors is determined through listening to, or snooping, the TWR packet transmissions. |
| US09709658B2 |
Method and system for monitoring a phase for transferring a satellite from an initial orbit to a mission orbit
Disclosed is a method (70) for monitoring a phase for transferring a satellite (20) from one earth orbit, called “initial orbit”, to another earth orbit, called “mission orbit”, in particular a transfer using electric propulsion unit. The monitoring method includes a step for estimating the direction of the satellite during the transfer phase by way of an earth array antenna (30) including a plurality of elementary antennas (31), each elementary antenna having a primary radiation lobe with a width greater than or equal to 20°, the elementary antennas (31) being oriented such that their respective fields of vision overlap, the direction of the satellite being estimated based on at least one useful phase difference measurement between signals corresponding to a target signal, transmitted by the satellite and received on a pair of elementary antennas (31). |
| US09709656B2 |
Tracking a radio beacon from a moving device
A method and devices are disclosed, for tracking a radio beacon from a moving device, while the beacon transmits periodic signals, which the device detects at least at two different locations, and the device provided with information enabling determining the time difference between transmissions of these periodic signals. The method discloses a formula for estimating the angle between the course of the moving device and the beacon: arccos [c*(TDOA12−TDOT12)/baseline12]; wherein the moving device detects signal 1 and signal 2 respectively at location 1 and location 2, the distance between these locations defined as baseline12, TDOA12 is the Time Difference of Arrival of the signals at the two locations, TDOT12 is the time difference between transmission of these signals, and c is the speed of light. |
| US09709655B2 |
Ultrasonic-wave communication system
Provided is an ultrasonic-wave communication system where the influence of ambient noise and the Doppler effect are suppressed and where a user of a portable terminal is prevented from hearing unwanted sound. After performing encryption processing of predetermined information such as store information, a beacon 5 sends out predetermined-information-containing beacon information of one channel as ultrasonic waves into the salesroom 3 by combining a control carrier, a first carrier, and a second carrier in such a way that a first carrier signal and a second carrier signal are output between control carrier signals a number of times according to the predetermined information and that a state where the first carrier signal and/or the second carrier signal is output is maintained. |
| US09709650B2 |
Method for calibration-free locally low-rank encouraging reconstruction of magnetic resonance images
A method for reconstructing an image of a subject from multi-coil data acquired with an array of radio frequency (“RF”) receiver coils that form a part of a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system without the need for coil sensitivity calibration is provided. A coil data set is acquired for each of the RF receiver coils, for example, by undersampling k-space. A set of image blocks that defines the location and size of each of a plurality of image blocks in the image domain is then selected. The acquired coil data sets and selected image block set are then used to jointly estimate a coil image for each of the plurality of RF receiver coils while promoting locally-low rank structure in the coil images. These coil images are then combined to produce the target image of the subject. |
| US09709648B1 |
Magnetic resonance imaging
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for imaging a subject using MR imaging, and a method of exciting nuclei of the subject within an imaging plane using one or more transmitter circuits tuned to a first transmission frequency, sampling MR signals generated from the nuclei at the same time using one or more receiver circuits each receiver circuit having a bandwidth less than 500 kHz, and generating a MR image based on the sampled MR signals. The speed of MR imaging may be increased by providing multiple pairs of transmitter and receiver circuits to operate simultaneously on an imaging plane and/or by streamlining downstream signal processing using multiple phase detectors tuned to detect frequencies associated with particular phase shifts. |
| US09709647B2 |
Mobile magnetic resonance tomography
A method for operating a mobile magnetic resonance tomography system having magnets and/or coils generating a magnetic field and a shield surrounding the magnets and/or coils is intended to enable an optimal image quality during the examination and at the same time have a small space requirement. For this purpose, a temperature is measured at a plurality of points on the shield by a temperature measuring system, where measured data of the temperature measuring system is sent to a compensation system, and where effects of temperature differences on the homogeneity of the magnetic field are compensated by the compensation system. |
| US09709646B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using superconducting array antenna
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes a housing, a static magnet field source having a superconducting coil or a permanent magnet, and a superconducting array antenna which are provided inside of the housing. The superconducting array antenna includes an A/D conversion element configured to convert a received analog signal into a digital signal. |
| US09709645B2 |
Phased array RF coil for magnetic resonance imaging
A phased array radio-frequency (RF) coil includes a cylindrical frame including a coaxial inner frame and a coaxial outer frame having different diameters; and vertical loop coils arranged in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical frame. Each vertical loop coil includes an inner conductor extending in a lengthwise direction on the coaxial inner frame; an outer conductor extending in a lengthwise direction on the coaxial outer frame and facing the inner conductor; and a first resonant frequency adjustment capacitor for connecting one end of the inner conductor in the lengthwise direction and one end of the outer conductor in the lengthwise direction so that the phased array RF coil resonates at an MR operating frequency. |
| US09709639B2 |
Hall effect sensor
A Hall effect sensor with multiple Hall effect elements, each of the Hall effect elements having a first contact terminal, a second contact terminal, and a third contact terminal arranged along a straight line. The multiple Hall effect elements are electrically connected in series in a closed circuit. The second contact terminals of the Hall effect elements are supply voltage connections or Hall voltage pickoffs, and the applicable second contact terminal of the Hall effect element is a center contact of the Hall effect element. The Hall effect elements form two pairs, and the Hall effect elements of one pair each measure the same component of a magnetic field and an operating current is impressed on the series circuit in the two Hall effect elements of this one pair, and a supply voltage is applied to the Hall effect elements of the other pair. |
| US09709629B2 |
Method and control device for launch-off-shift at-speed scan testing
The invention provides a method for launch-off-shift at-speed scan testing for at least two scan chains of an integrated circuit comprises iteratively shifting set values for functional elements of a first one of the scan chains clocked with a shift clock, iteratively shifting set values for functional elements of a second one of the scan chains clocked with the shift clock, launching an at-speed scan test clocked with a functional clock for the first one of the scan chains at a last shift cycle of the first one of the scan chains, delaying the last shift cycle for the second one of the scan chains for a predetermined time span, launching an at-speed scan test clocked with a functional clock for the second one of the scan chains at the last shift cycle of the second one of the scan chains, capturing the sample values of the functional elements of the first and second scan chains after the last shift cycle of the scan chains. |
| US09709627B2 |
Interposer with TAP, trigger, address/data bus, and analog monitor circuitry
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for improving interposers to include embedded monitoring instruments for real time monitoring digital signals, analog signals, voltage signals and temperature sensors located in the interposer. An embedded monitor trigger unit controls the starting and stopping of the real time monitoring operations. The embedded monitoring instruments are accessible via an 1149.1 TAP interface on the interposer. |
| US09709621B2 |
Leakage detection of digital signals in an HFC network
A method of detecting a digital leakage signal originating from a leak in a coaxial cable portion of an HFC network. The network has a transmission end from which a digital signal is transmitted to the coaxial cable portion. The digital signal is emitted into free space from the leak to produce the leakage signal. The method comprises: (a) producing a first set of samples representing the digital signal; (b) transmitting the first set of samples to a leakage detector; (c) moving the leakage detector to a detection point in the vicinity of the network; (d) receiving the leakage signal from the leak; (e) sampling the leakage signal to produce a second set of samples; and (f) performing a cross-correlation of the first set of samples with the second set of samples, to produce a cross-correlation function having a peak, whereby the leakage signal is detected from the peak. |
| US09709619B2 |
Printed wiring board, crack prediction device, and crack prediction method
A printed wiring board includes: a laminated body that has a plurality of wiring layers laminated therein; a first through hole that electrically connects two or more wiring layers with each other; and a second through hole that has strength to expansion and contraction of the laminated body less than in the first through hole. |
| US09709616B2 |
Monitoring device, safety system and method for operating a safety system
A monitoring device for monitoring safety components including monitoring electronics which include a plurality of clock generators and evaluation means and on which at least two interfaces to be monitored for electric coupling to safety components are formed, wherein each of the interfaces includes at least two output ports and at least two input ports, wherein each of a first output port and a second output port is connected to a clock generator designed for providing clocked electric monitoring signals, wherein a first input port and a second input port are connected to the evaluation means, and wherein a number of clock generators greater than two and less than a number of all output ports of the interfaces to be monitored is chosen. |
| US09709612B2 |
Asynchronous AC measurement system
Accurate measurements of electrical power at various points of a power grid is becoming more important and, at the same time, is getting more difficult as the old power distribution model of a few, large power generating stations and a multitude of relatively linear loads is replaced by a newer model containing a multitude of smaller, and to some degree unpredictable power sources, as well as a multitude of not always linear and often smart (essentially also unpredictable) loads. Embodiments of the invention provide for high accuracy voltage, current and power measurements of quasi-stationary and stationary waveforms in single and multiple phase power systems. Precision AC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements in power networks may be measured with current ranges from 1 mA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV and in a frequency range from a few hertz to one hundred kilohertz. |
| US09709604B2 |
Detection of electrical theft from a transformer secondary
Techniques for identifying electrical theft are described herein. In an example, a secondary voltage of a transformer may be inferred by repeated voltage and current measurement at each meter associated with the transformer. A difference in measured voltage values, divided by a difference in measured current values, estimates impedance at the meter. The calculated impedance, together with measured voltage and current values, determine a voltage at the transformer secondary. Such voltages calculated by each meter associated with a transformer may be averaged, to indicate the transformer secondary voltage. A transformer having lower-than-expected secondary voltage is identified, based in part on comparison to the secondary voltages of other transformers. Each meter associated with the identified transformer may be evaluated to determine if the unexpected voltage is due to a load on the transformer. If a load did not result in the unexpected secondary voltage, power diversion may be reported. |
| US09709602B2 |
Method for supplying fieldbus communication and power from a handheld maintenance tool in a hazardous area using a single lead set
A connector assembly for a portable field device testing includes a two-wire communication line to provide communication between a handheld maintenance tool and a field device, a first two-prong plug to provide power and communication signals to the field device and a shunt plug to provide power to the field device using the two-wire communication line. |
| US09709596B2 |
Acceleration sensor and method for producing an acceleration sensor
The invention relates to an acceleration sensor, comprising a substrate having a substrate surface and a sample mass that is movable relative to the substrate in a first direction (x) parallel to the substrate surface. The sample mass has a comb-like electrode that is movable together with the sample mass and has a plurality of teeth, which extend in the first direction (x). The acceleration sensor further comprises a counter-electrode fixedly connected to the substrate, which counter-electrode has a fixed comb-like electrode and wherein said fixed comb-like electrode has a plurality of teeth which extend in a direction opposite to the first direction (x). The teeth of the movable comb-like electrode engage with the teeth of the fixed comb-like electrode. The acceleration sensor further comprises a shielding electrode fixedly connected to the substrate and which is suitable for increasing a pneumatic damping of the sample mass during a deflection movement of the sample mass. |
| US09709595B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting linear and rotational movement
A method of detecting motion provides a resonator having a mass, moves the mass in a translational mode, and actuates the mass in a given bulk mode. The mass moves in the translational and given bulk modes at substantially the same time and, accordingly, the resonator is configured to detect linear and rotational movement when moving and actuating the mass in the translational and given bulk modes. The method produces one or more movement signals representing the detected linear and rotational movement. |
| US09709594B1 |
Velocity measuring system
A laser Doppler velocimeter uses self-mixing amplification of backreflections from scatterers below the surface of a flow. A time domain signal is divided into segments that are roughly equal to a transit time of particles through a focus of a laser beam. The segments are connected to a frequency domain through the use of an FFT algorithm to produce frequency domain data segments. Signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced through signal processing techniques using the segments to produce a final enhanced signal spectrum. |
| US09709591B2 |
Automated fluid handling system
Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing and two or more fluid handling units arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section and an internal non fluidics section, and wherein the housing comprises a liquid handling panel with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components such that the external fluidics section is separated from the non fluidics section by the liquid handling panel. |
| US09709586B2 |
Automatic analyzer
To provide an automatic analyzer which is not influenced by fluidity or viscosity of a sample, and which can stably dispense the sample with dispensing accuracy by determining whether a flow route including a sample probe is in a stable and suction-available state when the sample is suctioned. In suction of the sample, before the sample is suctioned, in the flow route including the sample probe, the automatic analyzer determines whether the sample is in a suction-available state or in a suction-unavailable state, and performs cleaning on the flow route when it is determined that the sample is not in the suction-available state. Since the state in the flow route including the sample probe is determined before the sample is suctioned, the automatic analyzer can repeatedly perform a dispensing operation having improved reliability, without being influenced by the fluidity or the viscosity. |
| US09709580B2 |
Bio-nano-chips for on-site drug screening
A bio-nano-chip (BNC) technology that works in connection with non-invasive samples, such as saliva, cheek swab or urine samples that can be easily performed by non-specialists, such as security personnel and police officers is disclosed. The microfluidic system for drug testing includes an analyzer or reader having a housing containing a slot for receiving a cartridge, a drug testing cartridge, a processor having a user interface, an optical or energy sensing means, and a means for moving fluid. |
| US09709579B2 |
Microfluidic flow assay and methods of use
A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a substrate surface comprising lipid coated particles and microfluidic channels through which a blood product can flow. The lipid coated particles comprise functional molecules that can induce or inhibit the coagulation cascade. |
| US09709574B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies and methods for producing the same
The present invention provides for methods of producing human monoclonal antibodies against a wide variety of antigens including bacterial and viral antigens, as well as tumor antigens, and various autoantigens. Also provided are the antibodies themselves, nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, cells producing such antibodies, and methods of using such antibodies for diagnostic assays and passive immunity against disease states such as infection and cancer. |
| US09709573B2 |
Citrullinated brain and neurological proteins as biomarkers of brain injury or neurodegeneration
The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing brain injury or neurodegeneration. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing brain injury in a patient comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from the patient; (b) determining the ratio of citrullinated to unmodified arginine residues at one or more arginine residues of one or more brain injury biomarker proteins; and (c) correlating the ratio to a patient having brain injury or to a patient not having brain injury, thereby providing the diagnosis. |
| US09709564B2 |
Anti-lymphocyte autoantibodies as diagnostic biomarkers
Provided are methods, systems, and kits for diagnosing or monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus in an individual. In particular aspects, in a blood sample containing white blood cells from the individual, autoantibodies deposited on or contacting with the surface of a T lymphocyte in the sample are quantitated. |
| US09709552B2 |
Use of inhibitors of leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2 for treating asthma
The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2 for treating asthma. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating asthma comprising BLT2 inhibitors and a method for treating asthma using BLT2 inhibitors. |
| US09709548B2 |
Label-free monitoring of excitation-contraction coupling and excitable cells using impedance based systems with millisecond time resolution
Systems and methods for improved monitoring of excitation-contraction coupling and excitable cells are provided, which provide millisecond time resolution. The system is capable of continuously monitoring excitation-contraction coupling in a relatively high-throughput manner. The system includes a device for monitoring cell-substrate impedance, an impedance analyzer capable of impedance measurements at millisecond time resolution, electronic circuitry that can engage the device and selectively connect two or more electrode arrays of the device to the impedance analyzer and a software program that controls the electronic circuitry and records and analyzes data obtained from the impedance analyzer. |
| US09709542B2 |
Bell cap aerosol adaptor
A method of testing an air sample and/or testing equipment may comprise introducing aerosolized sample particles into an air flow to create sample air upstream from an air quality sampling device. The method may include introducing the sample air to an offset sample inlet of a bell cap inlet adaptor coupled to a sample tube. The method may include merging at least a portion of the introduced sample air with axially flowing air with little to no turbulence based on the geometry of the bell cap inlet adaptor and/or a containment cavity. The method may include introducing at least a portion of the sample air into the sample tube. Next, a test of at least one of the quality of the sample air and/or the functionality of the bell cap inlet may be performed. |
| US09709539B2 |
Tunable directional color transition compositions and methods of making and using the same
Color change compositions that transition from a first to second color state upon application of an applied stimulus are provided. Also provided are substrates having the compositions on a surface thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compositions. |
| US09709535B2 |
Microfluidic device with dried blood spots (Dbs) card interface
An apparatus for use in a chromatography system includes a first microfluidic substrate having a first fluidic channel. One end of the first fluidic channel terminates at a first fluidic port on a first side of the first microfluidic substrate and an opposite end of the first fluidic channel terminates at a second fluidic port on a second side of the first microfluidic substrate. A second microfluidic substrate has a second fluidic channel. One end of the second fluidic channel terminates at a first fluidic port on a first side of the second microfluidic substrate. The first side of the second microfluidic substrate abuts the second side of the first microfluidic substrate such that the fluidic port of the second microfluidic substrate aligns with one of the fluidic ports of the first microfluidic substrate and the alignment produces a fluidic path comprised of the first and second fluidic channels. |
| US09709534B2 |
Ultrasonic measurement
Ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 includes a transmitter 14 to transmit an ultrasonic signal 16 into an item 12. A receiver 18 receives echoes 20 from the item 12. The apparatus 10 measures the frequency spectrum of the echo 20 and makes a comparison with another frequency spectrum to extract information relating to a change in the item 12. For example, the item 12 may wear during use. A comparison of the frequency spectrum, with previous frequency spectra, allows changes of dimension of the item 12 to be identified. Changes in amplitudes of the frequency spectrum allow changes in roughness to be detected. |
| US09709524B2 |
Integrated circuit device with adaptations for multiplexed biosensing
A device layer of an integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor active layer spanning a plurality of device regions. Each of the device regions has a heating element, a temperature sensor, and bioFETs in the device layer. The bioFETs have source/drain regions and channel regions in the semiconductor active layer and fluid gates exposed on a surface for fluid interfacing on one side of the device layer. A multilayer metal interconnect structure is disposed on the opposite side of the device layer. This structure places the heating elements in proximity to the fluid gates enabling localized heating, precision heating, and multiplexed temperature control for multiplexed bio-sensing applications. |
| US09709521B2 |
System and method for measuring an analyte in a sample and correcting for interferents
Methods and systems to apply a plurality of test voltages to the test strip and measure a current transient output resulting from an electrochemical reaction in a test chamber of the test strip so that a glucose concentration can be determined that account for interferent substances in the body fluid sample. A method of determining blood glucose concentration with a glucose measurement system that includes a test strip and test meter. The test meter has a microcontroller configured to apply a plurality of test voltages to the test strip and measure a current transient output resulting from an electrochemical reaction in a test chamber of the test strip. |
| US09709520B2 |
Method and fuel cell for electrochemical measurement of analyte concentration in vivo
The invention relates to a method for the electrochemical measurement of an analyte concentration in vivo, comprising a fuel cell with which the analyte to be measured is reacted catalytically with an enzyme contained in an enzyme layer and which supplies an electrical voltage, dependent on the analyte concentration to be measured, between an anode and a cathode, which voltage is measured. In the catalytic reaction of the analyte to be measured in the enzyme layer, a product is generated which, as fuel of the fuel cell, oxidizes on the anode and is reduced on the cathode. The invention further relates to a fuel cell for such a method. |
| US09709519B2 |
Measuring device and methods for use therewith
The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood. |
| US09709518B2 |
Diagnostic devices incorporating fluidics and methods of manufacture
The present invention relates to diagnostic devices incorporating electrode modules and fluidics for performing chemical analyzes. The invented devices consist of at least one component sensor formed on an electrode module, the sensor being contained within a fluidic housing. The electrode module is a laminate of a perforated epoxy foil and a photo-formed metal foil with sensor membranes deposited into the perforations. The fluidic housing is a diagnostic card consisting of a plastic card-like body, the at least one component sensor, a sealed chamber defined in the card body for containing a fluid, a fluid conduit for fluidically connecting the chamber with the sensor region, a valve for fluidically connecting the chamber to the fluid conduit, and a delivery structure separate and distinct from the valve for forcing fluid from the chamber and into the fluid conduit. |
| US09709515B2 |
Device and method for diagnosing cracks in a solidified shell in a mold
The present invention relates to a system and method for diagnosing cracking in a solidified shell in a mold, in which whether longitudinal cracking has occurred in the solidified shell can be diagnosed in real time by using a variation in temperature of the solidified shell in the mold during a continuous casting process. The system comprises: a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in a matrix form in a mold, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are divided into a first group and a second group based on where cracking occurs; and a processor configured to: calculate a temperature difference between the temperature of the first group and the temperature of the second group from the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; and determine, using the calculated temperature difference, whether cracking has occurred in a solidified shell discharged from the mold. |
| US09709514B2 |
X-ray backscatter system and method for detecting discrepancies in items
A method for detecting discrepancies in an item is provided. The method comprises: directing energy waves at the item along at least one dimension, wherein a portion of the energy waves are reflected back from the item; detecting reflected energy waves from the item along at least one dimension and recording the intensity of the detected reflected energy waves, and forming a one-dimensional image of the item from the detected reflected energy waves. |
| US09709511B2 |
Apparatus, system, method and computer-readable medium for isolating chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast from magnetization transfer asymmetry under two-frequency RF irradiation
Apparatus, system, method and computer-readable medium for isolating chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast from magnetization transfer asymmetry under two-frequency RF irradiation. A two-pool model for magnetization transfer (MT) can be established fully based on Provotorov's theory of saturation, and then extended to the situation of simultaneous two-frequency RF irradiation. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that two-frequency RF irradiation can make MT effects independent of irradiation frequency over a wide range, and thus can suppress MT asymmetry. Exemplary embodiments can be provided to isolate chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast from MT asymmetry contrast by using the two-frequency RF irradiation technique. A further embodiment can isolate a narrow-frequency spectrum MT mechanism from a broad-frequency spectrum MT mechanism. |
| US09709509B1 |
System configured for integrated communication, MEMS, Processor, and applications using a foundry compatible semiconductor process
A sensor processor system is provided on a platform including a semiconductor substrate. The system has multiple integrated subsystems including a micro controller unit provided on one or more first regions of the semiconductor substrate. The subsystems also include an array of programmable memory provided on one or more second regions of the semiconductor substrate, among other elements. The subsystems also include one or more MEMS devices operably coupled to the micro controller unit. In one or more embodiments, an application processor is coupled to the semiconductor substrate and, optionally, a baseband processor is coupled to the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09709505B2 |
Turbidity sensor and control method thereof
Disclosed herein are a turbidity sensor and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a turbidity sensor capable of measuring turbidity of water including a liquid detergent as well as water including a powdered detergent and a control method thereof. The turbidity sensor includes a first light emitting unit emitting visible light, a first light receiving unit disposed opposite to the first light emitting unit at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit and receiving visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit, and a control unit determining a turbidity of a solution according to a ratio between the amount of visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit and the amount of visible light received by the first light receiving unit. According to the turbidity sensor and control method thereof, turbidity of the solution by the first and second particles is accurately measured. |
| US09709502B2 |
Measurement device and measurement method
A measurement device that includes a plurality of lines for conveying a reaction container containing a sample and measures a predetermined material included in the sample while conveying the reaction container by the plurality of lines, wherein the plurality of lines include: a first reaction line for conveying a reaction container at a first convey speed; a second reaction line for conveying a reaction container at a second convey speed; and a measurement line for measuring a predetermined material included in a sample reacted with a reagent within the reaction container in the first reaction line and a sample reacted with a reagent within the reaction container in the second reaction line, the measurement line conveying the reaction containers at a third convey speed that is higher than the first convey speed and the second convey speed. |
| US09709496B2 |
Inspection device for light-regulating film, and production device for light-regulating film
An inspection device of the present invention is provided with a light source unit which is disposed either one of a base material side and a light diffusing portion side and irradiates light toward a light-regulating film with respect to the light-regulating film which includes a base material, a light diffusing portion, and a light shielding layer, and a light receiver which is disposed on either the other of the base material side and the light diffusing portion side and measures an intensity of transmitted light which is emitted from the light source unit and is transmitted through the light-regulating film, and inspects a state of an inclined surface of the light diffusing portion based on a measurement result of the intensity of the transmitted light. |
| US09709495B2 |
System for evaluating displaying quality of transparent display and method thereof
A system for evaluating a quality of a transparent display, the system including: a background including any one of a full white pattern, a full black pattern, and a circle white pattern; a light detector positioned a first distance away from the background to measure luminance of the full white pattern, the full black pattern and the circle white pattern; and a circle transparent pattern displayed on the transparent display by passing light from at least one of the full white pattern, the full black pattern and the circle white pattern, further the transparent display is positioned between the background and the light detector and at a second distance away from the light detector, further a purity of the transparent display is calculated based on luminance of the full white pattern, the full black pattern, and the circle white pattern as measured by the light detector through the transparent display. |
| US09709491B1 |
System and method for measuring aerosol or trace species
Embodiments of the present invention relates to a system for measuring trace species in a sample gas. The present invention uses an open-path configuration including an optical cell with mirrors at each end, a long slotted rod with holes in the end for an optical bean to pass through, and a slotted tube surrounding the slotted rod such that air can pass through the rod in a transverse direction when the slots are aligned. Embodiments of the present invention further includes a flow configuration for purging sample gas from the optical cell, and cleaning mirrors, with calibrated or zero air through inlets in front of each mirror. |
| US09709489B2 |
Device for measuring polarization degree and refractive index
A device includes a sample chamber (1) configured to receive the object, a polarization degree measuring member (2) configured to measure the polarization degree of the object received in the sample chamber (1), and a refractive index measuring member (3) configured to measure information corresponding to the refractive index of the object received in the sample chamber (1). The polarization degree measuring member (2) includes a polarization modulation member (11) configured to perform polarization modulation on a light beam (9) for analyzing the object and allow the modulated light beam to enter the sample chamber (1), an intensity detection member (12) configured to detect an intensity of the light beam (5) exiting from the sample chamber, and a polarization degree calculation member (13). The refractive index measuring member (3) includes a position detection member (26) and a refractive index (concentration) calculation member (13). |
| US09709481B2 |
Method for determining the tack of a material
A method determines the tack of a material placed in contact with a surface. A sample is provided of the material, the sample including a sheet whose width increases from a first narrow end to a second wide end. The sample is applied to an upwards facing supporting surface of plate. The sample is compacted against the supporting surface of plate and a weight is attached to the first end of the sample. The plate is turned over in such a way that the supporting surface faces downwards. The detachment of the sample from the supporting surface is measured in terms of distance detached from the first end of the sample as a function of time. |
| US09709480B2 |
Weathering testing using radiation sources which are identifiable by means of RFID chips
The apparatus has a weathering chamber, in which at least one sample can be arranged, and at least one radiation source, which are arranged in the weathering chamber, wherein the radiation source is provided with a storage device, on which data relating to the radiation source are stored. |
| US09709479B2 |
Method and apparatus for tracking cell identity
A method of tracking cell identity across analytical platforms uses stochastic barcoding (SB). SB uses a randomly generated code based on one or more of the number, color and position of beads encapsulated together with a set of cells of interest. SB use is demonstrated in an application where cells are transferred from a microwell array into a microtiter plate while keeping their identity, and obtained an average identification accuracy of 96% for transfer of 100 blocks. Model scaling of the method up to 1000 blocks demonstrated that SB is able to achieve approximately 90% accuracy. |
| US09709477B2 |
Apparatus and methodology for measuring properties of microporous material at multiple scales
A method for characterizing properties of a manufactured rock sample that employs first and second test apparatus. The first test apparatus includes a sample holder and associated pressure sensors, wherein the sample holder allows for a pulse of test fluid to flow through the sample, and the pressure sensors measure pressure upstream and downstream of the sample as the pulse of test fluid flows through the sample. The second test apparatus includes a sample cell and associated pressure sensor, wherein the sample cell has a configuration where the sample cell is isolated and filled with test fluid under pressure and the pressure sensor measures pressure of the isolated sample cell. The first and second test apparatus are used to measure bulk properties of the sample. The sample is partitioned into pieces, and the second test apparatus is used to measure properties for different size-groups of such sample pieces. |
| US09709473B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring dynamic panel stiffness of outer panel for automobile parts
A method of measuring panel stiffness of an automobile part outer panel by pushing an indenter onto a surface of the panel in a pushing direction intersecting the surface under a load to deform the panel and measuring deformation of the panel includes arranging grids in a lattice form to a surface of a site of the panel; arranging markers previously knowing three-dimensional position information on a periphery of the site; pushing the indenter onto the surface of the site under the load and moving the indenter in a direction perpendicular to the pushing direction, during which the grids on the surface deformed by loading of the indenter are simultaneously and repeatedly shot from plural positions by plural cameras; and calculating position information of the grids corresponding to the markers based on the image data to measure change in deformation of the panel associated with movement of the indenter. |
| US09709472B2 |
Fluxer having a modular electrically powered furnace
A fluxer includes a single, wide furnace enclosure that is sufficiently large and prewired to accommodate multiple fusion positions. The furnace includes at least one movable insulated partition that defines the actual insulated volume of the furnace. |
| US09709468B2 |
Sample preparation device, cell analyzer, and filter member
A sample preparation device includes: a filter member including a filter configured to separate cells being an analysis target from other components in a sample; a first receptacle and a second receptacle configured to be connected to each other via the filter; a third receptacle capable of holding the sample therein; a negative pressure section configured to apply a negative pressure into the second receptacle, thereby to move the sample in the third receptacle toward the filter via the first receptacle, and thereby to move components other than the analysis target into the second receptacle via the filter; and a positive pressure section configured to apply a positive pressure from the second receptacle side to the filter to which cells being the analysis target are attached. |
| US09709465B2 |
Pump testing system
The invention is a pump testing system that allows users to test centrifugal pumps by the use of an artificially controlled load, measure flow of the pump under controlled operating parameters, and ensure that the pump meets industry standards of operation. The specific embodiment disclosed herein concerns centrifugal pumps used in fire fighting vehicles, but is not limited to such apparatus. |
| US09709464B2 |
Drum for simulating road surfaces
The present invention provides a drum of a wheel tester, which is characterized in that an outer surface of the drum has cyclic corrugations parallel to a cross section of the drum, wherein the cyclic corrugation in one cycle on the outer surface is composed of a concave arc and a convex arc, both of which are tangential in ends and equal in diameter, and one cycle is 30 to 50 mm in length and 1 to 1.5 mm in depth. The drum is easy to machine, reduced in cost, increased in friction force and suitable for simulating various road surfaces. |
| US09709462B2 |
Method for detecting a deviation of a compression pressure of one cylinder from that of another cylinder of an internal combustion engine
In a method for detecting a deviation of a compression pressure of one cylinder from that of another cylinder of an internal combustion engine having at least two cylinders, the rotational speed of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is reduced from a starting rotational speed to a target rotational speed; the actual rotational speed is detected; a curve of a change of the actual rotational speed per angle unit of the crankshaft is determined as a curve of a rotational speed gradient; the curve of the rotational speed gradient is subjected to order analysis; and a deviation of the compression pressure of one cylinder from that of another cylinder is detected when an amplitude of a selected order lies above a permissible threshold value. |
| US09709456B1 |
Apparatus and methods for pressure testing of tools and conduits
Apparatus and methods for pressure testing of conduits, tools, vessels, devices, or combinations thereof are described, which include a first testing unit having a first pump operable at a first pressure and a second testing unit having a second pump operable at a second pressure, both positioned in a housing. An auxiliary pump may be directly coupled with the output of one or both testing units to facilitate rapid achievement of a selected pressure. The testing units additionally include embodiments having electronic pressure control systems for rapid pressurization and remote control ability. Efficient, simultaneous testing of multiple objects, at differing pressures, is thereby possible, or alternatively, the second testing unit may be used for backup or redundancy purposes, or to further facilitate rapid achievement of the selected pressure by the first testing unit. |
| US09709451B2 |
Micromechanical pressure sensor device and corresponding manufacturing method
A micromechanical pressure sensor device includes: an MEMS wafer having a front side and a rear side; a first micromechanical functional layer formed above the front side of the MEMS wafer; and a second micromechanical functional layer formed above the first micromechanical functional layer. A deflectable first pressure detection electrode is formed in one of the first and second micromechanical functional layers. A fixed second pressure detection electrode is formed spaced apart from and opposite the deflectable first pressure detection electrode. An elastically deflectable diaphragm area is formed above the front side of the MEMS wafer. An external pressure is applied to the diaphragm area via an access opening in the MEMS wafer, and the wafer is connected to the deflectable first pressure detection electrode via a plug-like joining area. |
| US09709450B2 |
Apparatus and method for eliminating varying pressure fluctuations in a pressure transducer
A differential pressure transducer employing a coiled tube to eliminate varying pressure fluctuations is provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at an inlet tube of a dampening chamber, a main pressure, wherein the main pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the inlet tube, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the main pressure; outputting, from the inlet tube, a first filtered main pressure; receiving, at a volume cavity of the dampening chamber, the first filtered main pressure, wherein the volume cavity is operatively coupled to the inlet tube; filtering, by the volume cavity, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the first filtered main pressure; outputting, from the volume cavity, a second filtered main pressure; and wherein the dampening chamber is tuned to a predetermined resonance frequency. |
| US09709449B2 |
System and methods for assessing whole-building thermal performance
An assessment system and method are described that capture indoor temperature measurements and corresponding outdoor temperature measurements in order to determine a thermal efficiency of a structure. The assessment system identifies quiescent periods and trims these periods to eliminate undesirable influences such as auxiliary heating or solar gain. The quiescent periods are then compared to outdoor temperature differences to determine the thermal efficiency of the structure. The system can model the structure's performance metrics, through inferred qualitative and quantitative characterizations including, but not limited to, the building's rate of temperature change as a function of internal and external temperatures, the building's heating, cooling, and other energy needs as they relate to the building envelope, appliances, and other products used at the site and occupant behavior. |
| US09709447B2 |
Thermal energy metering using an enthalpy sensor
Apparatus and methods are provided for thermal energy metering by measuring the average temperature of fluid in a tank, such as a hot water storage tank. Average temperature is measured with an elongated temperature sensor wire that can span the vertical height of the tank. The sensor wire can be protected with a waterproofing jacket. The sensor wire can be coupled to a second substantially parallel wire. A processing unit measures temperature from changes in the resistance of the sensor wire and measures rates of change to allow the system to distinguish different sources of heat increase and/or decrease. |
| US09709445B2 |
Temperature sensor and related method
A temperature sensor, including a conduction path, between a line at a supply voltage and a common ground terminal of the temperature sensor, including a capacitor, a resistor and a reverse biased diode a junction temperature of which is to be sensed; a digital circuit coupled with the capacitor, the resistor and the diode, configured to compare a charge voltage of the capacitor with an upper threshold voltage and with a lower threshold voltage, and to generate in operation an output sense signal that switches to a first logic level when the charge voltage attains the lower threshold voltage and to a second logic level when the charge voltage attains the upper threshold voltage, the digital circuit being configured to connect the resistor electrically in parallel with the capacitor to discharge the capacitor when the output sense signal is at the second logic level, and to connect the capacitor so as to be charged by a reverse saturation current flowing throughout the reverse biased diode when the output sense signal is at the first logic level. |
| US09709442B2 |
Spectral detector and image sensor including the same
A spectral detector includes a plurality of spectral detection units, each of the spectral detection units including an optical signal processor configured to deliver an optical signal incident to the spectral detection unit to an outside of the spectral detection unit, and a resonator configured to modulate a spectrum of an optical signal incident to the optical signal processor by interacting with the optical signal processor, at least some of the resonators of the plurality of spectral detection units having different lengths from each other, and a number of optical signal processors included in each respective spectral detection unit varying according to a length of the resonator included in the respective spectral detection unit. |
| US09709441B2 |
Spectrometer of high diffraction efficiency for analyzing the spectrum of a light beam
A spectrometer (100) for analyzing the spectrum of an upstream light beam (1) includes an entrance slit (101) and angular dispersing elements (130). The angular dispersing elements include at least one polarization-dependent diffraction grating that is suitable for, at the plurality of wavelengths (1, 2, 3), diffracting a corrected light beam (20) into diffracted light beams (31, 32, 33) in a given particular diffraction order of the polarization-dependent diffraction grating, which is either the +1 diffraction order or the −1 diffraction order, when the corrected light beam has a preset corrected polarization state that is circular; and the spectrometer includes elements for modifying polarization (1100) placed between the entrance slit and the angular dispersion elements, which are suitable for modifying the polarization state of the upstream light beam in order to generate the corrected light beam with a preset corrected polarization state. |
| US09709440B2 |
Methods and apparatus for spectrometry using multimode interference in a tapered spiral-shaped waveguide
Multimode interference can be used to achieve ultra-high resolving powers (e.g., Q>105) with linewidths down to 10 pm at 1500 nm and a broad spectroscopy range (e.g., 400-2400 nm) within a monolithic, millimeter-scale device. For instance, multimode interference (MMI) in a tapered waveguide enables fine resolution and broadband spectroscopy in a compact, monolithic device. The operating range is limited by the transparency of the waveguide material and the sensitivity of the camera; thus, the technique can be easily extended into the ultraviolet and mid- and deep-infrared spectrum. Experiments show that a tapered fiber multimode interference spectrometer can operate across a range from 500 nm to 1600 nm (B=1.0576) without moving parts. The technique is suitable for on-chip tapered multimode waveguides, which could be fabricated in high volume by printing or optical lithography, for applications from biochemical sensing to the life and physical sciences. |
| US09709437B2 |
System and method for detecting a defect in a structure member
A method for detecting a defect in a structure member includes exciting a structure member by applying an excitation signal to the structure member, applying an optical signal to the excited structure member and capturing a reflected optical signal formed by a reflection of the applied optical signal by the excited structure member, and processing the reflected optical signal to determine one or more defects in the structure member. |
| US09709431B1 |
Water management sensing
In some implementations, a system obtains activity data for a sump pump associated with a property where the obtained activity data indicates a present operational status of the sump pump. The system obtains water level data associated with the property where the water level data indicates a level of water within the property, determines that the activity data indicates that the sump pump is operating and that the water level within the property satisfies a water level risk threshold, and, in response to the determination that the activity data indicates that the sump pump is operating and that the water level within the property satisfies a water level risk threshold, provides a notification that the property is at risk of suffering water damage. |
| US09709423B2 |
Electromagnetic-induction-type position detector and detection method
Provided are an electromagnetic-induction-type position detector which can be small sized and in which interference errors do not occur, and a detection method. The present invention has: a stator having first and second main patterns and first and second sub-patterns; and a rotor having a main pattern part and a sub-pattern part, in which adjacent comb-shaped electrodes of the main pattern part and the sub-pattern part are connected to form a single loop; and when an excitation electric current is supplied to the first and second main patterns, an excitation voltage excited in the main pattern part is detected in the first and second sub-patterns via the sub-pattern part, and when an excitation electric current is supplied to the first and second sub-patterns, the excitation voltage excited in the sub-pattern part is detected in the first and second main patterns via the main pattern part. |
| US09709420B2 |
Reconfiguration of the display of a flight plan for the piloting of an aircraft
A method implemented by computer for the display of information relating to the flight of an aircraft comprises receiving indication of a selection of an arbitrary display zone on a screen of an onboard computer of the aircraft; and reconfiguring the display, in response to the indication. Developments describe several geometric transformations, various display reconfigurations (e.g. centering of the display), the use of systems third party to the aircraft (e.g. taxiing computer, ground client, maintenance, terrain monitoring, traffic, weather), associated operations of revisions of the flight plan, the use of display rules (notably associated with the flight situation), and the emergency deactivation of the display reconfigurations. Computer programs and associated systems are also described (notably Man-System Interface, virtual and/or augmented reality). |
| US09709417B1 |
Proactive re-routing of vehicles using passive monitoring of occupant frustration level
Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles based on an analysis of input component data obtained from the navigation-enabled devices. The navigation system scores the input component data to obtain a measure of frustration (e.g., a feeling of being upset or annoyed) of the user of the navigation-enabled device. The navigation system may provide a detour suggestion for display on the navigation-enabled device to persuade the user of the device to direct their vehicle to depart from its current location or route in an effort to remove the vehicle from traffic, and thereby reduce the frustration level of the user. The detour suggestion may include an alternative route to the original destination, or an alternative destination. |
| US09709414B2 |
Personalized suggestion of automated driving features
A personalized suggestion for an automated driving feature of a vehicle can be made. Driving data for a travel route of a vehicle can be received. The driving data can include vehicle data and driving environment data. Based on the received driving data, it can be determined whether an automated driving feature could have been used for at least a portion of the travel route. Responsive to determining that the automated driving feature could have been used for the at least a portion of the travel route, a suggestion for using the automated driving feature can be generated. The suggestion can be presented to a user, such as the driver of the vehicle, or caused to be presented to the user. The automated driving feature may be currently included on the vehicle, or it may not be currently included on the vehicle. |
| US09709411B2 |
Collective vehicle traffic routing
A system and method provides a route and turn-by-turn directions based on estimates of current and future traffic along the route. A client device may request turn-by-turn directions between an initial and a final location. A server may identify a plurality of routes between the locations. Each route of the plurality of routes may be divided into route segments. For each route segment of a particular route, the server may estimate a travel time. The travel time may be based on estimated vehicle volume data generated from information received from other users vehicle Based on the estimated travel time for each route segment of a particular route, the server may estimate a total travel time for the particular route. The server may repeat this estimate for each of the plurality of routes between the locations and select the route with the lowest estimated travel time. Based on the selected route, the server may generate turn-by-turn directions and transmit the directions to the client device for display. |
| US09709408B2 |
Segment validation
Validating a segment is disclosed, including: determining that a stored segment meets a validation criterion; and adjusting GPS data associated with the stored segment using aggregated GPS data. |
| US09709405B2 |
Methods for attitude and heading reference system to mitigate vehicle acceleration effects
An attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) for a vehicle is provided along with methods for mitigating vehicle acceleration effects in the AHRS. The AHRS comprises an inertial measurement unit configured to generate inertial measurements from at least one accelerometer and at least one gyroscope, a heading source configured to generate heading measurements, and an adaptive statistical filter configured to mitigate the impact of vehicle acceleration effects on attitude and heading. |
| US09709404B2 |
Iterative Kalman Smoother for robust 3D localization for vision-aided inertial navigation
A vision-aided inertial navigation system (VINS) is described in which a filter-based sliding-window estimator implements an Iterative Kalman Smoother (IKS) to track the 3D motion of a VINS system, such as a mobile device, in real-time using visual and inertial measurements. |
| US09709403B2 |
Method and a system for tracking and analyzing a trajectory of a moving object, and for providing a score of such a trajectory
The present invention relates to tracking and analyzing a trajectory of a moving object, like a sports equipment used in an exercise. The present invention to provides a solution for tracking and analyzing a trajectory of a moving object in such a way, that the trajectories can be analyzed and compared to reference data created for the purpose, in order to evaluate and score the movement of the object—including a performance of a person using the object. |
| US09709400B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for resonator and coriolis axis control in vibratory gyroscopes
A gyroscope control circuit for a vibratory gyroscope system includes an open-loop RSP control circuit and a closed-loop CSP control circuit. The gyroscope control circuit optionally may include a Q compensation circuit to compensate for variations in gyroscope sensitivity due to variations in resonator signal path Q. The resonator signal path and the Coriolis signal path may have transduction factors that are proportional to each other such that sensitivity of the gyroscope varies directly with resonator signal path quality factor (Q). |
| US09709399B2 |
Approach for control redistribution of coriolis vibratory gyroscope (CVG) for performance improvement
Provided herein is a Coriolis vibratory gyroscope (“CVG”). The CVG includes a first plurality of actuators electrically coupled to the vibratory member and arranged about a drive axis of the CVG and operable to obtain a control signal from the controller and provide a voltage sufficient to cause and maintain the vibratory member to vibrate in a first mode of oscillation; a second plurality of actuators electrically coupled to the vibratory member and arranged about a sense axis of the CVG and operable to detect a voltage based on a second mode of oscillation of the vibratory member caused by a rotation of the CVG about an axis of rotation and to provide a counter-balancing signal sufficient to null the voltage based on the second mode of oscillation, wherein the controller is operable to determine a rate of the rotation of the CVG based, in part, on the counter-balancing signal. |
| US09709395B2 |
Method and system for analyzing images from satellites
A method is provided, which comprises generating at least three images of an area of interest from at least one imaging system, the generated images being provided from at least three different angles, establishing point correspondence between the provided images. The method further involves generating at least two sets of three-dimensional information based on the provided images, wherein the at least two sets of three-dimensional information are generated based on at least two different combinations of at least two of the at least three provided images of the area of interest. The method further includes comparing the at least two sets of three-dimensional information so as to determine discrepancies, and providing information related to the imaging system or errors in the images based on the determined discrepancies. |
| US09709394B2 |
Assisted 3D scene comparison
Methods and systems for inspection, safety assurance, tracking, and/or as-built comparison use an imaging tool to acquire imaging data of a scene. The imaging data is processed to create a three-dimensional representation of the scene. Radio frequency (RF) data is received from an RF tag using an RF reader. The RF tag is associated with an object within the scene. The object in the three-dimensional representation of the scene is identified based on the RF data and compared to a model of the object. |
| US09709388B2 |
Optical inner surface measuring device
Higher-precision measurement is achieved by an optical inner surface measuring device configured to cause a probe to enter into the inner peripheral surface or deep hole of a target object, capture and observe reflection light from the inner surface in a three-dimensional manner, and measure the accuracy of the target object. In a structure including an optical fiber built into a tube, a light path conversion unit arranged at a leading end side of the optical fiber, and a motor configured to rotationally drive the light path conversion unit, a unit for measuring the amount of runout of a rotation shaft unit of the motor is provided. Shape data on the inner peripheral surface of a target object is obtained by calculating at a computer reflection light from the target object, and is modified by displacement amount data from a displacement measurement unit to realize high-precision measurement with no measurement error resulting from runout and rotational vibration of the rotation shaft of the motor. |
| US09709384B2 |
Device for monitoring fouling deposits in a pulverized coal furnace
A method of direct on-line measurement of thickness of fouling deposits created on the tube walls in a pulverized-coal firing furnace is described, as well as an apparatus suitable for implementation of the method. The method is based on imaging of a light spot, generated on the deposit surface by the apparatus. A position-sensitive image detector is used to track the spot as deposits accumulate, and the image signal is processed in real time, which allows for monitoring the creation of fouling deposits during operation of the furnace. The system simultaneously determines the reflectivity of the deposit surface. The apparatus can be used as part of an automatic soot blowing system. |
| US09709383B2 |
Optical coherence tomography apparatus
An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes: an OCT light source; a first light splitter configured to split an optical path into a first measurement optical path and a reference optical path; a light guide optical system including a second light splitter, configured to guide the measurement light to a test substance through the second light splitter, the second light splitter splitting the reflected light into the first and second measurement optical paths; a detection optical system detecting first interference between the reflected light having passed through the first measurement optical path and the reference light, and second interference between the reflected light having passed through the second measurement optical path and the reference light; and a calculation controller processing an output signal which is output from the detection optical system to obtain OCT data regarding the test substance. |
| US09709381B2 |
Surface emitting laser and optical coherence tomography apparatus including the same
A surface emitting laser includes a lower reflector, an active layer, a gap portion, and an upper reflector, which are arranged in that order, and a driving unit. The surface emitting laser is capable of varying a wavelength of emitted light by changing a distance between the upper and lower reflectors. The driving unit moves one of the upper and lower reflectors in an optical axis direction of the emitted light. When λg is a wavelength at which a gain at a time of laser oscillation of the active layer is at a maximum, λ0 is a center wavelength of the emitted light, and λr is a wavelength at which a reflectance of one of the upper and lower reflectors from which the light is emitted is at a maximum, λr <λ0 <λg or λg <λ0 <λr is satisfied. |
| US09709380B2 |
Method for reducing the dimensionality of a spatially registered signal derived from the optical properties of a sample, and device therefor
At least one embodiment of the method is designed to create a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional sample. The method comprises the following steps: provision of a wave-length-tunable light source (1) that emits primary radiation (P) with wavelengths that vary over time; sampling of location points of the sample (2) with the primary radiation (P); collection of secondary radiation (S), wherein the secondary radiation (S) is a part of the primary radiation (P) reflected by the sample (2); creation of an interferometer-based detection signal for a plurality of sample areas, each with at least one location point, using a detection unit (4), wherein the detection signal is created as a difference signal from two output signals of a beam splitter (61) that receives reference radiation (R) and/or secondary radiation (S) at two inputs, wherein the reference radiation (R) is a portion of the primary radiation (P) that is not guided to the sample (2); and determination of a brightness value for at least one of the sample areas from the associated detection signal, wherein the determination of the brightness values is not substantially based on the summation of the individual signal amplitudes of the results of a Fourier transformation. |
| US09709379B2 |
Optical coherence tomography system that is reconfigurable between different imaging modes
The invention generally relates to an optical coherence tomography system that is reconfigurable between two different imaging modes and methods of use thereof. |
| US09709377B2 |
Strain sensor chip mounting structure, strain sensor chip and method of manufacturing a strain sensor chip mounting structure
Even when a strain sensor chip and an object to be measured are bonded to each other by using a metallic bonding material such as solder, the metallic bonding material shows the creep behavior when used under high temperature environment of, for example, 100° C. or higher, and therefore, the strain detected by the strain sensor chip is gradually reduced, and the strain is apparently reduced. In the strain sensor chip mounting structure which is one embodiment of the present application, a strain sensor chip is fixed onto a surface to be measured of the object to be measured via a metallic bonding material. And, the metallic bonding material is bonded to a metallic film that is formed on a side surface of the strain sensor chip. In this manner, temporal change in a measurement error can be suppressed. |
| US09709373B2 |
Wireless detonation system, wireless detonation method, and detonator and explosive unit used in same
A wireless detonator is provided with: a detonation part; a control part for igniting the detonation part, the control part being connected to the detonation part; a tube for accommodating the detonation part and the control part; and a detonation-side antenna used by the control part for wireless communication and capable of being used for sending and receiving without separately having a transmission-only antenna and a reception-only antenna; the detonation-side antenna being a soft magnetic body coil antenna, and the control part receiving, via the detonation-side antenna, a transmission signal at an operating frequency of 100-500 KHz. |
| US09709372B2 |
Semi-active RF target detection and proximity detonation based on angle-to-target
A semi-active RF proximity fuze for warhead detonation is provided where external RADAR is available to illuminate the target. The fuze incorporates multiple receiving antennas with digital phase detection processing to distinguish the angle from which the target returns are received and uses that information to determine the detonation timing for the warhead. Detonation timing can be improved by processing the rate of change of the angle-to-target or processing the range and Doppler information to compensate for target velocity and distance. |
| US09709371B1 |
Ammunition inspecting system
An ammunition inspecting system comprises a tray wheel, a plurality of tray units on the tray wheel, a tray inserting pusher seating ammunition cartridges on the tray units, an ammunition side image capturing module facing an upper portion of the tray wheel, an ammunition actuating roller approaching a tray unit, rotating a particular ammunition cartridge on the tray unit, and then escaping off, an ammunition discharging module adjacent to a start point of the tray wheel to receive and convey the ammunition cartridges from the tray units, an ammunition bottom image capturing module at a side of the upper portion and including one or more cameras vertically image-capturing bottom surfaces of the ammunition cartridges, and an ammunition recovering module at a side of the upper portion and pushing the ammunition cartridges out of the tray units. |
| US09709355B2 |
Recoil compensator for firearm
The recoil compensator uses a two piece design that allows for convenient indexing of the vent channels relative to the barrel, while securely mounting the compensator to the threaded end of a barrel. The recoil compensator consists of a muzzle brake and a jam nut. The muzzle brake turns onto the threaded end of the barrel and the jam nut is operatively threaded onto the body of the muzzle brake so that it can be tightened about the muzzle brake and the barrel to securely lock the muzzle brake to the barrel once properly indexed relative to the barrel. The jam nut has an annular flange that overlies the body of the muzzle brake to provide a clean aesthetic appearance of the recoil compensator. |
| US09709354B2 |
Suppressor and flash hider device for firearms having dual path gas exhaust
A suppressor and flash hider device for firearms defines primary and secondary propellant gas paths that function simultaneously to quickly decrease gas pressure within the tubular housing of the suppressor to minimize blow-back toward the firearm user. The tubular housing has a collet-like firearm clamping system that establishes symmetrical clamping that will not tend to force the suppressor off coaxial alignment with the firearm barrel to which is mounted. A front wall mounted to the housing defines a central projectile port through which propellant gas also passes and defines an array of angularly oriented discharge passages for discharging propellant gases from the secondary propellant gas path forwardly and angularly toward gas being discharged from the projectile port of the front wall. |
| US09709351B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger (5) includes a housing (31), which contains a tube (32) and has a jacket (33), which surrounds the tube (32) while forming a ring channel (34). A primary inlet (35) and a primary outlet (36) are fluidically connected with one another via a primary path (37) carrying a primary medium through the ring channel (34) and via a bypass path (38) carrying the primary medium through the tube (32). A control (39) controls the flow of the primary medium through the primary path (37) and through the bypass path (38). At least two secondary inlets (42) and two secondary outlets (43) are fluidically connected with one another via at least two secondary paths (44) for carrying at least one secondary medium. The primary path (37) is coupled with the secondary paths (44) in a heat-transferring manner and such that the media are separated from one another. |
| US09709350B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger (5) includes a housing (31), which contains a tube (32) and has a jacket (33), which surrounds the tube (32) while forming a ring channel (34). A primary inlet (35) and a primary outlet (36) are connected to one another fluidically via a primary path (37) carrying a primary medium through ring channel (34) and via a bypass path (38) carrying the primary medium through the tube (32). A control device (39) controls the flow of the primary medium through the primary path (37) and the bypass path (38). A secondary inlet (42) and a secondary outlet (43) are connected to one another fluidically via at least two secondary paths (44) for carrying a secondary medium. The primary path (37) is coupled with the secondary paths (44) in a heat-transferring manner with the media separated from one another. |
| US09709348B2 |
Heat-dissipating copper foil and graphene composite
A method of producing a composite heat dissipating structure by depositing a slurry of graphene particles upon a copper foil, drying the slurry to form a layer of graphene in contact with the copper foil, and consolidating the layer of graphene under pressure to reduce the thickness of the graphene layer and recovering the composite heat dissipating structure. Heat dissipating copper foils and composite heat dissipating structures and electronic devices incorporating the same are also disclosed herein. |
| US09709347B2 |
Thermal storage system
A heat storage system (400) comprising a system gas inlet (460), a system gas outlet (470), and at least two thermal stores (401, 402) connected together in series therebetween, wherein each store comprises a chamber having a gas inlet (461,462), a gas outlet (471,472), and a gas-permeable thermal storage media 431 disposed therebetween, the system further comprising flow controllers (451, 452, 453, 454, 457) operatively connected to bypass passageways and so configured that, during operation, the flow path of a gas flowing through the system (400) for transfer of thermal energy to or from the storage media (431) can be selectively altered in respect of which stores (401, 402) in the series are used in response to the progress of the thermal transfer. |
| US09709345B2 |
Apparatus for influencing the outflow region of a tube carrier plate of a tube bundle heat exchanger
An apparatus for influencing the outflow region of a tube carrier plate of a tube bundle heat exchanger, in particular for the food and beverage industry, and more particularly for temperature-sensitive and/or viscous food products in the dairy industry, for example desserts, sauces or concentrates, is described. The apparatus operates so that the tendency for deposits to form in the region of the tube carrier plate through which product flows out is reduced. An annular space-like outlet channel has, at least overall in the region thereof between a maximum outside diameter of an outlet-side displacement body and a second connection opening, a channel passage cross-section, which has a constant cross-section over the entire length of the region and which corresponds to a total cross-section of all of the inner tubes through which a product flows in parallel, which inner tubes each have an individual cross-section. |
| US09709342B2 |
Heat exchanger arrangement in a housing
A heat exchanger arrangement in a housing, such as an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine, has at least one stack including tubes and fins and an end plate having media connections, and wherein the stack is inserted into the housing and is fastened therein. A connecting block which contains the media connections and/or at least one profiled rail is arranged on the end plate. The housing has at least one cross-section-expanding wall graduation and/or at least one receptacle integrated into the housing wall, wherein the connecting block sits in the cross-section expansion and/or a cross section of the receptacle corresponds approximately to a cross section of the rail. |
| US09709338B2 |
Heat exchanger
Heat exchanger having a block of flat tubes arranged parallel to one another and having fins arranged between the flat tubes, wherein the flat tubes form flow ducts through which a refrigerant can flow, and a coolant can flow around the flat tubes, wherein the flat tubes are in fluid communication, at end regions, with collecting tanks, wherein the refrigerant can be made to flow into an inflow region of a collecting tank in fluid communication with at least one of the flow ducts, wherein the inflow region has a line, which extends through the inflow region, for inflow of the refrigerant, wherein a refrigerant passage is provided from the line to the collecting tank inflow region, said refrigerant passage arranged in the central region of the collecting take inflow region, wherein the central region is in relation to a direction oriented perpendicularly to a plane of the flat tubes. |
| US09709336B2 |
Process and apparatus for cooling a digestion vessel of a calorimeter after use
To cool a digestion vessel (2) of a calorimeter (3) by means of a liquid coolant, a recess (4) over which the digestion vessel (2) is invented during the cooling possess and which has one or more ports (10) for a cooling liquid by means of which the inside of the digestion vessel (2) is wetted in such a way that the coolant runs down over part or the entireties of this inside of the digestion vessel (2) so as to remove the heat thereof is provided. |
| US09709330B2 |
Desolventizer toaster
An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays. |
| US09709326B2 |
Canted spin dryer comprising a locking mechanism
An opening and/or closing mechanism associated with a lid, door or cover of machinery are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the system described comprises a lid, and a lid locking mechanism. A counterbalance, a timer, and a controller may also be utilized by the system. The system may allow for automatic starting of device operation in response to s timer expiring. The system may further allow for automatic opening of the lid in response to the timer expiring without the utilization of manual assistance. |
| US09709325B2 |
Integration of a small scale liquefaction unit with an LNG plant to convert end flash gas and boil-off gas to incremental LNG
Disclosed is a method of retrofitting a full-scale LNG plant to enhance the LNG production capacity of the LNG plant and a method for operating such a retrofit plant. A small scale LNG plant having a capacity less than 2 MTPA can be integrated with a main LNG plant having a capacity of at least 4 MTPA such that end flash gas and boil off gas from the main LNG plant can be liquefied by the small scale LNG plant as incremental LNG. It has been found that the production capacity of the integrated system can be improved by increasing the temperature of the gas stream exiting the main cryogenic heat exchanger of the main LNG plant between 5° C. and 30° C. as compared with the design temperature. |
| US09709324B1 |
Liquid cooling with parasitic phase-change pumps
A heat transferring method and system utilizing a parasitic phase-change pump is disclosed. The parasitic phase-change pump is utilized to circulate a working fluid. The method may include: facilitating heat transfer from at least one evaporator to a condenser via the working fluid; receiving and containing the working fluid from the condenser utilizing an expandable MEMS device; controlling and regulating the flow of the working fluid from the expandable MEMS device towards the at least one evaporator utilizing at least one MEMS based directional device, wherein the working fluid flowing from the expandable MEMS device towards at least one evaporator is in liquid phase; and utilizing the working fluid flowing from the expandable MEMS device towards at least one evaporator to facilitate heat transfer for at least one target device located between at least one evaporator and the condenser or between the expandable MEMS device and the evaporator. |
| US09709323B2 |
Refrigerator with heated camera module
A refrigerator includes a storage compartment formed in a cabinet of the refrigerator by a fixed insulation wall, the storage compartment being provided with an access opening. The refrigerator also includes a door rotatably provided to the cabinet to open and close the access opening, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a camera fixed to a ceiling of the storage compartment to photograph both a first region for storing of food arranged in an external space of the drawer and a second region for storing of food arranged in an internal space of the drawer, and a controller configured to separate, through a capturing time of a picture containing both the first region and the second region, a first region picture and a second region picture from the picture to individually divide and store the first region picture and the second region picture. |
| US09709322B2 |
Refrigerator work surface
A refrigeration appliance includes an appliance housing. A liner within the appliance housing provides an upper interior storage chamber and a lower interior storage chamber. The upper interior storage chamber and the lower interior storage chamber are separated by a mullion. An upper movable closure is movable between an open position providing access to the lower interior storage chamber, and a closed position closing the upper interior storage chamber. A lower movable closure is movable between an open position providing access to the lower interior storage chamber, and a closed position closing the lower interior storage chamber. The mullion forms a storage pocket, and the refrigeration appliance further includes a deployable shelf configured to be withdrawn from the storage pocket in the mullion. |
| US09709317B2 |
Refrigerator
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including a cabinet (10) defining a first storage region (2) for storing food, a door (20) for opening and closing the first storage region (2), a gasket (26) which is provided on an inner surface of the door (20) and seals the first storage region (2) from outdoor air by forming a sealing boundary when the door (20) closes the first storage region (2), a first hinge member (40) which has a rotary shaft (42) and rotatably connects the door (20) to the cabinet (10) out of the sealing boundary, a container (100) which defines a second storage region for storing food and is received in the first storage region (2), and a second hinge member (200) which is fixed, at one side thereof, to the container (100) within the sealing boundary while being rotatably connected, at the other side thereof, to the door (20), the second hinge member (200) having a rotary shaft (206) which is vertically and linearly aligned with the rotary shaft (42) of the first hinge member (40). |
| US09709316B2 |
Spring loaded mullion for french door refrigerator
A refrigerator having French-style doors is sealed between the doors by a first sealing pad linearly biased from a base fixed within a recess provided in an inner side portion of one door, and a second sealing pad carried by a mounting arm which is pivotally mounted and angularly biased from an inner side portion of the second door. When either door is closed against the other, the first and second sealing pads deflect and conform to each other to provide an effective seal. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second sealing pads take complementary concave and convex shapes which provide a larger cross-section for the overall sealing area and establish a high insulation value, while avoiding the need for an internal heater commonly employed in refrigerator doors. |
| US09709312B2 |
Refrigerator with ice bucket on door
A refrigerator with a freezer compartment having a door to open and close the freezer compartment. An ice maker is disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces. An ice storage bin is mounted to the door for receiving ice from the ice maker. A cover is hinged to the ice marker. The cover is moveable between an unrestricting position in which ice is discharged when the door is in a closed position to a restricting position in which ice does not discharge when the door is in an open position. A sliding tray having sidewall enclosing an area behind the ice maker and extending the depth between the ice maker and a rear wall of the refrigerator, defines a storage chamber. |
| US09709311B2 |
System and method of controlling a variable-capacity compressor
A climate-control system may include a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module controlling the compressor unit. The compressor unit may be operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The control module may be configured to switch the compressor unit among a shutdown state, the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal and outdoor-air-temperature data. |
| US09709310B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit performing an air-warming operation by circulating refrigerant through the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and outdoor heat exchanger in order. The outdoor heat exchanger has flat perforated tubes arrayed vertically in multiple levels. The heat transfer tubes are sectioned into main and subordinate heat exchange parts. Upper and lower exit-entry spaces are formed in the outdoor heat exchanger. When an oil-accumulation-resolving criterion is met during the air-warming operation, low-refrigerant-circulation control, in which the refrigerant is circulated through the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and outdoor heat exchanger in order, is performed for a predetermined time with an operating capacity of the compressor having been lowered to a predetermined capacity. The oil-accumulation resolving criterion is used to initiate an operation of defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger after the low-refrigerant-circulation control is performed. |
| US09709304B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor-side flow rate control device (a fourth flow rate control device) that generates an intermediate pressure for injection into a compressor, and a bypass flow rate control device (a sixth flow rate control device) that is placed at a bypass pipe allowing bypassing of an outdoor heat exchanger in parallel to the outdoor-side flow rate control device and that controls the amount of heat exchange of the outdoor heat exchanger together with the outdoor-side flow rate control device. |
| US09709301B1 |
Evaporative fluid cooling apparatuses and methods thereof
An evaporative fluid cooling apparatus includes a cooling housing, at least two fluid coils, an air movement apparatus, and one or more spray apparatuses. The cooling housing defines a cooling chamber with an air housing input and an air housing output. The fluid coils are positioned in and extend across at least a portion of the cooling chamber in a spaced apart stacked arrangement. One of the fluid coils is positioned closer to the air housing output and has a first fluid input configured to be coupled to a fluid return from one or more air handler devices and a first fluid output coupled to a second fluid input to the other fluid coil. The other fluid coil is positioned closer to the air housing input and has a second fluid output configured to be coupled to a fluid supply to the air handler devices. |
| US09709300B2 |
Inflatable light weight solar cooker
Disclosed are systems and methods to concentrate sunlight with inflatable enclosures to heat substances, including fluids and for cooking, and to provide concentrated sunlight for other uses. The system includes an inflatable sunlight concentrator (upper balloon), an inflatable cooking housing (bottom balloon), and a cooking container. When inflated, the upper balloon has a substantially cone-shape and concentrates sunlight towards the bottom balloon. The bottom balloon may be of various shapes and may concentrate sunlight towards the cooking space. Each balloon is less than two ounces and can be folded into a small pocket-sized package when it is deflated. The cooking space may be a thermal bag, a box, or an insulated space. |
| US09709297B2 |
Inlet air flow guide for ACDX fan coil
An inlet air flow guide for a condensing unit of an air cooled direct expansion (ACDX) air conditioning unit. The flow guide has a panel having at least a portion spaced from a surface of the condensing unit to define a plenum for cooling air to enter the condensing unit from one side. A condensing unit of an ACDX air conditioning unit has a refrigerant cooling coil disposed in an opening, and the inlet air flow guide defines a plenum to provide an air flow passage to the opening from one side thereof. According to a method, the inlet air flow guide is installed onto the condensing unit of an ACDX air conditioning unit, wherein a panel of the flow guide has at least a portion spaced from a surface of the condensing unit to define a plenum for cooling air to enter the condensing unit from one side. |
| US09709294B2 |
Air conditioning system for dehumidifying and cooling air
An air conditioning system includes a housing defining a first airflow path therein between an outside air inlet over a cooling coil and an outlet for delivering outside air from the outside air inlet over the coil to the outlet, a second airflow path between a return air inlet over the cooling coil and to the outlet for delivering return air over the cooling coil, and a third airflow path between the return air inlet and the outlet for delivering return air through the housing without passing over the cooling coil. The system includes outside, return, and bypass air dampers that are sequentially moveable between open and closed positions for directing air through or preventing air from entering the first, second, and third airflow paths, respectively. A controller independently controls the opening and closing of each damper in response to data received from the sensor. |
| US09709291B2 |
Humidity monitoring and adjustment system
Methods and systems for humidity monitoring and adjustment are described herein. Data from at least one external sensor system is received by a computing device. The external sensor system determines at least one of outdoor air temperature and outdoor air humidity. Data from at least one internal sensor system is received by the computing device. The internal sensor system determines at least one of indoor air temperature and indoor air humidity. A dew point for an indoor environment is calculated based upon the data from the external sensor system and data from the internal sensor system. A graphical indication of an indoor environment climate may be displayed based upon the calculated dew point. Access openings, such as windows, may be opened or closed to change the humidity of the indoor environment. |
| US09709289B2 |
Control unit for air conditioner
A control unit controls a first DC motor and a second DC motor by detecting a rotational position thereof and includes first control means and second control means. The first control means performs a detection of the origin position pattern by controlling each DC motor to rotate toward one side within a detectable range. In case where the rotational position reaches one end of the detectable range, the second control means performs a detection of the origin position pattern by controlling the DC motor to rotate oppositely from the one side when the other DC motor is stopping, and performs a detection of the origin position pattern by controlling the DC motor to rotate oppositely from the one side after the rotational position of the other DC motor reaches the one end of the detectable range when the other DC motor is rotating. |
| US09709283B2 |
User interface for white goods and associated multi-channel proximity sensors
A method for operating a stove including providing a plurality of burners beneath a cooktop surface and a plurality of visible-light emitters mounted under the surface for separately, variably illuminating edges of the surface adjacent to each of the burners, providing a touch-and-proximity sensor for detecting objects above the surface, illuminating at least one edge of the surface in response to the sensor detecting a pot suspended above one of the burners, and intensifying the illuminating commensurate with proximity of the pot to the one burner, as further detected by the sensor. |
| US09709275B2 |
Debris removal system
A casing for a turbo-machine at least partially defines a flow path for a working fluid through or around one or more of a compressor section, a combustor assembly, or a turbine section. The casing defines an inner surface and the inner surface defines a plurality of debris routing channels. The plurality of debris routing channels are configured to route debris in a working fluid within the casing towards a debris collection mechanism. |
| US09709271B2 |
Thermally controlled combustion system
Contemplated configurations and methods are presented for effectively controlling the temperature in an oxy-fuel combustion system. Contemplated systems preferably introduce water independent of the fuel and oxygen into the combustion chamber. Water is injected through one or more nozzles, wherein water is atomized or sprayed, creating boundary layer cool zones in a boiler system and wherein water is recovered. |
| US09709268B2 |
Sulphur-assisted carbon capture and storage (CCS) processes and systems
A system for carbon capture includes an oxy-fuel combustor for combusting a hydrocarbon with pure oxygen to produce heat energy and carbon dioxide, a COS converter for converting the carbon dioxide to COS, a transport means for transporting the COS, a sulphur recovery unit for recovering sulphur from the COS and an adjunct sulphur-burning power plant for combusting the sulphur to generate energy for powering one or more carbon capture and storage processes. |
| US09709266B2 |
Combustor for discrete low and high pressure vapour combustion
A stack is provided for combustion of low pressure hydrocarbon vapors from various equipment, the combustion being discrete from periodic flaring of high pressure vapors from a top of the stack. A primary burner is positioned adjacent a base of the stack and a flare is positioned in the stack's bore adjacent a top thereof. Combustion air is naturally aspirated through the stack through inlets in the stack below the primary burners, providing both primary air and secondary air for the primary burners and first combustion air for the flare. The flare aspirates further combustion air from about the top of the stack. The combustion air optimizes clean burning at the primary burner and for reducing smoke production from the flare. A controller provides an auto re-light igniters at the primary burner and a continuous igniter at the flare. |
| US09709264B2 |
Dual venturi for water heater
Provided is a dual venturi having: a tubular part; a body part, for opening/closing the flow of secondary air by rotating in the horizontal plane and vertical plane directions, the horizontal plane direction being the cross-sectional direction of the tubular part and the vertical plane direction being perpendicular to the horizontal plane; a central passageway, becoming the passageway for primary air; a damper part, and a damper part-side secondary gas outlet; a driving part, for rotationally driving the damper part in the horizontal and vertical planes; a gas inlet-side primary gas outlet connected openly to the damper part-side primary gas outlet; and a gas inlet for introducing gas into the tubular part via the damper part, which openly connects selectively to the damper part-side secondary gas outlet on the basis of the rotational position of the damper part, and for forming the rotational shaft of the damper part along with the rotational shaft of the driving part. |
| US09709263B2 |
Fuel burning system and method
A method of preventing clogging of a reusable wick, a method of fueling a reusable wick, and a fuel burning system are provided. The fuel burning system has a melted fuel reservoir, a melting grate, and at least one wick. The melted fuel reservoir is configured to receive a solid fuel. The melting grate is located above at least a portion of the melted fuel reservoir so that fuel melted on the melting grate can be received into the melted fuel reservoir. The at least one wick has an at least partially hollow core forming a burn chamber extending above the melting grate. The wick is spaced from the reservoir so that melted fuel in the reservoir is spaced apart from a bottom of the wick. |
| US09709251B2 |
Engagement structure, backlight module and display device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose an engagement structure, a crystal backlight module and a display device. The engagement structure is used for fixing an arrangement of the back cover and the mold frame of a display device. The engagement structure comprises a first engaging part provided at the intersection of a first side wall and a second side wall of the back cover, a second engaging part provided on the second side wall of the back cover, and a third engaging part provided on the mold frame corresponding to the first engaging part, wherein the first engaging part and the third engaging part are engage with each another, the second engaging part and a corresponding side surface of the mold frame are pressed against each other, when the back cover and the mold frame are assembled. |
| US09709247B2 |
Portable light with light directing mechanism for providing different light modes
A portable light with light directing mechanism for providing different light modes includes a light source, a housing, a first lighting member, a second lighting member, a rotating means and a light guide. The light guide together with the light source is rotatable by the rotating means along a light guide axis between a first position where the light passage member provides a light passage from the light source to the first light inlet of the first lighting member and a second position where the light passage member provides a light passage from the light source to the second light inlet of the second lighting member. |
| US09709244B2 |
Light-source module
A light-source module includes an optical film and at least one light-source unit, which together enclose a space. The light-source unit includes a reflective assembly, a light-concentrating unit and at least one light-emitting assembly. The light-concentrating unit has a light exiting end and a light incidence end, and the light exiting end faces the space enclosed by the light-source unit and the optical film. The optical-axis direction of the light-emitting assembly is defined as a first direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the optical film is defined as a second direction. The length of the light-concentrating unit in the first direction is defined as a light-concentrating distance, the width of the light exiting end in the second direction is defined as a light exiting width, and the ratio of the light-concentrating distance over the light exiting width is greater than 0.5 but less than 10. |
| US09709242B2 |
Shell integrator
A shell integrator has a hollow transparent body with inner and outer surfaces formed as arrays of lenslets. Each lenslet of the inner surface images a common source region in the middle of the hollow body onto a respective lenslet of the outer surface. Each lenslet of the outer surface forms a virtual image of the respective lenslet of the inner surface at the common source region. One integrator has a light-guide following the surface of the hollow body from an inlet end at a central region of the surface to an outlet end at a rim of the hollow body. The light-guide inlet end is shaped to receive light from the common source region and direct such light along the light-guide. Another integrator is generally elongated, and may be semicylindrical. Any of these integrators may have a stepped surface forming a Fresnel lens. |
| US09709241B2 |
Methods of fabricating LED display screen covers and LED displays
A method of making an LED display includes fabricating an LED display screen cover using a light-permeable material, positioning the LED display screen cover over an LED display screen body having an array of LED pixel units each including a respective LED lamp, and securing the positioned LED display screen cover to the LED display screen body. The fabricated screen cover includes a plurality of cover units arranged in an array of multiple rows and multiple columns. Each cover unit includes a convex outer surface and an inner surface, the outer convex surfaces of adjacent cover units are configured and joined along the columns and rows, and the inner surfaces of the adjacent cover units are separated from each other. Each cover unit in the LED display screen cover is positioned on top of a respective LED lamp of the LED display screen body. |
| US09709235B2 |
Synchronized lamp adjuster
A synchronized lamp adjuster assembly allows for adjustment of vehicle lamp assemblies that can be adjusted synchronously or by using the same adjuster assembly. Two or more adjuster assemblies are connected together by at least one shaft drive assembly having a shaft drive head that interacts with an input shaft for the adjuster assemblies. Rotation of the shaft drive head causes rotation of input shaft and adjuster assembly thus causing adjustment of the lamp assemblies. |
| US09709234B2 |
Vehicle lamp structure
Disclosed is a vehicle lamp structure including a lamp cup structure and a light-emitting structure. The lamp cup structure has a first light-reflecting surface and a second light-reflecting surface. The first light-reflecting surface has a first focal point and a second focal point. The second light-reflecting surface has a third focal point and a fourth focal point. The light-emitting structure includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element corresponds to the first focal point. The second light-emitting element corresponds to the third focal point. The first light-emitting element generates a first light source projected onto the first light-reflecting surface to form a first reflection light source through the second focal point. The second light-emitting element generates a second light source projected onto the second light-reflecting surface to form a second reflection light source through the fourth focal point. |
| US09709231B2 |
Electronic lighting device
An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic lighting device may comprise a core, which may comprises an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure. The light-emitting element may be installed on the enclosure. A light outgoing direction of the light-emitting element may be intersected with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light of the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. |
| US09709229B2 |
Flame simulating assembly with flicker element including paddle elements
A flame simulating assembly including one or more light sources, a screen to which the light from the light source is directed, to provide images of flickering flames thereon, and a rotatable flicker element. The flicker element includes a rod defined by an axis and a number of paddle elements located in respective predetermined locations on the rod. Each paddle element includes one or more body portions having one or more reflective surfaces thereon. The reflective surface includes a central region and a perimeter region substantially defining a perimeter plane at least partially located around the central region. Each perimeter plane is substantially parallel to the axis. The light from the light source is reflected intermittently to respective predetermined regions on the screen. |
| US09709226B2 |
Adhesive activation system for rounded surfaces
An adhesive application system for rounded surfaces of a product. The adhesive activation system include a product body having a round outer perimeter, a band configured to fit along the outside of the round outer perimeter, a plurality of pressure pads arranged positioned along a curved pathway, a support configured to hold the product body such that the outer perimeter aligns with the curved pathway and one or more actuators coupled to each of the pressure pads and configured to move the pressure pads between a contracted position wherein curved inner sides of the pressure pads are substantially aligned with the curved pathway and thereby compress the band onto the round outer perimeter and an extended position wherein the curved inner sides are spaced away from the curved pathway. |
| US09709215B2 |
Wall mount plate of display apparatus and display apparatus
A wall mount plate for a display apparatus is disclosed. For example, a wall mount plate for a display apparatus configured to fix the display apparatus onto a wall by use of magnetic force of a magnet is disclosed. Some of the disclosed examples are provided with the wall mount plate having a recess accommodating a magnet and configured to fix the display apparatus onto a wall by use of magnetic force of the magnet. |
| US09709214B2 |
Bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly
A bracket for attaching a lifting/lowering device to a support member of a safety structure, the bracket including: a body configured to at least partially contact or envelop a support member of a safety structure, wherein at least one surface of the body has at least one cut-out that includes at least one shaped end for contacting a support member pin inserted into the support member of the safety structure, and wherein the body includes at least one surface for mounting or securing the bracket to a lifting/lowering device. A bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly and method of installation are also disclosed. |
| US09709208B2 |
Pipeline supporting apparatus
A support apparatus for installing a pipeline into a trench has a first pipeline-receiving section, a second pipeline-receiving section, and a fastener removably affixed to at least one of the first and second pipeline receiving sections. The fastener is connected to the first and second pipeline-receiving sections so as to be in a pipeline-supporting position. The fastener is removable from at least one of the first and second pipeline-receiving sections so as to allow the first and second pipeline-receiving sections to separate from each other. Each of the pipeline-receiving sections includes a pipeline-receiving surface and a support affixed to the pipeline-receiving surface and extending downwardly therefrom so as to allow the pipeline-receiving surface to be positioned at a desired location above a bottom of the trench. |
| US09709207B1 |
Chassis assembly structure
A chassis assembly structure includes a surrounding plate assembly, first abutting elements, second abutting elements and a third board. The first and second boards are coupled to form the surrounding plate assembly. Each first abutting element has a slider and a first stop plate extended from the first (or second) board, and each second abutting element has first and second convex plates extended from the second (or first) board. Each first convex plate has a first positioning groove at an end and a second stop plate at the other end. Each second convex plate has a second positioning groove, and both ends of each slider are slidably coupled to and limited in each of the first and second positioning grooves, and each first stop plate is stopped and limited by each second stop plate, and the third board covers a side of the surrounding plate assembly. |
| US09709204B2 |
Systems and methods for pipeline device propulsion
A method for sealing a leak in a pipeline used to transport fluid includes positioning a sealing device within the pipeline, moving the sealing device through the pipeline to a leak location, and internally generating an inflation pressure to inflate the sealing device to substantially cover a leak opening and limit release of the fluid from the pipeline. |
| US09709197B2 |
Variable structure seals
A seal (100) for connecting to a tube (110) having a wall, the seal comprising: • an elongated cavity (130) for receiving an end of the tube (110); • a first elastic ring (140) in the cavity (130); and • a fluid inlet (150) for radially pressing the first elastic ring (140) against the wall of the tube (110) inserted in the cavity (130). |
| US09709190B2 |
Height adjusting mechanism for an inlet valve
A height adjusting mechanism for an inlet valve includes a valve body, and inlet pipe, a retaining member and an actuator. The inlet pipe is sleeved in the valve body and connected to the valve body; the retaining member is assembled in the valve body; and the actuator can drive the retaining member to move to make the valve body fixed to the inlet pipe or moved relatively to the inlet pipe in the axial direction. The actuator drives the retaining member to move in order to let the valve body and the inlet pipe to be fixed or moved relatively to each other in the axial direction. There is no need to rotate the valve body during adjusting process, and the float won't affect the tank wall when the water valve body is rotating. |
| US09709189B2 |
Final position locking feature of multi-turn rotational device having an axially translating wheel or a clocked lock passage gear
A valve, including a diaphragm valve, is provided featuring a cover in combination with at least one inner housing component. The cover may be configured with a biased-pin mounted therein. The at least one inner housing component may be configured with a hole or slot formed at a predetermined location where the biased-pin is at when the valve is calibrated to be at a final position. The cover may be configured to rotate and cause an axial translation between the cover and the at least one inner housing component so that the biased-pin engages the hole or slot when the valve is at the final position so as to stop any further axial and rotational movement. |
| US09709188B2 |
Apparatus for regulation of the pressure of a gas
A pressure regulator comprising a housing having an inlet in communication with a gas source, an outlet operable to supply a gas at a given pressure and flow rate, a conduit extending between the inlet and the outlet, a restriction device located in the conduit and positionable to control the flow of gas therethrough, a biasing arrangement to apply a predetermined bias to the restriction device and a selection device operable to select one of a predetermined plurality of discrete, offset configurations of the biasing arrangement and restriction device to provide a discrete selection of gas pressures at said outlet. The outlet comprises a fixed-size orifice selected from a specific group of fixed-sized orifices such that the combination of orifice and selectable position of said selection device provide a group of discrete flow rate/pressure combinations to applications downstream of said outlet. |
| US09709187B2 |
Air source controlling device for a pneumatic nail-gun
An air source controlling device for a pneumatic nail-gun includes a body, a choke valve and a switch. The body includes a controlling chamber for connecting a compressed air source, an air passage for communicating the controlling chamber and the pneumatic nail-gun, a switch channel communicating the air passage and an accommodation space, and an air vent hole communicating the accommodation space and an external environment. The choke valve is disposed in the controlling chamber and is switchable between a communicating status and a non-communicating status for controlling the opening or closing between the controlling chamber and the air passage. The switch includes an actuating member slidably disposed in the switch channel and the accommodation space without covering the air vent hole. A sealing member is disposed on the actuating member and is sealed with the switch channel. The actuating member activates the choke valve. |
| US09709182B2 |
Non chattering pressure relief valve
A pressure relief valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and defining a first fluid path fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet of the valve; a valve member axially moveable between a first position and a second position, the valve member configured to close the fluid path in the first position and thereby restrict flow between the inlet and the outlet, the valve member configured to open the fluid path in the second position and thereby allow flow between the inlet and the outlet; a biasing element configured to bias the valve member in the first position; and a friction element resiliently biased laterally against an axially extending surface of the valve member to provide frictional resistance to movement of the valve member and thereby cause hysteresis in axial movement of the valve member between the first position and the second position. |
| US09709176B2 |
Device for a valve having first and second fluid ports, including a closure element
A device in a valve includes a valve housing with at least a first and a second fluid port. A closure element including a sealing portion and a diaphragm is arranged in the valve housing. The sealing portion is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element and valve housing form a flow passage which communicates with the fluid ports when the sealing portion leaves the closed position. A second sealing portion is arranged in contact with a support portion of the valve housing. An abutment element is arranged in contact with the second sealing portion. The abutment element transmits a force via the second sealing portion toward the support portion to provide a seal. The force is at least partly exerted by a spring element. |
| US09709166B2 |
Control device of lock-up clutch
A control device includes a deceleration flex-torque calculation unit that calculates a target torque capacity of a lock-up clutch when a state of the lock-up clutch is controlled to a deceleration flex control state, an acceleration flex-torque calculation unit that calculates a target torque capacity of the lock-up clutch when the state of the lock-up clutch is controlled to an acceleration flex control state, and a control unit that controls a torque capacity of the lock-up clutch to a target torque capacity calculated by the acceleration flex-torque calculation unit, during a period until a target torque capacity calculated by the acceleration flex-torque calculation unit falls below a target torque capacity calculated by the deceleration flex-torque calculation unit, when the state of the lock-up clutch is shifted from the acceleration flex control state to the deceleration flex control state. |
| US09709165B2 |
Control apparatus for automatic transmission
In an apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission connected to a prime mover mounted on a vehicle, having a torque converter equipped with a lock-up clutch, when the automatic transmission is gear-shifted to a predetermined gear at deceleration of the vehicle and it is determined that predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle are satisfied, a lock-up clutch engaging circuit is formed through a hydraulic supply circuit. Next it is determined whether engage-position sticking malfunction of the lock-up clutch has occurred based on a ratio of an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission relative to an output rotational speed of the prime mover when the lock-up clutch engaging circuit has been formed, and fail-safe control is then implement when the sticking is determined. |
| US09709164B2 |
Transmission component failure detection and avoidance
A method of operating a transmission includes measuring an output torque, estimating a gearbox input torque using a model, and estimating gearbox component torques based on a detailed gearbox model. The model used to estimate the input torque varies depending on whether a torque converter is locked, open, or slipping. In some operating conditions, multiple estimates are available for gearbox input torque, impeller torque, or shift element torque in which case the models are adapted. When an estimated component torque is outside an expected range, a warning flag is raised and diagnostic data is saved. When an estimated torque approaches or exceeds a torque limit, the input torque command may be reduced to prevent component damage. A warning flag may also be raised and diagnostic data saved in response to a model parameter being adapted to a value outside of a predetermined range. |
| US09709161B2 |
Shift control apparatus and shift control method of automatic transmission
A shift control apparatus of an automatic transmission may include a data detector configured to detect driving data to perform a shift control, and a vehicle controller configured to determine a shift gear stage based on the driving data and control a transmission based on the shift gear stage, in which the vehicle controller sets driver's demand acceleration based on the driving data, sets a gear stage range which arrives at the driver's demand acceleration, and sets a target gear stage, at which fuel consumption is minimized, in the gear stage range to instruct a shift. |
| US09709156B2 |
Bearing shaft
A hollow cylindrical rotary bearing shaft for a planet gear of an epicyclic gear train, has a cylindrical outer surface accommodating the planet gear, and a wall thickness. The wall thickness of the bearing shaft varies circumferentially around a diameter of the bearing shaft so as to produce a pre-determined circumferential variation in the wall thickness. |
| US09709155B2 |
Motor assembly and method of biasing the same
A method of biasing a worm shaft of a motor assembly including the steps of: providing a motor assembly having a housing defining an inner chamber, an access aperture spaced therefrom, a shaft aperture in communication with both the chamber and access aperture, and a shaft rotatably supported by and at least partially disposed in the shaft aperture; providing an ultrasonic device having a horn for producing vibrations; providing a slug having a body defining a first shape for being disposed in the access aperture, transformable to a second shape whereby the slug melts in response to predetermined vibrations; placing the slug in the access aperture; actuating the ultrasonic device so as to transform the slug to the second shape such that the slug melts and at least partially flows into the shaft aperture to abut the terminal portion. |
| US09709147B2 |
Hybrid drive module with single damper
A hybrid drive module, including: a torque converter with an output shaft, a cover for connection to a flex plate for an internal combustion engine, an impeller non-rotatably connected to the cover, a turbine, and a torsional damper including an input part non-rotatably connected to the turbine, an output part non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, and at least one circumferentially aligned coil spring engaged with the input part and output parts; an output hub arranged to non-rotatably connect to a transmission input shaft; and a disconnect clutch assembly including a first clutch component non-rotatably connected to the output hub and arranged to non-rotatably connect to an electric motor and a second clutch component non-rotatably connected to the output shaft. A torque path from the cover to the output hub passes through in sequence: the turbine, the damper, the output shaft, the second clutch component, and the first clutch component. |
| US09709138B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially. |
| US09709136B2 |
Aircraft and planetary gear systems
Planetary gear systems, transmissions, and apparatuses include a plurality of compound planet gears, each having three gear stages, a first non-fixed annular gear, a second non-fixed annular gear, a fixed annular gear, and a non-fixed sun gear. A rotational input to the non-fixed sun gear results in opposite rotational outputs of the first non-fixed annular gear and the second non-fixed annular gear. Compound planet gears and carriers for planetary gear systems are also disclosed. |
| US09709134B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving power from an engine, an output shaft outputting power changed in speed, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotating elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotating elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotating elements, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotating elements, and seven control elements disposed between the rotating elements, and disposed at positions where the rotating elements are selectively connected to a transmission housing. |
| US09709133B2 |
Speed change device
A speed change device that transmits power input to an input shaft to an output shaft while changing a speed ratio to a plurality of speeds, the speed change device including: a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears, each of the plurality of pinion gears meshing with at least one of the sun gear and the ring gear; and a brake including a brake hub fixed to the carrier and a friction plate fitted to an outer circumference of the brake hub, the brake being capable of holding the carrier stationary to a case. |
| US09709132B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train may include an input shaft, an output shaft, first and second planetary gear sets each having three rotation elements, a first rotation shaft directly connected to one rotation element of the second planetary gear set and selectively connected to the input shaft, a second rotation shaft directly connected to one rotation element of the first planetary gear set and another rotation element of the second planetary gear set, and directly connected to the output shaft, a third rotation shaft directly connected to another rotation element of the first planetary gear set and the remaining rotation element of the second planetary gear set, and selectively connected to the input shaft and/or selectively connected to a transmission housing, and a fourth rotation shaft directly connected to the remaining rotation element of the first planetary gear set, and selectively connected to the input shaft through two paths and/or selectively connected to the transmission housing. |
| US09709129B2 |
Transmission belt
At least part of a belt body of a transmission belt contacting a cord is made of a rubber composition containing ethylene-α-olefin elastomer as a rubber component and formed in such a manner that the rubber component is mixed with α,β-unsaturated fatty acid metallic salt and then is crosslinked using sulfur. |
| US09709127B2 |
Starting device
In a starting device including a centrifugal-pendulum vibration absorbing device, while lock-up is released, a flow of working oil directed from a lock-up piston side toward a damper mechanism is produced in a clutch engagement chamber. A thrust force in the axial direction directed from the lock-up piston toward the damper mechanism is applied to a weight, of a mass body of the centrifugal-pendulum vibration absorbing device, disposed on the lock-up piston side. A support member of the centrifugal-pendulum vibration absorbing device is provided with weight support protrusions that project in the axial direction of an input shaft of a speed change device toward the weight disposed on the lock-up piston side. |
| US09709126B2 |
Torsional vibration damper
A torsional vibration damper includes a pendulum flange which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, having a cutout, as well as two pendulum mass pairs which are movably attached to the pendulum flange, adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and an elastic element to damp mutual colliding of adjacent pendulum mass pairs. The pendulum mass pairs each comprise two pendulum masses which are positioned opposite each other relative to the pendulum flange, and a bolt which runs through the cutout and connects the pendulum masses to each other axially. In the area of the cutout an elastic element is attached to each of the two bolts, which is set up to collide with the other elastic element in the circumferential direction. |
| US09709125B2 |
Vibration damper
A vibration damper includes an input side and output side, one or more elastic elements for transmitting force between the input side and the output side, and a centrifugal force pendulum having a pendulum flange and one or more pendulum masses which are attached movably to the pendulum flange in the plane of rotation of the pendulum flange. It is proposed that certain ratios of masses and volumes of the elastic elements and of the pendulum masses be formed. If one or more of the ratios lie in specified ranges, then good damping or elimination of torsional vibrations by the vibration damper can be assumed. |
| US09709121B2 |
Twin wire bending kinetic energy attenuation system
A mechanism for decreasing kinetic energy includes a carriage to connect to an object, a first wire passing through a top portion of the carriage, a second wire coterminous with the first wire at a top end and a bottom end, a spreading wheel axially fixed in a center position of the carriage between the first and second wires to plastically deform the first and second wires from a substantially parallel configuration to conform to a circumferential surface on two opposing sides of the spreading wheel as the carriage moves from the top to the bottom end, and a pair of despreading wheels axially parallel to and oriented proximal to the spreading wheel such that the first and second wires are deformed by a circumferential surface of each of the despreading wheels such that they are deformed again as the carriage moves from the top to the bottom end. |
| US09709117B2 |
Dampening device for a surveying rod and surveying rod comprising a dampening device
The dampening device comprises a first member, preferably a tubular member, which is to be positioned at the end of the surveying rod which is to be directed to the ground, a second member, preferably a post, being at least partially slidable directly or indirectly along the first member in a longitudinal direction and for being directly or indirectly connected to a tip which is to be placed on the ground, wherein the first and second members overlap at least in one position at least partially along the longitudinal direction, and at least one elastic dampening member which is directly or indirectly housed by the first and/or second member and disposed such that it is compressed by a movement of the first member and the second member relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, so that mechanical shock exerted to the surveying rod and/or the tip can be dampened by elastic deformation of the dampening member. |
| US09709116B2 |
Vibration isolating device
A large ring part of a torque rod includes an outer frame section, an inner member, an intermediate ring and an elastic vibration isolating main body. The outer frame section and the intermediate ring are integrally combined with the elastic vibration isolating main body. An inner clearance is provided between the intermediate ring and the inner member such as to surround the circumference of the inner member. The intermediate ring is movable relative to the inner member in the axial direction. With respect to the vibration in the direction of a mounting shaft, the outer frame section, the intermediate ring and the elastic vibration isolating main body move together in the axial direction in relation to the inner member, whereby the spring in the direction of the mounting shaft is weakened and the resonance frequency of the rigid body resonance in the direction of the mounting shaft is decreased. |
| US09709113B2 |
Safety actuation mechanism for trailer electric drum brake
An electric drum brake comprises a back plate. Shoes are operatively mounted to the backplate and displaceable to a deployed condition against a wheel drum from a retracted condition. An electrically powered actuation mechanism is adapted to convert electric power to a movement of the shoes to the deployed condition. A safety actuation mechanism comprises a lever having a first end adapted to receive a mechanical force. A joint configuration connects the lever to at least one of the shoes to convert movements of the lever to movements of at least one of the shoes between the deployed condition and the retracted condition without said electric power. A biasing member produces a biasing action against at least one of the lever and the joint configuration to maintain the shoes in the deployed condition, the mechanical force being against the biasing action to maintain the shoes in the retracted condition. |
| US09709111B1 |
Rotational coupling device with non-contact anti-rotation mechanism
A rotational coupling includes a coupling disc configured to be disposed about a shaft having a rotational axis. An electromagnet assembly on one side of the coupling disc includes a housing and a conductor within the housing. An armature is disposed on an opposite side of the coupling disc opposite the conductor and the coupling disc, electromagnet assembly and armature form an electromagnetic circuit when current is supplied to the conductor to urge the armature towards engagement with the coupling disc. An anti-rotation mechanism for the electromagnet assembly includes one or more coupling permanent magnets and one or more fixed permanent magnets configured to be mounted to an outer surface of the housing of the electromagnet assembly and a fixed support structure, respectively. The coupling and fixed permanent magnets are arranged to inhibit movement of the coupling permanent magnets and electromagnet assembly in either rotational direction about the rotational axis. |
| US09709109B2 |
Preventing carbon AO migration by limiting surface porosity
In the manufacture of carbon-carbon composite brake discs, migration of anti-oxidant substances into the friction surfaces is prevented by limiting or eliminating surface porosity in the carbon-carbon composite brake materials. The method includes infusing a suitable resin into pores in surface layers of the carbon-carbon composite disc and then charring the resin-infused disc to convert the resin in the pores to pyrolytic carbon. The resin may be infused into the carbon disc by submerging the disc in a molten resin. Prior to submerging the disc in the molten resin, the disc may subjected to a vacuum to remove air from the pores. While the disc is submerged in the molten resin, the pressure in the pressurizable vessel may increased to force the molten resin into the open porosity of the disc. |
| US09709107B2 |
Bearing bracket configuration for drum brake and method for assembling a bearing bracket configuration
A bearing bracket configuration for a drum brake of a motor vehicle. A bearing bracket (30) for an eccentric shaft (20) is provided with a separate mounting (50) for the brake cylinder (10). This makes it possible for the fastening to be divided into separate parts, whereby accessibility for fitting is improved and it is possible for the parts to be largely preassembled. Also, a drum brake and a motor vehicle with the configuration and a method for fitting a bearing bracket configuration are disclosed. |
| US09709104B2 |
Mechanically disengaging overrunning clutch
A one way overrunning clutch capable of fully disconnecting a drive and driven members during overrunning by utilizing helical teeth or utilizing jaw teeth. Both assembly types provide a drive connection in one rotational direction and allow for overrunning in the opposite rotational direction. Both helical and jaw tooth coupling systems contain a spring loaded actuating plate allowing it to move along either assembly's common axis, enabling components connected to the drive or driven to be completely unconnected when overrunning occurs under certain operating conditions. |
| US09709103B2 |
Viscous clutch and associated reservoir configuration
A viscous clutch (30; 130; 230) includes a shaft (32; 132; 232), a rotor (34; 134; 234) attached to the shaft, a housing (36; 136; 236) located adjacent to the rotor, a working chamber (40; 140; 240) defined between the rotor and the housing, and a reservoir (38; 138; 238) used to store a shear fluid. Selective introduction of the shear fluid to the working chamber facilitates selective torque transmission between the rotor and the housing. The reservoir is attached to the shaft separately from the rotor. |
| US09709101B2 |
Clutch assembly with grooved friction surfaces
A clutch assembly for transmitting power from an output shaft of an engine to an input shaft of a gearbox includes annular friction surfaces on at least one of the flywheel and the pressure plate. The annular friction surface has a plurality of grooves that extend across the annular friction surface away from an inner rim of the friction surface toward an outer rim of the friction surface to prevent a reduction in friction caused by outgassing or abraded particles trapped between engaging friction surfaces. |
| US09709098B2 |
Roller bearing spring clip
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a clip for biasing and maintaining rollers within an opening of the roller bearing assembly. The clip includes a connecting segment, a resilient portion, and an anchor portion. The clip may be attached to a roll cage with openings for rollers. The resilient portion of the clip extends into an opening and contacts the roller when a roller is received in the opening. The anchor portion is positioned in an adjacent opening and abuts the roll cage. |
| US09709094B2 |
Bearing structure and turbocharger
A shaft includes: two large-diameter portions; and a small-diameter portion formed between the two large-diameter portions. A bearing includes: an annular body in which to insert the shaft; two bearing surfaces being opposite the large-diameter portions; and an intervening surface located between the two bearing surfaces on an inner circumferential surface of the body, and being opposite the small-diameter portion with a clearance formed between the intervening surface and the small-diameter portion. No anti-corrosion treatment is applied to the large-diameter portions. An anti-corrosion treatment is applied to at least any one of: an exposed portion of an outer peripheral surface of the body of the bearing, which is exposed to the outside of the housing; the intervening surface of the bearing; an opposite end surface of the bearing; and the small-diameter portion of the shaft. |
| US09709093B2 |
Sliding member
Bearing 13 has lining layer 17 that is formed of an alloy having a predetermined shape and that has chamfered portion 25, and overlay layer 19 that is formed of a resin on an inner circumferential surface of lining layer 17, the inner circumferential surface sliding relative to a mating shaft, and that covers at least a portion of chamfered portion 25. |
| US09709092B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing, motor, and optical deflector
Provided are a fluid dynamic bearing, a motor, and an optical deflector, for which a fixed shaft can be attached with little axial eccentricity. The bearing (10) is equipped with a fixed shaft (11), a sleeve (20) provided so as to be capable of rotating around the fixed shaft (11), dynamic pressure generating sections (22, 23) provided in the sleeve (20), and a lower case (30) for securing the lower end (11a) of the fixed shaft (11). In addition, the bearing is equipped with a retaining case (40), which has a chuck (52) that retains the upper end (11b) of the fixed shaft (11) secured by the lower case (30), and which can be secured to the lower case (30) in a state that does not generate pressure causing the axial center of the fixed shaft (11) to move. |
| US09709091B2 |
Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly comprises a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a blocking element and an engagement element. The first rail has a blocking part. The blocking element is connected to the second rail. When the second rail is located at a retrieve position relative to the first rail, and the engagement element is operatively connected to the blocking element for moving the blocking element from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position relative to the second rail, only the third rail can move relative to the second rail when the slide rail assembly is extended along an extension direction, in order to adjust extension length of the slide rail assembly. |
| US09709089B2 |
Combination spherical and laminated bearing assembly
A bearing assembly for coupling first and second members includes a housing coupled with, or integrally formed with the first member, a laminated bearing section and a spherical bearing section, each section disposed within a housing bore. The laminated bearing section is configured such that at least a portion of the laminated bearing section flexes when torque on the first and second members is less than a predetermined value. The spherical bearing section is configured such that a spherical bearing inner member slidably displaces within a spherical bearing outer member when torque on the first and second members is at least the predetermined value. |
| US09709088B2 |
Method for manufacturing a radial and axial combination bearing and resulting bearing
An axial and radial combined load rolling bearing including a separately formed radial bearing ring and an axial bearing cup that are assembled together to form the combined load bearing in a simplified manner that avoids known issues with perpendicularity between the radial and axial bearing races. A method of making such a bearing is also provided. |
| US09709086B2 |
Self-drilling, self-cleaning panel fastener
A self-drilling, self-cleaning fastener for a panel includes a head having a top side and an underside. The head has a diameter. A shank depends from an underside of the head and has a diameter less than the diameter of the head. A knurled region is adjacent the shank. The knurled region has a diameter and a plurality of spiral formed knurls having a twist in a first direction. The knurls define a major circumference as measured around peaks of the knurls. A threaded region is adjacent the knurled region and has a diameter less than the diameter of the knurled region. The threaded region has a thread form having a twist in a second direction opposite the first direction. A driving point is at an end opposite the head. |
| US09709084B2 |
Clip and elastic body attachment component
A clip includes a pair of holding members arranged oppositely to one another to be capable of holding an elastic body therebetween, a base member, to which end portions of one side of the pair of holding members are coupled and at least one of the holding members is pivotably coupled, set on an object to be fixed, and pressing members provided on the holding members for pressing/retaining the elastic member between the pair of holding members. |
| US09709083B2 |
Spring enabled audio device mounting apparatus
Devices that allow one or more objects to be quickly and easily attached to a musical device are described. In one embodiment, a spring-enabled mounting device is disclosed that allows a device such as a microphone to be removably attached to a musical instrument, such as a drum. The apparatus may be operable via the use of a single hand applying forces to manipulate one or more springs within the apparatus, thus allowing for convenient and timely attachment, removal, and/or repositioning of the object, such as a microphone, with respect to the instrument. |
| US09709082B2 |
Buckle assembly
A buckle assembly includes a first buckle member, a second buckle member and a locking arrangement. The first buckle member includes a first buckle body and an insertion member. The second buckle member includes a second buckle body having a receiving slot, a first buckle latch and a second buckle latch pivotally connected to the second buckle body to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a plurality of resilient elements mounted in the second buckle body. The locking arrangement includes a first locking member extended from one of the first buckle member and the second buckle member to retain one of the first buckle latch and the second buckle latch at a locked position. |
| US09709081B2 |
Fluid testing device, and a method of testing a pressurized fluid for dissolved and/or entrained gasses
A method of testing a pressurized liquid fluid for dissolved gasses includes evacuating both a first tank and a second tank. A test volume of a pressurized liquid fluid is introduced into the first tank. An initial absolute pressure in the second tank is sensed, and then fluid communication between the first tank and the second tank is opened to allow the pressurized fluid to flow from the first tank into the second tank, thereby de-pressurizing the fluid. The de-pressurized fluid in the second tank is maintained for a pre-defined out-gassing period, to allow any gasses in the de-pressurized fluid to separate from the de-pressurized fluid. A final absolute pressure in the second tank is sensed. A difference between the final absolute pressure and the initial absolute pressure is correlated to a volume of gasses released from the de-pressurized fluid. |
| US09709080B2 |
Variable cooling flow
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary vane actuator that includes a stator having at least one vane stop and a rotor having vanes projecting from a central shaft. The vane is adapted to contact said stop of the stator, and a high pressure chamber is defined by the stator and a first side of the vane and a low pressure chamber on a second side of the vane. The actuator further includes at least a first aperture connected to the high pressure chamber a second aperture connected to the low pressure chamber. A fluid flow passage connects the first aperture in the high pressure chamber to the second aperture in the low pressure chamber. |
| US09709079B2 |
Conveying system actuators as well as conveyor assemblies and conveying systems including same
Conveyor actuator assemblies include a gas spring assembly and a base element that at least partially defines a channel extending therethrough. The gas spring assembly extends through the channel. A first end element receives part of the gas spring assembly and a second end element receives another part of the gas spring assembly. A piston element is disposed within the channel and projects outward beyond the base element through an open side to a distal end dimensioned for engaging an associated conveyor belt. The gas spring assembly is inflatable between a first condition in which the piston element is disposed in a first position relative to the base element, and a second condition in which the piston element is disposed in a second position relative to the base element that is different than the first position. Conveyor assemblies, conveying systems and methods of assembly are also included. |
| US09709078B2 |
Rotary piston type actuator with a central actuation assembly
A rotary actuator includes a housing defining an arcuate chamber including a cavity, a fluid port in fluid communication with the cavity, and an open end. A rotor assembly includes an output shaft and a rotor arm extending outward. An arcuate-shaped piston is disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the arcuate chamber through the open end, wherein a seal, the cavity, and the piston define a pressure chamber, and a portion of the piston contacts the first rotor arm. A central actuation assembly includes a central mounting point formed in an external surface of the output shaft, said central mounting point proximal to the longitudinal midpoint of the shaft, and an actuation arm removably attached at a proximal end to the central mounting point, said actuation arm adapted at a distal end for attachment to an external mounting feature of a member to be actuated. |
| US09709077B2 |
Hydro pneumatic accumulator with internal leak detection
A piston type hydro pneumatic accumulator with internal leak detection, having a gas chamber and a liquid chamber, the piston type hydro pneumatic accumulator comprising a cylindrical barrel, a floating piston, a gas end cover, a liquid end cover, a leakage detection construction having a first cylindrical channel reducing to a conical channel and further reducing to a second cylindrical channel, a floater device, the gas end cover and the liquid end cover hermetically disposed into the cylindrical barrel, a first pressure meter disposed so as to measure a pressure in the first cylindrical channel and a second pressure meter disposed so as to measure the pressure in the second cylindrical channel, the readings in the two pressure meters used for inferring a gas leakage or a liquid leakage. Also deployable a first pressure switch sensing a pressure P1 and a second pressure switch sensing a pressure P2, the output of the first pressure switch and the second pressure switch connected to a programmable logic controller, programmed so as to activate a liquid circuit for topping up of the liquid if P1>P2, activate a gas circuit for re-charging of gas if P1=P2≠0, produce a visual and or an audio signal or a combination thereof, or initiate any other corrective action. |
| US09709076B2 |
Hydraulic drive system
An operating state determining unit determines whether a hydraulic cylinder is in operation or not in operation. A discharge pressure reducing unit reduces the discharge pressure of a charge pump. A discharge pressure control unit controls the discharge pressure reducing unit when the hydraulic cylinder in not in operation to reduce the discharge pressure of the charge pump to a low pressure lower than a normal pressure. The normal pressure is the discharge pressure of the charge pump when the hydraulic cylinder is in operation. An accumulator is connected to a charge flowpath. A one-way valve is disposed between the accumulator and the charge pump. The one-way valve allows the flow of hydraulic fluid from the charge pump to the accumulator and prohibits the flow of hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the charge pump. |
| US09709073B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan includes an impeller, and a lower casing provided below the impeller. The impeller includes an upper shroud having an upper portion formed with an inlet, a lower shroud, and a plurality of blades arranged along a circumference direction between the upper shroud and the lower shroud. The blades extend from an inner side area to an outer side area in a radial direction, and are only connected to the lower shroud with the inner side area such that at least an outer circumferential side portion of each blade faces an upper surface of the lower casing. A surface of the lower casing, which faces the impeller, configures a portion of a wall surface which guides the fluid introduced from the inlet. A surface of each blade at a side of a leading edge portion is formed with a discontinuous portion having a step shape. |
| US09709069B2 |
Hybrid drive engine
A hybrid drive engine uses air foil shaped disks of a first configuration for a compressor portion thereof and air foil shaped disks of a second configuration for a turbine portion thereof, whereby the disks exhibit aerodynamic effects of lift. Particularly, the compressor disks are configured to cause aerodynamic lift off of a periphery of the disks, while the turbine disks are configured to cause aerodynamic lift off of an inner hole of the disks. The aerodynamic nature of the disks cause each disk thereof to form two opposing airfoil shapes either head to head or trailing edge to trailing edge across the through hole. |
| US09709064B2 |
Integrated fan blade and fan having the same
An integrated fan blade and a fan having the same are provided. The fan includes a stator (1) and a fan blade (2); the stator (1) is provided with a stator pivoting member (10) and disposed on and electrically connected to a circuit board (11); the fan blade (2) includes a blade wheel (20), a fan blade pivoting member (21) formed at the center of the blade wheel (20) and axially extended; and a plurality of blade pieces (22) annularly formed at the outer periphery of the blade wheel (20), and the fan blade pivoting member (21) is pivoted with the stator pivoting member (10), wherein the fan blade (2) is formed with a magnetic material area and formed through an integrally forming means. With the fan blade (2) being integrally formed, the fan operating property can be effectively improved. |
| US09709060B2 |
Side-channel pump and method for operating same
The invention relates to a side-channel pump and to a method for operating a side-channel pump in which an impeller rotates in a working chamber provided with a side channel. According to the invention, the pump is operated at an overspeed with a gas-filled working chamber in a first step. The speed is then reduced to an operating speed in order to pump a liquid. The pump according to the invention has a high suction power as a result of the overspeed, but only gas is drawn initially. |
| US09709059B2 |
Cross-flow wave making pump
This invention relates to a cross-flow wave making pump comprising an impeller shell forming a water intake and a water outlet, an impeller assembly pivotally connected to two ends of the impeller shell, and a motor used for driving the impeller assembly; wherein, the impeller assembly comprises an impeller used for driving a liquid flow, a first turntable and a second turntable respectively fixed at two ends of the impeller, wherein the first turntable is provided with a shaft rotatably mounted in the impeller shell, the second turntable is provided with a cavity used for receiving a rotor shaft of the motor. The embodiments of the present invention can provide a sufficient liquid-circulation in a container, and significantly reduce the dead zone where the liquid flows extremely slowly. |
| US09709057B2 |
Rotary pump having a casing being formed with a communicating hole communicating a space that is between the side plate and the wall surface of the driving machine
It is intended to provide a vacuum pump so that without upsizing the vacuum pump, noise and vibration are reduced, heat dissipation property is secured, and the casing is downsized. Therefore, at least one turning part is provided in an exhausting path formed in a casing body. The casing body is formed of a material whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of a rotor and vanes, and a cylinder part where the vanes slide is press fitted in the casing body. |
| US09709056B2 |
Sealing for a pump device
In a hollow seal member kept in abutted-engagement with a shaft hole formed in a housing via an elastic body and kept in sliding-contact with an outer circumference of a drive shaft for sealing against a leakage of fluid from a pump chamber, the seal member is provided with a seal part formed within an area at one end and kept in sliding-contact with the outer circumference of the drive shaft over a given hollow inner circumferential surface, and a rotation-stopping part formed within an area at the other end for restricting a movement of the seal member in a rotation direction of the drive shaft. A rotational resistance of the rotation-stopping part to the drive shaft is set to be less than a rotational resistance of the seal part. |
| US09709050B2 |
Solution pump system
A plunger driven solution pump is described that is configured to have a diaphragm that substantially conforms to the volume of a pump solution chamber when in a fully outwardly deflected state. The solution chamber may have an inlet port and an outlet port form in a concave solution chamber wall. A step, or ridge, may be formed along an outer periphery of the solution chamber wall and adjacent the inlet and outlet ports to prevent the diaphragm from becoming deformed from pressure against the solution chamber wall. This configuration may allow the pump to efficiently self-prime. |
| US09709046B2 |
Hydrostatic power unit as hydraulic starter of an internal combustion engine
A variable displacement hydrostatic power unit (7) is in a drive connection with an internal combustion engine (2). When operated as a pump, the power unit (7) delivers hydraulic fluid to at least one consumer (V). When operated as a motor, the power unit (7) is a hydraulic starter for the internal combustion engine (2) and is supplied with hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic accumulator (25). The displacement volume of the power unit (7) is set by a displacement volume control device (50) actuated by a positioning device (52). The displacement volume control device (50) is displaced into a position with maximum displacement volume by a corresponding actuation of the positioning device (52) chronologically prior to the shutoff of the internal combustion engine (2). A securing device (60) holds the displacement volume control device (50) in the maximum displacement volume position when the internal combustion engine (2) is shut off. |
| US09709044B2 |
Method for the vacuum supply for a pneumatic brake booster of a motor vehicle braking system
A method for supplying vacuum for a pneumatic brake booster for a motor vehicle braking system, using an electromotively-driven displacement type pump assembly. At least one pressure sensor for monitoring a pneumatic pressure is associated with the pump assembly, and electric signals of the pressure sensor are fed to an electronic unit, analyzed, and processed in order to regulate the pressure. A plausibility check of the pressure sensor signal is carried out by a pressure value amplitude being determined, by signal analysis, in the form of a difference between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value within a stroke of the displacement element, and this being compared to a stored comparison value wherein if the pressure value amplitude deviates from the comparison value by a defined amount, the signal of the pressure sensor is then defined as implausible. |
| US09709037B2 |
System and method for controlling wind turbines in wind farms
A method for controlling a wind farm including a plurality of wind turbines is provided. The method includes computing an error between a farm-level base point power and a measured wind farm power, generating an aggregated farm-level active power set point for the wind farm based on the error and a frequency response set point, generating aggregated turbine-level active power set points based on the aggregated farm-level active power set point, transmitting the aggregated turbine-level active power set points, determining aero power set points and storage power set points for the respective wind turbines and energy storage elements of the respective wind turbines from the aggregated turbine-level active power set points, and controlling the plurality of wind turbines for delivering aero power based on the respective aero power set points and controlling the energy storage elements to provide storage power based on the respective storage power set points. |
| US09709036B2 |
Vehicle mounted electrical generator
A display which can be mounted on the outside of a vehicle includes a generator to generate electricity to power accessories such as a light for illuminating the display. The display may comprise a windsock which is mounted on a support ring surrounding a central hub in which the turbine mounted. The turbine includes an impeller extending on an inlet end of the central hub and a light source electrically connected to the generator and mounted on the central hub and projecting in an opposite direction from the impeller. The windsock is mounted on the support ring in surrounding relationship to the light source. The vehicle mounted wind turbine may power other electronic devices or accessories. |
| US09709034B2 |
Partial-load de-rating for wind turbine control
Methods, controllers and computer program products for controlling a wind turbine. Under de-rated operating conditions in which the power requested from a wind turbine is less than the available power, a controller adjusts blade pitch of the wind turbine to reduce the rotor power coefficient. The captured wind power is thereby reduced to be approximately equal to the requested electrical power, which is less than either the available power or the rated power of the wind turbine generator. This reduction in captured power provides the controller with an additional degree of freedom that allows the controller to increase the electrical power output of the wind turbine in response to wind fluctuations without damaging the wind turbine. By allowing increases in power under de-rated conditions, the controller may reduce the amount of pitching necessary to prevent the turbine from exceeding its rated power output level. |
| US09709031B2 |
Tilt-type rotor blade apparatus for vertical type wind power generation
Disclosed is a tilt-type rotation blade apparatus for vertical-type power generation. When a blade member is rotated in a backward direction to a wind direction, the blade member is tilted so that the blade plate is horizontal to the wind direction, thereby applying only the forward rotational force to the vertical power shaft, so that the wind power generation efficiency is maximized. A tilt structure is improved to smoothly perform a tilt operation and the structure of the blade member is improved so that the blade member is rotated in a vertical direction to the ground surface, thereby efficiently generating wind power without the limitation of an installation space. |
| US09709030B2 |
Methods of manufacturing rotor blade components for a wind turbine
Methods of manufacturing rotor blade components for a wind turbine and rotor blade components produced in accordance with such methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method generally includes providing a mold of the rotor blade component; coating at least a portion of an interior surface of the mold with an elastomeric material; inserting impletion material within the mold so as to at least partially reduce an open internal volume within the mold; inserting a foam material within the mold; and, removing the rotor blade component from the mold, wherein the elastomeric material forms a cover skin around at least a portion of the rotor blade component. In an alternative embodiment, the method includes providing at least one support member defining a profile for the rotor blade component on a mold surface; coating at least a portion of the support member with an elastomeric material; and, allowing the elastomeric material to cure on the mold surface so as to form the rotor blade component. |
| US09709028B2 |
Efficient systems and methods for construction and operation of mobile wind power platforms
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a mobile wind power support structure, comprising a superstructure with mobile platform support structures, and a plurality of deployable rotating wind power structures, wherein the plurality of deployable rotating wind power structures are positioned in the superstructure through a wind orientation facility. |
| US09709027B1 |
Drive system for wind turbine with contra-rotating generator
The drive system for wind turbine with contra-rotating generator includes various embodiments of belt drive pulley systems for a direct drive contra-rotating wind generator. The generator has a magnetic rotor and an armature mounted on a shaft configured to rotate in the opposite direction from the magnetic rotor. In some embodiments, a belt extends across two pairs of coaxially mounted idler pulleys between a pulley on the magnetic rotor shaft and a pulley on the armature shaft. In other embodiments, the pulleys on the magnetic rotor and armature shafts are double sheave pulleys, and a first belt extends across one or two coaxial pair(s) of idler pulleys between an inner and outer sheave, and a second belt extends across one or two coaxial pair(s) of idler pulleys between an inner and outer sheave. Either the magnetic rotor or the armature shaft or both are coupled to a wind turbine rotor. |
| US09709025B2 |
Method and system for transporting and storing at least two wind turbine blades
A transportation and storage system for at least two wind turbine blades and comprising a first wind turbine blade and a second wind turbine blade is described. The wind turbine blades each having a root end and a tip end, said system comprising a packaging system that is adapted to placing the first wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the first wind turbine blade points in a first direction, and placing the second wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the second wind turbine blade points in a second direction, which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The tip end of the second wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the first wind turbine blade, and the tip end of the first wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the second wind turbine blade, when the first and the second wind turbine blades are arranged in the packaging system. |
| US09709020B2 |
Floating-type ocean current combination power generation device
A floating-type ocean current combination power generation device comprises a water-surface floating platform, an impeller assembly located below the water-surface floating platform and driven by ocean current, and a power generation assembly located above the water-surface floating platform for receiving rotary mechanical energy from the impeller assembly and transforming it into electric energy. The floating-type ocean current combination power generation device can realize the recovery of deep-sea ocean current energy to the sea surface without pollution and energy consumption. |
| US09709016B2 |
Method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine
An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has an ignition coil disposed as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuatable switching element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the primary winding and to the control input of the switching element. After charging the ignition coil, building up an ignition spark through non-conductive switching of the switching element, and after renewed conductive switching of the switching element for operating the ignition coil in transformer operation, the supply voltage of the control unit is detected and if a pre-determined value, representing the presence of a surface gap, is exceeded, the switching element is once more switched non-conductive. |
| US09709015B2 |
Power generation unit, and motor generator control method
A power generation unit includes a motor generator having a rotor with magnet, and a stator with coils driven in a plurality of phases, the coils of the respective phases not being connected to each other; and a driving control part that performs control so that a coil of each phase of the stator is brought into any one of a first state in which torque is generated by the rotor, a second state in which both ends of the coil are electrically released, and a third state in which both ends of the coil are short-circuited. |
| US09709012B2 |
Injector cavitation detection test
A method and apparatus for determining a characteristic of an injector are set forth. In one example, a compressed gas is applied to the inlet chamber of the injector while the spoolvalve is closed until the pressure of the compressed gas in the inlet chamber reaches a predetermined pressure. A change in pressure of the compressed gas in the inlet chamber is measured over time while the spool valve is closed. The pressure change measurement corresponds to the characteristic of the injector that is to be determined. |
| US09709007B2 |
Methods and systems for vehicle ambient hydrocarbon level monitoring
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a vehicle operation based on an output of a hydrocarbon sensor located in a canister vent line coupling a fuel vapor canister and the atmosphere in order to reduce exhaust and evaporative emissions, and improve fuel economy while providing improved cabin comfort. Specifically, in response to determining an ambient hydrocarbon amount greater than a threshold based on the hydrocarbon sensor output during purging, the purging operation may be terminated, and the canister may be sealed from the atmosphere. Further, in response to the determination, a vehicle climate control system may be adjusted to stop providing fresh air to the vehicle cabin and provide only cabin air recirculation, and an engine operation may be adjusted such that a ratio of a port fuel injection amount to a direct fuel injection amount is increased. |
| US09709005B2 |
Air assisted injector for wet compression atomization
An apparatus comprises an internal combustion engine including an intake stream, at least one piston cylinder. An air assisted injector is configured to insert a plurality of liquid droplets into the intake stream or cylinder. The injector comprises a gas injection portion configured to deliver a gas to a mixing chamber at a first pressure and a first pulse width. A liquid injection portion is configured to deliver a liquid to the mixing chamber at a first temperature and a second pulse width, and after a predetermined delay relative to the gas so as to generate the plurality of liquid droplets having a mean diameter of up to 5 microns. A nozzle is configured to deliver the plurality of liquid droplets into the intake chamber or cylinder. The gas and the inserted liquid droplets are compressed during a compression stroke in the cylinder and fully vaporize throughout the compression stroke. |
| US09709004B2 |
Single barrel carburetor
A carburetor main body assembly for an engine has a main body. The main body has a single body passage and a single throttle plate. The single body passage has a single intake port and a single discharge port. The single intake port is connected to the single discharge port. The single discharge port is connected to a plenum of the engine. The single throttle plate is disposed within the single body passage. The throttle plate is operable to regulate airflow through the single body passage. The main body further has a first section to supply fuel to the engine and a second section to supply fuel to the engine. The first section is independent in operation from the second section. The first section is a first quadrant. The second section is a second quadrant. |
| US09709002B2 |
Method of mixing between a primary flow and a secondary flow in a turbine engine, corresponding device and turbine engine
A method of mixing in a discharge conduit, in a turbine engine with two or more flows, of a primary flow and a secondary flow, the two flows emerging in the discharge conduit by two coaxial ducts, separated by an internal housing which has an end downstream relative to the flow direction of the flows, the two coaxial ducts each being defined between an internal wall and an external wall, upstream of the downstream end of the internal housing, and the secondary flow surrounding the primary flow, is provided. The method includes disposing a divergent radial deflection device in the primary duct, spaced apart from the walls of the primary duct. A turbine engine including the deflection device is also provided. |
| US09709001B2 |
Internal combustion engine with hinged access to lower block
Hinge pins for use in a method of accessing a crankshaft within an internal combustion engine that includes: A) inserting a first hinge pivot of a first hinge pin into a first bore on a front side of the internal combustion engine and locking in place; B) inserting a second hinge pivot of a second hinge pin into a second bore on a rear side opposite from the front side of the internal combustion engine and locking in place; and C) rotating the upper block upward around an axis of rotation running through the first bore and the second bore to expose a cavity between the upper block and the lower block to allow access to the crankshaft. |
| US09708994B2 |
Method of regenerating an exhaust after treatment device
A method of controlling combustion in an internal combustion engine with exhaust after treatment device is proposed, wherein upon detection of a request for a regeneration event of the exhaust after treatment device, a regeneration combustion mode comprising a pilot injection and a retarded main injection is operated. During the regeneration combustion mode the injection timing of the main injection is controlled so that its retard is not later than a retard threshold that is determined as the maximum timing retard to provide the desired torque, but with an injected fuel quantity not exceeding a maximum fuel quantity given by a stored smoke-limit map. |
| US09708993B2 |
Method and system for exhaust catalyst warming
Methods and systems are provided for leveraging engine skip-fire operation during an engine cold-start to expedite catalyst heating. Based on the heat flux required, the engine may be operated with a group of cylinders selectively deactivated, with spark retard on remaining active cylinders increased, and with engine speed increased to reduce NVH issues during the skip-fire operation. The combination of parameters may be adjusted based on changes in exhaust temperature and NVH limits of the engine. |
| US09708992B2 |
Vehicle control system
A vehicle control system is provided to prevent an occurrence of an engine misfire which may be caused by an execution of ignition retard during lean-burn operation of an engine. The vehicle control system is configured to determine a starting point of an inertia phase when a shifting operation is demanded in the lean-burn mode. The vehicle control system is further configured to switch from the lean-burn mode to the stoichiometric mode before the starting point of the inertia phase, and to execute an ignition retard of the engine in the stoichiometric mode. |
| US09708991B2 |
Real-time residual mass estimation with adaptive scaling
Systems and methods are described for on-line, real-time estimation of a residual mass in an engine cylinder during HCCI combustion. The residual mass is estimated based on an estimated residual mass for a previous combustion cycle. A value of a first performance variable for the first combustion cycle is determined based only on engine data measured by one or more sensors. A value of a second performance is estimated based at least in part on the estimated residual mass for the first combustion cycle. An adaptive scaling factor is determining for the first combustion cycle based on the determined value of the first performance variable and the estimated value of the second performance variable. An adjusted residual mass for the first combustion cycle is then determined based on the estimated residual mass for the first combustion cycle and the adaptive scaling factor for the first combustion cycle. |
| US09708988B2 |
Control device of engine with turbocharger and method of controlling the engine
A control device of an engine including an exhaust gas turbocharger having an exhaust driven turbine with a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel includes an electronic control unit configured to set a target output torque based on a required value of an output torque for the engine, regulate the output torque of the engine to the target output torque, and limit an increase of an actual output torque of the engine from a timing at which a rate of increase of the actual output torque exceeds a predetermined value, when the target output torque is larger by at least a predetermined amount than the actual output torque and the rate of increase of the actual output torque is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value. |
| US09708986B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling start-up of internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine (1) has a throttle (23) for controlling an intake air amount and performs start-up through cranking. The starter switch (36) detects cranking initiation, and the crank angle sensor (33, 34) detects the number of revolutions of the engine. The controller (31) drives the throttle (23) in a closed position along with the cranking initiation. The controller (31) can obtain both the intake negative pressure for promoting vaporization of fuel and the intake air amount necessary to maintain the idle rotation speed by counting the number of strokes or the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine (1) from the cranking initiation and opening the throttle (23) from the closed position as the count number reaches a predetermined number. |